For the fourth straight season, the Thomas Heyward Rebels are the kings of SCISA 1A football.
Eighth-grader Tony O’Banner ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns, powering the Rebels to a 35-13 victory Saturday over Lee Academy in the 1A state championship game at Charleston Southern University.
Anthony Fripp put Thomas Heyward on the board with a 72-yard touchdown run, and O’Banner showcased his dominant speed on a 30-yard scamper to the goal line. Quarterback Tyshon Mansell hooked up with Brandon Howard for a 24-yard score to increase the lead to 21-7, and senior Jordan Mikell took a fumble to the end zone after Carter Zareva forced the ball loose.
O’Banner capped off the scoring on the first play of the second half, darting past the Cavalier defense for a 48-yard touchdown. The Rebel defensive line held down a strong Lee Academy run game and helped force three turnovers.
Fripp ran for 91 yards and a touchdown, Nicholas Robinson picked up 31 rushing yards, and Walker Taylor added 14 yards on three carries. Cameron VanGeison recovered a fumble, and Cody Parker hauled in an interception.
Thomas Heyward finishes the season with a record of 12-1.
By Wes Kerr
Check back to LowcoSports.com later for full coverage of the SCISA football championships.
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