Hot start, passing game lifts Red Devils over Eagles, 46-21
Clinton QB Tushawan Richardson threw for three first-half touchdowns in Friday night’s win over visiting Chesnee. (file photo)
Tushawan Richardson threw three first-half touchdown passes Friday night as Clinton won its Region 1-2A debut, defeating Chesnee 46-21 at Wilder Stadium.
The victory ended a three-week layoff for the Red Devils (4-2 overall, 1-0 Region 1-2A) and Eagles caused by Hurricane Helene.
Clinton head coach Corey Fountain said he was happy to see his team shake off the rust and get a victory after the unexpected break.
“It’s just a really good feeling to come out and be 1-0 in the region,” Fountain said. “I’m proud of our coaches, and proud of our guys.”
Richardson didn’t finish the Red Devils’ last outing at Daniel, but had his most efficient passing game of the season, completing 9 of 14 passes for 178 yards and the three scores. His touchdown passes to Devin Swindler and Chris Boyd went for 30 and 47 yards, respectively.
Meanwhile, Clinton rolled up 276 rushing yards behind Javen Cook’s game-high 129 yards and two second-half touchdowns.
The Red Devils led 36-7 before Evan Lawter’s 1-yard touchdown run in the opening minute of the fourth quarter cut the lead to 36-14, but Clinton answered with a Cook 12-yard run with 9:41 to play and a 28-yard Luke Kuykendall field goal with 6:41 left.
Chesnee (2-4, 0-1) cut the Clinton lead to 15-7 on a K.J. Proctor run early in the second quarter, but Clinton answered with three straight touchdowns.
The Eagles were able gained 330 yards of total offense, including 263 rushing yards with four players gaining at least 40 yards, but the Chesnee defense gave up 454 yards.
Clinton travels to Landrum next Friday night as the region schedule continues.
CLINTON 46, CHESNEE 21
