Bluffton coach Ken Cribb wasn't happy at the outcome of Friday night's game at Summerville, where the Bobcats fell 31-22 and missed an opportunity to claim their first Region 8-AAAA championship.

But Cribb definitely believes there are positives to take from the loss.

"I'm proud of my kids. We got popped in the mouth on the opening possession. But that made us so much better (Friday) night," Cribb said. "We got hit harder than we've been hit. That's the best I've seen (Summerville). I think ... that's the best they've played all year. They played like they were playing for a championship. But our kids came out and fought like champions."

The Bobcats turned the ball over early while deep in Green Wave territory and missed out on several scoring opportunities while falling behind 21-0.

But Bluffton fought back to make it a game despite an injury to running back Tykeem Major and a Green Wave pass rush that sacked C.J. Frazier eight times.

"Tykeem, him not being in there hurt," Cribb said. "He's bruised, he took a helmet to the hip. He'll be ready for (the playoff game) Thursday. Even C.J., he progressed to a new level (Friday) night, standing in there and taking those shots. That's the most impressive performance I've ever seen from a high school quarterback.

The Bobcats travel to South Florence at 7:30 p.m. Thursday for a Class 4-A Division II first-round playoff game, and Cribb hopes they take something from last week.

"You hate to lose, but if your program grows, live with it and learn from it," Cribb said. Not only is that football, but it's life. It's how you handle it and respond to it that determine who you end up becoming."

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