Minton happy with play of Florence Christian football team
Eagles open region play with a 36-6 win over Camden Military
Florence – Veteran Florence Christian School football head coach Neil Minton knew the Eagles were going to have to take a different approach to their preparation this season. Whereas FCS has generally been a big, physical team on both sides of the football during Minton’s tenure, it has had to be more of a “finesse” team this year.
And so far, Florence Christian has adjusted well. The Eagles won four of their five non-region contests. They opened play in SCISA Region 2-AAA with a 36-6 victory over Camden Military on October 10.
“I think we’re playing pretty good football,” said Minton, whose team’s only loss was 34-21 to undefeated Williamsburg. “We’re a little undersized and we’re not impressive looking when we get off the bus, but I like the character of our team. So far it’s been a good season for us.”
Though not big, Minton said the offensive line has performed better than he expected. The biggest starter is senior left tackle Parker Watson at 6 feet and 245 pounds. The rest of the line is sophomore right tackle Preston Fowler (6-0, 205), senior center Wyatt Clark (5-feet-9-inches, 190), senior left guard Jamison McDaniel (6-0, 225) and sophomore right guard Daley Winburn (5-10, 165).
FCS is still averaging a more than respectable 221.4 rushing yards per game. Junior Andrew Miller is the leading rusher with 491 yards and eight touchdowns on 78 carries. Senior Brooks Poston has 247 yards and three TDs on 54 carries, and sophomore quarterback Riley Minton has 113 yards and three scores on 30 carries.
Minton, the head coach’s son, is in his second year as a starter. He’s completed 33 of 51 passes for 451 yards and one touchdown. Senior Landon Feagin has eight catches for 86 yards, while Poston has six catches for 151 yards and a TD.
Coach Minton has been particularly pleased with the play of the defense, which has allowed 91 points.
“Our defense has been really, really good,” the head coach said. “It’s really stepped up and has been the highlight of the season.”
Junior defensive lineman Hayden Schwab is the leading tackler with 39 and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with five. He also has a team high four quarterback sacks.
Winburn also has five TFLs to go with 21 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Senior defensive end Pierce Boykin has 28 tackles and four TFLs.
