South Pointe rallies to beat Northwestern 27-23 in battle of Rock Hill behemoths
From staff reportts • September 17, 2025
Stallions score 15 points in the final six minutes to come away victorious
Rock Hill – South Pointe High School scored the football game’s final 15 points to defeat Northwestern 27-23 on Friday in front of 8,000 fans at District 3 Stadium.
The Stallions, ranked fifth in the High School Sports Report AAAA poll, trailed 23-12 after NHS’ Alex Bendt kicked a 40-yard field goal with 7:10 remaining in the game. J’Zavi Currence scored on a 35-yard run and threw to Dailan Duncan for the 2-point conversion with 5:14 left to bring SPHS within 23-20.
Currence then threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to RJ Brown with 35 seconds to go to give South Pointe, which improved to 3-1, the victory.
Currence rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while completing 16 of 21 passes for 190 yards and two TDs. Brown also rushed for 81 yards and a score to go with the TD reception.
Malik Ratliff had four catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.
The Trojans, the defending AAAAA Division II state champions and the No. 1 team in the AAAAA DII poll, fell to 3-1. They were led by Nigel Smith, who rushed for 116 yards and a TD on 17 carries to go with two catches for 10 yards.
Quarterback Xavier Means ran for 55 yards on 15 carries while completing 11 of 19 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Kameron Vance had six catches for 64 yards, and had two catches for 23 yards and a TD.
Dillon 61
Marion 6
Marion – Dillon led 21-0 after one quarter and extended the lead to 41-0 at halftime on the way to a 61-6 victory over Marion at the MHS field.
Khayel Sam Fong-Talia completed 4 of 5 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Zamaurious Robertson had two catches for 91 yards, including a 50-yard TD pass. Nibras Harrison had a 5-yard scoring catch, and Jamarion Campbell had an 86-yard touchdown reception from Fong-Talia.
Zayquan Carmichael caught a 24-yard TD pass from Harrison.
Daniel Capehart returned a blocked punt 13 yards for a score. Dominick Felton, Gene Lester, Noah Singletary and Trayvon Brown each ran for a touchdown.
Jotavious Mcallister had an interception to go with three tackles to lead the defense for the Wildcats, who improved to 2-2 on the season. Capehart had seven tackles, one of them a tackle for a loss.
Marion fell to 0-4.
Laurence Manning 14
Wilson Hall 13
Sumter – Laurence Manning Academy evened its record at 2-2 with a 14-13 victory over Wilson Hall at Gaither Spencer Field.
The Barons, who suffered their first loss in four games, scored a touchdown with just over five minutes left in the game to make it 14-13. However, LMA’s Ray Weston blocked the extra point attempt to preserve the win.
Quarterback Grainger Powell completed 11 of 15 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown and had 10 carries for 41 yards and the other touchdown for the Swampcats. Scoop Dennis had a 75-yard touchdown catch, while Zy Dennis had four catches for 30 yards and Peyton Brown had four catches for 14 yards.
Shawn Moore led the defense with eight tackles, while Asher Sanders had seven tackles, two of them for a loss. Weston had six tackles, a TFL and a quarterback sack.
Ben McLaurin led WH offensively rushing for 101 yards and a TD on 13 carries. Nehemiah Dinkins had eight tackles to lead the defense.
Manning 52
Ridgeland 6
Ridgeland – Manning evened its record at 2-2 with a 52-6 victory over Ridgeland on Friday at the RHS field.
Daniel Robinson had 21 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Monarchs. Isaiah Baxter had 14 carries for 83 yards and a TD, while quarterback Lowell Stevenson ran for two scores and 25 yards on six carries.
Stevenson completed 7 of 10 passes for 94 yards and two scores. CJ Robinson had four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Tyrese Bennett led the defense with two interceptions. Ethan Morales had a quarterback sack.
Ridgeland fell to 0-4.
Clinton 40
Chapman 34
Clinton – Zy Butler scored on a 10-yard run in overtime to lift Clinton to a 40=34 victory over Chapman on Friday at Wilder Stadium.
