Roger Lee

Fort Dorchester defensive back Donald Grove makes sure Stratford's Shaquille Brown doesn't return a punt.

Fort Dorchester avenged a regular-season loss with a 31-17 victory over Stratford Friday in the first round of the Class AAAA, Division I playoffs.

Stratford capitalized on two fumble recoveries early in the game to take a 14-0 lead and gashed the Fort defense several times with runs by Devin Washington and receptions by Preston Gavins. However, the Fort tied the game just before the half. Then the Patriots (7-5) held onto the ball in the final two quarters and contained the Knights (6-6) enough late in the game.

“In the playoffs you can’t turn the ball over and we did, but our kids fought hard and came back,” Fort Dorchester coach Steve LaPrad said. “I’m proud of them for fighting to tie it up and then we played a good second half. Of course Stratford never gave up either and that’s not surprising. They never give up. They have one of the best traditions in the Lowcountry over here and a good program so we are proud we beat them.”

Stratford took a 17-16 lead into the fourth quarter, but then the Fort scored with a 41-yard pass from Ethan Long to T.J. Smith. Then Patriot defensive back Eric Madision picked off a Knight pass and gained 61 yards on the return to set up Ja’san Bradley’s second rushing TD of the night.

Long completed 10 of 20 pass attempts for 158 yards and two TDs. Smith finished with six receptions for 101 yards and two TDs.

Stratford’s Jacob Park completed 5 of 13 passes for 79 yards. Preston Gavins had 68 receiving yards and Devin Washington had 67 rushing yards for the Knights.

The Patriots advance to play in a second-round game next week at Dorman, the state’s top seed. Dorman advanced with a 31-0 win over White Knoll.

In other playoff action, De’Angelo Henderson led Summerville (10-2) to a 41-34 win over Blythewood (4-8). Henderson rushed for 251 yards and three TDs in the game. Wave QB Dalton Saunders passed for 167 yards and two TDs, both to Cody Reese.

Summerville advances to host Lexington next Friday.

Ashley Ridge pulled off a 28-24 upset over Lugoff-Elgin in the Class AAAA, Division II playoffs. Swamp Fox QB Cameron Cox passed for 225 yards and rushed for 101 yards and two TDs. Romelo Doctor also scored a pair of TDs.

Ashley Ridge (6-6) advances to face Northwestern on the road.

Timberland eliminated Woodland from the Class AA playoffs with a 37-13 win Friday.

S – Jacob Park 12 run (Cole Rymer kick)

S – Justin Mood 53 return of fumble recovery (Rymer kick)

F – T.J. Smith 16 pass from Ethan Long (Justin Cooper kick)

F – Ja’san Bradley 1 run (Cooper kick)

F – TJ Freeman sack for a safety

S – Rymer 26 field goal

F – Smith 41 pass from Long (Matt Baker pass from Long)

F – Bradley 2 run (Cooper kick)

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