We Speak High School Football

Strom Thurmond’s Season Ends in a 42-35 Playoff Battle With Marlboro County

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2026

Marlboro County’s Johnson dives forward with the football as a Strom Thurmond defender reaches in during the playoff game in Johnston.

JOHNSTON, S.C. — The Strom Thurmond Rebels saw their season come to an end Friday night following a hard-fought 42-35 loss to Marlboro County in the second round of the South Carolina Class AA football playoffs.

A Strom Thurmond ball carrier in a white uniform holds the football while two Marlboro County defenders in maroon bring him down during the Class AA playoff game in Johnston. — *A Strom Thurmond ball carrier fights for extra yards as Marlboro County defenders bring him down in the second round of the Class AA playoffs in Johnston. Photo by KJ Butler.*

Marlboro County entered the contest with a 10-1 record, matching the Rebels’ impressive 10-1 mark. With both teams looking to advance in the state playoffs, the matchup delivered a competitive contest between two programs that had enjoyed successful seasons.

Despite falling behind, Strom Thurmond continued to compete, keeping the game within reach as the fourth quarter approached. However, Marlboro County ultimately secured the seven-point victory, advancing its season to 11-1.

Rebel Standouts

Several Rebels stood out throughout the contest. Zy Rouse led the Strom Thurmond rushing attack, while Preston Holmes, known as “Squirt,” delivered a strong performance. Holmes was also among the team’s top receiving threats. Senior Dayton Griffith put together an impressive performance as well, helping lead the Rebels through a challenging playoff matchup.

Two Strom Thurmond players smile and celebrate together on the sideline at night during the playoff game against Marlboro County. — *Strom Thurmond players share a moment on the sideline during Friday night’s playoff battle. Photo by KJ Butler.*

More Than One Night

Although the Rebels came up short, their season was about much more than Friday night’s final score. Week after week, these young men showed up, competed, and represented Strom Thurmond with pride. They gave their community something to cheer for every Friday night and continued to demonstrate their determination every time they stepped onto the field.

A Strom Thurmond player kneels on the field clutching the football, with turf caught in his facemask. — *A Rebel clutches the ball after a play, turf still tangled in his facemask. Photo by KJ Butler.*

The season may have come to an end, but the effort, memories, and accomplishments of this team will not be forgotten. The Rebels have plenty to build on moving forward as they look ahead to next season.

Strom Thurmond’s No. 5 in a blue uniform breaks away with the football as a Marlboro County defender lies on the turf at his feet after a missed tackle and two more Bulldogs give chase during the Class AA playoff game in Johnston. — *Strom Thurmond’s ball carrier breaks free as a Marlboro County defender falls at his feet. Photo by KJ Butler.*

What Is Next for Both Teams

Marlboro County, now 11-1, moves on to the third round of the Class AA playoffs and travels to Dillon on Friday, November 20. It is a rematch the Bulldogs have been waiting for, because Dillon handed Marlboro County its only loss of the season, 17-14 back on October 23. Strom Thurmond’s season closes at 10-2.

Strom Thurmond’s No. 12 in a blue uniform runs with the football, turning upfield as a Marlboro County defender reaches in from behind during the Class AA playoff game in Johnston. — *Strom Thurmond’s No. 12 turns upfield with a Marlboro County defender reaching in. Photo by KJ Butler.*

Photo Gallery

Photos by KJ Butler.

My name is KJ Butler, and I am a sports photographer and creative media professional based in South Carolina. I am a graduate of Coastal Carolina University, where I earned my degree in Sport Management. I have a passion for capturing the excitement, emotion, and unforgettable moments of sports through photography and videography. Through my brands, KJB Photography and 803Visualz, I have gained experience covering high school and collegiate athletics, creating visual content, and telling stories through my lens. I enjoy highlighting athletes, showcasing teams, and capturing the moments that make sports special. My goal is to continue growing in the sports media industry, building meaningful connections, and using my creativity to tell stories that leave a lasting impact.

We Speak High School Football

Graham Shuts Out Lee 43-0 in Region 2D Playoff Opener

Published

1 hour ago

November 15, 2026

Elijah Hicks

Four Graham G-Men football players in black jerseys and maroon helmets celebrate together on the field at night.

Graham’s Nos. 3, 7, 11 and 12 celebrate together during the G-Men’s 43-0 playoff win over Lee. Photo by Elijah Hicks.

The Graham G-Men opened the VHSL Class 2 playoffs the way a top seed is supposed to, with the offense rolling and the defense pitching a shutout in a 43-0 win over the Lee Generals on Friday night at Tazewell High School in the Region 2D quarterfinals.

Graham's No. 1 hands the football to No. 7 in the backfield during a night game. — *Graham’s No. 1 hands off to No. 7 during the G-Men’s 43-0 win over Lee. Photo by Elijah Hicks.*

Graham came in as the No. 1 seed in Region 2D at 9-1, and Lee arrived as the No. 8 seed at 5-5, and the night followed the seeding from the opening drives. The G-Men built their lead behind a ground game that kept moving the chains, and by the middle of the third quarter the game was out of reach. Je’Von Lane’s 5-yard touchdown run and the extra point made it 30-0 with 7:51 left in the third quarter.

Lee never found an answer. The Generals were kept off the scoreboard for all four quarters, and Graham’s defense closed the door for good in the fourth. Jeremiah Quick intercepted a Lee pass and returned it for a touchdown with 8:11 to play, and after the two-point try failed, the 43-0 score stood as the final.

Graham's center crouches over the football at the line of scrimmage with the quarterback behind him. — *Graham’s center sets over the ball with No. 1 behind him against Lee. Photo by Elijah Hicks.*

A Defense That Slammed the Door

The shutout was the story inside the blowout. Graham has now blanked its last two opponents, closing the regular season with a 56-0 win over Richlands before holding Lee scoreless in the playoff opener. Quick’s interception return touchdown was the defense scoring on its own, the kind of play that turns a comfortable win into a statement.

Graham's No. 5 celebrates with his arms out, wearing gold gloves, during a night game. — *Graham’s No. 5 celebrates during the G-Men’s shutout of Lee. Photo by Elijah Hicks.*

For Lee, the night ended a 5-6 season that still carried the Generals into the postseason. The trip to the playoffs is the part the program takes into the offseason, even as the final score showed the gap between the No. 8 seed and the top of Region 2D.

What It Means

A Graham coach wearing a headset talks face to face with player No. 56 on the sideline. — *A Graham coach talks with No. 56 on the sideline during Friday night’s game. Photo by Elijah Hicks.*

Graham moves to 10-1 and keeps the region’s top seed playing like one. Head coach Tony Palmer’s team has won its last two games by a combined 99-0, and the G-Men head into the second round with a defense that has not given up a point in two weeks and an offense that put Friday’s game away before the fourth quarter began.

What Is Next

Graham hosts No. 4 Gate City in the Region 2D semifinals on Friday, November 20. Gate City advanced with a 49-14 win over Southern Gap, and the winner moves on to the Region 2D championship game on November 27 or 28. Lee’s season is complete at 5-6, and the Generals turn the page to the offseason.