ROCK HILL, S.C. — South Pointe quarterback Derion Kendrick accounted for four touchdowns Friday night as the Stallions defeated Buford 33-27 in a highly anticipated nonregion matchup.
Kendrick threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more scores, including the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Buford took a 27-24 lead when Anthony Grant broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run with 8:16 remaining. Kendrick answered three minutes later, scoring on a 17-yard run to give South Pointe a 31-27 advantage.
The Stallions added a safety with 1:04 remaining when defensive end Eli Adams brought down a Buford player in the end zone.
Kendrick connected with wide receiver Scott Robinson for both of his touchdown passes, covering 38 and 36 yards.
Buford capitalized on several South Pointe special teams mistakes. A bad punt snap in the end zone helped the Wolves take an early 7-0 lead, while a blocked field goal attempt set up Grant’s 3-yard touchdown run.
Austin Turner also returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown, cutting South Pointe’s lead to 21-20 during the first half.
The game featured two accomplished programs. Buford entered the matchup with 11 state championships and a runner-up finish in the 2016 Class AAAAA state championship game. South Pointe entered ranked No. 8 and had won three consecutive state championships, including the previous season’s Class AAAA title.
Buford fell to 2-1, while South Pointe improved to 4-0.
The Wolves will return home Sept. 29 to face Clarke Central.
