New documentary set to air about memorable play from South Carolina
By Keith Farner
Published:
It’s the kind of play that you remember where you were when it happened. Now, while long-time fans will recall it one more time, a new generation has a chance to learn all about it.
The play happened on Sept. 23, 2000 when South Carolina upset Mississippi State, 23-19, behind a pass from quarterback Erik Kimrey, commonly called “the fade.” Kimrey relieved an injured starter Phil Petty in the fourth quarter and threw just one pass, a 25-yard touchdown on fourth down to Jermale Kelly at Williams-Brice Stadium.
South Carolina Education Television will air a new documentary about Kimrey, whose iconic touchdown pass made him a household name among Gamecocks fans, according to SCSportsSource.com. Erik Kimrey – The Fade will air statewide on SCETV at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5. The film was produced by Columbia-based CRADLE Pictures and directed by Les Carroll.
“Everybody remembers the play, the call. If you say the fade to a South Carolina fan, they’re going to know instantly where they were,” said Columbia attorney and USC alum Matt Gates.
“I was in the South end zone,” remembers Bobby Giles, Jr., a retired high school football coach.
“Right next to the South end zone, about Section 500, the red seats…”
After college, Kimrey became head football coach at Hammond School. In 13 seasons, he’s won 151 games and eight S.C. Independent Schools Association state championships. He was the youngest high school coach in state history to reach 100 wins.
“I knew it was a big deal, but I didn’t know it would be as big of a deal as it is today,” Kimrey said.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
