Andy Brown

The Greenville Advocate

GREENVILLE — Led by an opportunistic defense, Selma High School edged Greenville High School 21-14 Friday night at Tiger Stadium.

The Saints (4-3, 2-3 Class 5A, Region 3) intercepted five Greenville passes, including two in the end zone to thwart Greenville scoring opportunities.

A third Greenville pass was picked off and returned to the Tigers’ 5-yard line by sophomore linebacker Aderick Moore. The interception set up a 5-yard touchdown run by senior running back Cinque Coles, which put the Saints ahead by two touchdowns.

“That interception was huge,” Selma head coach Leroy Miles said. “That was the turning point of the game.”

Miles credited his defense for coming up with big plays when the Saints needed them most, such as an interception by senior defensive back Navarius Walker with 1:45 to play that ended Greenville’s final drive.

“Our defense played a great game,” he said. “We were able to get turnovers when we needed them. Greenville has a real good team. To beat a team like that you’ve got to play hard and fast, and you need to create some turnovers.”

The Saints took an early lead on the Tigers (3-4, 3-2 Class 5A, Region 2) when quarterback Jesse Boggs scored from 7 yards out on the final play of the first quarter. Rashawn Reeves’ point after attempt gave Selma a 7-0 lead.

After a scoreless second quarter, the Tigers knotted the game at 7-all when junior quarterback Draylen McGrew barreled into the end zone from a yard out and sophomore Marlon Davidson split the uprights.

The Saints responded on their very next possession. Senior running back Adam Bruno capped the scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run with 4:33 to play in the third quarter. Reeves’ point after attempt gave Selma a 14-7 lead.

Greenville cut the lead to a single score with 3:02 remaining in the game when McGrew found junior Javarrius Cheatham for a 54-yard touchdown. Davidson’s extra point made it a 21-14 game.

With 2:32 to play, Greenville senior DeBryant Crenshaw intercepted a Selma pass at the Tigers’ 34-yard line giving Greenville a shot to tie the game. But three plays later the Saints would tally their fifth interception of the night to seal the win.

“We knew it was going to be a fight,” Miles said. “Coach (Earnest) Hill does a great job with this program.”

Selma hosts Sumter Central High School next week.