Team Georgia finally brought the paddle back to their side of the river with a win over Team South Carolina in Border Bowl IX. It was Georgia’s first victory in the last five years.
Burke County standout Ivan Arroyo led a stifling Team Georgia defense and the offense did just enough to secure the victory.
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The Border Bowl features the top senior football players from the area, divided by state to form Team South Carolina and Team Georgia. Since the Savannah River is the dividing line, the game has fittingly been dubbed “The Battle for the Paddle.”
Unlike many All-Star games or events, this game is ultra-competitive. Both sides are desperately trying to bring home a win for their state. Early on, both coaches were feeling each other out like prize fighters training to gauge their distance early in a fight.
The first quarter saw no scoring, but Team Georgia took advantage of a special teams miscue to drive in for a second quarter touchdown on a short run by Washington-Wilkes star Dalen Cobb. The Georgia Southern signee put Team Georgia on top early but would leave the game with a high ankle sprain the very next possession.
Prior to that series, neither team could muster any yards on the ground. The only offense to speak of had been produced by the right arm of Greenbrier’s record-breaking quarterback, Brooks Pangle. The young gunslinger tossed 52 touchdowns over the last two seasons and in this game, found his Greenbrier teammate Davon Driskell three times for 51 yards in the half and was four of five passing overall.
In these types of games, usually the team that avoids turnovers and special teams mistakes prevails. Unfortunately, Team South Carolina had difficulties with their punt team all afternoon. After the team had one punt go for only four yards and another attempt botched when their attempt at a fake punt turned into a recovered fumble for Team Georgia, the Carolina team lined up for another punt and had the snap sail over the punter’s head and into the end zone for a safety.
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Another story of the game were penalties. To be fair, the teams only had a week to practice with one another, but the lack of prep time definitely showed in the game. At halftime, the teams had combined for just 80 yards of offense while compiling 76 yards in penalties.
Penalties, stellar defense and conservative play continued to be the story throughout the second half. Finally, In the fourth quarter, Pangle found Evans running back Joe Hampton for a touchdown on an athletic, bobbling catch that gave Georgia an insurmountable 16-0 lead.
With Arroyo, Briarwood Academy’s Dax Reese and Westside’s Timothy Hill leading the way for a truly stout Georgia defense, those 16 points were all it took earn the victory and bring the paddle back to Georgia. For his efforts, Arroyo was named defensive player of the game, while Lincoln County running back Tevin Gartell took home offensive honors after finishing with a game-High 86 yards rushing. That number would have been much higher, but he had 3 runs that totaled over 60 yards called back due to holding.
Here is a look at some of the game’s top performers.
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Team South Carolina
· Zack Blackwell (Augusta Christian)
Blackwell was a force on defense with 4 tackles and a pair of tackles for loss. He rushed for 10 yards on the only offensive series he played. I’m a little surprised he did not carry the ball more after racking up over 2,200 yards rushing during the season.
· Chase Tillman (North Augusta)
The 6’6 Appalachian State signee was in the Georgia backfield on a regular basis to help keep the game close.
· De’Maurion Ginn (South Aiken)
Ginn showed why he was a first team All-State selection as he used his speed to put a stop to Team Georgia’s plans throughout the day. He finished with 5 tackles and 1 tackle for loss.
Team Georgia
· Ivan Arroyo (Burke County)
Arroyo was simply impossible to block. He piled up a game high 6 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, a fumble recovery and a batted pass.
· Quan Rogers (Thomson)
The speedy linebacker had 4 tackles and a pair of tackles for loss.
· Brooks Pangle (Greenbrier)
Pangle was 7 of 9 for 71 yards and a TD. I am not sure why they did not use his arm more, but it is hard to second guess a 16-0 victory.
· Davon Driskell (Greenbrier)
The 6’6 athlete had 3 receptions for 51 yards and also did a solid job blocking for Team Georgia’s ground attack.
· Tevin Gartrell (Lincoln Co.)
Gartrell seemed a step faster than everyone else on the field Saturday. He finished with 86 yards on 13 carries and had 3 runs equaling over 60 yards call back due to holding.
· Dalen Cobb (Washington-Wilkes)
Cobb was not in very long before he injured his ankle, but he did produce the game’s lone first half touchdown and looked like he was primed for a big day. I look forward to watching him in Statesboro as he suits up next season for Georgia Southern.
Honorable mention
Kevin Sapp (Lakeside), Timothy Hill (Westside) and Dax Reese of Briarwood Academy put together great performances for a Team Georgia Defense that was absolutely dominant.
Ashley Brown covers sports for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Ashley.brown@theaugustapress.com
