PICKENS — Despite a promising summer camp and high expectations from a proven coach, the Pickens Blue Flame are still on the hunt for their first win of the season after falling 21-7 against Liberty.
Liberty (2-1) was coming off a big 45-17 win at home against Walhalla following their opening loss against Pendleton.
The Red Devils tactic was simple: run it up the middle and keep Pickens’ offense off the field.
It worked.
Liberty’s QB Parker Burgess had only 13 passing yards the entire game, completing two of only six attempts.
On the ground was a different story: the team rushed for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.
In total, the Red Devils maintained solid control of the game clock, had 16 first downs to Pickens’ six and nearly a full seven minutes more in time of possession.
The Blue Flame (0-3) did appear to be the more disciplined of the two teams and accrued only 35 yards in penalties to Liberty’s 60.
In the end, the Red Devils took home the win 21-7.
At the other end of the county, Easley (2-1) went on the road to take on the Bears of Belton-Honea Path.
Unsuccessfully.
The Green Wave stayed scoreless in the first quarter while BHP managed two trips to the house.
In the second, an Easley touchdown briefly lifted spirits but the Bears answered back with another 22 points.
In the end, Easley lost 14-43.
Easley will stay on the road, travelling to Wren (1-1) on Sept. 8 to take on the Hurricanes.
Liberty and Pickens are also away and will play Blue Ridge in Greer and West-Oak in Westminster, respectively.
