LowcoSports.com
The Shufords’ homecoming to their old stomping grounds — this time in Beaufort Academy blue and on the visiting sideline — lived up to the hype and ended in an emotional win for the Thomas Heyward Rebels.
After the offenses ping-ponged back and forth for four touchdowns each in the first half, THA’s defense locked down and pitched a second-half shutout to rally for a 41-28 triumph.
Tony O’Banner had another monster night for the Rebels, rushing 13 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns and completing 5 of 8 passes for 163 yards and two more touchdowns, hitting Donovan Robinson and Ethan Palazzo for scores. Nic Robinson added 67 yards and a touchdowns on 13 carries.
But THA’s defense was the real star, especially after halftime. The Rebels racked up 12 tackles for loss, including four from sophomore Dodge Peeples and two from freshman Dawson Drew. Beau Pinckney anchored the unit with 18 tackles.
The Rebels sealed the win with a pair of interceptions, as Kelan Fripp snagged a tipped ball to give THA a short field and Cutter Williams jumped a route to halt an Eagles drive near the goal line.
BA (6-3) has dropped two straight non-region games and will look to bounce back Friday at Colleton Prep before another key region matchup Oct. 27 at home against Bethesda Academy.
THA (5-3) travels to Pinewood Prep for a tough non-region test Friday before playing Oct. 27 at Patrick Henry in a key SCISA 1A matchup.
