Airport quarterback Kelvin Harris scrambles for yardage as he is brought down by Dreher’s Colin Dryden. Photo by Jeff Blake/ColumbiaWeddingPhotos.com The Airport Eagles defeated the Dreher Blue Devils 30-14 Friday, October 21. On a night when the seniors were honored, a few of those seniors stepped up to pull out the victory and secure a second place finish for Airport in Region V-3A.

Despite scoring 23 quick points, the Airport offense missed several opportunities to put the game away early.

“It was sloppy for us on offense—had a punt blocked and let them return a kickoff back. We played very good defense. Their quarterback going out of the game helped us. On offense, we looked good at times and poor at times—just very inconsistent,” Airport head coach Kirk Burnett said.

The Eagles got a 44- yard field goal from Austin Jordan after a pass from Kelvin Harris to DT Sheckelford lost yards. Airport increased the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter, when Harris connected with Shay Robinson on a 47-yard touch- down strike.

Airport’s Dre Pettus leaps to make an interception intended for Dreher’s Reggie Shiver, making the tackle. Photos by Jeff Blake/ColumbiaWeddingPhotos.com Some of the miscues by the Eagles’ offense took place in the second quarter. A fumble by Airport resulted in a touchdown for Dreher, as Josh Wilkins scooped up the loose ball and took it in making the score 10-7.

Despite the inconsistent play, the Eagles’ offense was able to end the opening half on a positive note as Harris and Robinson connected again, this time from nine yards out, to give Airport a 17- 7 lead at the half.

With the troubles the offense was having, it was an opportunity for the Eagle’s defense to carry the team. They did on several occasions including a fumble recovery by Raymond Pinkston that he took back to the end zone to give Airport a 23-7 lead.

Dreher’s Josh Wilkins makes a long kickoff return inside the Airport 10-yard line. “They carried us a lot this year. We looked pretty on offense but we’re not steady. It concerns me a lot,” Burnett said.

The Eagles were able to secure the win early in the fourth quarter, courtesy of a ten-yard run by Harris for another touchdown giving the Eagles a 23-point lead on their way to earning their eighth victory of the year.

“You should never be unhappy when you’re 8-1. We have a shot at having the best five-year record in school history. We’re winning football games, but I want to do it the right way—the Airport way,” Burnett said.