Javen Cook led the Red Devils, who evened their record at 2-2, by rushing for 215 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Quarterback Owen Glenn had 78 yards and a TD on four carries while completing 3 of 12 passes for 98 yards and a score. PJ McGowan had two catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Chapman, which fell to 1-3, was led by Isaiah Copeland. He rushed for 161 yards and three Ts on 24 carries. Bryson Cauthen completed 13 o 19 passes for 162 yards and a TD. Kellon Tucker had four catches for 92 yards and a score.
Sumter 28
Crestwood 0
Sumter – Sumter handed Crestwood its first loss of the season with a 28-0 shutout win on Memorial Stadium’s Freddie Solomon Field.
The Gamecocks, who improved to 3-1, ran for 328 yards. Quarterback Franklin Richardson had 28 carries for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Reggie Shannon ran for 100 yards and the other score on 20 carries.
Tymarius Thompson -Durant led the SHS defense with 10 tackles and one TFL Cleveland Pinckney III had nine tackles and a TFL, while Bradley Cameron and Javonte Brown both had 1 ½ TFLs. Caleb Taylor had an interception.
The Knights fell to 3-1.
Lower Richland 28
Batesburg-Leesville 6
Hopkins – Batesburg-Leesville fell to 1-2 on the season with a 28-6 loss to Lower Richland on Friday at the LR field.
LR, which improved to 3-1, led 7-0 after one quarter before outscoring the Panthers 21-6 in the second quarter.
Solomon Kelson rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries to lead the Diamond Hornets. Ziyear Yates had a 52-yard scoring run to finish with 66 yards on two carries. Quarterback Gerald Gibson ran for 51 yards on six carries and completed 9 of 16 passes for 89 yards.
Amadre Wooden ran for 95 yards on 11 carries to lead B-L. Wide receiver KD Whitt threw a 12-yard scoring pass to Naesean Stewart and caught six passes for 18 yards. Stewart had five catches for 34 yards.
Bulffton QB Aedan McCarthy led the Bobcats to a 31-7 win over Hampton County.
By WORTHY EVANS HSSR Contributing Writer Columbia - The Westwood football team broke the paper in front of the inflatable Redhawk tunnel Friday night, and that spelled the end for Airport . Nearly every offensive and defensive player got onto the field at District Two Stadium as Westwood rang up a 65-7 victory with a running clock in the second half. “Anytime you get a win, you take it, but the goal is to get everybody in every week,” head coach Stephen Burris said. “Obviously it’s not always possible but our starters, their responsibilities we told them before this game was to make sure everybody got the chance to play. Challenge accepted and mission accomplished.” While working with a short field, the Redhawks (3-1) had seven rushers contribute to 189 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, and Carrington Carter spread the ball to seven receivers for four scores. Jaden Boyd returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Placekicker Mushin Yakubu made good on a 20-yard field goal and was 8-for-9 in point-after attempts. On the defensive side, the Redhawks held Airport (0-4) to 49 yards rushing and 10 yards passing in the first half, sacking quarterback Isaiah Clemons twice and making seven tackles for loss. They recovered two fumbles that the offense converted to touchdowns, and Brandon Evans made an interception that led to another score. Westwood got the ball moving after Airport’s opening possession mostly went backward. The Redhawks got to work at midfield and took nine plays to reach the end zone on Carter’s 13-yard pass to Jaylen Donaldson at the 5:37 mark of the first quarter. Westwood scored two more touchdowns, on Carter’s 15-yard pass to C.J . Bennett and a 40-yard catch-and-run play to Tyrek Jenkins to go up 21-0 by the first quarter buzzer. Angelo Rios opened the second quarter scoring with a 23-yard TD run, and after Kendrick Pearson