What We Saw: AC Flora 60, Dreher 13

Chris Dearing August 24, 2023 @ 10:58 PM

COLUMBIA | AC Flora quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1025784' first='Roper' last='Wentzky'] has given coach Ken Floyd something to think about as the Falcons head into an early season bye week.   It was a coming out party of sorts for the sophomore signal-caller. Wentzky made his first-career varsity start and threw for 234 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Falcons to a resounding 60-13 victory over Dreher Thursday night.   This came on the heels of Wentzky coming off the bench last week and throwing for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and nearly leading AC Flora back from a 17-point deficit.   The starter from last week, senior Heath Moser, was nursing a bone bruise in his foot, opening the door for Wentzky. He started his night off rather slowly, missing his first three pass attempts. After that, he completed 16-of-20 passes and touchdown throws of 62, 20, 14 and 2 yards.   “Roper is a guy,” Floyd said. “He is going to continue to get better and better the more time he's in there. He's very confident. He's very precise. He anticipates throws. He's intelligent. He's got a good touch with the ball.”   Wentzky connected with 10 different receivers and four different players caught touchdown passes. [player_tooltip player_id='1165081' first='Kendall' last='Byrd'], Tripp Van Vlake, Solomon Kelson and Colby Ridgell caught the four scoring tosses.   But it wasn't all Roper. Noah Kelson ran for 227 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. His scoring runs came from 1, 43 and 21 yards. Solomon Kelson, the younger brother of Noah, also added a rushing TD late in the contest.   AC Flora is young offensively, but the defensive unit is experienced. They played that way against the Blue Devils.   The linebacking group of [player_tooltip player_id='771222' first='Eric' last='McClain'], John Dew, Jermonte Williams and [player_tooltip player_id='771227' first='Albert' last='Perkins'] made it tough sledding for Dreher on the ground. They held them to 28 yards rushing and just 160 yards overall. The Falcons also intercepted three passes – Garrison Williams and defensive lineman Asher Rhodes had the first two. Rhodes' pick came at the line of scrimmage when he tipped a pass and came down with the errant ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='997228' first='Ryan' last='Biggerstaff'] added a 30-yard pick six.   DREHER NOTABLES   Tyler Teasdell WR – Teasdell had the biggest highlight for the Blue Devils when he ran back a second half kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. He also added two catches for 20 yards.   Colby Fuller QB – A week after leading a late game-winning drive, Fuller had an off night. He finished 11-of 26 for 132 yards with three interceptions and a 30-yard TD pass to Jayden Haygood.

COLUMBIA | AC Flora quarterback Roper Wentzky Roper Wentzky 5'11" | 155 lbs | QB AC Flora | 2026 State SC has given coach Ken Floyd something to think about as the Falcons head into an early season bye week.