Rock Hill: Record-Setting Night for South Pointe’s Mason Pickett-Hicks
In a thrilling playoff matchup, South Pointe High School football star Mason Pickett-Hicks dominated the field on Friday night, guiding his team to a significant victory over Daniel High School. The match, held in Rock Hill, saw Pickett-Hicks rush for an unofficial total of 485 yards and score six touchdowns, as the Stallions triumphed 49-35 in the Class 4A state playoff quarterfinals.
A Historical Performance
Pickett-Hicks’ explosive performance has likely etched his name into the South Carolina record books. The previous single-game rushing record in the state stood at 462 yards and was set by J.T. Waters of Palmetto Christian School in 2013. As reported by MaxPreps, this incredible feat places Pickett-Hicks among the elite in high school football history. The national record this year is 593 yards, achieved by Adam Nunes of Buffalo South Park.
Team Dynamics and Game Flow
With the victory, the Stallions improved their overall record to 11-2 and advanced to the Upper State regional championship set for next week in Anderson against defending state champion Westside, who is currently unbeaten at 12-0. This next matchup will determine who secures a spot in the state title game.
The game unfolded with South Pointe establishing a lead, but not without a fierce challenge from Daniel, who also sported a record of 11-2. South Pointe surged ahead 35-21 thanks to Pickett-Hicks’ 54-yard touchdown run with approximately nine minutes to go. However, Daniel quickly responded, narrowing the gap to just a touchdown.
Pickett-Hicks continued to showcase his abilities, responding once more with a stunning 74-yard touchdown run, which extended the Stallions’ lead to 42-28. Despite Daniel’s efforts, which included a passing touchdown from Grayson Clary to Jason Bish, Pickett-Hicks capped the night with a final 34-yard touchdown, solidifying the Stallions’ hard-fought win. The match marked Daniel’s first home playoff loss in the past five years.
Other Playoff Highlights
In addition to the spotlight on South Pointe, other significant playoff games took place on the same night. In the 1A class, Lewisville overcame Hunter-Kinard-Tyler with a decisive 31-6 win. The Lions will move on to face powerhouse Abbeville next week. Meanwhile, in the 5A class, teams like Dutch Fork and Summerville also secured their places in the regional finals with impressive performances.
As the playoffs continue, the stakes are getting higher, and teams are aiming for their shot at the state title. The upcoming regional finals promise to deliver high-intensity competition as teams strive to clinch their positions in the championship game.
