Midlands Standouts Shine in SC Football All-Star Games
The Midlands region of South Carolina showcased its exceptional football talent in two prestigious all-star games held on Saturday. The Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl featured outstanding performances from future South Carolina Gamecocks and local players who earned MVP honors.
Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas
In the Shrine Bowl, Irmo quarterback AJ Brand, a Virginia Tech signee, was named the offensive MVP for the South Carolina squad. Despite North Carolina’s 49-24 victory, Brand impressed with 6 of 12 passing for 62 yards and a touchdown, adding 26 yards on seven carries.
Several South Carolina Gamecocks signees also made significant contributions. Donovan Darden, playing for the North Carolina squad, returned a 52-yard interception for a touchdown. Taeshawn Alston recorded two tackles for the NC team. On the South Carolina side, Jaquel Holman led the Sandlappers with nine tackles, while Anthony Addison had eight tackles and a pass break-up.
Other notable performances came from River Bluff receiver Stephen Collier, who had six catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns, and Fairfield Central’s Tydarion Grier, who led the S.C. team with 58 yards rushing.
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl
In the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl, River Bluff’s Aaron Griffin earned offensive MVP honors for the South team, despite a 24-7 loss to the North squad. Griffin had six catches for 123 yards and scored the South squad’s lone touchdown.
Richland Northeast QB Will Wilson, an N.C. State signee, was named 2024 Mr. Football for South Carolina during the game’s halftime.
Local players shone in the game, with White Knoll quarterback Landon Sharpe going 11 of 17 for 157 yards and a TD. Newberry’s Jared Acosta led the South team with six tackles, while Airport’s Montrelle Keys and Lexington’s Artem Kalinkin each had four.
The North squad’s Justin Rice, from Spartanburg, was the offensive MVP with three catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
These all-star games showcased the immense talent in South Carolina high school football, with many players set to join top college programs. The future of football in the state looks bright, and fans can expect exciting performances from these standout athletes in the years to come.
