Stratford vs South Florence - Article and video highlights

[SF Band dad]

South Florence's playoff run halted by Stratford
Lou Bezjak | Morning News | SCNow.com

FLORENCE, S.C. — South Florence accomplished almost all of its goals this season except one — get past the second round of the playoffs. The Bruins have never made it past the second round and Stratford made sure that didn’t happen Friday.

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[Penguin]

I know that you are really bummed out about the loss, but nearly the exact same thing happened to Beaufort in 2004. We made it to 13-0 before losing to Irmo in the semi finals. The good news was the infusion of excitement and expectations for the program. Here we are, 10 years later, and Beaufort has had more success in this last decade than it ever had in any decade before. Winning breeds winning. Learning how to win is harder than forgetting how to lose. Once the players and the fans get a good taste of success, they will strive to keep it going, and all of that will also lead to more community involvement.

Everyone can't win it all, but the kinds of successes that you guys are having will definitely lead to more of the same. Keep the spirits high, get those kids in the weight room as soon as Monday, and start planning for next season right away. There is no such thing as an off season for competitive teams. It is a year round endeavor, and keep pushing.......the rewards will be there for everyone to enjoy. Congrats on a great season.

[SF Band dad]

Very well said Penguin.

I was thinking some of those same things last night. Five years ago many of us were happy when we made the playoffs. I just looked back that 2009 season and it startled me; we finished the regular season 5-6, two of those losses were to 3A opponents, two of those wins were against WF. The program has grown so much since then: the student participation, the JV program, strength & conditioning, and most of all the support of the community. We may have some down seasons, some rebuilding years, but we'll never again become the doormat (automatic Homecoming opponent) we were for years.

[Tigerific]

I caution you to say never. I would have never dreamed Conway would be in the shape it's in now. Hartsville went from state title contenders virtually every year to a homecoming queen before losing Lineburger. It can happen!

[Letsgetcocky]

Very well said Penguin.

I was thinking some of those same things last night. Five years ago many of us were happy when we made the playoffs. I just looked back that 2009 season and it startled me; we finished the regular season 5-6, two of those losses were to 3A opponents, two of those wins were against WF. The program has grown so much since then: the student participation, the JV program, strength & conditioning, and most of all the support of the community. We may have some down seasons, some rebuilding years, but we'll never again become the doormat (automatic Homecoming opponent) we were for years.

Your comment about being homecoming opponents struck a nerve with me. 2011:Sumter was 1-5 with their only win hosting the Keenan Raiders. Your Bruins were 4-2 and gracious enough to invite us to observe your homecoming festivities. At halftime SoFlo was up 14-0 as the Florence floats paraded past the visitor side, the students aboard were chanting "Scoreboard, Scoreboard..."

Do you remember how that ended?

I'm not being hateful or anything, it just still irritates me a little. LOL! But, heck, isn't that how rivalries work?

It's unfortunate you all had to endure a home loss. I really fell for ya'. But those boys had a historic season and you all should definitely be proud!

[SF Band dad]

....the students aboard were chanting "Scoreboard, Scoreboard..."

Do you remember how that ended?

Karma.

[DeCav]

Great thread. One of the best posts Pengy and Cocky too.

[bruindad79]

Ditto to DeCav's comments.