TSA hoping to repeat history

Keith Gedamke / The Item Thomas Sumter's Ricky Mello (83) catches a pass that went for an 80-yard touchdown in the Generals' 34-27 loss to Northwood Academy last week. TSA plays host to Wilson Hall today at 7:30 p.m.

By PATRICK ENZOR
Item Assistant Sports Editor
penzor@theitem.com

Last year, Thomas Sumter Academy snapped a 10-game losing streak to Wilson Hall.

This year, the Generals will be hoping to stop just a meager two-game losing streak as they host the Barons today at General Field.

“The Wilson Hall game from last year, it was a couple of physical teams,” said TSA head coach Troy Kessinger, whose team is 3-2 on the season. “It was just a great battle.

“This year, we’ve got two losses (in a row), they’ve got three (in a row) and both teams are trying to right the ship,” he added. “We probably don’t need to do a whole lot to get the kids pumped up. I hope we’re ready and can get a win and they can wait a week.”

After opening the season with three wins, TSA has dropped its last two games — 21-20 to SCISA Region I-2A foe Robert E. Lee and 34-27 to Northwood Academy in a rematch of last year’s state championship game. The Generals defeated W.W. King 23-19, Dorchester 46-30 and Pee Dee 28-7 to start the season.

“This last week, we played the best 2A team in the state,” said Kessinger. “We were punch for punch with them. I won’t change a lot. We were more physical than them. The week before (REL) was hopefully the one bad outing of the year.”

TSA features a balanced offensive attack this season, averaging 191.4 yards rushing a game and 198 through the air.

Michael Fitzgerald leads the Generals with 481 yards rushing on 49 carries and five touchdowns. As a team, TSA averages 5.7 yards per carry.

Quarterback Blake Stengel has completed 43 of 81 passes for 892 yards and nine TDs with five interceptions. He’s also added three touchdowns on the ground.

His favorite target has been tight end Ricky Mello, who has 18 catches for 400 yards and four touchdowns. Harrison Cardone has 14 catches for 391 yards and four scores.

Thomas Sumter will be facing a Wilson Hall team that, in its losing streak, has fallen to Hammond, Porter-Gaud and Heathwood Hall.

“(Wilson Hall quarterback) Josh Glenn, we have to contain him,” said Kessinger. “If we can contain him, we’ll have a good chance. He makes big plays running or throwing.

“They always play hard,” he added. “They may not be as physical as in the past, but they always play hard. They never quit.”