JOHNSTON – The Shamrock’s came to Johnston looking for their first postseason win since 1970 against a Thurmond team without multiple starters.  What they didn’t count on was the young Rebels stepping up and pushing the Rebel win streak to eight games.

The third quarter opened with some uneasy feelings for the Thurmond sideline.  Eau Claire scored to end the first half, which cut the Rebel lead to 21-7, and the Shamrocks received the ball to start the 2nd half.  Those feeling quickly dissipated when the Blue Steel defense held for a three and out and the Eau Claire punt was shanked into the Rebel bench.  

A fifty percent mix of run and pass on Thurmond’s ensuing possession saw the Rebels move 35 yards for a score. Tyler Glover caught a Des Davis pass and went 24 yards to the 11 yard line and then Quick Nick Williamson scampered in with an 11 yard touchdown.  After Sam Northrop converted the extra point, ST led 28-7 with 9:26 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

Later in third, after a series that saw Nick Williamson have a touchdown called back due to a penalty and the Rebs turn the ball over on downs, Deikory Williams picked off Shamrock quarterback Ronald Weeks to set up another Thurmond touchdown.  Desmond Davis would call his own number on four consecutive run plays to move Strom 44 yards for a score.  He capped the drive off with a nine yard run on 2nd and goal.  Northrop split the uprights and Thurmond was ready to move on to round two of the playoffs after leading 35-7 with 33 seconds to go in the third.   

Rebels received an illegal procedure penalty before they got the first play of the game off.  Then they proceeded to move 59 yards in nine plays, led by backup quarterback Des Davis. Nick Williamson put the first points on the scoreboard with a six yard touchdown run at the 8:17 mark of the first quarter.  This drive was kept alive when Desmond Davis scrambled 14 yards for a first down on 4th and 13.  Northrop split the uprights to put Strom out front 7-0.     

With 3:30 remaining in the opening quarter, Martinez Gallman picked off a Shamrock pass at the 30 yard line. It only took the Rebels five plays to move 70 yards for their second score of the night.  Tony Stepney led the way for Des Davis to trot across the goal line, untouched, from 8 yards out.  Sam slammed the extra point and Strom moved ahead 14-0 with 1:35 remaining in the 1st quarter.  

Nick Williamson opened the second quarter with a 32 yard touchdown run out of the Wild Rebel formation. But as luck would have it, the officials weren’t even ready for the Wild Rebel as they called an illegal procedure on Thurmond which nullified the play.  Williamson continued running four consecutive times from the Wild Rebel, without penalty, and put Thurmond ahead by three scores, when he went in from two yards out.  Northrop’s point after was good and Thurmond stretched their lead 21-0 with 10:15 to go before halftime.  

Rebel standout Hykeem Brooks (freshman) had his first interception of the year on Eau Claire’s next possession, but the Shamrocks caught a break with a Thurmond miscue and recovered Des Davis’ fumble.  This set Eau Claire up for their only score of the night as they went 21 yards in eight plays, converting two fourth downs; the final being a one yard touchdown run.

Chris Blocker had an eleven yard touchdown run around the left side for Thurmond’s final score of the night.  After a botched snap, Desmond Davis fought his way in for a two point conversion with 3:40 remaining in the game. Rebels end Shamrocks Cinderella story 43-7.        

What Happened: Shamrocks couldn’t get anything going against the stout Blue Steel defense.  Eau Claire was held to six first downs and only 128 total yards.  Thurmond moved the ball at will, only stopping themselves with penalties at times, as they racked up 346 yards of total offense.    
    

What’s Next:
Broome (7-4) at Strom Thurmond (9-2)  
Eau Claire (1-10) ends their season.

Recap by quarter:
          1st    2nd   3rd   4th   Final  penalty yards   first downs    total off. yards
EC       0       7       0      0       0             9-68                   6                   128  
ST       14      7      14     8      43           10-85                 16                   346        

Individuals for Strom Thurmond
Passing:
Desmond Davis 7-8-81 yards

Rushing:
Nick Williamson 18-99 yards, 3 touchdowns
Chris Blocker 5-22 yards 1 touchdown
Malcom Watkins 2-1 yard
Desmond Davis 16-145 2 touchdowns, two point conversion

Receiving:
Tyler Glover 7-81 yards

Kicking:
Sam Northrop 5-5 PAT’s
Cullen Rhoden (punts) 2-60 yards, avg 30 yards

Returns:
Marcelis Thompson 1-16 yards
Cody Johnson 1-20 yards