Philip Simmons High digs in deep to beat N. Charleston 40-18
Chalk up one in the win column for the Philip Simmons High School football team.
And, while you’re at it, chalk up one for confidence.
The Iron Horses struggled at times in the first half during Friday’s Region 6-AA encounter at North Charleston High School. But Coach Eric Bendig made adjustments, the players dug in deep and showed mettle and that produced a 40-18 victory over the Cougars.
“We played a lot better,” Bendig said. “It was the fourth varsity win in the program’s history, and it was only the second region win in school history. I sort of took winning for granted when I was (an assistant) at some of the bigger, more established programs: Hanahan, Ashley Ridge and Wando. But here, I came into a new situation. We didn’t play our best ball for the first quarter and the first half, but the coaches made some adjustments and the kids responded to adversity.”
The Iron Horses, in their second year as a varsity team, led only 7-6 at the end of the first quarter and 26-18 at halftime. But it was all Philip Simmons in the second half, and it was the team’s most complete game of the season as they rushed, passed and defended the Cougars.
The win improved the overall record to 2-5, including 1-1 in league play.
It was the Iron Horses’ most complete game of the season as they rushed, passed and defended the Cougars.
Solly Bess, who has battled injuries most of the year, entered the game with only 318 yards. But he tallied 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 17 carries.
Peyton Woolridge was sharp, completing 9 of 11 passes for 117 yards and a score. He also kept the Cougars’ defense off balance with 10 carries for 53 yards and two touchdowns.
Will Ramey continued to be a playmaker at wide receiver with five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also logged eight tackles, including a tackle for a loss. He forced and recovered a fumble as well.
Tyler Harper led the defense with 10 tackles, including eight solo stops and two tackles for a loss. He also rushed for a touchdown.
“The team is learning about success,” Bendig said. “We came out with a victory.”
The Iron Horses’ two victories have come on the road. This week, Oceanside Collegiate visits Philip Simmons Stadium, where the Iron Horses are 0-3.
Oceanside Collegiate is one of the top 10 Class AA teams in the Palmetto State, and will battle Timberland for the Region 6-AA title.
“We already played Timberland, and they do things differently on offense,” Bendig said when asked to compare Timberland with Oceanside Collegiate. “But Oceanside has some big and stout offensive and defensive linemen like Timberland, and they have a lot of talent at the skill positions. And, they are well-coached.”
It will be a tough challenge, but Philip Simmons will make history again this weekend. The Iron Horses will appear on television for the first time. The game will be televised by WMMP, MYTV Charleston (Channel 36). Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.