Sumter Academy took a huge step towards the AISA playoffs Friday by thumping regional rival Central Christian of Selma 45-29.

The Eagles took a 14-6 lead into halftime as Joseph Reed scored the game’s opening touchdown and quarterback Hunter Spidle found Patrick Castleman for the Eagles’ second score. Brandon Briggs was perfect on both extra point tries and Sumter was up 8.

The lead only grew in the second half as Sumter found the endzone four more times. Standout running back Matt Boler stretched the lead to 20-6 before Spidle scored his second and third touchdowns of the evening, his time on the ground. The Eagles’ J.J. Dial capped the scoring with another run for six and between another kick by Briggs and three two-point conversions Sumter came home from Selma with a 16-point victory.

Steveie Ray led the Eagle defense with eleven tackles and an interception. Boler finished with 250 yards on 23 carries and Spidle added 144 total yards with the three touchdowns.

With the win Sumter moves to 3-2 in regional play.