Hartsville – Entering the 2023 high school football season, Hartsville senior running back Carmello McDaniel was considered one of the top senior backs in the Palmetto State.
After getting off to a tremendous start, McDaniel suffered an injury that forced him to miss five games. However, prior to the injury, the 5-9.185-pound back was chosen to play in the 76th Touchstone Energy North-South all-star game.
McDaniel regained his health and was able to contribute for the Red Foxes in the playoffs. He finished his year with 1,075 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 9.4 yards per carry.
McDaniel was able to participate in the all-star game and showed early on why he was one of the top backs in the state. McDaniel raced 64 yards for the South’s first touchdown early in the game, finishing the day with 84 yards on five carries. He was selected as the offensive most valuable player for the South all-star squad, which won the game, 28-8.
“Being able to get back healthy and have this opportunity was a great way to end my career,” McDaniel said. “This week and this game gave me a chance to show what I could do when I’m healthy. But even more important was getting a win. I got a win in my last game. That’s what it’s all about for me. I just try to remain humble and do what I can to help the team win.”
McDaniel says scoring a touchdown in an all-star game is special. Doing so in spectacular fashion was even better.
“Once I saw green in front of me, nobody was going to catch me,” he said. “All I saw was that endzone waiting for me.”
Hartsville head coach Jeff Calabrese attended the game, watching from a spot in the stands.
“It was so fun being a fan today and watching the guys play,” he said. “I was sitting right at the 50 and when I saw him break free, I just stood up and gave the touchdown signal. I’ve seen him too much and I knew he wasn’t getting caught. What a special day for the kid.
“I am so thrilled that he was able to play in the game. He’s such a humble kid, great character. He worked hard to get back and he had a great day, a great week.”
McDaniel was joined on the South team by his quarterback, McKendrie Douglas, who started the game at quarterback for the South. He threw for 41 yards and added nearly 30 on the ground in a solid performance.
Douglas finished the Hartsville season with 1,497 passing yards and 637 rushing yards, combining for 20 touchdowns.
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