Game of the Week: Manning High School dominates Scott’s Branch in 39-0 victory
Manning High School extended its unbeaten streak against Scott’s Branch High School to nine games with a commanding 39-0 win on Friday night. The Monarchs quickly asserted their dominance in the non-league matchup, leaving little doubt about the outcome from the opening minutes.
The Monarchs (1-1) came into the game looking to rebound from a narrow 17-14 loss to Crestwood the previous week, and they did so in convincing fashion. Manning jumped out to an 18-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and carried a 24-0 advantage into halftime. Their relentless ground attack proved too much for the visiting Eagles, who struggled to contain Manning’s rushing game.
Manning’s offense was powered by a potent running game, amassing 212 yards on 30 carries. Leading the charge was Jalynn Coard, who rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries. Kaleb Picciotti contributed 74 yards and a score on 14 carries, while Emmanuel Betrand added an 11-yard touchdown run. Quarterback JaRae Mitchell was efficient in limited action, completing three of four passes for 32 yards and a touchdown, which was caught by CJ Robinson.
Defensively, the Monarchs were equally dominant, holding Scott’s Branch to just 49 total yards of offense. The Eagles (0-2) were stymied by Manning’s aggressive defense, which recorded multiple sacks and forced turnovers. Lamar Hilton led the defensive effort with six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three tackles for loss. Manning’s defense has been a bright spot early in the season, giving up just 17 points over their first two games.
Scott’s Branch, under the guidance of former Manning defensive coordinator Pat Fleming, faced an uphill battle throughout the game. The Eagles’ offense struggled to find any rhythm, with their only notable gain coming through the air for 32 yards. Turnovers continued to plague Scott’s Branch, as they fumbled four times and threw an interception.
Manning will look to build on this momentum as they continue a five-game home stretch, next facing the Lake Marion Gators on September 6. The Gators are also searching for their first win after a 27-13 loss to Calhoun County. Meanwhile, Scott’s Branch will aim to regroup as they head to Hemingway to take on the Tigers, who are also winless after suffering a 56-0 defeat to Orangeburg-Wilkinson.
Clarendon Hall takes a loss
Clarendon Hall lost against Patrick Henry Academy back in September of 2023, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Clarendon Hall Saints were beaten by the Patrick Henry Academy Patriots 42-10. The defeat continues a trend for the Saints in their matchups with the Patriots: they’ve now lost five in a row.
Mikell Tucker Mathis had an outrageously good game for Patrick Henry Academy as he rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns, and also picked up 34 receiving yards and a touchdown. Mathis also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, picking up 0.5 sacks, forcing a fumble, and making six total tackles (1.0 for loss).
Clarendon Hall’s loss dropped their record down to 0-2. As for Patrick Henry Academy, the victory was the fifth in a row (dating back to last season) for them, bringing their record for this year to 2-0.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Clarendon Hall will venture away from home to challenge Williamsburg Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Patrick Henry Academy, they will be staying on the road on Friday to face off against Beaufort Academy at 7:30 p.m.
East Clarendon wins going away against Ridgeland
East Clarendon won against Scott’s Branch last Friday with 32 points and they decided to stick to that point total again on Thursday. The East Clarendon Wolverines enjoyed a cozy 32-14 victory over Ridgeland. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wolverines.
Although Ridgeland took the loss, they still got scores from Kayon Mulligan and Semaj Hicks.
East Clarendon’s win bumped their record up to 2-0. As for Ridgeland, their loss dropped their record down to 1-1.
East Clarendon will be defending their home-field for the first time as they go up against Hardeeville at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. East Clarendon will be looking to keep their four-game home win streak dating back to last season alive. As for Ridgeland, they will hit the road for the first time this season to square off against Whale Branch at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Laurence Manning Academy rallies late
In a dramatic conference matchup on Friday night, Laurence Manning Academy edged out Heathwood Hall Episcopal with a last-minute field goal to secure a 30-28 victory at home.
The game started with Laurence Manning Academy taking an early lead, scoring a rushing touchdown in the first quarter to go up 6-0. By halftime, they extended their advantage to 13-0 after another rushing touchdown and a successful point after attempt (PAT).
Heathwood Hall Episcopal struggled in the first half but came out strong in the third quarter, scoring their first touchdown through a pass, though they missed the ensuing PAT. Laurence Manning maintained a 13-6 lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was a roller coaster of emotions, with Heathwood Hall launching a fierce comeback. They scored 22 unanswered points, including a kick return for a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, pulling ahead 28-13 with just seven minutes left in the game.
However, Laurence Manning Academy refused to back down. They responded with two quick rushing touchdowns, narrowing the gap to 28-27 after a pair of successful PATs. With the clock winding down, Laurence Manning Academy’s kicker delivered under pressure, nailing a field goal in the final minute to put the team ahead 30-28.
Heathwood Hall’s attempt to regain the lead in the closing moments fell short, sealing Laurence Manning Academy’s thrilling comeback victory.
Fall fishing tournaments to cast of in Clarendon County
Clarendon County is gearing up for an exciting season of fishing tournaments, drawing anglers from across the region to the renowned John C. Land Landing. The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce has released the fall fishing schedule, promising a lineup of competitive events that will take place from September through November.
Kicking off the season, the Major League Fishing Toyota Series will take place from September 12-14, with daily weigh-ins at 3:00 p.m. This highly anticipated event is followed by the ABA Couples SC Division on September 21, also with a 3:00 p.m. weigh-in.
On September 28, the Duckfest Fall Open will not only feature its own fishing tournament with a 3:00 p.m. weigh-in but also a car show starting at 1:00 p.m., complemented by various food trucks, making it a day full of activities for participants and spectators alike.
October begins with the SC High School Bass Challenge on October 5, with a slightly earlier weigh-in time at 2:00 p.m. Later in the month, from October 10-12, the Major League Fishing BFL Regional Championship returns to John C. Land Landing, offering three days of competitive fishing with weigh-ins at 3:00 p.m.
The weekend of October 18-19 will host the Fishers of Men District 3 tournament, continuing the tradition of 3:00 p.m. weigh-ins. The month concludes with a busy day on October 26, featuring both the ABA Couples Championship and the Carolina Anglers Team Trail events.
November’s tournaments begin with the Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions from November 6-8, leading into another Carolina Anglers Team Trail event on November 9. The Dynamic Marine Bass Trail tournament is set for November 16, followed by the final Carolina Anglers Team Trail event of the season on November 23.
With a packed schedule, Clarendon County is set to be a prime destination for anglers this fall. For more information or to plan your next fishing tournament, contact the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce at tourism@clarendoncounty.com or call 803-435-4405.
