SIMPSONVILLE—Those just looking at the final score would think that there’s nothing new at Easley High School.

Hillcrest defeated Easley 28-14 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

But the final score doesn’t show that Easley was leading 14-7 late in the third quarter, or that the 14 point final margin was made in a matter of three plays.

The final score doesn’t show that the 2009 edition of the Easley Green Wave has some young players who suffered through the winless 2008 campaign, and are ready to turn the program around this year.

Hillcrest’s first touchdown was set up by an interception – the first of three made by Ram defensive back Chris Barber. Josh Kilgore ran in for a touchdown, giving Hillcrest a 7-0 lead.

Easley came back with a 41-yard touchdown run by Brandon Addison. The extra point attempt was blocked, leaving Easley trailing 7-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Green Wave quarterback Zach Lappin connected on a 28-yard pass to Austin Helms for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked again, leaving Easley with a 12-7 lead.

Later in the quarter, Easley was able to land a punt inside the one yard line, which led to a safety a few plays later, increasing the Green Wave’s lead to 14-7.

Hillcrest then tied the score with just over three minutes remaining in the quarter on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Frank Armis to Aramus McDowell. Two Easley defenders came within inches of breaking up the play, but their efforts left them on shaky footing, allowing McDowell to break free for the score.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Easley was trying to press the offensive action when Hillcrest’s Chris Barber intercepted a deflected pass and ran it back 24 yards for a touchdown.

Easley lost the ball on another interception on its next drive, with Hillcrest taking over on the Green Wave 27. From there, Hillcrest back Aaron Davenport burst loose for a 27-yard touchdown.

In other local action Friday night, Liberty fell to Christ Church 44-7, while Wren topped Southside 41-6.