By John Epps
Westside High School
Anderson, SC
October 13th, 2023
The weather was poor, but the action on the field certainly made up for the heavy mist that was present Friday night at Westside High School. A very even game from start to finish would ultimately be decided by arguably the two best players on the field, as a Cutter Woods to Jimmar "Tank" Boston touchdown late in the game would push Westside to the 35-28 victory.
The lethal duo of Woods and Boston got on the board first when Woods rifled a pass over the middle that was initially bobbled but corralled by Boston for a 24-yard touchdown. Greenwood would also score in the 1st period, with Alon Wade finishing off a strong drive from 1 yard out. Westside’s strength is moving the ball through the air, but early on the Greenwood offense would be propelled by the Eagle offensive line opening up running lanes. While Greenwood has been known for a Wing-T style offense, the 2023 version features a shotgun formation with backs on either side. The Eagles' second TD would come through the air though, as Triston Lewis found Bryce Seaborne to give Greenwood their first lead of the night. Westside would tie the game with under a minute left in the 1st half, when DeMarco Evans finished off a strong Rams' drive punching it in from 2 yards out.
Westside would strike fast on their opening drive of the 2nd half, scoring in just 1:29 when Sharode Richardson scored on a 3-yard run to reclaim the lead at 21-14. Greenwood would respond though, by converting a fake punt into a first down on their own 42. The Eagles would finish off their scoring drive with a Deterrious Gary 13-yard TD run. The longer the game remained close, it seemed like the better chance Greenwood could steal a region win on the road. After Westside was able to convert a nice 3rd & 12, on the next play the Rams would fumble on the handoff exchange and the Eagle defense would recover the ball inside their own 20 yard line. Greenwood would not score on that ensuing drive, but would retake the lead with 7:22 to play on Gary’s 2nd TD run of the night, this one from just 3 yards out.
The back half of the 4th quarter would be all Rams. Westside would tie the game up with 2:54 to play when Woods connected with Jameson Wilson from the 5 yard line. On Greenwood’s ensuing drive, a would-be 1st down completion is popped loose by the Rams' defense and recovered at the Eagle 39 to swing momentum fully back to the home sideline. Even though it was cold and rainy, the Rams’ faithful hung around and provided energy for a 4th quarter comeback. With just 41 ticks left, Woods would throw up a 35-yard 1-on-1 ball to Boston at the goal line. Great coverage by the Greenwood defensive back, and some contact from both parties, but Boston was able to position himself between the ball and the defender to haul in the winning score and prove why he will be playing FBS level football next year. Greenwood’s last gasp drive would go nowhere, and the Rams survived the valiant effort from the upset-minded Eagles.
Westside will finish their regular season at home with two very winnable games against Easley next week, before closing out against Berea the week after. Next week, Greenwood will get to play their first home game since early September, when they face Greenville in a pivotal region matchup for both teams.
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