Blazers extend winning streak to five, move closer to first region title since 2007
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Last year’s game against Sumter was a painful watch for Ridge View quarterback Trey Howard.
Already sidelined following season-ending foot surgery, he witnessed his team fall short in a 36-29 loss. The win allowed the Gamecocks to win the Region 5-5A title.
“Last year hurt,” he said. “It hurt a lot knowing maybe if I was out there, I could have made 1-2 more plays.”
A year later, Howard got his chance to make those plays against Sumter. He finished with 309 passing yards and three touchdowns and rushed for one to lead the Blazers to the 40-35 win.
The performance comes days after he was selected to the North roster for the Touchstone Energy Bowl. It takes place Dec. 12 at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach.
It was the fifth straight win for Ridge View (5-2, 3-0) following a 0-2 start. More important, the Blazers can clinch its first region title since 2007 with a win Thursday at home against Gray Collegiate Academy.
“That’s the purpose of playing a tough non-region schedule,” Ridge View head coach Derek Howard said. “We don’t our guys to be surprised by good competition. We believe we’re good competition, too and so, it’s what we do.”
Shrine Bowl wide receiver Kristian Jackson had nine receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Spencer Bobian also rushed for two touchdowns.
The defense made key plays to help preserve the victory. Raymond James had a long fumble recovery return to the Sumter 6 to set up a touchdown in the first half and Jackson recovered a fumble forced by Gregory Williams late in the game.
OTHER WEEK 8 SCORES
A.C. Flora 24, Richland Northeast 6
Gray Collegiate Academy 37, Blythewood 15
Lancaster 37, Westwood 10
WEEK 8 GAMES
(Thursday’s Game)
Gray Collegiate Academy at Ridge View
(Friday’s Games)
Cardinal Newman at Hammond School
Westwood at A.C. Flora
Richland Northeast at Lugoff-Elgin
Spring Valley at Blythewood
