High school football returned to Fort Mill Friday night with a slate of regional matchups that tested defenses, delivered late-game drama, and showcased decisive blowouts. Fort Mill rode a ferocious defensive performance to a victory over Clover, Gilbert held on through a wild fourth quarter to edge Nation Ford on the road, and Catawba Ridge controlled their home opener from start to finish.
Fort Mill 28, Clover 7
Fort Mill’s defense set the tone early and never let go, forcing five turnovers to spark a 28–7 victory over Clover.
After a scoreless opening stretch featuring a blocked field goal and multiple exchanges of possession, Yellowjackets quarterback Harper Love got Fort Mill on the board late in the first quarter, connecting with Jameson Terrell for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Fort Mill doubled down on defense, as Aiden Welch and Matthew Tillman snagged early interceptions to shut down Clover’s momentum.
Love blew the game open in the second half, throwing two more touchdown strikes — a 50-yard bomb to Broden Mitcheson in the third quarter and a 20-yard pass to Kieran McCormack — stretching the lead to 21–0. Aiden O’Hara capped Fort Mill’s scoring with a 5-yard touchdown rush early in the fourth quarter following another Welch interception.
Clover avoided the shutout late in the fourth quarter when Keegan Heisler punched in an 11-yard touchdown run after a turnover, but the night belonged to Fort Mill’s relentless defense and Love’s three-touchdown performance.
Gilbert 21, Nation Ford 14
In a hard-fought contest at Nation Ford, Gilbert relied on striking air plays and clutch defensive takeaways to claim a 21–14 win over the Falcons.
Gilbert took a14-6 lead into halftime. Nation Ford roared back in the third quarter, capitalizing on a 40-yard touchdown run by Asher Beck and converting a two-point rush to tie it at 14–14.
Gilbert responded instantly. Quarterback Jack McQuilkin repeatedly connected with receiver Ty’dre Nick on deep routes, setting up an 18-yard touchdown pass to Nick with under a minute left in the third quarter to push Gilbert back on top, 21–14.
Nation Ford launched multiple fourth-quarter drives into Gilbert territory, but defensive back Asher Lowe halted one threat with a clutch interception. Gilbert’s defense stood tall on a final fourth-down stop with three minutes remaining to secure the tight victory.
Catawba Ridge 24, Blythewood 6
Catawba Ridge opened their season with a dominant home performance, commanding all four quarters to defeat Blythewood 24–6. The Copperheads established total control early on both sides of the ball, shutting down Blythewood’s offensive rhythm and capitalizing on key possessions to lock up a comfortable victory.
