The Colleton County Cougars finished the season with a 28-27 overtime win over Cane Bay High School Friday Nov. 14 on the road.
The Cougars won their final three games of the 2020 season to finish 4-3 overall and 2-3 in Region VII-AAAA.
Friday’s game was a back-and-forth affair between the Cougars and Cobras. A recovered fumble led to Colleton County’s first touchdown in the game. Cane Bay answered with 5:13 left on the clock in the second quarter to take a 7-6 led. Colleton County took advantage of another Cane Bay fumble with :29 left in the first half to go ahead 12-7 on a rushing touchdown by Jackie White (two-point conversion failed).
Colleton County’s Chris Hiers recovered a third fumble by Cane Bay with 7:04 on the clock in the third quarter, but the Cougars could not capitalize. Cane Bay took a 13-12 lead at the end of the third quarter and scored again early in the fourth quarter to go up 20-12.
With 5:00 left in the game, Colleton County tied the game (Holmes, two-point conversion) at 20-20.
In overtime, Cane Bay scored first to take a 27-20 lead. The Cougars answered and successfully went for the two-point conversion (Holmes) to win the game.
Senior quarterback Nayrone Holmes had 170 yards rushing, two touchdowns and two conversions. Trey Magwood 47 yards and a touchdown. Jackie White had two carries for 11 yards and a touchdown and was 1-1 in passing for 30 yards to Jorryn Simmons.
“Our guys came in really wanting to get the win and finish with a winning record,” said Coach Coby Peeler. “It is the first time that has been done since the 2005 season. This team has amazing heart and determination. They came from behind twice, and refused to give in.
“In the end, we rode the horse that got us there,” said Peeler. “We scored in overtime to get within one-point, then offensive coordinator Kris Howell asked me what I wanted to do and I told him ‘they’ve done it all year – put it in Nayrone’s hands and let the tight ends and offensive line do what they do.’ We called the play, and they got it done. I knew when we scored the touchdown we were going to win, because I knew the offensive line and Nayrone would get the 2-point conversion. I never had a doubt.
“I love this team and every one of the players. They are what a team should be. We are a family.”
Colleton County rostered 19 seniors this season.
