The Stewart Young era is off to a strong start. 

Lexington’s football team went on the road and defeated cross-county rival Gilbert 23-7 in the team’s first game under Young’s leadership. Freshman quarterback Easton Crocker subbed on in the second half and ran for all three of the Wildcats’ touchdowns. 

The game was played over two days after a lightning delay halted action at the end of the third quarter. Lexington had a slight lead at the time of the pause and held on to win the next day.

“ It took a long time, through two different nights and a bunch of rain, but we got to the finish of the first game,” Young said. “ It felt great, proud of our kids, played hard, so it was awesome to watch them bounce back a day later and come out with the same fire they had.” 

For Gilbert, the team began its second year of the Ozzie Exume era with a rough loss in which they lost their starting quarterback, Kaden Kingery. The Indians struggled moving on offense without Kingery and had some costly turnovers. 

“It was tough,” Exume said. “ It put us in a new game plan and scheme. I thought we did some good things, but it was just really hard to sustain offense.”

Lexington and Gilbert were on even ground throughout the first half.

It was a battle up front as each team looked to establish its run game. Neither squad had much success, as the defenses dominated. 

“ I thought our defense played very well, but we put them on the field too much,” Exume said. “Just the fatigue, and like I said, they did a good job of executing. We just weren't good enough.” 

Going into the break, the game was tied at zero, but that did not last long in the second half. 

The game’s first points were scored by Lexington’s defense. Gilbert’s backup quarterbacks had problems controlling the snap, and on one play, the ball soared back into the endzone for a Wildcats’ safety. 

Lexington scored the game’s first offensive points a few minutes later. 

A long punt return into enemy territory by Sawyer Headley set up the Wildcats in good field position. One play later, Crocker connected on a 26-yard floater to Nigel Lewis.

Lewis jumped and ripped the ball out of the air with two defenders on him and took it down to the four-yard line. The next play, Crocker soared into the endzone for the touchdown. 

Gilbert answered quickly with the longest play of the night. Wynn Meetze took the ball and ran 80 yards while breaking tackles all the way to the goal line, scoring Gilbert’s only touchdown. 

“ They hit us with something we hadn't seen, and we didn't tackle well,” Young said. “He got two more first downs before we finally figured out how to tackle him, but the kid's a good player. He made a good run.”

The floodgates seemed to have been opened as Lexington answered Gilbert’s touchdown a few minutes later. 

Croker and Lewis connected on another deep pass, setting up another Croker rushing touchdown. Lexington led 16-7, and then the lightning struck. 

The teams waited around for a bit before the decision to delay the game was made. Action was set to resume the next day with 15 seconds left in the third quarter. 

Each coach used the extra time to motivate their teams. Exume told his players it was a chance to turn things around, to come out fresh and fight. Young, sensing the confidence in his group, told the team to refocus and finish. 

“I thought they were a little too high on their horses,” Young said. “ I kind of had to bring them back down and explain this game's far from over, and then they responded to that.”

It was all Lexington when the game resumed. 

Gilbert failed to move downfield in the final quarter, and Lexington used its drives to chew time off the clock. 

The Wildcats scored the game’s final points after Caleb Schrodt caught a fumble seven yards from the endzone. Lexington’s offense took the field and scored three plays later when Crocker ran in his third touchdown. 

“He’s a coach’s son. He’s got that moxie,” Young said. “ Scored all three of our touchdowns, so that was impressive. He's going to have a heck of a future.” 

Lexington has won four of the past five meetings against the Indians, dating back to 2021. The Wildcats won last year’s game at home 24-0. Gilbert’s last win was in 2023 when the Indians won 14-3. 

Both teams will now turn their attention to next week’s game. Lexington and Gilbert are both at home, facing another non-region opponent. 

Gilbert will play Wilson at 7:30 p.m. Exume is hoping to see his team keep their head up and come out prepared for another opportunity to win. 

“One loss doesn’t define a team,” he said. “ This is the battle-tested group, a veteran group, especially on the defensive side. We got some young guys that are learning about varsity football, and at the end of the day, it is our job as coaches to steer the ship. It's my job to be the captain and make sure every week that, regardless of last week's outcome, we're ready to focus on a new week and a new opponent.”

Lexington will host North Augusta, which is fresh off a trip to the 4A Lower State Championship. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

“We’ve got to handle our emotions in intense situations, got to continue to preach that,” Young said. “ Instead of just playing, we’ve got to start teaching some stuff, particularly on offense.”

Week 0 Scoreboard

Lexington: 23, Gilbert: 7

Rock Hill: 31, River Bluff: 18

Camden: 20, White Knoll: 7

Irmo: 35, Oceanside: 28

Catawba Ridge: 30, Chapin: 0

Gray Collegiate vs. James Island (delayed) 

May River: 37, Airport: 8

Swansea: 49, Mid-Carolina: 7

Pelion: 35, Williston-Elko: 0

American Leadership Academy: 43, Thornwell: 6

Calhoun Academy: 35, Northside Christian: 6