Bishops hold back Iron Horses in 27-7 victory

Bishop England High School Football Coach John Cantey didn’t enjoy seeing all the penalty flags flying around during Friday night’s game at Philip Simmons High School.

But other than the miscues and misfires, Cantey was satisfied with what he saw from his offense and defense – and what he saw on the scoreboard: Bishop England 27, Philip Simmons 7.

Cantey’s team missed an entire week of practice and a game because of Hurricane Dorian, as did Eric Bendig’s Iron Horse squad. That made for sloppy football at times, but the Bishops remained perfect with their second victory in as many games.

“It seemed like we had 10 penalties,” Cantey said. “It seemed like they had 10 penalties. But that’s going to happen when you miss a whole week of practice. It’s tough to miss a whole week and come out sharp.”

The Bishops used numerous playmakers on offense, and an impressive defense to drop Philip Simmons to 0-3 on the season.

The Bishops and Iron Horses were locked in a 7-7 struggle at halftime, but it was all BE in the final 24 minutes.

The Bishops churned for 231 yards on the ground with Michael Long leading the way with 25 carries for 193 yards and a touchdown. Long, who also plays defense, scooped up a fumble and returned it 25 yards for a score.

Quarterback Cam Costa completed passes to six different players and finished the night with 15 completions in 30 attempts for 197 yards and a touchdown. Costa completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jarren McCoy, and added a 2-yard TD run to begin BE’s 20-0 run in the second half.

“We have guys who can make plays, so it’s important to get everyone involved,” Cantey said. “We got good pass protection and were able to run the ball, which means the (offensive) line was doing its job.”

Sammy Gress caught four passes for 52 yards and a score, while Jarren McCoy and Charlie Michel both caught three passes.

The Bishops held the Iron Horses to 234 yards of total offense. The Bishops caused five turnovers. Long had the fumble recovery for a TD, while William Anderson and Nathaniel Everman also recovered fumbles.

McCoy and Michel intercepted passes.

D. Owens led the Bishops with 11 tackles, including nine solo stops. He had three tackles for a loss, including two sacks and caused a fumble.

“We’re getting there on defense,”Cantey said. “We’re not there yet because we have to become better tacklers. The defense doesn’t get too many reps because it’s too hot and we’re not in (full) pads. We need to practice in (full) pads more often.”

Peyton Woolridge led the Iron Horses by 158 total yards. He completed 10 of 188 passing for 128 yards. He added 30 yards ground and scored his team’s only TD of the game. Solly Bess carried 12 times for 61 yards.

The Bishops will travel to Timberland a 1-1 team that is always a challenge under coach Art Craig. The Bishops’ last victory over Timberland came during the 2011 season, when the Bishops won the first football state championship in the school’s long history.

Philip Simmons will face Berkeley County rival Hanahan.