They’ve earned their new nickname the hard way, but the Road Warriors are coming home.
May River used another strong defensive performance to claim a second consecutive road win in the Class 3A playoffs Friday, winning 21-17 at Strom Thurmond to advance to the Lower State championship game for the first time in the program’s four-year history. The Sharks will host Dillon on Friday with a berth in the state championship game on the line.
Ahmad Green scored all three touchdowns and paired with Donovan Ling to lead a workmanlike effort on the ground behind a dominant offensive line, and the Sharks’ defense delivered another outstanding performance against a dangerous offense.
Green punched in a 1-yard run to cap a 65-yard drive midway through the first quarter and added a 7-yard scoring run in the second quarter to make it 14-3.
May River’s defense made the first of many critical stops at the end of the half, forcing the Rebels into a failed field goal attempt to preserve the 11-point halftime lead.
After the Rebels pulled within 14-10 early in the third quarter, May River responded with a plodding 70-yard drive to chew up the clock, and Green finished it with another 1-yard run for a 21-10 lead.
Strom Thurmond once again answered to draw within 21-17 and had the ball back before the Sharks’ defense stuffed the Rebels on fourth-and-1 in the final minute to seal it.
“Unbelievable performance by everyone in all phases of the game,” May River coach Rodney Summers said. “Definitely a historical win for the May River program and the Bluffton community. Can’t wait to see the Shark Tank filled next Friday.”