scored Airport’s only touchdown from one yard out, Boyd returned the kickoff 75 yards to put Airport up 34-7. Carter connected with Tyrek Jenkins for a 40-yard score before intermission. With a running clock in the second half, Westwood got a 20-yard field goal from Yakubu, a 5-yard touchdown run from Rios, an 8-yard TD run from Jovan Howard and a 64-yard rushing score from Quentin McGill . “I’m proud of them,” Burris said. “We’ve still got some things we need to work on, and we know it’s going to get a little bit harder next week. It’s a rivalry game, the Battle for the Axe, so we looking forward to it.” Westwood renews its rivalry with Blythewood Friday. Since 2012, when Westwood first fielded a football team, the series is tied at 5-5. After the rivalry was christened “The Battle for the Axe” with the Jeanne Schmidt Memorial Trophy as the prize for the winner, the teams are 2-2. The Bengals (2-2) are coming off a restorative 41-6 victory over Keenan and look to take the trophy back after falling 7-0 to the Redhawks last year. Besides renewing a friendly rivalry, both teams will open their Region 5-5A schedule with the game. After Westwood’s opening loss to 4-0 A.C. Flora , it outscored Lakewood , Richland Northeast , and Airport by a combined score of 160-21. This year’s nonregion schedule showed not to be competitive beyond the season opener with the Falcons, but Burris said “We played a very good team in A.C. Flora, who will play in a lot of games this season and play into the playoffs,” he said. “It (competition) dropped off a little, but our standard doesn’t change regardless of who we’re playing. When we turn the film on we’re always making sure our kids are doing what we coached them to do, that’s regardless of opponent.” With games against Blythewood, 2-2 Ridge View , 2-2 Spring Valley , 3-1 Lugoff - Elgin , 1-3 West Florence and 3-1 Sumter on tap through Oct. 31, Burris said he knows his team will be ready to play for a high spot in the 5A Division 2 playoffs. “I think we’re prepared from the standpoint of are we executing the way we’re expected to execute,” he said. “We had some lopsided scores but we’re a good football team, and that’s what’s supposed to happen. I think we’ve got a good football team and we have a chance to have a really good football team, and we’re about to find out starting Friday.” Airport 0 7 0 0 – 7 Westwood 21 20 17 7 – 65 First Quarter W - Jaylen Donaldson 13 pass from Carrington Carter (Mushin Yakubu kick) 5:37 W - C.J. Bennett 15 pass from Carter (Yakubu kick) 2:15 W - Tyrek Jenkins 40 pass from Carter (Yakubu kick) 2:02 Second Quarter W - Angelo Rios 23 run (kick failed) 7:35 A - Kendrick Pearson 1 run (kick) 3:04 W - Jayden Boyd 75 kickoff return (Yakubu kick) 2:53 W - Quentin McGill 40 pass from Carter (Yakubu kick) :49 Third Quarter W - Yakubu 20 field goal 10:27 W - Rios 5 run (Yakubu kick) 8:46 W - Jovan Howard 8 run (Yakubu kick) :58 Fourth Quarter W - Quentin McGill 68 run (Yakubu kick) 3:24 AHS WHS First downs 8 12 Rushes-yds 34-108 18-179 Passing yds 11 189 Att-Com-Int 15-7-1 18-12-1 Fumbles-lost 2-2 0-0 Penalties-yds 7-60 1-5 Punts-avg 5-24.6. 0-0.0 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING A - Isaiah Clemons 15-44, Kendrick Pearson 11-40, Ashton Boyd 5-29, Team 3-(-5). W - Angelo Rios 6-58, Jovan Howard 6-37, Josiah Henryhand 2-8, Carrington Carter 2-1, Quentin McGill 1-68, Tyrek Jenkins 1-9. PASSING A - Isaiah Clemons 7-15-1. W - Carrington Carter 12-18-1. RECEIVING A - Kendrick Pearson 5-21, Team 2-(-10). W - Jovan Howard 3-23, C.J. Bennett 3-23, Tyrek Jenkins 2-46, Jaylen Donaldson 2-25, Kham Cunningham 2-19, Quentin McGill 1-40, Angelo Rios 1-3.
South Pointe beats Northwestern 27-23 in Rock Hill showdown
Aiden Manavian runs for a first down during Oceanside Collegiate’s 35-21 win at Ashley Ridge Sept. 12. Photo by Roger Lee.
BHP Senior QB Noah Thomas in the 2024 State Title game.
