Pickens knocks off unbeaten Walhalla

By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher

rnimmons@thepccourier.com

WALHALLA — After one of the toughest weeks Pickens head football coach Chad Smith has personally had to deal with, his Blue Flame put on their finest performance to date in taking down the undefeated Walhalla Razorbacks 28-21 on the road to keep playoff hopes alive.

Smith, who was very emotional following the upset victory, was still reeling following the unexpected death last week of C.J. Fuller, who starred at running back for Smith during his tenure at Easley High School. The former Clemson Tiger died Oct. 3 from complications following knee surgery.

“This win is huge, and after the week that I have had personally with C.J. Fuller passing, this was big,” Smith said. “This may have been as big of a win personally that I have been a part of.”

The Pickens victory came at a time when the Blue Flame most needed it, and it was an impressive one, with Smith showing those in attendance what his preferred Wing-T style of play looks like when it is clicking on all cylinders. Pickens produced 394 yards of offense — 299 of which was on the ground, led by runners Jarod Barton (153 yards), Brady Batson (77 yards) and freshman sensation Jamoreah Keith (67 yards) all behind some of the finest offensive line play of season. The running attack, coupled with some tough, smash-mouth defense dialed up by Pickens defensive coordinator Eric Houston, made the victory even sweeter.

“It is just a team effort,” Barton said after the game. “Everyone was physical. Everyone was getting after it. We just decided to come out and play with emotion. This game was not all on me. It was a team effort.

“The offensive line played a heck of a game — maybe the best one of the season. I would not get the yards I did if it weren’t for my offensive line. I felt we were going to do well as soon as I touched the ball the first time tonight. Our offensive line was making holes a train could fit through, and

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