What We Saw: Richland Northeast 88, Bluffton 54
Richland Northeast’s first carry on Friday night was a dazzling one: a 76-yard burst to the end zone from James Willingham James Willingham 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Richland Northeast | 2024 State SC . It’s safe to say…
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Continue ReadingRichland Northeast’s first carry on Friday night was a dazzling one: a 76-yard burst to the end zone from James Willingham James Willingham 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Richland Northeast | 2024 State SC .
It’s safe to say the Cavaliers never looked back.
Willingham’s early fireworks set the tone for one of the most dominant offensive postseason performances you’ll see, as the Cavs blitzed Bluffton for a mind-boggling 863 rushing yards and 997 total yards in an 88-54 explosion over the Bobcats in the opening round of the SCHSL 4A playoffs.
Quarterback Will Wilson led the way with an astronomical performance, turning just 16 carries into 401 total yards and five touchdowns. The NC State commit was a monster all night, displaying elite breakaway speed while powering his way through defenders with his strong 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame. He was masterful in making quick reads and weaving his way through a Bobcat defense that had no answers to slow him down. Willingham rode his quick start to match his teammate with five scores, adding 330 rushing yards of his own on 21 carries. His electric agility and acceleration helped him burst through the many open holes and outrun chasing defenders. He’s exceptionally skilled in using quick and crisp cuts to make opponents miss before gliding into the open field.
The run game couldn’t have dominated without an outstanding job from the offensive line, and Richland Northeast’s group was sensational from top to bottom. Led by senior veterans Rashard Pickett and Mark’Quelle Moser, the Cavaliers completely shut down Bluffton’s front to give gaping holes for their talented backs to work with. With Willingham and Wilson setting the pace, Richland Northeast’s backs averaged an incredible 18.76 yards per carry on the night.
The Cavs’ offense stole the show, but one could also point to a couple of key defensive stops late in the first half and early in the second. Richland Northeast picked off Owen Bayes twice, including a well-timed interception near the sideline from Andre Plaines and another in the second half from terrific ball-hawking defensive back Tynez Simmons. The nonstop energy from senior linebacker Odarian Grier was evident throughout, playing relentless football on both sides with 75 yards and a touchdown on four carries in the backfield along with a consistent presence and grit at linebacker. Pierre Patterson impressed in coverage for the Cavs, delivering constant pressure and hustle to deny easy looks downfield for Bluffton’s offense.
It was a phenomenal final act for Bluffton receiver Brandon Bryant, who showcased his polished athleticism in a terrific night at wideout with 10 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Despite some solid coverage from Patterson, Bryant found a sliver of space in the left corner of the end zone and extended his arms to make a beautiful grab while displaying textbook footwork to make the play while in bounds. His effort was a culmination of what we’ve seen all season from Bryant with excellent hands and spatial recognition alongside quick bursts of speed and agility to make defenders miss on screen passes. Eitan Golphin was extremely effective in the run game, turning in an efficient night with 137 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He’s been a reliable back for Hayden Gregory’s offense with excellent instinctive north-south running and became a go-to presence in the red zone this year.