Written by: Joe Myers

BELMONT — South Point survived to defeat Hickory 27–25 after stopping the Red Tornadoes on a tying 2-point conversion with just over a minute to go in the game. This could be a preview of a potential rematch in the 5A playoffs, as both teams are ranked in the Top 10 5A teams in the state.

This was a game dominated by the rushing attacks of both teams. South Point won the opening toss and proceeded to drive 80 yards in 18 plays. The drive chewed up over 8 minutes of clock with its vaunted “Redbone” triple-option rushing attack, leading to an early 6-0 lead. The subsequent extra point was botched by a bad snap. Key to the drive was a 4th-and-5 conversion near midfield with a fake punt. The rushing of Kaveaun Pless was key, as he was responsible for 6 carries, 33 yards, and a touchdown on the drive. Pless would be a thorn in Hickory’s side all night.

Hickory quickly went on an 8-play drive, covering 80 yards to take a 7-6 lead. #8 for Hickory (not listed on roster by that number) was equally impressive as Pless. He finished the drive with 6 carries, 37 yards, and a touchdown. He would give South Point fits all night as well.

South Point proceeded to answer right back with a 13-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Pless carried the ball 8 more times for 67 yards and a second touchdown. The two-point conversion was good for a 14-7 lead.

Following a Hickory punt, South Point had another touchdown drive, this one lasting 11 plays and covering 97 yards. Pless finished off this drive with a 19-yard touchdown, his third of the game, and a 20-7 South Point lead at halftime.

Hickory started the second half by marching 60 yards to cut the lead to 20-13. This time, #8 for Hickory had 6 carries for 54 yards and his second touchdown of the game. The Red Tornadoes then forced a punt by South Point to get the ball back and try to tie the game.

This time, Hickory was able to blend in the pass with the run to move down the field and score a touchdown to cut the lead to 20-19. South Point blocked the extra point to keep the score at 20-19 at the end of the third quarter. Maddox McRee connected with Ty Miles-Springs for 41 yards and completed a two-yard touchdown pass to Zay McCathern on 4th-and-goal.

To start the 4th quarter, South Point marched 80 yards in 11 plays to take a 27-19 lead with 5:55 remaining in the game. Pless once again played a big role in this drive. He had 5 rushes for 55 yards and his fourth touchdown of the night.

Hickory then attempted to tie the game on its final drive. McRee once again connected with Miles-Springs for 38 yards. #8 added 29 more yards and his third touchdown of the night, setting up the potential game-tying 2-point conversion. McRee faked a handoff and rolled to his right, but he could not connect with his receiver. South Point was able to run out the clock and secure the 27-25 win.

South Point finished with 322 rushing yards on 53 attempts. Pless led the way with 194 yards on 17 carries and 4 touchdowns. Quarterback Patrick Blee added 55 yards on 15 carries. Jesse Ledford contributed 50 yards on 5 carries.

Hickory completed the game with 105 passing yards and 242 rushing yards. #8 finished with 209 yards and 3 touchdowns on 33 attempts.

South Point has a bye next week, while Hickory takes on Alexander Central at home.