Hephzibah High School defeated the Academy of Richmond County 26-6 in a defensive slugfest on Friday, Oct. 8, at the Musketeers’ home stadium.
ARC went three and out on their first drive but would force a Hephzibah fumble on their first offensive snap, giving ARC the ball in scoring territory. The Rebels defense forced the Musketeers to a 4th and 2 decision at the Rebel 12-yard line.
ARC drew the Hephzibah defense offside, giving the Musketeers the ball on the one. Maurice Freeman ran in the 8-yard touchdown for the Musketeers. ARC’s kicked was blocked, putting them ahead 6-0 with 7:13 remaining in the first quarter.
The Rebels bounced back on their next drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Grant from quarterback Jalen Patrick. Hephzibah’s attempt for the two-point conversion was stopped, making the score 6-6 with 3:36 remaining in the first quarter.
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Halfway through the second quarter, Patrick would connect with Grant again for another touchdown pass. The Rebels two-point conversion failed again but they led 12-6 with 7:32 remaining in the half.
On ARC’s very next drive, quarterback Jackson Murphy threw an interception to defensive back Cornelius Smith, who returned it for a 35-yard touchdown. Quarterback JJ Gant completed the two-point conversion to Grant, making the score 20-6 with 6:34 remaining in the half.
Both teams were shut down the rest of the half and were also held scoreless through the third quarter.
The Rebels defense stayed strong as Deshaun Lewis added another interception for the team late in the fourth quarter.
With fewer than two minutes remaining, ARC had their last chance to make something happen on offense, but Smith added yet another interception turned defensive touchdown, this one a 51-yard score the win for the Rebels.
Hephzibah (4-2) will play again on the road against Cross Creek (1-5) next Friday night, Oct. 15. ARC will play Morgan County (1-5) on the road also next Friday night.
Chris Rickerson is a Sports Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at CRICKERSON@augusta.edu.
