WHAT WE SAW: Cane Bay Outlasts James Island

Cane Bay senior linebacker Cameron Avery

David Shelton

September 17, 2022 @ 06:13 AM

Summerville | On a beautiful clear night, the first of the 2022 football season in the Charleston area, several stars shone bright on the field in a physical battle between unbeaten James Island (ranked 9th in 4A) and Cane Bay.   A back-and-forth contest was settled at the final horn as Cane Bay senior placekicker Lawson Thorn booted a game-winning 29-yard field goal to lift the Cobras to a 31-28 win. Thorn, a star soccer player for the Cobras, delivered in the clutch after missing a 40-yarder seconds earlier. But Thorn was given another chance, at closer range, after James Island was flagged for a running into the kicker penalty with five seconds remaining.   Thorn's field goal was the play of the night but he also displayed a power leg, with every kickoff reaching the endzone. He also delivered a 60-yard punt.   "It wasn't just me," Thorn said after the celebration. "Great snap, great hold. Everyone did their job and I did mine."   The final kick ended a wild fourth quarter that was marred by crucial mistakes and key penalties. Cane Bay was flagged for five 15-yard penalties, three in the fourth period that allowed James Island to tie the score at 28 late in the contest.   The game was a coming out party of sorts for a pair of juniors that will surely find their names on college recruiting radars moving forward.   Cane Bay 2024 running back [player_tooltip player_id='372771' first='TJ' last='Wright'] is Cane Bay's main offensive weapon and rushed for 195 yards in the win. The 5-9, 175-pounder runs much more physical than his size, breaking tackles and always falling forward at the end of his runs. Most of the second half offense was generated by Wright, who had a 52-yard touchdown run among his three scores.   James Island 2024 receiver Wushi Ravenel showed why his should be considered one of the area's top receiving prospects. Ravenel caught nine passes for 88 yards, including a 19-yard score. He had two long receptions nullified due to penalties.   "Electric and very hard to cover," Cane Bay head coach Russell Zehr said.   Ravenel runs great routes and has incredibly sure hands. He makes difficult catches in coverage and in the air but also can turn short receptions in long plays.   The contest also featured two of the top senior linebackers in the Charleston area. Cane Bay's [player_tooltip player_id='146380' first='Cameron' last='Avery'] reached double digits in total tackles with several key blows. Avery (6-0, 220) is very physical at the point of attack and delivers a blow when he arrives. Two weeks ago, in a loss to West Ashley, Avery was in on 25 total tackles and has more than 45 tackles in three games.   James Island's [player_tooltip player_id='277543' first='Walker' last='Woodall'] is just as physical and equally active for the Trojans' defense. Woodall (6-1. 215), like Avery, is very smart and finds his way to the ball. He's a leader on James Island's defense and is the one player that offenses must account for on every play.   In the trenches, the game showcased a pair of prospects on both teams. Cane Bay guards [player_tooltip player_id='202729' first='Kameron' last='Durant'] and Andre Mitchell will play college football next season. Durant is a verbal commitment to East Carolina while Mitchell is getting strong FCS interest.   On James Island's line are Thomas Gaulden and Mangum Chestnut, a pair of returning veterans that coach Jamar McKoy leans on heavily.

Summerville | On a beautiful clear night, the first of the 2022 football season in the Charleston area, several stars shone bright on the field in a physical battle between unbeaten James Island (ranked 9th in 4A) and Cane Bay.