By Justin Jarrett
LowcoSports.com
When Shayne Milligan showed up to WHHI-TV’s High School Football Media Day in early August, trimmed down and clean-shaven, he knew he had the pieces in place for a breakthrough season for John Paul II football.
He just wasn’t sure whether it would come this year or next.
But the future has arrived at JPII, and freshman Jadon Inabinett and a dominant offensive line led the breakout performance that has been building for the Golden Warriors, who routed First Baptist 42-10 on Friday to even their record at 3-3 and earn their first region win.
Inabinett had the biggest game of his young career with 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries to lead an impressive offensive showing, as the exceptional play of offensive linemen Griffin Spencer, Spencer Murphy, Payne Campanella, Russell Spencer, Will Debrover and tight end Sean Phalen paved the way for 487 total yards, including 440 on the ground.
Andrew Boyden added 80 yards and a score on 10 carries, Alan Wolf rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown and threw a TD pass to Sean Phalen, and Merrick Baroni added a rushing touchdown to go along with five tackles, a punt inside the 20, and a 6-for-6 night on PATs.
JPII’s defense delivered its strongest showing of the season, recording nine tackles for loss and three sacks and smothering the Hurricane offense throughout the night.
Phalen was the defensive anchor with six tackles and two sacks, while Nate Moore had a breakout performance, disrupting plays in the backfield and adding several tackles for loss. The secondary came up big as well, with interceptions by Wolf and Zachary Moulton.
After winning just one game a year ago, the Golden Warriors (3-3, 1-0) are back to .500 and set up for a strong finish, as they travel to struggling Hilton Head Prep on Friday before a rematch with Hilton Head Christian Academy.
Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports.com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.
