Northwood Wins Cross-Town Rivalry with Pinewood
Northwood Academy running back Kaven Ford pulls away from Pinewood Prep defensive backs Hunter Gardner and Will Watson Oct. 17. Photo by Roger Lee.
By Roger Lee
Contributing Writer
Summerville - Northwood Academy outscored Pinewood Prep 28-14 in the second quarter Oct. 17 on its way to a convincing victory over its rival from the other side of I-26.
The Chargers claimed a 45-20 home victory to improve to 8-1 on the season with a 5-0 mark in SCISA 4A. The Panthers dropped to 5-3 with a 1-0 mark in SCISA 3A Region 1.
With the help of interceptions by defenders Dominic Russell and Antwaun Henderson, the Chargers scored three touchdowns in the final four minutes of the first half to take a 35-13 lead. Northwood defensive back Bryce Jenkins recovered a fumble and made an interception in the first quarter.
“We played really hard tonight,” said Northwood coach Johnny Waters. “We made some mistakes early in the game, but other than those I am really proud of our team. This was a rivalry game, but for the most part it was clean. We played under control even when things weren’t going our way. We kept pounding and pounding.”
Northwood finished with three passing touchdowns and two rushing TDs while the Chargers’ special teams units contributed 15 points. The Chargers benefitted from a total of four turnovers with two of them leading to a score on the ensuing possession.
“For the second week in a row we had too many turnovers, some unforced and others forced,” said Pinewood coach DeVonte Holloman. “You can’t live that way so it is something we can work on as we get back to finishing our region play. I appreciate our kids playing all four quarters. That shows the pride our team has. Coaches and players fight until the end.”
Pinewood had two rushing touchdowns and a TD pass, but struggled catching up after Northwood’s three unanswered TDs late in the first half. On the other side of the ball, Pinewood defensive back Hunter Gardner picked off a pass and the Panthers recovered a fumble. However, only the fumble recovery led to a score on the ensuing possession.
Northwood receiver Aydan Hogan had TD catches of 4, 9 and 27 yards, all in the first half. Running back Kaven Ford had a pair of 50-plus yard TD runs in the game. Chargers’ QB Kevin Johnson passed for approximately 150 yards.
Pinewood QB Silas Brawner completed 13 passes for 253 yards and a TD. Panther senior Jayden Alexander led all receivers with five catches for 171 yards and a TD.
On Oct. 31 Northwood plays Heathwood Hall Episcopal (6-2, 4-1) for the region championship.
“Heathwood is a team that knows how to hang around,” Waters said. “Their quarterback makes plays they have a good receiver. We just need to stay consistent. I love the way we are playing. We are probably playing the best we have all year.”
Pinewood has two region games remaining. The Panthers travel to First Baptist (1-7, 0-2) Oct. 24 and host John Paul II (5-3, 1-0) Oct. 30.
Northwood Academy 45, Pinewood Prep 20
N – Aydan Hogan 4-yard pass from Kevin Johnson, Cole McLeod kick
P – Trey Green 4-yard run, kick failed
N – Jordin Carter kickoff return, McLeod kick
P – Jayden Alexander 87-yard pass from Silas Brawner, Patryk Dzierzanowski kick
N – Kaven Ford 53-yard run, McLeod kick
N – Hogan 9-yard pass from Johnson, McLeod kick
N – Hogan 27-yard pass from Johnson, McLeod kick
N – McLeod 28-yard field goal
N – Ford 53-yard run, McLeod kick
P – Jeremy Kendall 2-yard run, Dzierzanowski kick
