By Robert Cole

For The Newberry Observer

Daniel Bannister runs against Laurens.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Daniel-Bannister-runs-against-Laurens1.jpgDaniel Bannister runs against Laurens. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

Landen York carries the ball for Newberry Academy.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Landen-York-carries-the-ball1.jpgLanden York carries the ball for Newberry Academy. Robert Cole | For The Newberry Observer

LAURENS — Frank Lane, a former baseball executive, once said, “If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.” Sage advice for the Newberry Academy Eagles as their struggles continued last Friday.

On a wet and dreary night, the Eagles traveled to Laurens Academy to face the Crusaders, and lost 50-0.

The return of varsity football at the Academy has been hampered by injuries, and this week was no different. Several key players were missing, including some linemen that could have helped slow down the relentless Laurens pursuit of quarterback Tyrese Taylor.

Taylor, used to shaking off pressure and turning busted plays into big gains, was sacked multiple times.

The Eagles took the opening kickoff and moved the ball into Laurens territory, but turned the ball over on downs. This was a theme repeated often during the game.

Laurens mounted a long drive that culminated in the first score and an 8-0 lead. Newberry took over and after a few positive running plays by the Eagles’ Daniel Bannister, Taylor was sacked, ending the drive.

The Crusaders again reached the endzone, and now led 14-0. After another sack, Taylor was able to find Landen York on a long pass play, but the drive fizzled on Laurens’ side of the field.

The Crusaders mounted several more drives in the first half, and pushed the lead to 30-0 as time dwindled in the second period. A late fumble by the Eagles gave Laurens possession with less than 10 seconds remaining in the half.

The Crusaders scored as time expired, and pushed the lead to 38-0 at the half.

In the second half, Newberry turned to Bannister, who was productive in spurts, but the Eagles were unable to consistently move the ball. The Eagles managed a couple of long passes, but Taylor was also sacked several more times.

Bannister finished the game with over 100 yards rushing. Defensively, the Eagles decreased the number of big plays given up, but were unable to consistently stop Laurens from getting first downs.

Newberry Academy plays at home this Friday, facing Clarendon Hall at Kendall Field.