Easley falls to JL Mann, local gridiron and Crews

Before the game even started, Scoot Watson said he had to do two things for his JL Mann team to defeat Easley 55-6 last Friday night.

“We definitely have to stop their running game and not give away big plays down the field in the passing game,” said JL Mann coach Scoot Watson.

And that they did.

Easley quarterback Jay Stoker was held to 6-of-28 passing accuracy for 55 yards and two interceptions. Running back Aaron Tolbert had 15 carries for 30 yards.

“Execution was the main thing tonight when you play those high-level teams,” said Green Wave coach Sam Houston. “Scoot has done a great job of turning that program around and we’ll get back ready to work on Sunday.”

The lone touchdown of the night for Easley came in the third quarter when Stoker connected with Matthew Hillstock for a 21-yard touchdown.

The Green Wave will return home on Friday for homecoming when they host Woodmont.

JL Mann, which goes to 3-1 on the season, piled up 470 yards of total offense. QB McLeod Darnell was 18-of-26 for 218 yards and 4 touchdowns.

In other action, Pickens held on for a 35-26 victory over Blue Ridge. Liberty also rolled to a 60-41 victory over Walhalla.

Clemson fans: The Tigers football team continued rolling with a 59-35 win over North Carolina State. Clemson moved up to No. 17 in the AP top 25 Poll on Sunday afternoon and then 15th ranked in the AFCA Coaches Poll.

Crews and Hoops: Easley sharpshooter Ethan Crews, playing for the Elite 60 team this past weekend in Charlotte, had another big game in a 53-48 loss to St. Josephs. Crews had 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, had 5 rebounds and 1 steal.