Rock Hill – In what should be an exciting game, undefeated Northwestern will battle city rival and perennial AAAA power South Pointe on Friday night. The game is billed as the “game of the week” by the High School Sports Report. Northwestern is the No. 2 ranked team in Class AAAAA and the defending Division II state champions have been impressive in their first three outings. The Trojans have early wins over Spartanburg (39-7), Ridge View (35-28) and South Florence (55-35). “We feel like the early schedule is helping us improve a lot and will prepare us for the playoffs down the road,” said Northwestern head coach Page Wofford. “We have played three teams that are likely at least third-round playoff teams this season. And, we have a fourth this week in South Pointe. Our kids are getting battle-tested and they are responding very well. We’re fortunate to be 3-0.” Northwestern is propelled offensively by junior quarterback Xavier Means, a first-year starter. Means has passed for 633 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for268 yards and two scores. Quay Mobley is the top running back and Kam Vance has 29 receptions for 325 yards and five touchdowns in three games. “Execution and not turning the ball over,” says Wofford of the early keys to success, Kameron McFadden and Jeremiah Cannon are two of the leaders defensively. Northwestern came into the season with an entirely new defensive front but Wofford sees that unit getting better each week.” South Pointe (2-1) is the top-ranked team in AAAA but has yet to turn it on offensively, scoring 48 points in three games. The Stallions also have played a tough early schedule. The Stallions have allowed just 33 points in three games. “They have athletes and good players all over the field,” Wofford said. “It’s just a matter of time until they figure it out offensively and I hope it’s after Friday night. They’re a really good football team, we know that. They have some weapons and their defense is really good.They are going to be a problem for a lot of teams.” The Stallions have perhaps the state’s top athlete in Jzavien Currence, a USC commit. Currence has passed for 314 yards and has rushed for 196 yards. He also rates highly as a defensive back. RJ Brown is another key player in the backfield while Stallion defensive leaders include KJ Burg and Daquan Evans. Northwestern has won the last three meetings with their rivals, averaging 34 points per game in those three wins, South Pointe won three of four games between 2018-2021. Fans of both schools, as well as Rock Hill High, put a lot of emphasis on the “city championship.” South Pointe already has beaten Rock Hill and Northwestern will play the Bearcats in region play. Friday’s game will go a long way in determining the city champion. “I guess it’s a cool thing for the fans of each school but we don’t emphasize that too much here,” Wofford said. “The trophy we want is handed out in December.” Other key games around SC on Sept. 12. Bluffton at Hampton County Camden at Ridge View Oceanside Collegiate at Ashley Ridge Carolina Forest at Irmo Crestwood at Sumter Dreher at Bishop England Eastside at Blue Ridge Wren at T.L. Hanna
Week 2 High School Honor Roll AAAAA Player of the Week: Greenwood quarterback Tristan Lewis passed for a school-record 423 yards and five touchdowns in Greenwood’s one-point win over Dorman. Lewis also tallied 75 yards on the ground. AAAAA Honor Roll Tyler Meyers, Cane Bay, 146 yards rushing, TD Tyrell Bess, Cane Bay, 15 total tackles Jachin Davis, Stratford, 145 yards passing, 2 TD;140 yards rushing, 2 TD Maliq McGowan, Stratford, 180 all-purpose yards, 2 TD Finn Gunter, Lucy Beckham, 189 yards passing, 2 TD Jaden Gethers, Lucy Beckham, 126 all-purpose yards, 2 TD Connor Dantzler, James Island, 12-of-17 passing, 227 yards, 3 TD Trevor Kalisz, Ashley Ridge, 136 yards passing, 1 TD; 35 yards rushing, TD Ryan Campbell, Ashley Ridge, 250 yards rushing, TD Jagger Spivey, Ashley Ridge, 101 yards receiving LJ Washington, Berkeley, 127 yards rushing, TD Keller Wofford, Berkeley, 165 yards passing, 2 TD Cooper Kafina, Summerville, 239 yards