Darlington’s lack of offense results in a lack of points against Chesterfield in jamboree
By Drake Horton, Contributing Writer
Bennettsville – It was a tough learning experience for the Darlington Falcons this past Friday in Bennettsville. Fortunately it does not count toward the record books or the region championship.
Taking on the Chesterfield Rams in the Dennis Miller Jamboree of Champions, Darlington struggled out of the gate in the two-quarter exhibition, losing 17-0.
Darlington had a total of six offensive possessions against Chesterfield with four ending on a punt, one with an interception and the final possession ending with a turnover on downs.
All four of the punts were on three and out series and only twice did the Falcons cross the 50-yard line, with first time ending in an interception with Darlington having the ball on the Chesterfield 30-yard line and the second time on the final drive of the game that ended in a turnover on downs at Rams 29-yard line.
The Falcons gave up as many sacks as it earned in first downs offensively with just three.
Defensively, however, it was not that bad of a night for the Falcons.
“I thought our defense played really well tonight,” Darlington head coach John Jones said. “We (offense) put them in a terrible position. We couldn’t move the ball, made a bunch of busts up front line wise that we have to learn how to correct, but we also have to learn how to play with intensity. We don’t get on the field to start games; we don’t get off the bus and start games with intensity. We have to learn that it is a matter of heart and pride and you have to play with it from the very beginning.”
Chesterfield started off hot scoring a touchdown on its first two drives of the game, including one that was set up by a long completion that should have never happened after it looked obvious that the Rams had offensive linemen way down the field, which is illegal on a forward pass like the one completed on that play.
After falling behind 14-0 Darlington’s defense tightened down forcing two punts and holding Chesterfield to a long 39-yard field goal in the final three possession of the game for the Rams.
Jamboree Recap
Darlington’s game against Chesterfield on Friday was not the only jamboree the Falcons played in last week.
Hannah-Pamplico 13, Darlington 12
On Tuesday, August 8, Darlington traveled up to Cheraw to take on Hannah-Pamplico in another two quarter exhibition.
The Falcons looked to be in control of the game when Hannah-Pamplico struck late, scoring the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds to squeeze out a 13-12 victory.
In that game Darlington missed an extra point and failed on two-point conversion attempt.
Darlington 7, Central 6
In the Falcons final preseason game before the regular season starts this week, Darlington traveled up to Chesterfield to take on the Central Eagles, winning 7-6 and creating some much needed momentum.