EASLEY — An age-old rivalry reached new heights on Friday as record breaking crowds poured into the stadium at Easley High School to watch the Green Wave take on the Blue Flame.
The first quarter started off in a defensive showdown with both teams struggling to get on the board. Easley drew first blood with a field goal and capped then off the quarter with a 79-yard touchdown bringing the score 10-0.
Pickens fans had something to cheer about in the second with an impressive pick-six but a failed extra point left the Blue Flame at six, and the team was not to score again that night.
With 7:20 left in the half, Easley hit the end-zone again, bringing the score to 17-6.
It was all downhill from there.
A blocked punt gave the guys in green another score but a missed PAT kept the score 23-6.
Pickens fumbled and turned the ball over on their own 32, resulting in yet another score for the Green Wave when they punched it in from 5-yards out with under 1:30 left in the half.
Both teams headed for the locker rooms with the scoreboard reading 30-6.
Unfortunately for Pickens, things didn’t improve in the second half and a Green Wave fumble recovery on the first play by Michael Jamison was returned for a touchdown bringing the score 37-6.
A safety toward the end of the third quarter brought the game to what would end up being the final score: Easley 39, Pickens 6.
Pickens wasn’t the only team around the Upstate that had a disappointing season opener: Liberty, hot off their deep playoff run last year, lost its opener against Pendleton 24-12.
Daniel and Wren both won their first games: The Lions took out Berkely 17-10 and the Hurricanes defeated Hillcrest 17-14.
Daniel will travel to Easley on Friday to take on the Green Wave and Pickens will head back home to host Pendleton.
Liberty will try to get back to their winning ways on Friday as they take on Walhalla at home.
Easley defeated Pickens 39-6.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_196-2-.jpgEasley defeated Pickens 39-6. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Pickens will return home to host Pendleton on Friday.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_217.jpgPickens will return home to host Pendleton on Friday. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
An age-old rivalry reached new heights on Friday as record breaking crowds poured into the stadium at Easley High School to watch the Green Wave take on the Blue Flame.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_237.jpgAn age-old rivalry reached new heights on Friday as record breaking crowds poured into the stadium at Easley High School to watch the Green Wave take on the Blue Flame. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Coach John Windham looks on from the sidelines.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_254-2-.jpgCoach John Windham looks on from the sidelines. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
The first quarter started off in a defensive showdown with both teams struggling to get on the board.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_261.jpgThe first quarter started off in a defensive showdown with both teams struggling to get on the board. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Both teams headed for the locker rooms with the scoreboard reading 30-6 at the half.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_282.jpgBoth teams headed for the locker rooms with the scoreboard reading 30-6 at the half. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
With 7:20 left in the half, Easley hit the end-zone again, bringing the score to 17-6.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_298.jpgWith 7:20 left in the half, Easley hit the end-zone again, bringing the score to 17-6. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Easley starts season off 1-0.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_340.jpgEasley starts season off 1-0. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Parking attendants said it was the highest attended game they had ever seen.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_345.jpgParking attendants said it was the highest attended game they had ever seen. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Fumbles and incomplete passes plagued the Blue Flame.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_358.jpgFumbles and incomplete passes plagued the Blue Flame. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Pickens fans off to a 0-1 start for 2017.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_365.jpgPickens fans off to a 0-1 start for 2017. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
Easley hosts Daniel on Friday.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_389.jpgEasley hosts Daniel on Friday. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress
