Football Recap: Lazarious Stephens' Menacing Defense Leads Hillcrest over J.L. Mann + How To Watch

Jackson Free

Passer Rating

10/10/25 vs J.L. Mann	167.3
08/22/25 vs Laurens	147.3
09/05/25 vs Greer	126.8
09/19/25 @ Mauldin	97.8
10/03/25 vs T.L. Hanna	94
+ 2 more games

J.L. Mann came into Friday's contest looking for another win against Hillcrest, but Jackson Free wouldn't allow it. The Rams simply couldn't be stopped on Friday as they easily beat the Patriots 51-14 thanks in part to Free, who threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns while completing 88.2% of his passes. His passing game has become a key predictor of Hillcrest's success: the team is undefeated when his passer rating is 100 or higher, but only 1-3 otherwise.

The team also got some help courtesy of Reed Collier, who picked up 93 receiving yards and one TD. He really caught the secondary sleeping when he pulled down a catch that went for 93 yards.

Hillcrest didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. Leading the way was Lazarious Stephens and his one interception.

Several Patriots players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Buddy Griffin, who rushed for 68 yards and one score, and also picked up 30 receiving yards. Tristian Shell also helped out with an impressive 90 receiving yards.

Hillcrest now has a winning record of 4-3. As for J.L. Mann, they dropped their record down to 1-6 with the loss, which was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season.

Hillcrest has already played their next matchup, a 49-20 victory against Easley on the 17th. As for J.L. Mann, they also didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next game, a 55-17 defeat against T.L. Hanna on the 17th.