ANDERSON — The Easley Green Wave might have fallen short on the scoreboard last Friday but not before they made a statement to the T.L. Hanna Yellow Jackets, who were able to hold on for a 31-24 win.

For first year coach John Windham and his Green Wave (3-3, 0-2), improvement is being achieved in spite of the loss.

Hanna (4-2, 2-1) would take the early lead 7-0 on an Alex Meredith to Dauijuan Dean TD pass from 76 yards out but Easley would respond with points of their own on a 29-yard field goal by Josh Hansen, closing the lead to 7-3. Before the close of the first quarter, Hanna would post another TD, a 6-yard pass from Meredith to Lucas Catalfomo, extending the lead to 14-3.

In the second quarter Dalton Black hit Braian Fuller for a 75-yard TD pass to cut the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 14-10 before a Hanna 37-yard field goal would make it a seven point game again as the two headed into the locker room, Hanna out front 17-10.

As the third quarter got under way, it appeared the Yellow Jackets would seize control of the game but Easley fought its way back into the contest.

The second half scoring began with Catalfomo’s second TD catch of the night, another 6-yard completion from Meredith, to stretch the Hanna lead to 24-10.

Malaki Robinson broke off a 19-yard TD run in the fourth quarter to cut the Hanna lead to 24-17. The Yellow Jackets would try to put Easley away after Darien Rencher tore off a 30-yard TD on the ground, again taking the lead to 31-17.

Black, who threw for over 200 yards on the night, once again found pay-dirt, connecting with Holden Martin for an 8-yard TD pass and a 31-24 deficit. Time would run out before the Green Wave could claim a lead and the win.

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.