It took nine games, but Greenville High School head coach Earnest Hill finally got what he wanted.

The Tigers forced five turnovers and didn’t allow a point in a 38-0 victory over Sumter Central High School (1-8, 0-7 Class 5A, Region 3) Friday night in York.

It was the first shutout of the season for Greenville.

“That’s what I’ve been waiting on all year,” Hill said. “That’s the best game our defense has played all season. Our defense played great. I was very impressed. That’s what we knew they could do.”

All five of the turnovers created by the Tigers’ defense were interceptions.

Greenville senior defensive backs Terrail Snipes and Michael Smith each returned an interception for a touchdown.

Greenville senior DeBryant Crenshaw scored on a fake punt, and sophomore kicker Wintson Simms was 5-for-5 on point after attempts.

“Special teams played a great game,” Hill said. “That’s probably the best game we’ve gotten from those guys this season. I was really happy with the way they played.”

Offensively, Hill said the Tigers still have room to improve.

“We moved the ball OK, but we’re still making too many silly mistakes,” he said. “We fumbled the ball, snapped it high, and just weren’t consistent in what we were trying to do. That’s frustrating. We’ve got to get better. But overall I was happy with the way we played.”

Senior quarterback Chris Smith also scored for Greenville.

The Tigers (4-5, 4-3 Class 5A, Region 3) will be back in action Thursday when they travel to face Class 4A Wilcox Central High School. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.