Indians' offense was too much for Lions' defense

The inaugural season in the South Carolina Independent Schools Association came to an end Friday for Augusta Christian.

Second-seeded Orangeburg Prep (7-5) beat the third-seeded Lions, 24-13, for its second win over Augusta Christian.

The Indians pounded out 381 yards on the ground, more than double the 176 yards Prep gained.

Orangeburg Prep will now travel to Heathwood Hall, a 40-0 winner over Pinewood Prep.

The Lions (6-5) made their ninth consecutive playoff appearance and their fifth straight season at .500 or better but couldn't hold off the Indians.

OPS was able to advance by running and controlled the Lions' run-oriented offense.

Augusta Christian quarterback Lee Banks did gain 103 yards and a touchdown rushing while throwing for another 89 yards.

The Indians got off to a quick start much as they did during the Sept. 10 game in which they defeated the Lions 34-21 in Augusta.

Baker Boles scored the first touchdown for OPS with a four-yard touchdown run on the Indians' first possession.

Augusta Christian answered with Banks and Jay Harmon running the ball effectively. Harmon's four-yard run and Alden Fisher's ensuing PAT tied the score at seven with 4:41 left in the first quarter.

Banks' ability to escape pressure caused problems for the Indians, but OPS got back out in front late in the second quarter when Boles scored his second touchdown of the game, capping a 80-yard drive that gave the Indians a lead they would not relinquish.

An ACS drive died when Wesley Porter picked off a Banks pass and returned it to the Lions 30. A personal foul penalty then moved the ball to the 15 for another score for Prep.

ACS got a score with 39 seconds remaining as Banks dashed in from the six.