passing, 3 TD Jayven Williams, Summerville, 113 yards rushing, 2 TD Jaiden Kelly-Murray, Summerville, 6 receptions, 180 yards, 2 TD; 36 yards rushing Xavier Means, Northwestern, 250 passing yards, 3 TD; 147 rushing yards, 2 TD Nigel Smith, Northwestern, 114 yards rushing, TD KamVance, Northwestern, 13 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD Nick Means, Dorman, 163 yards rushing, 4 TD Ashton Chapman, Ridge View, 232 yards passing, TD Jaxon Knotts, Dutch Fork, 295 yards passing, 3 TD;47 yards rushing, TD Stone Furrey, Dutch Fork, 6 receptions, 158 tards, TD Jay Duncan, Greenwood, 13 receptions, 167 yards, 3 TD Jaiden Bryant, Irmo, 2 defensive TD, 14 tackles, 3 sacks Tripp Bryant, Greenville, 138 passing yards, 2 TD; 53 rushing yards Trenton Lynch, Spartanburg, 160 yards rushing, 3 TD Matt Kucia, Indian Land, 145 yards passing, 3 TD Jamel Horton, Indian Land, 115 yards rushing, TD Jovan Howard, Westwood, 4 TD rushing Josian Coleman, Easley, 220 yards passing,3 TD Kason Cannupp, Nation Ford, 306 yards passing Hayden Myers, River Bluff, 201 yards rushing, TD Brayden Moore, River Bluff, 193 yards passing, TD Broden Mitcheson, Fort Mill, 134 yards rushing, TD EJ Richardson, Lugoff-Elgin, 143 all-purpose yards, 3 TD Josh Kahl, Boiling Springs, 191 passing yards, 3 TD AAAA Player of the Week: Bluffton QB Aedan McCarthy completed 18-of-28 passes for 459 yards and 4 TD in his team’s win. AAAA Honor Roll Quinn Mahoney, Bishop England, 247 yards passing, 44 yards rus+5hing, 4 TD Messiah Jackson, South Florence, 209 passing yards, 2 TD; 2 TD rushing Cameron James, South Florence, 115 yards rushing, 2 TD Jayuan Perkins, South Florence, 153 receiving yards, 2 TD Amare Patterson, Bluffton, 3 receptions, 161 yards, 2 TD Logan Bragg, Laurens, 150 passing yards, TD Jace Grass, Daniel, 314 passing yards, 4 TD Trey Wimbley, Daniel, 7 receptions, 172 yards, 2 TD Xaver Geter, Midland Valley, 301 passing yards, 2 TD Preston Smith, Midland Valley, 132 yards rushing, TD Jaylen Washington, Midland Valley, 115 yards receiving, 2 TD Bryston Newton, Midland Valley, 12 tackles, 4 TFL Tylin Drakeford, Camden, 136 yards rushing, 2 TD Navier Boykin, Camden, 128 yards rushing, TD Roper Wentsky, AC Flora, 4 TD passes Gavin Thomas, Seneca, 163 passing yards, 3 TD Amari Verner, Seneca, 179 yards rushing, 3 TD Tyler Waller, Gray Collegiate, 165 yards passing, TD Trevon Williamson, Gray Collegiate, 134 yards rushing, TD Calvin Wofford, Crestwood, 134 yards rushing Carnell Warren, Bluffton, 6 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TD Sean Mitchell, May River, 194 yards rushing, 2TD Jayvin Risher, Hilton Head, 159 yards rushing, 2 TD AAA Player of the Week: Kenton Caldwell, Newberry : Bulldogs QB rushed for 206 yards and passed for 191 yards and two touchdowns as his team improved to 3-0. AAA Honor Roll Aiden Manavian, Oceanside Collegiate, 21-of-24, 297 yards passing, 2 TD Terence Johnson, Oceanside Collegiate, 9 receptions, 154 yards Noah Thomas, BHP, 201 passing yards, TD Cam Robinson, BHP, 91 rush yards, 2 TD T. Watson-Martin, BHP, 117 yards rushing, TD Kenton Caldwell, Newberry, 206 yards rushing, 191 yards passing, 2 TD Hunter O’Neal, Keenan, 426 yards rushing, 5 TD Max Anderson, Mountain View Prep, 269 yards passing, 3 TD Mak Anderson, Mountain View Prep, 153 yards rushing, 4 TD Mack Rambo, St. Joseph’s, 114 yards rushing, 2 TD Sam Patterson, St. Joseph’s, 175 receiving yards, 2 TD Tre Blakeney, Marlboro County, 144 yards passing, TD Judd Windham, Christ Church, 167 yards passing, TD Connor Davis, Woodruff, 243 passing yards, 3 TD Aiden Gibson, Woodruff, 132 yards rushing, 2 TD Kori Moates, Woodruff, 11 receptions, 154 yards, 2 TD Zamire Gerald, Loris, 222 yards passing, 5 TD Khalid Sherman, Loris, 139 yards receiving, 2 TD Tripp Gallus, Hanahan, 155 yards passing Lorenzo Kitching, North Charleston, 205 yards rushing, 2 TD AA Player of the Week: Jamijae Karim, Liberty: rushed for 165 yards and scored four touchdowns as the Red Devils knocked off AAAA Pickens, 42-17. AA Honor Roll Caleb Feaster, Chester, 225 yards rushing, 2 TD Dwayne Louellen, Central, 160 yards