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Billy Cannada

Staff Writer

PIEDMONT — The Wren High football team earned its seventh win of the season last Friday in a 37-29 victory over Belton-Honea Path and will now look towards a season ending match-up with Palmetto

Wren Coach Jeff Tate says he was proud of his team’s performance in their final home game against BHP.

“I thought our kids were ready to play and gave great effort,” said Tate. “That’s something that we needed to do against a team like BHP.”

Tate says the team’s success started on defense.

“I thought our rushing defense was exceptional,” said Tate. “I think that was the key to be able to possibly put them in more predictable situations. I think we were able to capitalize and anticipate what they might possibly do because our guys were playing so well up front.”

The head coach says his quarterback was a big reason for the win.

“Jacob (Clary) did an excellent job of spreading the football around to our playmakers,” said Tate. “All of our receivers had five, six or seven catches. Brandon Coleman led us with nine, and of course Levi (Bufford) had an exceptional game running the football. He caught five out of the backfield for 87 yards and two touchdowns.”

“You can’t go without mentioning the offensive line,” Tate continued. “I think they probably played their most consistent game of the season. I think we’ve made a lot of improvements up front and that opened up some holes for us to run the football.”

Looking ahead to this Friday’s showdown, Tate says the Hurricanes will have their hands full.

“Any time you play Palmetto you know it’s going to be a physical game. That’s their style of play,” said Tate. “They’re a district rival, and over the course of time, it has been intense. We need to do what we do to improve going forward to continue to play well.”

Tate says his team will not be caught looking ahead to the playoffs this week.

“It’s always tough going over to Palmetto,” said Tate. “Anytime you go over there you’re going to get their best. They’re going to have great support because their playing Wren. It will be an intense game, and our kids will be ready to play.”

With just one road trip left to take this season, Wren is looking to accomplish some bigger goals

“We’ve still got a chance, although it might be a small chance, to finish first in the region,” said Tate. “That’s obviously another motive for us against Palmetto. Right now we’ve got to take care of us. We can’t worry about other teams.”

Kickoff at Palmetto is set for 7:30 p.m.