Trojans handle Knights

GOOSE CREEK — It has been a tough season for both Stratford and James Island, but with the two hard-luck teams playing each other, at least one had an opportunity to smile Friday.

James Island dominated the first half and survived a few anxious moments in the second to come away with a 31-14 Region 7-AAAA road victory over the Knights on Friday night.

"I'm happy for our kids," said James Island coach John Patterson. "We played well. It's the first time we've won a region game in five or six years. I'm just tickled to death for our kids. We worked so hard in the offseason program. We started out this year playing pretty competitive, but we lost some close games early and hit a slump."

Stratford trailed 17-0 at the half, but the second half got off to a fast and furious start that gave the Knights some hope.

Stratford got a big break to start the second half when linebacker Ian Thompson picked off a James Island pass and returned it 27 yards to the James Island 3-yard line. Three plays later, Chris Hanna scored on a quarterback sneak to cut the lead to 17-7 with 10:22 to play in the third quarter.

But the Trojans countered with an 85-yard drive, with Leon Smith scoring on a 13-yard run with 6:11 to play in the third quarter to put James Island ahead 24-7.

JI—Daniel Lempesis 32 field goal

JI—Bo Patterson, 5 run (Lempesis kick)

JI—Martel Johnson 1 run (Lempesis kick)

S—Chris Hanna 1 run (Wil Graham kick)

JI—Leon Smith, 13-yard run (Lempesis kick)

S—Tyler McDonald, 55 pass from Hanna (Graham kick)

JI—Sha'Ron Elliott 5 run (Lempesis kick)

Records: James Island 2-8, 1-3 Region 7-AAAA; Stratford 2-8, 1-2.