Northwood wins first state title

ORANGEBURG — The Northwood Academy football program reached the pinnacle of success in just its fifth year of existence.

The Chargers won the SCISA Class AA state championship Friday night with a 28-10 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy in front of approximately 2,000 fans at Orangeburg Prep's "Reservation."

The Chargers swarmed midfield, index fingers thrust into the cold night air as their fans shot silly string in celebration.

Northwood, which defeated Thomas Sumter 35-14 in the regular season, finished its most memorable year with a 12-2 record. Thomas Sumter ended with a 10-3 mark.

"It's a dream come true for us, our team and our players," Northwood coach Jerry Stoots said. "Midway through the season, I thought we might be the best team in the state, but you still have to play the games. They had us on the ropes early, but we came back."

Uriah Singleton led the Chargers, as usual, with 162 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.

"It's the best season and feeling I've ever had," Singleton said. "I don't know what to say, but we deserved it. It's indescribable."

The Generals converted two Northwood turnovers into 10 points to take the early lead.

On the first play from scrimmage, Singleton fumbled, and that led to Harrison Cardone's 30-yard field goal.

Northwood's Brandon Stoots had a pass picked off and that set up the Generals' second score, Blake Stengel's 33-yard touchdown pass to Dustin Scott with 1:11 left in the first quarter.

But the Chargers didn't quit.

Singleton, who rushed for 214 yards in the regular season game against Thomas Sumter, broke off a 62-yard touchdown run with 48 seconds left in the first quarter.

Singleton then capped a three-play, 32-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run with 10:37 left in the first half to give the Chargers their first lead, 14-10.

"I can't describe the feeling," Singleton said. "They came out swinging, but we came out on top. It was a case of who wanted it most."

The Chargers had 116 hard in the first half, with Singleton accounting for 93 yards on the ground on nine carries.

The Generals managed only 80 yards in the first half. Stengel was 4-of-10 passing for 39 yards in the first half.

Northwood broke Thomas Sumter's back on the third play of the third quarter. Brock Richard caused a fumble that Nick Burn returned 29 yards for a score to make it 21-10 with 11:29 left in the third quarter.

"These seniors were the players who started the program," Stoots said. "They were the babies of the bunch. But now, they're all grown up."

And, they are state champs.

T — Harrison Cardone 30 FG

T — Dustin Scott 33 pass from Blake Stengel (Cardone kick)

N — Uriah Singleton 62 run (Seth Graham kick)

N — Singleton 9 run (Graham kick)

N — Nick Burn 29 fumble return (Graham kick)

N — Singleton 22 run (Graham kick)