Greenville High survived a furious second-half comeback attempt from Nation Ford High School to claim a high-scoring 42-35 victory Friday night.
Greenville established control early, scoring 14 unanswered points in the first quarter and never relinquishing the lead. The team found the end zone on its opening drive with a rushing touchdown just seven minutes into the game. Moments later, after a defensive interception, Greenville quickly capitalized with a passing touchdown, taking a 14-0 lead after the first quarter.
Nation Ford fought back in the second quarter. Quarterback Kason Canupp connected with Ja’Mari Gore for a 3-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit. However, Greenville responded with another passing score before halftime to make the score 21-7 at the break.
The scoring pace accelerated dramatically in the third quarter, with the teams trading blows. Greenville extended its lead with two passing touchdowns, but the Falcons kept pace. Canupp threw his second touchdown of the night, finding Jayden Scott for the first of his two scores. Running back Malachi Drayton added a 10-yard rushing touchdown late in the quarter, pulling Nation Ford within 14 points, 35-21.
Nation Ford continued to rally in the final quarter. After a turnover on downs, Canupp found Scott again for a touchdown, and a successful point after attempt narrowed the gap to 35-28 with 10 minutes remaining.
But every time Nation Ford threatened, Greenville found an answer. A late passing touchdown from Greenville pushed the lead back to 42-28 with four minutes left. Canupp rushed for a 12-yard touchdown with just two minutes on the clock, followed by a successful PAT, making it a one-score game at 42-35. But Greenville’s final score proved to be the difference, securing the seven-point victory. Nation Ford cornerback Justin Smiley recorded an interception in the second quarter to momentarily halt Greenville’s momentum in the tight contest.
