EASLEY — It was a night of fumbles, flags and ultimately rookie mistakes for Daniel that allowed Easley to turn what was expected to be a close game into a sweeping 31-12 victory.

It started off fast when Easley’s Maurico Holcombe came up with a Lions’ fumble mid-field. Cavario Cureton capitalized on the (first) turnover by running 45-yards up the middle for a touchdown. PAT upped the score to 7-0 Easley in the first.

For Daniel (1-1), things quickly came undone.

Another Daniel fumble, this one picked up by Darious Jamison, set up another pass to the end-zone to put the Green Wave up by 14 in the second quarter.

The Lions, scrambling to get on the board, managed a touchdown following an Easley fumble in the second but a missed extra point kept the score 14-6.

And then, yet again, Daniel fumbled, ending their drive as both teams headed down to the locker rooms at the half.

The first part of the third was a stalemate until the Green Wave knocked out a 36-yard field goal with just over four minutes left in the quarter, upping their lead to 17-6.

In the fourth, the Lions put it all on the field to try and salvage a win but only managed to put up six more points. It was the last time Daniel would change the scoreboard.

With five minutes remaining, a touchdown put Easley up 24-12 before Cureton shoved another one in from a yard out with just over a minute left to play, bringing the score to its final 31-12.

Easley moves on to play Belton-Honea Path away on Friday. Daniel will host Seneca in their home opener.

Daniel moves to 0-2 this season.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_083-1.jpgDaniel moves to 0-2 this season. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Always a fan favorite, Easley played Daniel to a packed stadium.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_091.jpgAlways a fan favorite, Easley played Daniel to a packed stadium. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Easley moves on to play Belton-Honea Path away on Friday.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_093.jpgEasley moves on to play Belton-Honea Path away on Friday. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Daniel will host Seneca in their home opener.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_095.jpgDaniel will host Seneca in their home opener. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

The Daniel Lions won last week at Berkeley.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_162.jpgThe Daniel Lions won last week at Berkeley. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

The Lions had fumble after fumble on Friday, leading Easley to victory.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_180.jpgThe Lions had fumble after fumble on Friday, leading Easley to victory. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Daniel moves on to play Seneca.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_181.jpgDaniel moves on to play Seneca. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Easley defeated Daniel 31-12.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_212-1.jpgEasley defeated Daniel 31-12. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@championcarolinas.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.