passing, 3 TD Aiden Short, Central, 113 yards rushing, TD Jakari Holloman, Central, 107 yards rushing, 2 TD Kamauri Jones, Fairfield Central, 100 passing yards, 55 rushing yards Kenyan Douglas, Fairfield Central, 3 rushing TD Tarell Grant, Hampton County, 159 yards passing, 2 TD Jayden Singletary, Hampton County, 131 yards rushing, 3 TD Ty Foster, Landrum, 235 yards passing Braylon Revis, Landrum, 157 yards rushing, TD Jamijae Karim, Liberty, 165 yards rushing, 4 TD Kendall Jackson, Liberty, 133 yards rushing, 2 TD Tanner Elrod, Liberty, 101 yards rushing Bryce Adams, Chesterfield, 211 passing yards, 3 TD Greg Rushing, Chesterfield, 155 yards rushing, 2 TD Owen George, Academic Magnet, 131 yards rushing, 2 TD; 77 yards passing Class A Player of the Week – Jayden Johnson, Ware Shoals , led his team to a 3-0 start with a 20-12 win over Landrum…rushed for 154 yards and passed for 130 yards Class A Honor Roll Tyler Harris, Cross, 148 yards passing Jordan Strong, Lewisville, 144 yards passing, TD Jacorreun Howze, 113 yards rushing, TD Brandon Nance, Dixie, 3 TD rushing Jayden Martin, Dixie, 88 yards rushing Cordell McLain, Ridgeland, 13 tackles Josh Winbush, Ware Shoals, 11 tackles, 4 TFL SCISA Player of the Week, Silas Brawner, Pinewood Prep , junior quarterback passed for 304 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Trinity Collegiarte. SCISA Honor Roll ELIJAH HUTTO—W W KING PASSED 10/10 248 YDS 5 TDS DALLAS HILL—W W KING RECEIVING 3/95 3 TDS JACOB BUSSEY—W W KING 13 TACKLES ETHAN COLLINS—LAURENS ACADEMY PASSED 14/22 256 YDS 4 TDS MASON COOPER—LAURENS ACADEMY RUSHED 17/155 1 TD CALEB HARDY—LAURENS ACADEMY RECEIVING 8/192 4 TDS 10 TACKLES NATHAN BELL – LAURENS ACADEMY 15 TACKLES ELIAS LITTLETON—LAURENS ACADEMY 11 TACKLES ELI GARRETT---LAURENS ACADEMY 11 TACKLES JORDAN TURNER—BETHESDA PASSED 5/8 185 YDS 3 TDS RALO WESLEY---BETHESDA RECEIVING 4/114 YDS 2 TDS N. JACKSON---BETHESDA 14 TACKLES LUKE SOBEY---PATRICK HENRY ACADEMY 14 TACKLES DRAKE PORTER---BEN LIPPEN 16 TACKLES JORDAN BLACKMON---DILLON CHRISTIAN PASSED 10/18 187 YDS 1 TD RUSHED 7/60 1 TD CADE AMELL---HAMMOND ACADEMY PASSED 9/14 143 YDS 1 TD RUSHED 3/33 YDS PARKER KIZER---HOLLY HILL ACADEMY RUSHED 39/264 YDS 5 TDS Lavoris Lucas, Pinewood Prep, 116 all-purpose yards, 2 TD Kevin Johnson, Northwood Academy, 19-of-31 passing, 207 yards, TD Aydan Hogan, Northwood Academy, 7 receptions, 100 yards John Whetsell, Dorchester Academy, 123 yards rushing, 2 TD; 25 yards receiving John Quattlebaum, Dorchester Academy, 184 yards passing, 3 TD Chelly Williams, Orangeburg Prep, 275 yards passing, 2 TD Tilden Riley, Orangeburg Prep, 7 receptions, 202 yards, 2 TD Christian Williams, Thomas Sumter, 12 receptions, 226 yards, 2 TD Cael Parler, Calhoun Academy, 117 yards rushing, 3 TD Colt Layton, Calhoun Academy, 117 yards rushing, TD Jace Williams, Thomas Sumter, 218 yards passing, TD Andrew Miller, Florence Christian, 118 yards rushing, TD Cale Owens, Colleton Prep, 97 yards passing, TD; 88 yards rushing, TD Tanner Wolf, Colleton Prep, 101 yards rushing, 3 TD Devin Fripp, Beaufort Academy,115 yards rushing 2 TD Nyeh Underwood, Beaufort, 206 yards rushing, 3 TD Nic Shuford, Beaufort Academy, 133 yards passing, 2 TD;102 yards rushing, TD Ben McLaurin, Wilson Hall, 97 yards rushing, TD Grant Small, Williamsburg,215 yards rushing, 2 TD Michael Ard, Williamsburg, 11 tackles
Cross - .Cross High safety/wide receiver Caden Ramsey made his college destination known on Monday, announcing that he would be signing with the University of South Carolina. Ramsey (6-5, 200) is a top 10 prospect in the state and chose the Gamecocks over a final list that included Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Ramsey was offered by USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott on June 27 and the Gamecocks quickly jumped to the top of the list. “It feels good to get it over with,” said Ramsey, who attended Saturday’s game against South Carolina State. “I felt pretty good about USC all along. Coach Elliott and coach Beamer made it feel like home. I know I made the right decision.” Ramsey is expected to play