COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nation Ford High School extended its dominance after a competitive first half, defeating Richland Northeast 56-27 in a non-conference matchup Thursday night.
The Falcons’ offense found its stride early, with a three-yard rushing touchdown by Malachi Drayton and a 23-yard pass from Kason Canupp to Jayden Scott in the first quarter. Richland Northeast kept pace, scoring a safety and a two-yard rushing touchdown to keep the score tight at 13-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Nation Ford began to pull away in the second quarter. Canupp connected with Patience Andrews for a 60-yard passing touchdown, followed by a rushing touchdown by Andrews to put the Falcons up 26-8. A five-yard rushing touchdown by Drayton and a two-point conversion by Asher Beck extended Nation Ford’s lead to 35-14 at halftime. The Falcon defense also contributed with an interception by Anderson Corbett.
The second half was marked by continued pressure from the Nation Ford defense, which recovered two fumbles. The first, recovered by Joey Reagan, led to a 24-yard passing touchdown from Canupp to Asher Beck. The second, a 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Jalen McCrorey, solidified the Falcons’ commanding lead.
Richland Northeast showed signs of life in the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown and a subsequent 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown under a minute to play. However, Nation Ford’s Trip Brocatto responded with a five-yard rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach.
Nation Ford kicker Nico Arosemena had a successful night, converting four of his five point-after attempts.
The Falcons now look to build on their performance when they open up conference play next Friday versus Northwestern High School.
In other news, Nation Ford High School has named assistant principal Brigette McSheehan as its interim athletic director for the remainder of the school year. The school will begin its search for a permanent replacement in the spring of 2026.
