Three Union County high schools  (Porter Ridge, Cuthbertson, and Marvin Ridge) scrimmaged yesterday at the second annual Battle at the Ford, held at Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina. 

The event featured four games, each at the top of the hour, beginning at 5 PM. Unfortunately, the two earliest games played by Porter Ridge and Cuthbertson (Marvin Ridge's game kicked off at 8 PM) against other opponents were under extreme heat made worse by the artificial surface. Still, you would never know it from the onfield action. Kids were flying all over the place- great throws, catches, runs, tackles and blocks, and even a few bombs from the kickers.

A side note. I have to commend the organizers of this event.  Everything was organized and efficient, a great combination for an outdoor event under a hot sun.

Normally, when I provide season game highlights, I never include plays that were flagged/ called back, but this was a scrimmage; nothing counts, so I included two nicely executed plays that were ultimately flagged.  

One thing is for certain after spending countless hours on Union County practice fields over the last month. There are talented kids everywhere, supported by the best coaches in the state. We haven't had a fall high school season since 2019, and we are now just six days away from kickoff. So let's enjoy it, and let's go!