Dillon eyes second straight tile trip

By: By Shawn Singleton | SCNow
Published: November 27, 2009

Last year, the Dillon football team banished the painful memories of past postseason failures to the recesses of the spotless mind with a win over Central in the Class 2A state championship game at Clemson.
Friday night, the Wildcats can take another step toward repeating as champs when they host Manning in the lower state title game at Dillon Memorial Stadium.
The Wildcats (11-2) haven’t lost to the Monarchs since a 14-0 setback in 1998, when both teams were members of Class 3A.
Dillon coach Jackie Hayes said his team is ready for the challenge and fight Manning will bring to them.
“Our guys have that taste in their mouths from winning a state championship last year,” he said. “They want to get back and win another one.”
Hayes continued that playing the day after Thanksgiving will not be a problem for his squad.
“I don’t think it will be a distraction,” said Hayes, who is 197-45 in his 18-year career at Dillon. “We’ve played the day after Thanksgiving seven of the last eight years, so hopefully we’re ready.”
For the Wildcats to accomplish their ultimate goal, they must stop dual-threat quarterback Brandon Miller and favorite receiver John Fulton.
Under the direction of coach Robbie Briggs, Manning rolls into the game at 10-3 after a 26-19 victory over Cheraw in the third round of the playoffs.
“I don’t think we can stop them,” Hayes said. “We have to do what we can do to contain them.
“Offensively and defensively, (the Monarchs) have got a bunch of talent. “We’ve got to give our best effort and then some to win this game.”
Tyquan Hayes has been the offensive catalyst for Dillon this season. The junior signalcaller has thrown for 1,391 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has also rushed for 447 yards and five scores.
When Hayes throws the ball, he looks for AnTwaun Blue. The senior wideout caught six passes in a 10-7 win over Timberland last Friday to give him 43 catches on the season, surpassing Kevin Dixon’s record total of 42 receptions set last season.
Blue’s 71 yards against the Wolves broke Derrick Hamilton’s 10-year old record for total yards in a season at 706.
Jabo Lee, Delaney Leach and Desmond Hayes have combined for 1,479 yards and 25 TDs.
Coach Hayes said the biggest advantage for his team against Manning might be playing at home.
“(Having home field) is a good advantage to have. We enjoy playing at home,” he said. “We have tremendous fans, and (Dillon Memorial Stadium) is a great environment for football.”

Dillon eyes second straight tile trip

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