Class 4A 2nd Round Preview: A.C. Flora at South Pointe
What a difference three football seasons can make.
A.C. Flora, that time span removed from a winless season, entered the playoffs with a statewide No. 1 ranking in Class 4A, an undefeated record (6-0) and all the momentum in the world - having won its contests by an average score of 52-6 and averaging just shy of 500 yards of offense per game.
But the chance for the Falcons to prove they belong among the state’s elite begins now.
Standing in their way of a trip to the Upper State finals (which the winner of this game will host) is longtime powerhouse South Pointe. The Stallions suffered a pair of losses to Class 5A squads Northwestern and Dutch Fork. Yet, they still have the swagger of a team that expects to win and keep its season heading forward.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
Who ends up where in the annals of this odd season could rely upon who wins these matchups.
<strong>NEBANYE MOORE</strong> VS. A.C. FLORA SECONDARY
Moore, the transfer from nearby Statesville (N.C.) has had a pretty run during his first and only season at South Pointe. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has completed 65 percent of his passes for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1,153 yards and nine touchdowns against a strong schedule. He’s also not afraid to take some shots downfield with the likes of South Carolina commitment <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="59300" first="O’Mega" last="Blake"]</strong> (460 yards, 5 touchdowns), <strong>Caleb Rayner</strong> (305, 3) or <strong>Phillip Mickles</strong> (279, 3).
Preventing that Moore-led group from getting into a rhythm will be the task of juniors <strong>Boyce Bankhead</strong> and <strong>Tyler Robinson</strong> and seniors <strong>Diego Addison</strong> and <strong>Spelden Wilson</strong>. That group has played well all season, and their ability to lock down opposing teams has allowed the offense to do its thing with more leeway when the ball goes back into the Falcons’ hands.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
Quietly, they’ve played a huge role in what the front seven has been able to do, too. Without open receivers, sacks on opposing quarterbacks have piled up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
FALCONS TAILBACKS VS. STALLIONS BALL HAWKS
A.C. Flora coach Dustin Curtis’ offense has seen a nice mix of passing into his run-first scheme. Senior quarterback <strong>Ethan Beamish</strong> has thrown for 1,093 yards and 16 touchdowns against only one interception. And when it comes to turnovers, it’s also why the the tailbacks have been so effective.
<strong>Matthew Pack</strong> (623 yards, 6 touchdowns), <strong>Terrell Coleman</strong> (485, 7) and <strong>Markel Townsend</strong> (342, 5) have zero fumbles (that's right, zero) while keeping the chains moving at a hectic pace. They average between 9.5 and 14.3 yards per carry and all have 50-plus-yard runs on their resumes this season. That type of security and production have been the driving force, and if they keep the ball off the ground against South Pointe, it stands to reason they’ll advance again.
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