The Rowdy Rebels (5-2) jumped back to the win column last week with a convincing 35-7 victory over Keenan. 

This week Thurmond will look to continue the trend as they embark upon another Thursday night adventure in Columbia, when they face off with Eau Claire (3-4).

The Shamrocks have already matched the most wins they’ve had in a single season this decade. The last time Eau Claire finished a season with at least three wins, Y2K was still on our minds (2000).

“Ronnie Baker has done a great job in turning that program around. This is not your father’s Eau Claire. You can see them beginning to turn the corner. Wayne Henderson, (#7), will be the best running back we’ve faced since the Williston game. Stopping him will be no easy task as will stopping their dual threat quarterback (Marquise Boyan).

This is our second Thursday game this season and I think we learned something after the first against Columbia. We changed up a few things at practice and have had a good week. Last week against Keenan, I was proud to see the defense get to the ball with intensity and force turnovers. 

They will need to continue playing the same way for the remainder of the season.
It doesn’t matter if we are playing on Thursday night, Friday night or even a Tuesday morning, we have to be ready to go come game time. We will be ready to play this week.” - Lee Sawyer

Both teams are 1-1 in region play and this game is of paramount importance in terms of playoff seeding.  No region team has secured or been locked out of a playoff spot, thus far.  Look for the Rebels and Shamrocks to bring their “A- games” to Memorial Stadium.  
Keys to Victory: 

“We must eliminate turnovers and cut out nonsense penalties that have a tendency to stall our drives.  Tackling will be a huge factor when Henderson has the ball; our defense must not let him break loose.  Defensively, we need to play physical and force turnovers.”  Lee Sawyer.
   
By the Numbers:
Offensively:  ST 26 ppg  EC 37 ppg
Defensively: ST 10 ppg  EC 18 ppg 

Last Game:
Thurmond 35 Keenan 7
Eau Claire 18 Batesburg 38

Like Opponent:
Keenan:  ST 35-7, Eau Claire 35-6
 
All Time Series:
ST leads 9-0

Previous Meeting:   
ST 43 EC 7 2009-- playoffs