OCA Wins Third Consecutive State Title with 28-7 Win Over BHP

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Mt. Pleasant – The third time was certainly a charm for the Oceanside Collegiate Academy football team in 2025.



The Landsharks defeated Belton-Honea Path, 28-7, to capture their third consecutive AAA state championship on Dec. 5 at Oliver C. Dawson stadium in Orangeburg.

The title was first-year head coach Brent LaPrad’s first as a head man but he was the defensive coordinator for the previous two title runs, and also won as an assistant at Fort Dorchester in 2015.

“I’m so honored to be a part of this,” LaPrad said. “The assistant coaches and the players deserve all the credit. We also have great support from our administration, our teachers, and our parents. Everyone played a part in this season.”

The Landsharks ended 2025 with a 13-game winning streak after opening the season with losses to Irmo (35-28) and Calvary Day of Georgia (59-49). While the two early losses raised some eyebrows around the Palmetto State, LaPrad remained confident that his team would rebound and be a state title contender.

“I knew what we had in terms of character and I knew we would get our share of wins,” the coach said. “I also knew our guys would put in the work to get better. These kids have a very competitive spirit. I wasn’t worried.”

After allowing 94 points in the first two games, the Landsharks allowed just 9.8 points per game during the 13-game winning streak. The first-team defense allowed just three touchdowns in the playoffs, which included a 42-0 shutout of Dillon and a 38-7 win over an undefeated Loris in the Lower State championship game.

The running game brought a healthy balance to a lethal passing attack and the offense was unstoppable. Senior Zahki Muncey was the primary worker in the run game with 1,265 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 30 receptions on the season.

Junior quarterback Aiden Manavian won his third state title as the starting quarterback has passed for more than 8,000 yards in his career. This season, Manavian completed 70 percent of his attempts for 4,027 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Five receivers have caught at least 25 passes this season, led by senior Terence Johnson and junior Anthony Williams. Johnson, a Shrine Bowl all-star game selection, had 57 catches for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Williams had 62 receptions for 1,070 yards and 12 touchdowns. Johnson also had nine rushing touchdowns.

Sophomore Tyler Garner (35-580-5 TD), junior Cooper Webb (37-533-4 TD) and senior Ethan Ranew (25-441-4 TD) were added threats in the passing game.

Senior left tackle Mike Jones, a four-year starter, anchored the offensive line while also playing on the defensive line. Guard JB Crady also was a returning starter while Luke Crady started at center. Senior Lamareon Thompson started at right tackle and Grant Castello was the other starting guard.

Jones and senior end Sawyer Arnold were leaders along the defensive line as returning starters. Jones, headed to Wofford, had 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Arnold, who has signed with Appalachian State, had 36 tackles, seven for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

Senior Joey Harriott (42 tackles, 10 for loss, 6 sacks) and junior Jaxson Bean (26 tackles) also started up front. Senior linebacker Rhys Meredith led the team with 102 tackles, and junior Michael Strickler had 61 tackles from the secondary. Junior Cole Gasper had a team-high four interceptions. Senior Romaum Parson and sophomore Tyler Stafford also worked at linebacker while Jordan Wright and Titus Gilliam worked in the secondary.

Jackson Summey and Nate Thrift, both sophomores, handled the kicking duties.