Game Balls: Charleston Area Top Performers
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The Goose Creek High football team has managed just two wins in their first seven games of the 2022 season, playing one of the state’s toughest schedules. However, the second win of the season came on Friday night in a…
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Continue ReadingThe Goose Creek High football team has managed just two wins in their first seven games of the 2022 season, playing one of the state’s toughest schedules.
However, the second win of the season came on Friday night in a crucial region 6-AAAAA battle against county rival Cane Bay. The Gators came away with a 36-21 win over the Cobras, which came into the game with a 5-1 record. Goose Creek’s victory enhances their chances of winning a fourth consecutive region championship if they can finish strong.
Leading the way in that victory was 2023 quarterback Drew Moore Drew Moore 6'3" | 175 lbs | QB Goose Creek | 2023 State SC . The Mercer University commit surpassed 300 passing yards for the second consecutive game, completing 22-of-33 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing score. Moore (6-3, 180) has topped 1,300 passing yards in seven games and has 15 touchdown passes.
Other top passing performances in week eight included Philip Simmons 2025 Tavien Orellana Tavien Orellana 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Philip Simmons | 2025 State SC (182 yards, 2 TD), Summerville 2023 Campbell McCurry Campbell McCurry 5'11" | 195 lbs | ATH Summerville | 2023 State SC (204 yards, 3 TD, TD rush), and James Island 2023 Liam Nixon (154 yards, 2 TD).
Goose Creek 2023 receiver Troy Reid had eight receptions for 147 yards and two scores. Rising 2026 prospect Meliq McGowan Meliq McGowan 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Goose Creek | 2026 State SC , a running back, rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
Summerville 2024 receiver Quintrelle Pettiford Quintrelle Pettiford 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Summerville | 2024 State SC continues to show his playmaking ability on the perimeter. Pettiford caught four passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-13 win over West Ashley.
One of the state’s top 2024 prospects, athlete Troy Stevenson Troy Stevenson 6'0" | 165 lbs | ATH Philip Simmons | 2024 State SC of Philip Simmons, totaled 109 all-purpose yards and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Woodland 2024 running back Jaiden Gardner rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns in a key region 5-AA win over Wade Hampton to keep the Wolverines undefeated at 8-0.
2024 linebacker Aaron Pulliam of Woodland tallied 13 tackles in that win. Other top defensive performers in the area included Summerville 2024 linebacker Ike Rutherford (13 tackles, 2,5 TFL, sack), Lucy Beckham 2024 linebacker Evan Hawsey (9 tackles, 3 TFL, sack), and 2024 linebacker Josh Youngblood of Berkeley (10 tackles, 4 TFL).