James Island Rolls Past Gray Collegiate 49-20
James Island junior wide receiver Raphael Suiu with the reception against Gray Collegiate Academy.
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Contributing Writer
WEST COLUMBIA – James Island took its high-powered offense on the road for the first time this season Friday night.
Just like the previous two wins over defending Class 3A champion Oceanside Collegiate Academy and South Florence, the Trojans put on an offensive show.
Led by quarterback Brady Dantzler with four touchdown passes, they came away with a 49-20 victory over Gray Collegiate Academy.
Dantzler finished 15-24 passing for 327 yards. It was his third consecutive game with 300-plus passing yards.
Freshman wide receiver Thyus Fabor caught six passes and two touchdowns and All-State junior Raphael Suiu finished with five receptions for 157 yards and a score.
“We have a pretty small roster, not a lot of depth,” Suiu said. “But we definitely play with a lot of energy and we’re ready to play.”
Running back Mykell Warthen had the fourth touchdown reception. He also had two touchdowns and 77 yards on the ground, second only to Jaquoy Legare who finished with 113 rushing yards.
On defense, the Trojans collected three interceptions and forced a fumble. The domination extended to special teams where placekicker Isaac Lorentz had eight touchbacks.
Gray Collegiate Academy had just one kick return on a punt. It provided one of its three scores as Royce Williamson returned it 77 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Quarterback Xavier Wright threw two touchdown passes to Trevon Williamson and C.J. Gleaton.
James Island (3-0) now has a bye week to prepare for the Sept. 18 home showdown with Summerville. The Trojans lost twice to the Green Wave last season in the regular season and post-season and are seeking their first win in the series since 2001.
“It’s definitely one of those games that definitely puts a chip on my shoulder,” McKoy said. “They beat me twice last season and I don’t shy away from that and it stuck in my craw all season, all off-season and we want an opportunity to play them again and play hard-nosed football.
“Coach Ian Raftery is going to have his bunch ready and I’m going to have mine ready. It’s going to be game for the ages. So, we’re looking forward to it and we’ll have our guys prepared as I’m sure Summerville will have theirs prepared.”
