Dillon heads to 2A state championship game again

By: | SCNow
Published: November 28, 2009

DILLON — For the second straight year, the Dillon Wildcats have punched their ticket to the Class 2A state football championship game.

Tyquan Hayes threw for a score and rushed for another as the Wildcats defeated Manning 30-14.

Dillon (12-2) will meet Central, 34-7 winners over Abbeville, for the second straight year next Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“I haven’t watched Central on film yet, but I know they’ve got a great team coming back,” Wildcats coach Jackie Hayes said. “We’re definitely looking forward to playing again next week.”

Thanks to the running of Desmond Hayes and the right foot of kicker T.J. Grimsley, Dillon built a 10-0 advantage it never lost.

Desmond Hayes rushed for two scores in the victory. Shrine Bowl selection AnTwaun Blue caught five passes for 90 yards and a TD, and Jabo Lee rushed for 63 yards.

“I think we’re about as balanced as we can be right now,” coach Hayes said.

Defensively, Hayes was proud of his team with the exception of a wide receiver option pass that led to a fourth-quarter score for the Monarchs. The Wildcats forced and recovered one Manning fumble.

“Usually when a team runs a trick play on us, we normally stop it,” he said. “Manning made a great play on a trick play for a touchdown.

“But we got another great effort from our defense.”