Orangeburg Hosts South Carolina High School Football Championships

Fans filled the stadium, celebrating the spirit of high school football.

News Summary

This past weekend, Orangeburg welcomed high school teams for the South Carolina High School League football championships. The excitement unfolded over three days at S.C. State’s Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, where teams vied for state titles. With thrilling encounters, standout players, and electric fan support, the event celebrated the state’s dedication to high school football.

Orangeburg Welcomes South Carolina High School Football Championships

This past weekend, the city of Orangeburg played host to the exciting culmination of the South Carolina High School League’s football state championships at the famed S.C. State’s Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. From Thursday through Saturday, teams battled it out on the field, each vying for the coveted state titles. Fans filled the stands, ready to cheer on their teams, and the atmosphere was electric!

Thursday Showdowns: Champions Crowned

The championship kicked off on Thursday with thrilling games that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the Class 2A matchup, Clinton emerged victorious, defeating Barnwell with a resounding 35-6 score. This win was particularly special as it marked Clinton’s first title since 2009! Quarterback Tushawan Richardson was a star, throwing for two touchdown passes and even running one in himself. Rhett Gilliam was also instrumental, contributing to the win with two rushing touchdowns.

Meanwhile, in the Class 1A clash, Abbeville demonstrated its football prowess by trouncing Cross with an impressive score of 58-20. This victory secured Abbeville its 14th state championship! Demarcus Leach showcased his exceptional skills both offensively and defensively, making a significant impact throughout the game.

Friday’s Action: Clashes and Comebacks

As the championship weekend progressed into Friday, the excitement continued. In the highly anticipated Class 5A Division I contest, Dutch Fork battled Summerville, ultimately winning 35-21. Dutch Fork celebrated its ninth state championship, thanks to Maurice Anderson’s stellar performance, as he scored three touchdowns. There was a thrilling moment when Summerville momentarily seized the lead with a dramatic fourth-down touchdown catch early on! But Dutch Fork wasn’t going to let that stop them.

Then the nail-biting action shifted to the Class 4A game, where South Florence faced off against Westside. In a fierce contest, South Florence managed to edge out Westside with a narrow 42-41 victory, avenging their previous year’s loss. Key passes from quarterback Messiah Jackson proved crucial in sealing the win.

Saturday’s Excitement: Final Matchups Await

Class 3A showdown featured Belton-Honea Path, sporting a record of 13-1, against Oceanside Collegiate, who came in at 10-3. Belton-Honea Path aimed to add another title to its name after winning back in 2014, while Oceanside Collegiate looked to secure its second consecutive championship.

Later in the day, the tension mounted for the Class 5A Division II clash between Northwestern and Irmo. Northwestern entered the contest boasting an impressive 13-0 record and aiming for its sixth title, while Irmo hoped to break a 44-year drought since its last championship win.

Star Athletes Steal the Spotlight

Throughout the championship weekend, several standout players consistently grabbed attention. Belton-Honea Path’s running back, Marquise Henderson, who racked up an incredible 1,934 rushing yards along with 25 touchdowns this season, was certainly one to watch. Over on Oceanside Collegiate, Aiden Manavian showcased his skills as a quarterback, surpassing 3,000 passing yards this year. Not to be outdone, Northwestern’s Finley Polk led his team with a whopping 42 touchdown throws and over 3,284 yards! And don’t forget about Irmo’s A.J. Brand Jr., who earned the title of Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina!

Event Logistics: Everything You Need to Know

For those who attended, it was essential to remember the game-day logistics. Tickets were priced at $15 and had to be purchased online, with no ticket sales at the venue. Additionally, parking was $10 per car, while vehicles with trailers or RVs faced a $50 parking fee. Fans who couldn’t make it to the stadium had the option to catch all the action through Sinclair Broadcasting stations or stream the games online, with a subscription fee required.

Looking Back at the Season

The championship games served not only as a celebration of high school football in South Carolina but also marked the thrilling conclusion of a season filled with hard work, passion, and unyielding teamwork. With eight teams showcasing their talent, it was a true testament to the competitive spirit of high school football in the state!