Monarchs beat Edisto in first round of playoffs

Manning, the number 10 seed in the Lower State Class AA Division I playoffs, came from behind to pick up a do or die 8-6 win Friday night against the number seven team, Edisto.

With 6:45 left on the clock, Manning’s Daniel Pendergrass rushed into the end zone from eight yards out tying the game at six all. Manning’s William Dingle rushed in for the two-point conversion to put the Monarchs ahead for the first time, 8-6.

“We had three possessions inside the five yard line,” Manning Head Coach Robbie Briggs said after the game. “We fumbled one and on another one the receiver stepped out of bounds before catching the pass.”

Briggs said the Monarchs fought hard and maintained their poise throughout the game.

“I’m thankful to come away with a victory,” he said.

Rushing the ball went all Manning’s way. The Monarchs had 306 yards on 50 carries to Edisto’s 163 yards on 35 carries.

Passing the ball, Manning was 4 for 18 for 53 yards and no interceptions. Edisto went 5 for 2 for 88 yards and one interception.

In total yardage, Manning had 359 yards to Edisto’s 251.

Both teams committed two turnovers. Manning fumbled twice and lost both fumbles. Edisto fumbled four times and lost one. Edisto also had one interception.

Time of possession was extremely close with Manning holding onto the ball for a little longer than one minute more than than Edisto, 24:35 to 23:25.

Rushing the ball, Daniel Pendergrass carried the ball 16 times for 132 yards and one touchdown. Rashadd Hilton carried the ball nine times for 87 yards, while the Monarchs’ William Dingle carried 17 times for 75 yards.

With the win, Manning improves to 6-5 on the season  and moves on to play the Lower State’s number two seed, Dillon, in the second round of playoffs next weekend.

“Dillon is a tremendous football team,” Briggs added. “I think this is the best team they’ve ever had.”

Briggs said he plans on having a great week of practice and come out next Friday night ready to win against Dillon.

Kick off for the game in Dillon will be at 7:30 p.m.