Demons Win Big On Opening Night | Red Zone's Blog

The Lugoff-Elgin Demons opened their 2009 football season with a convincing win over the White Knoll Timberwolves, 34-0 on Friday.

Before kickoff, however, the Demons honored a fallen teammate and classmate, Bart Hinson. Bart was killed in a car crash back in June and this would have been his senior season. With the team spread out among the sidelines, head coach Scott Jones and principal Tommy Gladden presented Bart's parents, Robbie and Michelle, and sister Cameron, Bart's retired number 16 jersey. The number 16 will be painted in each end zone throughout the year and a #16 sticker will be on every teammate's helmet. A jersey and framed photo of Bart will hang in the school's gym. Bart's dad, Robbie spoke to the crowd about how much Bart loved football, being a part of the team and being on the field with them. He also spoke about how Bart loved life and loved to tell people that he was a perfect three for three on kicking extra points.

The Demons took the opening kickoff and marched down the field for the first score of the season. Forrest Koumas fired a pass to Julian Baxter who's outstrected arms reached over the goal line for the touchdown. Grayson Quick's pat was good to put the good guys on top 7-0 with 8:57 left in the first quarter.

White Knoll would use their scrum style offense to begin a march down the field and would threaten early. As their full back was approaching the goal line, Anthony Myers caught him from behind and ripped the ball out of his hands at the two. With the ball rolling around just inside of the end zone, E. J. Ruiz would recover the ball for LE.

It wouldn't take long for the Demons to capitalize on the opportunity. With 7:16 left in the first quarter, LE would use a little trickeration. Junior quarterback Will Dorton would line up under center. Dorton would then toss a long lateral to Devonte Alexander on the left side of the line who would then hit Forrest Koumas in stride at the seven yard who would run to paydirt. Quick's kick was good once again and LE was up by 14.

Grayson Quick would continue to have a great night kicking the ball as he hit the first of two 40 yard field goals with 4:19 left in the second quarter. This done despite dark storm clouds moving in and a cross wind kicking up.

With under three minutes to go, the Timberwolves would be on the move once again. The White Knoll runner would fumble the ball. Julian Baxter would scoop up the ball and ramble 46 yards to put the Demons up comfortably at the half, 24-0.

Their wouldn't be another score til 9:40 left in the game when Darius Custard would take the hand off and score from 25 yards out. The pat was good once again and LE was up 31-0.

Under muggy and very warm conditions, Grayson Quick would boot another 40 yard field goal that could have made it from 60, to put the Demons up by 34.

White Knoll wouldn't give up as they would get down inside of the one yard line with under a minute to go. The Demons refused to let the Timberwolves score on third and fourth downs to preserve the shutout.

Unofficial Stats

First Downs - LE - 4; WK - 14

Passing - Forrest Koumas - 5/7 73 yds, and 1 TD

Receiving - Julian Baxte r- 3 catches for 67 yds., 1 TD

Rushing - Darius Custard - 4 rushes, 78 yds, 1 TD.

Demon Doings

--About 25 young Demons ran out with the team at the start of the game. These future Demons participated in the first annual Fundamental Football Clinic held the previous Saturday. You could tell they really loved that moment in the spotlight.

--The State Paper has video highlights of the game posted. Go to www.midlandspreps.com then click on the link "video - Lugoff-Elgin vs. White Knoll." The video is just over three minutes long.

--White Knoll had five fumbles in the game.

--Next game - Friday, September 4 at home vs. Airport. Kick off scheduled for 7:30. It will be Glenn Price (LE's Band Director) Night. An alumni band is being organized and is scheduled to play.