What we learned as Carolina Forest upset Sumter

Panthers top the Gamecocks for the first time in 12 years

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA - Khalil Johnson ran eight yards for a touchdown with 19.4 seconds remaining, lifting Carolina Forest to 17-14 win over No. 9 Sumter in Region 5 5-A action Friday night.

It was the Panthers’ first win over the Gamecocks since 2011.

Carolina Forest is in the driver's seat for a regional title

Carolina Forest is 5-3 overall and 2-0 in the region. The Panthers, who have won four in a row, are in the driver’s seat for the region title. Sumter dropped to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the region.

Khalil Johnson helps the Panthers dominate early

Carolina Forest is a run-oriented spread team and likes to control the clock. The Panthers drove 80 yards in 17 plays, chewing up 10 minutes, to open the game. Johnson ran it in from the 1 for his first touchdown.

The Panthers got a 44-yard field goal from J.J. Chadick on their second possession. It was a 10-0 game midway through the second quarter and Sumter had run four plays, including a punt.

Gamecocks surged behind John Peeples

Sumter tailback John Peeples, who had 97 yards on 17 carries, ran for a pair of touchdowns. The standout junior, who has over 800 yards rushing, scored his second touchdown on a direct snap.

Meanwhile, the defense tightened.

Jauron Bennett intercepted a pass in the end zone and recovered a fumble. Kedatriss Anderson had an interception that set up Peeples’ second touchdown.

Ethan Hamilton helps the tide turn back towards Carolina Forest

After getting almost nowhere on its previous four possessions, the Panthers drove 75 yards in 14 plays for the game-winner. Quarterback Ethan Hamilton had two big scrambles and a long completion.

Sumter had one last gasp

Sumter quarterback Pate Merchant took off on a 30-yard run to set up a last-second field goal try. But the 47-yard attempt was off the mark.

Up next

Carolina Forest hosts Socastee. Sumter is at home against St. James.