tight end in college and will likely be used primarily as a hybrid or h-back. He has only played receiver and safety at Cross. Last season, Ramsey’s 13 interceptions led the state. He has two interceptions in the first three games of this season, along with three offensive touchdowns. Last season, as a receiver, Ramsey had 38 receptions for 673 yards and eight touchdowns. Ramsey is not concerned with the move to a new position, saying that he expects to add 25 to 30 pounds once he arrives in a college setting. “I will definitely add some weight if I change positions,” he said. “It’s no big deal for me. I’ll play anywhere they tell me to play. I just want to be on the field helping us win games.” Cross head coach Shaun Wright s ays Ramsey should have no trouble switching positions. “He’s a versatile, athletic kid who can do just about anything on the field,” Wright said. “He’s our safety, a receiver, he’s our long snapper and our backup quarterback. He can punt too. He really is a once in a lifetime player for me as a coach. Generational talent.” Ramsey also is one of the state’s top basketball players and also excels in the 400 meter dash in track. Ramsey is the second Berkeley County product to commit to an SEC school, joining Timberland offensive lineman Desmond Green , who is pledged to Florida. He also is the second Cross High player ever to commit to USC, joining former defensive back Rod Wilson.
St. John’s Christian Academy Announces Dr. Jerry Brown as Head Football Coach and Bruce Ellington-Player Development Coach Moncks Corner, SC – September 8, 2025 – St. John’s Christian Academy (SJCA) is proud to announce the addition of two remarkable leaders to its football program: Dr. Jerry Brown as Head Football Coach and Bruce Ellington as the Player Development Coach . Together, they join SJCA’s dedicated coaching staff in shaping the next generation of Cavalier athletes. Dr. Jerry Brown enters his 55th year of coaching, including 36 years as a head coach. His legendary career is marked by an unmatched record of success: 8 State Championships (3 as assistant, 5 as head coach) – never losing a title game. Three State Titles at Berkeley High School (1994, 1996, 2009). One of only three coaches in South Carolina history to win state titles at three different schools: Batesburg-Leesville, Spring Valley, and Berkeley. Served as both Head Coach and Assistant in the Shrine Bowl and North-South All-Star Games , winning all four. Inducted into the South Carolina Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2018) and the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2021). Beyond the gridiron, Dr. Brown has faithfully served as a deacon at Santee Community Church in Moncks Corner and Christ Church in Columbia. He is a devoted husband to Mary Ames Brown and proud father of three children, Lucia, Paul, and Larry, and grandfather to Ames, Edye, Hardy, and great-granddaughter Elle. Raised in Moncks Corner, Bruce Ellington is a former professional athlete known for his extraordinary accomplishments as a two-sport standout at the University of South Carolina and for his five-year career in the National Football League (NFL). High School Achievements: Led Berkeley High School to the 2009 Division II-AAAA state football championship as quarterback; finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football Award. On the basketball court, he earned South Carolina 4A Player of the Year with senior averages of 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Collegiate Career: Excelled as both the starting point guard for USC’s men’s basketball team and a wide receiver for the Gamecocks football program. Graduated with a degree in sociology. NFL Career: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 and played five seasons with the 49ers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots. Ellington’s versatility, leadership, and determination are hallmarks of his athletic career and will be a source of inspiration for SJCA student-athletes. Dr. Brown and Coach Ellington embrace core values that align deeply with the mission of St. John’s Christian Academy: faith in Christ, a dedicated work ethic, determination, accountability, brotherly love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Together with the existing Cavalier coaching staff, they are committed to building a program that develops not only strong athletes but also strong Christian men who will serve others with integrity. