Ageless John McKissick celebrated another big football victory Friday night as
Summerville (S.C.) stunned previously unbeaten Bluffton (S.C.) 31-22 for its fifth straight victory following a 2-4 start.
John McKissick, Summerville
It marked the national-record 601st career coaching victory for the 86-year-old marvel, whose young team has improved by leaps and bounds during the second half of the season. Standout running back
Davon Anderson led the charge by rushing for 290 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Bluffton had won its first 10 games, with a huge 497-100 scoring advantage. But the Green Wave defense dominated with seven sacks and four other tackles for losses in the backfield and Darrin Smalls made two interceptions - one in his end zone.
Summerville roared to an unexpected 21-0 halftime advantage before Bluffton rallied behind the arm of
C.J. Frazier, who passed for over 400 yards and three touchdowns.
The big rally caused McKissick to tell the Charleston Post & Courier, "I feel good about the win, but they aged me about 10 years the last couple of minutes. We let them get back in it, but I'm glad we beat a good team. I'm happy for our kids. They believed they could win, so they worked hard in practice all week and it paid off tonight."