Photo credit: David Roberts
The Bluffton High School football team went 3-1 in pool play before bowing out in the first round of bracket play at the USA Football 7-on-7 Carolina Panthers Regional Championships on Thursday in Rock Hill.
The Bobcats won their first three games, defeating Carver 2-0, Butler (N.C.) 22-15, and Charlotte Catholic 24-12.
Bluffton dropped its final game in pool play, 31-22 to Charlotte Christian, before losing 18-16 in a rematch against Butler in bracket play. Bobcats coach John Houpt said his team had a chance to win the second meeting with Butler but dropped a potential interception with 1 second left.
The Bobcats had a scare when receiver Shamar Sandgren collided with a defensive back and had to be carried off on a stretcher. Houpt said Sandgren suffered a concussion but was in good condition.
“It was a good learning experience,” Houpt said. “We definitely would have had a better day if (Sandgren) didn’t get hurt, but it gave our young guys an opportunity to get some game time.”