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brown and Coach Ellington to the Cavalier Family,” said Becky Ellison, Head of School. “Their combined experience, passion for the game, and dedication to developing young men both on and off the field will strengthen our football program and inspire our school community.” Upcoming Home Game We invite our SJCA family to come out this Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. for our home football game against Carolina Academy . Let’s pack the stands, show our Cavalier spirit, and give Coach Brown, Coach Ellington, and our Cavaliers a true SJCA welcome. Swords Up and Go Cavs! Media Contact: Becky Ellison, Head of School St. John’s Christian Academy 843-761-8539 becky.ellison@sjcacavaliers.com
St. Johns Christian Academy To Name Dr. Jerry Brown As head Football Coach On Monday Afternoon, Former Berkeley High & SC Star Athlete Bruce Ellington Will Also Be Named A Top Assistant Also By Billy G. Baker Publisher Moncks Cormer — Dr. Jerry Brown, who coached up five state championship football teams in coaching stints at Spring Valley , Berkeley , and Batesville - Leesville between 1985 and 2022 ; becoming only of three coaches to ever accomplish such a feat in state history, will be introduced as the new head football coach at St. Johns Christian Academy at the football stadium at the school at 4 p.m. Monday. At the same event, former Berkeley High two-sport star Bruce Ellington , who went on to play basketball and football at South Carolina , will be introduced as a top assistant coach with Coach Brown at the school. In a late Sunday night call to the HSSR from St. Johns Christian Academy Head of School Becky Ellison, was elated that both Coach Brown and Ellington would be reuniting with each other, and the plan is to have them meet with the team at 9 a. m on Monday morning. “We are beyond excited, and very appreciative to have Dr. Jerry Brown and Bruce Ellington to come on board to help rebuild our football program,” said Ellison, a three-time former HSSR all-state softball player from Stall High School, where she helped lead a team to a state title. “We are inviting the media to attend a 4 p.m. press conference on our football field on Monday afternoon to introduce both Coach Brown and Bruce Elvington.” Dr. Jerry Brown's Career Coaching record (as verified with intense research from HSSR historian Gerald Doolittle on Sunday night) reveals a 296-149 record at the conclusion of Brown’s last season at Berkeley in 2022. Here is a break-down of Coach Brown’s 37-year journey in coaching: Spring Valley 1985-1989 Record 48-14 State title in 1988 finishing 12-2; Fairfield Central 1990 1992 12-23 record, Berkeley 1992-2010- Record was 176-64with State Titles in 1994 (15-0), 1996 (14-1) & 2009 (9-3). Bateburg - Leesville -2012 & 2013-17-8, with AA State title in 2013 with 12-2 record; Spring Valley -One season in 2014-with 6-5 record, Northside Christian in 2016 with 3-6 record; Wade Hampton between 2017-2020 with 29-14 record, and back at Berkeley- 2021 & 2022 with a 5-15 record (missed some time coaching dealing with health issues of his wife, Mary Ames Brown.) Coach Brown is a member of the SC Football Coaches Hall of Fame. In his coaching career he has been named Statewide Football Coach of the Year Five Times by The High School Sports Repor t & other news organizations. Coach Brown played in the 1967 Shrine Bowl as a player from Winnsboro, SC. He was an assistant Shrine bowl coach in 2000 and in 2022 he was the head Shrine bowl coach as the Sandlappers won the game 17-13. Coach Brown also served as both an assistant and head coach in the annual North-South all-star football game at Myrtle Beach. Coach Brown was 4-0 in the four all-star games he served in.