John McKissick rides the shoulders of his players after earning his 600th career victory on Friday night, the most of any football coach at any level.
Photo by Doug Rogers
The prep coaching orbit of
Summerville (S.C.) head coach John McKissick has entered a new galaxy with his team’s 37-21 win over Ashley Ridge (3-7) Friday night.
The Green Wave (6-4) amassed 361 yards on 65 plays as the three-time national High School Coach of the Year won his 600th career game before 10,000 fans. No other coach at any level of football has won as many games. Coach McKisisck says he has no plans to retire and 18 starters will return next season.
John McKissick, Summerville
Photo by Doug Rogers
After the milestone win the 86-year old McKissick (600-148-13) gave the credit to his players.
“It feels good to win and if totals up to 600 that’s great,” he said. “I am real proud of the way our team played tonight and I am happy for my players. I have had enough recognition already for myself so I am glad to see them play well on such a big stage. I am proud of the way our players played tonight.
“They can tell their kids one day that they were part of the 600th win so I am happy for my players. Our community and school administration is real suppertime of athletics at Summerville and I am just proud to have been a part of the program for all these years. Football is such a great American game and teaches young people so much about life in general.”
In victory Coach McKissick praised his opponent. “Ashley Ridge has four skilled players as good as any we’ve played against this year,” he said. “Romelo Doctor might be as good as anyone we’ve played against.” Doctor led Ashley Ridge in rushing.
Coach McKissick called Green Wave junior running back
Davon Anderson, who led all rushers with 167 net yards on 28 carries an “All-American.” Freshman Green Wave quarterback
Sawyer Bridges completed 9 of 14 passes for 123 yards and he ran five times for 48 yards.
Summerville built a 17-0 lead before Ashley Ridge scored late in the first half to trail 17-7 at the half. The Foxes cut the deficit to 17-14 by scoring on their first possession of the third period when Doctor scored from the four.
But the Green Wave scored on their next two possessions behind the power running of Anderson to build a 31-14 lead starting the fourth period.
McKissick has been coaching for 61
years.
Photo by Doug Rogers
“I am just going to hug my grandson and have a good time tonight,” said McKissick from the field after the game. I also want to congratulate the offensive coaches and the defenses coaches for having a great game plan to night against a good team.”
Ashley Ridge head coach Kenny Walker once coached at Summerville.
“Our defense was on the field all night and their play was disappointing,” he said. “I coach on the defensive side of the ball and we just don’t tackle well. Doctor carried our team tonight and he’s a player every time he touches the ball.
“I have a lot of respect for Coach McKissick and I feel like this is a great honor for him. I didn’t want it to come against us on our home field but I congratulate him on reaching another milestone in his career. To be able to witness it is pretty big for our community since we are in the same school district.”
On defense sophomore linebacker
Mac McCurry led the way with 14 total tackles and senior linebacker
Adam Blocker had ten stops in the big game.
Coach McKissick said after the game that he never stressed 600 wins and that he barely mentioned the new milestone to his team during practices throughout the week.
“If you want to talk about 700 wins I’ll talk about that,” joked McKissick to reporters from the field. "I’ll be 96 or so if that happens.”
The Green Wave led wire to wire behind Anderson who scored on runs of two, three, and three yards. Anderson had been sidelined for four games with a knee injury prior to the game.
Ashley Ridge was led by Doctor who has picked to play in the annual Shrine Bowl All-Stars football game. Doctor had 106 yards on 19 carries. His team netted 268 yards on 35 total plays. The Wave defense held senior quarterback Jacob Thompson to just two completions for 90 yards.
“We practiced hard all week and we were not going to be denied,” said Anderson. “It feels great to be a part of history. We wanted this one for Coach.”
McCurry said it will be a lasting memory for him as well.
“My father played for Coach McKissick and my grandfather coached with him so this was a special game for me in many ways. Wearing the Green and Gold uniform is a big deal for me. I am proud to play for Coach McKissick and this will be one of my life long memories for sure.”
