By Eugene Jolley
Courier Sports

ejolley@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — The Easley Green Wave checked off a lot of boxes in a 39-6 win over rival Pickens in the season opener before a packed house on Friday night.

• Keep the Pickens offense out of the end zone — success. The lone Blue Flame score came on a 27-yard interception return by Nate Thomas.

• Score on defense — check. Senior Michael Jamison took a fumbled pitch play 20 yards for a score. Easley won the turnover battle 2-1.

• Score on special teams — also check. Mauricio Holcombe blocked Stone Prince’s punt and senior Quenten Phillips recovered it and ran it in the final few yards.

• Win special teams — success. Senior Nathan Baker had four touchbacks on kickoffs and added an early 22-yard field goal.

• Be effective on offense — check. Junior quarterback Weston Black threw two touchdown passes, and Cavario Cureton added a 5-yard scoring run.

• Most importantly for Easley, win for the seventh consecutive time in the rivalry. Coach John Windham moved to 3-0 in the rivalry in handing former

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