Cavaliers keep on rocking and rolling

Richland Northeast linebacker Rodney Paulk chases down Beaufort quarterback Edward Legree. Paulk had eight tackles for the night.

The Richland Northeast Cavaliers are going to get another shot at their arch rivals and another shot at a championship. The Cavaliers had their second dominating performance in the Division II Class 4A playoffs and sent the Eagles of Beaufort High School home with a 33-7 loss.

The Cavaliers will now face their arch rivals from Spring Valley, who ruined the Cavaliers’ perfect season back on November 4 and took the Region 5-4A title. This time the Lower State Championship and a trip to Williams-Brice Stadium for a shot at the State Championship are on the line.

After airing it out in round one of the playoffs, Richland Northeast re-turned to its potent running attack against Beaufort amassing 177 yards. While quarterback Gary Gray and wide receiver Mark Barnes were the stars of the opening round, running back Dennis Perry shouldered most of the load against the Eagles. Perry had 80 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving, and one touchdown. He also had four punts averaging 35.2 yards per punt.

Richland Northeast band members Russell Clinton (left) and Ben Catoe had the fans rockin’ all night. The Cavalier defense was again stellar allowing only 216 total yards and no offensive touchdowns. Beaufort’s one score came from an interception return of 56 yards.

The Cavaliers were led on defense by Rodney Paulk with eight tackles. Mark Barnes added seven tackles. Mark Singleton, Zach Jenkins, and Chris Bonds each had fumble recoveries.

Richland Northeast’s Dennis Perry (#35) had 80 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving, and a 25 yard kick return. He also averaged 35.2 yards punting. Trailing the play is offensive lineman Toa Fananpa (#67).Richland Northeast trainers (l-r) Dezaray Ponds, Christen Scott, Volteria Hampton, Chaniq Randle, and Kelle Allen kept warm and kept the players in good shape.