Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Golson, Seahawks don't skip a beat

Myrtle Beach ends regular season with rout

LITTLE RIVER -- New coach, different season, tougher schedule, but the same result for Myrtle Beach High School football team.

At least so far for the No. 2-ranked Seahawks, who wrapped up the regular season in the same manner as last year's Class AAA state championship squad - with a blowout victory over rival North Myrtle Beach, a 9-1 overall record and a Region VII-AAA title.

Despite a season of change, the Seahawks were able to pick up where they left off last year under offensive coordinator-turned-head coach Mickey Wilson. Now the real challenge begins - trying to run the table in the playoffs like they did last season.

"I told our kids that for all the changes we had and as tough of a schedule we played, for us to be region champs and 9-1 was a tremendous job by them," Wilson said after his team's 48-7 victory over the Chiefs. "I couldn't be prouder of them."

Of course, it helps to have the same star quarterback, and Everett Golson once again was the workhorse for the Seahawks. Golson completed 18-of-22 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns - with all four scores going to different receivers.

After his first pass of the night fell incomplete, he responded by completing 10 consecutive passes - including a 20-yard touchdown toss to Steven Cobb for a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Golson then drove the Seahawks to the Chiefs' 2-yard-line and watched from the sidelines as Morgan Byrd ran it in for a 14-0 lead early in the second period. He returned to hit Jerrod Jackson on a 25-yard TD strike a few minutes later for a 21-0 advantage.

Golson connected with Dallas Goodman for a 22-yard score then Alex Holliman picked off Clint Cole's pass to put the Seahawks in scoring position shortly before the half. Jordan Butler booted a 47-yard field goal in the waning seconds for a 31-0 halftime lead.

Golson returned to lead the opening drive of the second half, capped by a 26-yard TD toss to Donte Sumpter. Backup Mitch Campbell picked right up where Golson left off, leading the Seahawks down field to set up Byrd's second TD run of the game.

Campbell completed 10-of-11 passes in relief for 100 yards. Butler added a 35-yard field goal and the Chiefs finally got on the board on Timmane Bellamy's 57-yard run to cap the scoring.

Myrtle Beach will host either Bluffton or Lake Marion in the first round of the playoffs. The Chiefs travel to North Charleston.

"With the schedule we've played and our only loss coming to then the No. 2 team in the nation [Byrnes], it's going to help us in the playoffs," Wilson said. "And being at home and having players who have been there before, we are going in expecting to win."