INDIAN LAND – The Indian Land Warriors used a strong run game to keep the Nation Ford Falcons in check.
Indian Land improved to 6-0 on the season with a 34-26 win over the Falcons. Nation Ford dropped to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in Region 3-5A.
“Early on in the game, there were some play calls I wish I had back,” said Nation Ford head coach Jake Bentley. “I think if we would have executed them, things would be different.”
Nation Ford got the opening kick but struggled on their first series.
Indian Land on the other hand scored on their first series as Matt Kucia took it in from one yard out to score with 8:09 left in the opening quarter.
The Falcons put together a strong drive, but quarterback Kason Canupp was picked off in the end zone.
Indian Land took the ball at their 19-yard line and went 81-yards in 15- plays spanning the first and second quarters capping it off with an 18-yard touchdown run by Christian Hunt.
The Indian Land defense gave up some big Nation Ford runs, but stopped them from scoring on their next series.
Nation Ford returned the favor on the next series and forced a punt by the Warriors. That gave the Falcons good field position and allowed Canupp to find Jayden Scott for a 35-yard reception to set up a Malachi Drayton 2-yard touchdown run.
Penalties hurt both teams on offense during the first half.
Indian Land seemed to be able to shake off the pressure and recover from the mistakes. The Warriors shook off two big penalties to again score on a lengthy drive covering 70-yards with a 28-yard touchdown run by Hunt.
Nation Ford was able to keep things close as they scored before the half with 10 seconds left on a 7-yard touchdown run by Canupp who got them back in the game.
Indian Land started the second half with the ball. Nation Ford stopped them at midfield to get the ball turned over on downs. The Falcons had two penalties on the drive forcing them to punt.
Indian Land started deep in their own half of the field, but three consecutive runs by Jamol Horton put them near the red zone. Horton capped off the drive with a 11-yard touchdown run on the Warriors second drive of the third quarter.
Nation Ford put together a long drive pushing the game into the fourth quarter. Canupp got the Falcons to the red zone and then put together a 16-yard run to get Nation Ford to the 1-yard line. Patience Andrews then punched the ball in from a yard out to close the gap.
Horton tried to make sure Nation Ford didn’t get back in the game as he rattled off a 77-yard touchdown run just two plays into their drive with about 8:35 left in the game.
Despite being down 15, the Falcons came right back as Canupp hit Scott for a 40-yard touchdown pass to keep Nation Ford in the game.
Indian Land took over on offense and milked the clock as time ran out giving them the win to improve to 2-0 in the region.
The Falcons were led by Canupp who threw for 221 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-29 passing. He also rushed for a score in going for 52-yards on 10 attempts. Scott caught 10 passes for 140 yards and a score. Drayton rushed for 95-yards on 10 carries and a touchdown for the Falcons.
Nation Ford host Rock Hill next week in search of their first region win.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
