Upper State Finals Game Balls
In this article:
The Upper State title games might have lacked close games but it more than made up for it in outstanding performances. These types of performances are what make champions. They have one more game to claim the ultimate goal but…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Upper State title games might have lacked close games but it more than made up for it in outstanding performances. These types of performances are what make champions. They have one more game to claim the ultimate goal but these performances on Friday night helped put their teams on the doorstep of earning a championship ring.
Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2022 State SC , RB, Gaffney
More than anything Friday night, Smith showed up when his team needed him most. After trailing at the half, Smith helped rally the Indians to 35 second half points for a 56-31 victory and spot in the Class 5A state championship game.
Smith totaled 178 yards rushing and three touchdown runs to go along with one receiving touchdown. But he had plenty of help. Quarterback Grayson Loftis Grayson Loftis 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2023 State SC tossed four touchdowns to go along with 256 yards passing. Clay Putnam recovered two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown.
Ty Chambers, DB, South Pointe
Defense proved to be a key to put South Pointe back in a state championship for the first time since 2017. Chambers returned a fumbled 81-yards for a touchdown that turned a close game into a 21-0 advantage. The Stallions eventually claimed a 24-14 victory over Greenville to earn the right to play Beaufort for the Class 4A state title. The South Pointe defense forced four turnovers total.
Ja’Quan Thompson did not tally a touchdown but his 133 yards rushing on 15 carries set the stage for the other two touchdowns by South Pointe.
Trent Pearman Trent Pearman 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Daniel | 2022 State SC , QB, Daniel
The Daniel senior quarterback did a little bit of everything in leading the Lions to its 23rd straight win and back to defend its Class 3A state title. Pearman was 32-of-38 for 363 yards passing and one touchdown and added two rushing scores to propel Daniel to a 40-21 win over Chester.
Kazarius Adams Kazarius Adams 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Gray Collegiate Academy | 2022 State SC , RB, Gray Collegiate
It’s only fitting that Adams was the one to lead Gray Collegiate to its first-ever appearance in the state championship. The Georgia State commitment ran his season total to 3,030 yards with his 260-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 35-24 win over Newberry.
Ja’Corey Martin Ja’Corey Martin 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Southside Christian | 2023 State SC , QB, Southside Christian
It was the Martin show early and often in Southside Christian’s 49-7 win over Lamar. He ran for five touchdowns – runs of 27, 15, 1, 4 and 1 yards – and added a 20-yard scoring toss for the Sabres 22nd straight win. Martin ended with 68 yards rushing on seven carries and added 102 passing yards.