Undefeated Northwestern Advances to State Semifinals
Rock Hill, SC – The Northwestern Trojans football team continues its dominant season after a decisive 35-6 victory over Greenwood High School in the South Carolina 5A Division II playoffs on Friday night. This win improves Northwestern’s record to 12-0 and secures their spot in the semifinals, where they will face the Gaffney Indians next Friday at District 3 Stadium.
Strong Start for the Trojans
Northwestern came out strong right from the start. After Greenwood received the ball first, a fumble forced by sophomore Khalil Williamson changed the momentum. Senior linebacker Will Massey recovered, setting up the Trojans deep in Greenwood territory. Senior quarterback Finley Polk connected with senior wide receiver Daniel Caldwell for a quick 6-yard touchdown pass, putting Northwestern ahead 7-0.
The Trojans didn’t stop there. Following a punt return by junior Jonathan Spurgeon, Northwestern swiftly moved the ball downfield. Polk launched a 48-yard touchdown pass to senior Jayden Nichols, followed by a successful two-point conversion, extending the lead to 15-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Outstanding Performance and Tactical Execution
Coach Page Wofford praised his team’s performance, saying, “I’ll take a 35-6 win in the third round against a very, very much improved Greenwood team every day of the week.” Along with a powerful offense, the Trojans showcased a solid defense that limited Greenwood’s chances effectively.
Senior kicker Matthew Fish contributed significantly, adding an 18-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Polk then rushed in a touchdown from the 1-yard line, and with Gordon-Miles adding another score just before halftime, Northwestern established a commanding 25-0 lead.
Gordon-Miles, a sophomore running back, had a standout performance, scoring twice and surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the season. “He gets better every day,” said Wofford, highlighting the player’s growth since last season. The Trojans’ powerful offensive line played a crucial role in creating opportunities against Greenwood’s strong defensive front.
Defensive Dominance
Throughout the game, Northwestern’s defense stood tall against Greenwood’s attempts to score. They kept the Eagles at bay until the final minutes, managing to restrict their offense effectively until they finally found the end zone with just 90 seconds remaining in the game. This marks the third consecutive season that Northwestern has eliminated Greenwood from the playoffs, following previous victories of 55-7 and 50-0 in past playoffs.
Looking Ahead
The Trojans will have their next challenge against the Gaffney Indians, who defeated T.L. Hanna 21-7 in their playoff matchup. As they prepare for the semifinals, Coach Wofford expressed confidence in his team, hoping “everyone can click for two more weeks.” The Trojans are not just aiming for the championship; they are also focused on their unity and teamwork as they continue their pursuit of a successful season.
With strong leadership and talented players like Polk and Gordon-Miles, Northwestern’s fanbase is eager to see how the team fares next Friday. The Trojans’ performance thus far has demonstrated their capability to contend in high-pressure situations, and the community surrounding Northwestern is abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming championship game.
