Stratford’s Davis Leads South Carolina to 17-7 Win in 89th Shrine Bowl
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Spartanburg – Stratford quarterback Jachin Davis threw a pair of touchdown passes and South Carolina defeated North Carolina, 17-7, in the 89th Shrine Bowl all-star game in Spartanburg on December 20.
Davis, named the offensive most valuable player for the Sandlappers, completed 10 of 15 passes for 184 yards in the game. He is headed to Liberty University as an early enrollee.
“Great experience and great to get a win,” Davis said. “Playing with all of these great players was something I will never forget.”
South Carolina dominated the game defensively, allowing only 136 total yards. The Tarheels completed just five of 19 passes.
Stratford running back Maliq McGowan, a late addition to the roster, finished as the leading rusher for South Carolina with 42 yards on nine carries. West Ashley’s Bristol Biegenzahn played on the defensive front for the Sandlappers while Berkeley’s Zion Britt started on the offensive line. Cross safety, and South Carolina signee Caden Ramsey, Berkeley linebacker Gehad Sneed, and Timberland offensive lineman Desmond Green, who is headed to Florida, also played for the Sandlappers.
“You win all-star games with defense and our defense was outstanding,” said SC head coach Paul Sutherland, who retired as the head coach at Liberty High after the season. “Glad to get the win for South Carolina. The kids were great. I am very blessed to have had this opportunity.”
It took less than 10 seconds for the Sandlappers to score the game’s first touchdown as Davis combined with Dillon receiver Zay Robertson, heading to North Carolina, on an 80-yard bomb on the first play of the game for a quick 7-0 lead. Robertson finished the game with four catches for 131 yards.
“He’s a great player,” said Davis of Robertson. “Getting that first touchdown was a tone setter.”
South Carolina lost fumbles on their next two possessions, the second miscue leading to North Carolina’s game-tying touchdown after a 23-yard drive.
Spartanburg’s Will Love, heading to Virginia Tech, kicked a 35-yard field goal late in the second quarter for a 10-7 halftime lead for the Sandlappers.
South Carolina’s last play offensive snap in the game was Davis’s nine-yard touchdown pass to Jude Hall of Christ Church with :59 seconds left on the game clock.
Chester linebacker Terry Rayford, who had 11 tackles, was the defensive most valuable player for the Sandlappers. Dorman's Kentavion Anderson and Ridge View's Jordan Best recorded interceptions
The win gives South Carolina a 48-34 lead in the series. There have been seven ties.
