It was a highly anticipated region 1 4A match up Monday night in Anderson, as Westside hosted Greenville High. What was expected by many to be a back and forth game, became a one sided affair in the 2nd half. Greenville High had a 28-6 2nd half scoring advantage to win going away, 63-33. It was a statement win to open region play between what are perceived to be that region's best two teams.
The game did live up to the expectations of being an offensive slugfest. The two teams managed to force just one punt in the 1st Quarter and scored 5 TD's between them in the first frame. The homestanding Rams of Westside took a 20-14 lead after the 1st quarter.
The momentum shifted to Greenville's favor in the 2nd Qtr. The Red Raiders would score on 3 TD drives in the frame, Westside managed just one score in that stretch. Greenville then took a 35-27 lead into the halftime break, it was a lead they would never relinquish.
Greenville would open the 2nd half scoring, they would get touchdowns on two straight drives in the 3rd to extend the lead to 49-27. That was at the time their largest lead of the game. The Red Raiders got a TD run from Jayden Peppers and a TD pass from QB Bryson Drummond in that stretch. Westside answered with a rushing TD, but missed the PAT that made it 49-33 Greenville. Westside then tried an onside kick with about a minute left in the 3rd, Greenville recovered. The Red Raiders took a 49-33 into the final frame.
The two teams traded punts and turnovers early on in the 4th, but neither team could capitalize. The score would remain 49-33 Greenville until 6 minutes left in the game. The Red Raiders intercepted a pass by Westside QB Cutter Woods in Ram territory. They would turn that into a short field touchdown drive to go up 56-33 and all but put the game away. Greenville would score on more time to make the final 63-33.
Greenville's playmakers get plenty of attention and rightfully so. They certainly delivered on the hype on Monday night. Red Raider Senior WR and Minnesota commit Tyler Brown had three TD's. Junior blue chip recruit and #1 WR prospect in the state Mazeo Bennett had two TD's. Bennett has said, he will announce his verbal college commitment on Oct. 16th. RB Jayden Peppers had 3 TD's on the night for Greenville as well.
This game featured a battle of very good 10th grade QB's as well. Greenville's Bryson Drummond has been getting better with each start, he had 6 TD passes on the night and one pick. Westside Sophomore Cutter Woods who already holds D-1 offers from Coastal, Liberty and Miami (Ohio) had 3 TD passes and a pick in the game as well.
Both teams have short turnarounds and will play again on Friday night. Westside will look to bounce back as they host Pickens in region play. Greenville will host Berea, The Red Raiders will look for their 2nd win in the same week. If that happens as it is expected, it is believed it will be the first time in program history for the Red Raiders.
