Capitals '86 Ninety- Six
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL - CLASS 2A PLAYOFFS
Story and Photos by Michael Orr

Damario Jeffrey returns an interception 63 yards with 42 seconds left, extending the final score to 36- 16.

Columbia High School survived a late rally from Ninety- Six High School to advance to the second round of the 2A state playoffs. Having given up two fourth quarter touchdowns, the Capitals scored twice in the game's final minute and a half to secure their eleventh victory of the year on November 2. Columbia took advantage of three touchdowns of at least 50 yards to overcome Ninety- Six.

Facing a tough rushing defense, Columbia coach Kemper Amick had his team look to the passing game for early success against the Wildcats. Justin Payne found Damario Jeffrey for a 51- yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game, surprising the Ninety- Six defenders. The Wildcats responded with a spread formation offense largely featuring draws to tailback Rashad Booker. Columbia held, forcing a field goal leaving the score 7- 3 early in the second quarter.

After being pinned deep in their own territory, the Capitals turned to Chris Payne who busted through the left side of the line for a 90- yard run. Cedric Jeffcoat finished the drive with a one- yard touchdown giving the Capitals a 15- 3 lead early in the second quarter. When Ninety- Six quarterback Parker Hite had a snap sail over his head, Columbia recovered giving them the ball on the six- yard line. Justin Payne promptly ran in a touchdown from five yards extending the Columbia lead to 20 at halftime.

Chris Payne looks for room to run against a stingy Ninety-Six run defense. Payne had a 90- yard touchdown run.

The second half featured a spirited comeback by the Wildcats that was greatly helped by Columbia penalties. Taking advantage of a unsportsmanlike conduct call against the Capitals, Hite drove Ninety- Six for eighty- four yards and a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. Columbia responded with a long drive but was unable to complete a fourth-down and eight from the Ninety- Six 19- yard line. From there, the Wildcats stormed back down the field, thanks again to late- hit penalties against Columbia. Hite ran in a touchdown with 1:28 left in the game, drawing the score to 23- 16.

Ninety- Six kicked an on- side kick that was recovered by the Capitals, seemingly ending the game. But Justin Payne took off on the first play for a 48- yard touchdown scamper down the left sideline. When the Wildcats dejectedly received the ball back, Hite threw an interception to Jeffrey, who provided a bookend to the game's scoring by returning it 63 yards for his second touchdown.

Columbia advances to host Chesnee High School at Memorial Stadium on November 9. Chesnee defeated Pendleton November 2 to advance.