Devildogs get historic win over Greer

By Rick Veazey, contributing writer:

GREER, S.C. — With a 21-14 win over the Greer Yellow Jackets on Friday night, history was made with the first ever Travelers Rest win at Dooley Field. The Devildogs and the Yellow Jackets first played each other in 1977 at Greer, and the Devildogs lost 49-0. In the 22 subsequent meetings, the Devildogs won twice, both of which were at home. (1983: 7-0; 1985: 27-6)

Game Recap:

The Devildogs won the opening coin toss and chose to defer to the second half. Greer received the opening kickoff and put together a long drive resulting in a touchdown, taking nearly six minutes off the clock and giving them a 7-0 lead. Travelers Rest moved down the field quickly but failed to score. Bradley Russ-Martin had an interception on Greer's next drive, but a fumble near the goal line was recovered by Greer and ended the threat. Greer kept a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

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The Devildog defense shut down the Jackets in the second quarter. Travelers Rest's Hendricks completed a pass to Hellams with 5:43 left in the first half to tie the score. The Devildogs drove down the field again,  but a Greer interception stopped the drive. Brooks Russ-Martin picked off a Greer pass on the next play to give the ball back to the Devildog offense. Fields pulled in a pass from Hendricks with 25 seconds left in the half and the Devildogs led 14-7.

Travelers Rest received the second half kickoff, and it only took 24 seconds to extend their lead to 21-7 with Hellams catching a short pass and racing to the endzone. The defenses held the offenses in check for the rest of the third quarter, and the Devildogs led 21-7 entering the final quarter.

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Greer put together a long drive to start the fourth quarter but the Devildog defense stopped them on a 4th and 3 from the 16. A fumble on the next play gave the ball back to the Jackets and their quarterback ran it for a touchdown on the next play to cut the lead to 21-14. The Devildogs drive down to the 21 yard line but Greer's defense forced a turnover on downs to stop the drive. The Devildog defense forced Greer to punt. Derrick Fields had a couple of big third down catches to keep drives alive and the Devildogs held on for the win.

With the win, the Devildogs move to 6-1 on the season and 1-1 in region play. Greer drops to 1-6 and 0-2. The Devildogs return home for their final three regular season games. They will host Greenville next Friday night.

For photos from the game, courtesy of Rick Veazey, click a link below:

Varsity Football at Greer 1st Half

Varsity Football at Greer 2nd Half

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