North Augusta tops South Aiken; improves to 8-0

Dejuan Bell had 3 interceptions in North Augusta's win over South Aiken.

North Augusta’s defense made the difference in the Yellow Jackets’ 21-7 win over region rival South Aiken Friday. Class AAAA's #4 ranked North Augusta improved to 8-0 with 2 regular season games remaining. South Aiken fell to 6-2.

Defensive back Dejuan Bell grabbed three interceptions in the first three quarters as the Yellow Jackets hung on to a 7-0 lead, which was established late in the first quarter when quarterback Landon Washington rushed for a 3 yard touchdown. South Aiken finally got on the board in the third quarter when Deshun Kitchings scored from 5 yards out after Chris Roberts marched the Thoroughbreds down field with a string of rushing gains.

North Augusta's crowd roared when the Yellow Jackets made two key second half stops.

Then North Augusta’s defense made two key second half stops. First, with the crowd roaring its support, the Jackets stuffed Roberts on 4th and 1 at North Augusta’s 45 yard line. Next, Zach McGhee dumped Cody Boynton deep in the backfield on 3rd and 10 early in the 4th quarter.

McGhee’s stop swung the momentum back to North Augusta, which quickly scored to take a 14-7 lead after a Landon Washington to Kashawn Johnson connection, a couple Derius Gibson rushes, and finally a Washington keeper for another touchdown.

Landon Washington rushed for 2 touchdowns in North Augusta's win Friday.

After playing more stingy defense, the Yellow Jackets drove 75 yards on the final series to earn the 21-7 win. Washington set the tone on that last drive, running over a defender to get the initial first down. Gibson would take it from there, moving the chains with several significant gains, and finishing with a 15 yard touchdown dash on 4th and 1 with 31.7 seconds remaining.