The East Clarendon Wolverines showcased resilience and teamwork Friday night, edging the Andrews Yellowjackets 14-12 in the opening round of the SCHSL Class 2A playoffs. Despite battling adversity, including an injury to starting quarterback Takoda Cornelius, the Wolverines found a way to prevail in front of their home crowd.
Cornelius, who has been a dual-threat leader for the Wolverines, attempted to push through his injury in the first half but was limited in mobility. The team leaned on backup quarterback Blease Hardy in the second half, and he delivered, guiding two crucial scoring drives in the third quarter. Hardy’s efforts, combined with a tenacious defense, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested game.
East Clarendon’s defense played a pivotal role throughout the evening, keeping Andrews scoreless in the first half and making critical stops on both of Andrews’ two-point conversion attempts in the fourth quarter. The defensive front, led by standout performances from Jaylon Barron and Jordan Wright, disrupted the Yellowjackets’ offensive rhythm, while linebacker Mike Woods and others made key tackles to stifle Andrews’ late-game push.
The Wolverines’ offense adjusted effectively after a slow start. Running back Syrus Brown, who has been a consistent contributor in recent games, powered through defenders to score a touchdown and a game-changing two-point conversion. Running backs Hunter Mixon and Tyquan Wilson also chipped in with hard-fought yardage, enabling East Clarendon to control the clock and the game’s momentum.
This victory marks another milestone for a program that has made significant strides under the leadership of head coach Larry Cornelius. In just two seasons, the Wolverines have transformed into a competitive force, defying expectations despite being one of the smallest schools in Class 2A. The team’s ability to adapt, prepare, and rise to challenges has become a hallmark of their success.
With the win, East Clarendon (8-3) advances to face Cheraw, the top seed from Region IV, in the second round. The Wolverines are bracing for a tough test against a balanced Cheraw team coming off a dominant 45-0 victory over Edisto.
As East Clarendon continues its playoff journey, the team’s unwavering belief in its system, players, and community support remains at the heart of its success.
