By Thomas Grant Jr.
The unavailability of a senior All-State quarterback would create great concern for a high school football team.
For Gray Collegiate Academy, however, the introduction of freshman Xavier Wright has proven very unconforting to opponents. Since replacing injured starter Tyler Waller, he has guided the War Eagles to two straight victories.
The latest occurred last week at home against previously third-ranked North Augusta. In a game with Region 4-4A title implications, Wright played a major role in the 41-27 victory.
Wright completed 17-23 passes for 376 yards and five touchdowns in rallying Gray Collegiate from a 20-17 halftime deficit. He excelled all of the combined numbers from his previous two appearances this season.
“He is calm and one of the most poised young men I have been around,” War Eagles’ head coach De’Angelo Bryant said. “It takes guts to come out against a great defense and do the kind of things he did. Guys believe in him and he believes in himself. He can go out and make plays but he is still humble at the same time.”
Wide receivers Corey Gleaton, who had five receptions for 182 yards, and Royce Williamson both caught two touchdowns. Gleaton also had two pass deflections and Williamson caught an interception on defense, where linebacker Michael Boulware racked up 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
The War Eagles needed the production to hold off the Yellow Jackets’ Michael Doe. The Shrine Bowl running back had 329 yards and three touchdowns, most of it in the first half.
Gray Collegiate (3-2, 2-0) finds itself in the driver’s seat for the region title. It’s next two games are on the road against Lexington School District Two teams Brookland-Cayce and Airport.
Black Friday
The War Eagles were the lone victorious Cayce/West Columbia team in Week 4.
Both Airport and Brookland-Cayce took home losses. The Eagles (0-5, 0-2) were defeated 28-15 by South Aiken for their 11th straight loss
The Bearcats (1-4, 1-1) led 7-0 in the first quarter to Midland Valley before getting shut out the rest of the way in a 34-7 defeat.
In SCISA, Northside Christian Academy (2-4, 0-2) had its 2-game winning streak end in a 27-0 road loss to Trinity Collegiate School.
Gators back in action
l. Lauren Kim was crowned Miss Homecoming at River Bluff High School on Sept. 19. She was joined by Mr. Homecoming Jonathan Unumb.
After a bye week, River Bluff opens Region 4-5A play at White Knoll.
The Gators (3-2) trail the all-time series 4-7, but defeated the Timberwolves 24-21 last season. They are coming off a 67-19 rout of Cheraw on Homecoming in which Hayden Myers rushed for 219 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Brayden Moore threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
White Knoll (4-1) is riding a four-game winning streak. It’s coming off a 40-0 shutout win at Fort Dorchester
PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL
Class 5A
1. Irmo (15) (5-0), 2. Northwestern (3) (5-1), 3. Dutch Fork (3-1), 4. Summerville (4-1), 5. James Island (5-0), 6. Dorman (4-1), 7. Greenwood (4-1), 8. Ridge View (3-2), 9. J.F. Byrnes (3-2), 10. Gaffney (3-2)
Others receiving votes: White Knoll, TL Hanna, Sumter, Indian Land, Greenville, Stratford
Class 4A
1. South Pointe (18) (4-1), 2. South Florence (4-1), 3. Bishop England (5-0), 4. AC Flora (5-1), 5. Camden (5-1), 6. Gray Collegiate (3-2), 7. Daniel (4-1), 8. North Augusta (5-1), 9. Seneca (4-1), 10. Hilton Head Island (5-1)
Others receiving votes: Midland Valley, Crestwood, Wren
