South Carolina’s defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage while its back seven stifled the passing attack, limiting North Carolina to 49 total yards in a dominant 24-0 victory at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in Spartanburg, Saturday.
For much of the afternoon, it looked as if neither team would pierce the opposing end zone. The Tarheels were held to just a pair of first downs through three quarters and although the Sandlappers were putting up yards, they were struggling to cash in on promising drives due to penalties and special teams mishaps.
South Carolina kicker Coleman Franzone’s 33-yard field goal accounted for all of the first-half points. As the game wore on, it became clear that North Carolina was going to have trouble simply working its way into scoring position against the stout Sandlappers defense. South Carolina head coach Wayne Farmer (Calhoun County) was content to lean on his offensive line, featuring Clemson commitment Watson Young and USC commitment Josiah Thompson, and work the clock while controlling field position.
With the Tarheels’ defense forced to defend the run and focus on South Carolina backs Traevon Dunbar (Midland Valley, 76 yards, TD) and Turbo Richard (Northwestern, Boston College commitment, 39 yards), quarterback Matthew Wilson (Rock Hill, Appalachian State commitment) hit a streaking Avery McFadden (Hillcrest, Georgia State commitment) for a 43-yard score and the game’s first touchdown.
With the Tarheels needing two scores to overcome the deficit, the Sandlappers’ pass rushers pinned their ears back and pressed North Carolina’s passers into duress time and again. In total, North Carolina punted a dozen times and picked up just three first downs as the Sandlappers outgained the Tarheels 363-49.
Matthew Wilson (163 yards, 2 TDs) was named offensive MVP for the Sandlappers and Zantwan Nelson (South Pointe, 4 tackles) was named defensive MVP. DB Quay’sheed Scott (Marion, Kentucky commitment, 6 tackles, interception) and WR Braylon Staley (Strom Thurmond, Tennessee commitment, 41-yard TD) also produced big plays for the winning side.
Also Saturday, the coaching staffs for next year’s game were announced. The South Carolina staff: Reggie Kennedy (head coach) of Manning; Jeff Tate of Ashley Ridge; Dann Holland of Pelion; Brian Smith of Kingstree; Perry Woolbright of Clover; Jimmy Woods of Lamar; Marco Thompson of Manning.
