BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. — On Tuesday, the Rockingham Middle School football team had its own version of “Friday night lights” when it traveled to Marlboro County High School to face Blenheim Middle School.
The non-conference game was played under the lights, but unfortunately for the Rockets, the final score would favor the home team by game’s end. Rockingham and head coach Larcoy McRae suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the Eagles 16-8.
A week after its offense put 30 points up on the board against West Hoke Middle School, and the defense shutout the Tigers, the Rockets struggled to move the chains against the Eagles. McRae noted his team had a “dismal first quarter,” which led to an early score for Blenheim. A successful two-point conversion made it 8-0.
The Rockets’ offense and defense started to find its footing in the second quarter, and quarterback Jordan Covington would help tie the game. He threw a pass out to wide receiver Jada Zimmerman, who made his way 85 yards for the score. Rockingham’s two-point conversion was good and the 8-8 tie would hold until halftime.
Covington’s touchdown was his fourth passing score of the season, and Zimmerman’s catch was his first receiving touchdown in three games.
McRae noted the “third quarter was a deadlock defensive battle” that saw neither offense able to move the ball. However, late in the game, Rockingham’s defense committed a series of penalties that afforded the Eagles’ offense more time on the field. That led to a late-game score for Blenheim, a 98-yard touchdown, plus a successful two-point conversion.
Leading 16-8, Rockingham had a chance to come back, but McRae said the Rockets’ offense “committed mistakes with bad snaps and had poor execution of plays that caused too many three-and-outs.”
Covington would finish 4-for-9 passing with 95 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Zimmerman hauled in two passes for 95 yards and had the lone score. On defense, Rashard Gilbert paved the way for Rockingham with six tackles, and Owenn Taylor contributed four more.
Now 2-1 on the season, Rockingham will return to Southeastern Middle School Conference play and travel to Anson Middle School on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Kickoff against the Bearcats is set for 4 p.m.
Head coach Larcoy McRae contributed to this article. To submit local sports scores, email sports editor Kyle Pillar at kpillar@richmondobserver.com.
