Bulldogs oust the Capitals
Story and photos
by Mike Maddock

Columbia quarterback Justin Payne (5) tries to escape from Trey Bates (22).

For the second time in as many years, the Columbia High Capitals were eliminated from the playoffs by the Newberry Bulldogs.

Last year, the Bulldogs upset an 8-2 and number one seeded Capital team 21-20 in Columbia in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs. That Columbia team featured SC high school's leading rusher Stanley Taylor.

This year, the Bulldogs played host to the Capitals Friday, November 24, 2006, for the Upper State Championship. While last year's Bulldog victory was considered an upset by many, this years win was simply upsetting for the Capitals. The Newberry defense held Columbia's normally potent ground attack to 55 yards rushing and shut out the Capitals to win 27-0.

The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on four of their first six possessions using a devastating ground game. Out of the 34 plays on their four scoring drives, the Bulldogs threw just one pass.

The Capitals did not cross midfield until two minutes into the fourth quarter when quarterback Justin Payne found Cedric Jeffcoat for a six-yard pass to the Newberry 49-yard line. That turned out to be part of Columbia's most promising drive of the night, but on third and twelve from the Newberry 14-yard line, Payne was intercepted by Nigel Thomas in the end zone preserving the Bulldogs' shut-out.

Columbia head coach Kemper Amick

The loss ends another fine season for the Capitals who have been to the playoffs five straight years. Head Coach Kemper Amick will lose a fine crop of seniors to graduation including offensive lineman Jobie Dowling, wide receiver Richard Butler, and defensive lineman Khiry Mullins. Quarterback Justin Payne and leading rusher Cedric Jeffcoat return for their senior seasons. Sophomore Chris Payne was asked to play both sides of the ball at linebacker and running back this year. He will definitely factor into Amick's rushing attack next year and will be asked to lead the defense once again next year.

Others expected to contribute to another title run are defensive lineman Clifford Stevenson, and defensive backs Damario Jeffrey and Jarou Brown. If the youthful front lines can grow up fast, the Capitals look to be in familiar playoff territory in 2007.

Cedric Jeffcoat runs for a short gain.

Columbia High captains (l-r) Craig Boykin, Malcom Jackson, Cleveland Coaxum, and D'Andre Herring.