EASLEY — Coach Chad Smith debut as the leader of the Easley Green Wave football team got off to an auspicious start with the Green Wave tying Pendleton 7-7 in two quarters played as part of the annual Easley Jamboree.

Pendleton, although a AA school, is consistently among the top teams in its classification in the Upstate, earning playoff spots for the past seven straight seasons.

Lamar Reese caught a 45-yard pass from Zach Lappin in the first quarter for Easley’s touchdown.

Lional Brown’s 5-yard reception from Michael Skelly in the second quarter allowed Pendleton to tie the game.

Easley ran for 100 yards in the two-quarter scrimmage. Malcolm Arnold led the team with 31 yards. J.R. Crawford and Andrew Gilstrap each ran for 24 yards. Lappin gained 21 yards on the ground.

Together, the Green Wave averaged 4.3 yards per carry.

Easley’s touchdown came on its opening drive.

The Green Wave threatened to go ahead 14-0 early in the second quarter, but a fumble at the Pendleton 14-yard line stopped the drive.

Pendleton’s scoring drive took 17 plays and just over seven minutes off the clock.

Easley got the ball back with 1:32 remaining in the scrimmage, but was unable to make another score to break the tie.

Easley opens the 2010 season Friday night, hosting West-Oak. Pendleton will open its season Aug. 27 at Pickens.