Lions send Dolphins swimming all the way home

By Kaye Collins

The Loris Lions (11-0) hosted the second game in the first round of the Class 3A South Carolina High School League against the Battery Creek Dolphins (2-9) on Friday, Nov. 7.

The Lions (11-0) secured a decisive 59-19 victory at Heniford Field in a match that was effectively decided long before halftime. By the conclusion of the second quarter, a running clock was in effect, and Head Coach Greg Mance opted to rest several of his starters, including starting quarterback Moon Gerald, before the first half concluded.

Loris entered halftime with a commanding 56-12 lead, and had they maintained their starters on the field and executed their offensive strategy throughout the night, the Lions could have potentially secured a victory by unprecedented margins.

Quarterback Moon Gerald (7) showcased his dominance by leading the Lions offense, achieving the first two touchdowns of the game with impressive 43-yard and four-yard rushing scrambles.

Running back Deuce Stephens (5) added a 15-yard touchdown run, extending the lead at three touchdowns. Just a few minutes later, Gerald threw a touchdown pass to Jacobien Lewis (1), increasing the Lions’ advantage to four touchdowns and draining all the energy from the Battery Creek sideline.

The Lions had already established a commanding lead of 28-0 before the visiting Dolphins even had a chance to react.

Loris’ top rusher, Stephens, maintained his impressive performance on Friday by scoring another touchdown and consistently gaining yards whenever he was given the ball. Earlier this season, he was sidelined for several games due to an injury.

The Lions linebacker Ethan Shaw (48), a freshman, recorded two interceptions, one of which was a ‘pick-six’, contributing significantly to the Lions’ victory. Gerald threw a lengthy touchdown pass to Khalil Sherman (2), while kicker Jagger Suggs (18) successfully converted all extra points and added a field goal in the second half to further enhance and secure Loris’ advantage.

Loris will have its chance to get one step closer to the state championship as they host Orangeburg-Wilkinson Bruins (10-1) Friday, Nov. 14, at Heniford Field with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Lions have three practices this week in preparation for Friday’s game. Let’s continue the Lion Roar!