EASLEY — The Easley High School Green Wave successfully fended off the invading Pickens High School Blue Flame 17-29 on Friday, securing bragging rights for at least another year in the rivalry between Easley and Pickens — a rivalry that dates to 1923.

Easley coach John Windham stated earlier in the week that, being a newcomer to the area, he was still learning about the cross-city rivalry.

“I spoke at Rotary a couple of days ago and made the mistake of wearing a blue shirt,” Windham joked. “I won’t be doing that again any time soon.”

But when it came to talking football, Windham was all business.

“Football is a game of preparation,” he said. “I mean, you only play 11 games. You’ve got to bring it from game one.”

Early on, “game one” seemed to be off to a slow start. After being smacked with back to back false-start penalties, Easley had a hard time dealing with Pickens’ big defensive line ending the quarter 3-0. Both teams managed to snag a touchdown in the second and by half time, the score was 10-7 Easley.

The second half favored the Green Wave as another six points were garnered in the third to Pickens’ single field goal and the fourth wrapped it up as Easley put up 13 points to the Blue Flame’s seven.

The final score was 29-17, Easley.

On Friday, Easley travels to Daniel to take on the Lions while Pickens is on the road in Pendleton.

Kick off for both games is 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Flame lost their opening game, falling to the hosting Green Wave 29-17. Both teams will hit the road next week, with Pickens traveling to Pendleton and Easley heading to Central.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_842.jpgThe Blue Flame lost their opening game, falling to the hosting Green Wave 29-17. Both teams will hit the road next week, with Pickens traveling to Pendleton and Easley heading to Central. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

Easley High’s Will Drawdy makes a diving catch for a first down.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_845.jpgEasley High’s Will Drawdy makes a diving catch for a first down. Kasie Strickland | The Easley Progress

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.