First and Goal: Mullins Football marches on

In the wake of a shocking turn of events for the Mullins High School football program, the Aucs took advantage of a much-needed bye this past week. Head coach Greg Hill’s arrest Wednesday for a charge of disseminating harmful material to minors has dealt a major blow to the team’s hopes of making another playoff run, evident in their 15-0 loss to Andrews on Aug. 27.

Fortunately, the Auctioneers have an experienced staff of assistant football coaches, especially in defensive coordinator Jimmy Vereen and his 20-plus years as a positive influence on and off the field.

Several players on the Mullins football team said they’ve been stunned by what has transpired over a two-week period, but remain committed to playing their best.

“We Seniors will lead this team and focus on our main goal of a winning season,” senior offensive lineman Avery Grant said. “We have to move forward if we’re ever going to do something big. Go Aucs!”

Senior safety Cey’quwan Ritter said the team will stay on point and make it through the season.

“Well I feel like he let us down but we are here to win ball games and that’s what we’re going to do,” junior running back Rembert Timmons said. “We’re going to walk in the games with our heads up and play ball and let things take care of itself.”

I’m very proud of how these student athletes are marching on and confident in the ability of the coaching staff that remains dedicated to a successful season minus the outside distractions.

The Aucs will host Timmonsville Friday in what should be an inspired performance.

The Marion Swamp Foxes finally took the field after Carvers Bay dropped the Aug. 20 game without notifying the team. The Swamp Foxes nearly pulled off the road win at Manning but fell short 28-25.

It was a dynamic show put on by running back/wide receiver Justin Gause, who scored four touchdowns in the game. Gause and quarterback Ross White connected on touchdown passes of 38, 21, and 37 yards. Marion held a 25-22 lead with 5:11 remaining in the game but a late score from Daniel Green on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Darius Hammett saved the day for Manning.

Marion will host Cheraw Friday for the first home game of the season.

Hats off to Creek Bridge coming back in their game versus Hannah-Pamplico. Senior running back Timothy Grant and wide receiver Rashawn Rogers each scored two touchdowns, but the Warriors failed to score on a long fourth quarter drive, resulting in a 36-30 defeat.

Creek Bridge will hit the road to face Cross on Friday.

Two things I’d like to see more of this season is Creek Bridge star Grant getting 15-20 touches per game and the same for Marion’s Gause. These two players spark momentum for their squads and are major scoring threats. Grant’s speed and change of direction resulted in a 65-yard and 39-yard touchdown run. In the second half, the Warriors began dumping the ball off to him on screen passes and it caught the opposing team off guard, opening the door to Rogers and his highlight touchdown receptions.

Gause has great hands and runs with toughness, not to mention his quickness breaking around the defense. These two players are fun to watch.