The Myrtle Beach Seahawks made the long trip to Strom Thurmond Friday night but after avenging last years third round loss to the Rebels the trip home seemed much shorter.
The Hawks started off shakily. Strom Thurmond received the opening kick off and reeled off a series of long runs to quickly move the ball to the Myrtle Beach 25. Coach Early called a time out and I don't know if he reminded the Seahawks of things they had seen in films, pointed out what assignments were being missed, or threatened the lives of the defensive unit, but the Hawks stiffened and held for three consecutive plays forcing the Rebels to settle for a 36 yard field goal.
On offence the Hawks were ineffective, going three and out on their first three possessions. We saw more of the old throw the ball sideways or backwards, some new plays that were ill conceived, and running east-west. Against competition that only gets tougher each week the offensive coordinators need to learn how to step it up. We can't wait until the second quarter to start playing football if we want a chance to visit Williams Brice Stadium this year. The Hawks need to learn to come out swinging with their best punches, not shadow boxing with themselves.
The Rebels however kept up a relentless ground game that resulted in another field goal and a missed field goal in the same span. You do have to like the way the defense stiffened when the Rebels reached the red zone. Strom Thurmond led 6-0 before the Hawks managed their first first down. Another Seahawk punt then resulted in another missed field goal try from 46 yards.
When the Seahawks finally began to move North-South they were very effective and early in the second quarter Drew Ellis connected with Damien Singleton deep down the sideline, resulting in a 40 yard TD and a Seahawk lead that they never relinquished. Spencer Benton added the PAT and the Hawks led 7-0 at the half.
The second half saw the Hawks first drive stall around the 40. But the defense was ready to play and stopped the Rebels. Myrtle Beach then marched down the field and quickly scored to make it 14-0 on a plunge over the line by Evan Rose.
On the next Myrtle Beach possession the Hawks drove efficiently down the field, but with first and goal on the seven, and a chance to put the game away the coaches opted not to use the power running of Evan Rose and company, instead choosing a finesse pass to the back of the end zone that was intercepted.
But just when the Rebels felt they might have new life and a chance, Evan Rose stepped in to intercept a Hillary pass and return the ball 24 yards to make the score 21-6.
From that point on Strom Thurmond was force out of their game plan, passing on most downs. The defense, not having much concern with the run, put continuous pressure on the quarterback and the Rebels never really threatened the rest of the game. Spencer Benton added a 26 yard field goal in the fourth quarter taking the Hawks to 24-6.
Trying to eat up as much clock as possible the offense kept to the ground but Evan Rose broke through the line and hurdled number 4 for the Rebels for a 27 yard romp to the end zone. The PAT was blocked leaving the final score Myrtle Beach 30 Strom Thurmond 6.
Next week the Seahawks will travel to Timberland who defeated Darlington 20-0.
