What We Saw: Run Game, Defense Key For York Over Rock Hill

Brandon Stockdale September 17, 2021 @ 10:58 PM

York was able to run the ball effectively with their young quarterback Ayden Davis on offense and used a suffocating defense to cause problems for Rock Hill’s offense throughout the evening. A late touchdown from the Bearcats in the fourth quarter was not enough as York defeated Rock Hill, 17-12 on Friday night. Let’s get into notes and standouts for both teams: York <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sophomore QB Ayden Davis <a href="https://twitter.com/AydenDavis03">(@AydenDavis03)</a> – We saw Davis (pictured above) two weeks ago against Cox Mill and he continues to show his athleticism in creating plays on his own. He was more effective in the quarterback draw/counter game. He made an unbelievable play in the 2nd quarter to break away from a sack. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Senior LB [player_tooltip player_id="200766" first="Ashton" last="Eddington"] – Eddington nearly had a pick six in the first quarter but outside of that, he was active in coming up and making tackles limiting the inside run game of the Bearcats at times. He took solid angles to the ball and was unblockable as Rock Hill QB [player_tooltip player_id="139293" first="Matthew" last="Wilson"] was unable to consistently find open receivers due to the pressure.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Senior LB [player_tooltip player_id="91189" first="Mekayle" last="Burris"] <a href="https://twitter.com/k8_Officiall">(@k8_Officiall)</a> – Burris was attacking downhill all night and whether it was a screen pass that he chased down or a QB pressure, he did not make life easy for the Rock Hill offense. He had an interception in the third quarter that York coach Dean Boyd told Prep Redzone SC that the key on the play was AJ McKinley who had the tip, ultimately aiding the Cougars in extending the lead to 17-6 in the third quarter.</li> </ul> <blockquote>“He’s going to come to every play. And he brings it when he comes, too. I’m just proud of him. I’m proud of our football team, proud of our defense. Our offensive group did a great job, we did enough to win.” - York coach Dean Boyd on Burris and the York Cougars’ performance</blockquote> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Senior WR [player_tooltip player_id="91175" first="Jevon" last="Long"] <a href="https://twitter.com/JevonLong1">(@JevonLong1)</a> – Long’s play of the night was on a 4th and 5 in the second quarter on a beautifully executed reverse for a first down, which led to a York touchdown a few players later. </li> </ul> Rock Hill <ul> <li>Sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id="139293" first="Matthew" last="Wilson"] <a href="https://twitter.com/matthew76905115">(@matthew76905115)</a> – Wilson was an active runner, especially in the fourth quarter, when the Bearcats went with the quarterback draw. His power and strength was most notably on display on a keeper on their touchdown drive in the second quarter.</li> <li>Senior TE/DE [player_tooltip player_id="103786" first="Luke" last="Bracey"] <a href="https://twitter.com/bracey_luke">(@bracey_luke)</a> – Bracey showed his versatility in making plays on offense in the slot position, including a catch where he was able to find the green grass and make something happen in the second quarter.</li> <li>Senior DL [player_tooltip player_id="200721" first="Maurice" last="Bonneau"] <a href="https://twitter.com/MauriceB55">(@MauriceB55)</a> – Bonneau was active from the very first snap of the night on defense. There were plenty of times when QB Ayden Davis scrambled and Bonneau was right there to make the play.</li> <li aria-level="1">Senior RB Chandler Hayes – Hayes had a touchdown to keep hope alive for the Bearcats late in the fourth quarter.</li> </ul> Additional notes and observations <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">York senior DB Amarion Husky Thompson was a name we heard in the press box several times. He was involved in several PBUs and tackles throughout the night.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rock Hill senior DL Shamarte’ Harris made a huge hit on a quarterback draw to limit the gain on a run play in the 2nd quarter.</li> </ul>