By Carson Lambert

clambert@civitasmedia.com

The Mid-Carolina offensive line steamrolled Eau Claire’s defensive front in a 48-7 rout of the Shamrocks.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_MC-vs-EC.jpgThe Mid-Carolina offensive line steamrolled Eau Claire’s defensive front in a 48-7 rout of the Shamrocks. Carson Lambert | The Newberry Observer

PROSPERITY — The Mid-Carolina Rebels successfully clinched a playoff spot with a 48-7 beat down of the Eau Claire Shamrocks on Friday night.

“I’m very proud of our offensive line, they got after it tonight for four quarters,” said Mid-Carolina head coach Louis Alexander.

After both teams failed to garner any points in the first quarter, it appeared as if the game might play out as a low-scoring, defensive struggle.

“We turned the ball over down there on our second possession, didn’t see (the ball) again for a little while, (and) had a couple big plays called back,” said Alexander.

That was before the second quarter.

With the clock showing eight and a half minutes in the second, the Rebels recovered a fumble which set them up in Shamrock territory. After completing a long bomb Mid-Carolina thought they had the first score of the night only to have it called back for an illegal shift.

Undeterred the Rebels ran it in from 30 yards a few plays later giving them the lead 7-0 with just under seven minutes left in the half.

From that point on, it was all Mid-Carolina.

The Rebels would complete a touchdown pass just before the half to go into the locker room leading 14-0.

The halftime festivities included the 2015 Homecoming Court, which resulted in Jordan Spicer receiving the top honor of Homecoming Queen.

The Rebels picked up right where they left off to open the second half, converting a long touchdown run in their opening series.

Any chance the Shamrocks had of mounting a comeback seemed to be squashed when they failed to convert on a fourth and three with nine minutes remaining in the third.

After the turnover on downs, the Rebels’ Terrell Long covered 35 yards in a single dash to increase their lead to 28-0.

Eau Claire’s lone touchdown of the night resulted not from a lapse in the Rebels’ defense, but from sheer athleticism.

“Their only score came on a tremendous play that their receiver made,” said Alexander.

The Rebels were able to convert three more times before the clock expired to end the game.

“Overall I’m pretty pleased,” said Alexander.

Reach Carson Lambert at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @ The NBOnews.