DUDLEY — After a rain delay pushed back the start of the action, the Southern Wayne Saints found themselves in an early battle against the Union Spartans. However, behind a strong rushing attack, timely defensive stops, and several forced turnovers, the Saints pulled away in the second half to earn a 26-14 victory.
The Spartans struck first following the rain delay, scoring a touchdown at the 5:32 mark of the opening quarter. After forcing Southern Wayne into a quick fourth-and-out situation, Union looked to build momentum behind quarterback No. 1 Tobias Cromartie.
However, the Saints defense came up with an early takeaway when the Spartans fumbled at the 20-yard line, giving Southern Wayne possession.
Saints Respond with Strong Ground Attack
Southern Wayne immediately went to work on the ground. No. 5 Jymerion Lee broke free for a first down before No. 7 Jamarrii Boykin added another big run to move the Saints near the 40-yard line. No. 0 Monte Kornegay continued the momentum with another strong carry, pushing the Saints closer to the end zone.
The drive ended with No. 5 Jymerion Lee finding the end zone at the 1:26 mark of the first quarter. The Saints were unable to convert the two-point attempt, but Southern Wayne had cut into Union’s early lead.
The Saints defense continued to make plays when the Spartans fumbled on their next possession, with No. 3 Salik Council recovering the ball for Southern Wayne. Despite another fumble later in the quarter, the Saints maintained possession.
At the end of the first quarter, Southern Wayne trailed Union 8-6.
Defense Creates Opportunities in Second Quarter
The Saints opened the second quarter with No. 9 Mark Correll using a quarterback keeper to move the chains. Southern Wayne continued to push deep into Spartan territory behind several carries from No. 5 Jymerion Lee, but the drive ultimately ended with a turnover on downs.
Southern Wayne’s defense quickly responded.
Saints recorded a tackle for loss, while No. 3 Salik Council followed with another big defensive stop. Union eventually broke loose for a first down, but the Saints once again forced a turnover when No. 6 Ivory Moore punched the ball free on a Spartan run.
With possession back in their hands, Southern Wayne’s rushing attack began to take control. No. 5 Jymerion Lee picked up multiple gains, while No. 7 Jamarrii Boykin added a seven-yard run. No. 0 Monte Kornegay continued to find running lanes and moved the chains for another first down.
Despite a penalty that pushed the Saints back 10 yards, No. 9 Mark Correll connected with No. 7 Jamarrii Boykin through the air for a crucial first down. Southern Wayne’s drive stalled near the goal line, giving the Spartans the ball back.
Last-Second Touchdown Gives Saints Halftime Lead
With the clock winding down in the second quarter, Southern Wayne’s defense forced another turnover on downs.
The Saints took possession with just 10 seconds remaining and quickly moved into scoring position. No. 9 Mark Correll used his legs to move the offense forward before connecting with No. 6 Ivory Moore for a touchdown as time expired.
Southern Wayne converted the two-point attempt to take a 14-8 lead into halftime.
Halftime Score: Southern Wayne Saints 14, Union Spartans 8
Saints Defense Continues to Force Turnovers
Southern Wayne opened the third quarter with possession but was forced to punt after a quick fourth-and-out. The Spartans took over and began moving the ball down the field, but the Saints defense continued to make its presence felt.
After a series of runs, Union once again put the ball on the ground. No. 7 Jamarrii Boykin recovered the fumble for Southern Wayne, giving the Saints another key takeaway.
The Saints responded with a four-yard run by No. 7 Jamarrii Boykin before No. 9 Mark Correll picked up a big first down on a quarterback keeper. Southern Wayne eventually punted the ball away, allowing Union another opportunity.
The Spartans found success on the ground and moved the ball deep into Saints territory. After another run by No. 1 Tobias Cromartie moved Union to the 7-yard line, the Spartans survived yet another fumble before No. 5 Marquavion Melvin eventually scored with 21 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Union was unable to convert the two-point attempt. Turnovers continued to haunt the Spartans, who recorded six fumbles throughout the contest.
Saints Pull Away in the Fourth Quarter
Southern Wayne entered the fourth quarter looking to extend its lead. No. 9 Mark Correll opened the period with back-to-back quarterback keepers, including one that moved the chains for a first down.
No. 5 Jymerion Lee added a five-yard run before No. 4 Cam Mckinney connected with No. 11 Jacari Ashby on an option pass for a big gain. However, the Saints were eventually stopped on fourth down, giving Union possession.
Once again, the Saints defense came up with a game-changing play.
The Spartans fumbled, and Southern Wayne recovered the ball. No. 9 Mark Correll then took over, using a quarterback keeper to find the end zone at approximately the 6:33 mark.
The Saints initially converted the two-point attempt, but a penalty brought the play back.
Southern Wayne’s special teams immediately created another opportunity when No. 15 Jayden Bond kicked the ball to the Spartans, resulting in another fumble recovered by the Saints.
After Southern Wayne was forced into a quick fourth-and-out, Union took possession once again. The Spartans were unable to capitalize, as No. 7 Jamarrii Boykin intercepted a pass and returned possession to the Saints near the 49-yard line.
Southern Wayne Finishes Strong
With the game winding down, Southern Wayne leaned once again on its ground game.
No. 5 Jymerion Lee picked up approximately five yards before No. 9 Mark Correll converted another first down on a quarterback keeper. No. 4 Cam Mckinney then broke loose for another first down, setting up the Saints for their final scoring opportunity.
No. 0 Monte Kornegay made a strong cut through the defense and found the end zone with 1:58 remaining. The Saints were unable to convert the two-point attempt, but the touchdown extended their lead to 26-14.
Union made one final push, with No. 4 Derik Aycock carrying the ball into Saints territory and No. 1 Tobias Cromartie picking up a significant gain on fourth down. However, Southern Wayne’s defense stood strong when it mattered most and prevented the Spartans from completing a late comeback.
After battling through a rain delay, turnovers, and a physical contest, the Southern Wayne Saints closed out the night with a hard-fought 26-14 victory over the Union Spartans.
Final Score: Southern Wayne Saints 26, Union Spartans 14