Hephzibah High School began its football season with a strong road win over Westside 32-3 on Friday, August 19, at Carlton Thompson Field.
Both teams struggled early with penalties and failed to score on their first two offensive drives.
The Rebels defense scored the first touchdown of the game with a blocked punt by defensive back Justin Allen in Westside’s own end zone and recovered by Ryan Allen for a touchdown. Kicker Justice Whitfield missed the extra point for the Rebels to make the score 6-0 with 3:13 left in the first quarter.
Westside Kicker Sean Medcalfe put the Patriots on the board with a long 44-yard field goal to make the score 6-3.
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Hephzibah extended its lead with a pass at midfield from Rebel’s quarterback Jalen Patrick to running back Telly Johnson for a touchdown. The rebels missed the extra point, leading 12-3.
The Rebels defense got the ball right back, forcing a fumble on the patriots first offensive play on the 31-yard line with 6:47 left in the half.
Patrick found himself another touchdown with a pass to wide receiver Eric Gant for a 17-yard touchdown. The rebels failed the two-point conversion, making the score 18-3 with 4:32 left in the second quarter.
In the second half, Johnson put the Hephzibah in scoring position after a long 65-yard run. Patrick added another touchdown on a 1-yard run. The senior quarterback finished with three touchdowns on Friday night. The Rebels failed the two-point conversion, but still led 26-3 with 7:33 left in the third quarter.
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Westside quarterback put the Patriots in scoring position with a 35-yard run, but the Patriots were shutdown, failing to score on their best opportunity inside the Westside five-yard line.
Hephzibah running back Jaylon Alford finished the game with a 20-yard rushing touchdown and the Rebels won 32-3.
The Rebels will look to continue their winning ways against Laney at home next Friday, August 26. Westside will stay at home and look to bounce back against Aquinas also next Friday night.
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Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
