Touchstone Energy Bowl Breakdown: Lowcountry Region Selections
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There’s no doubt that Lowcountry football has taken a monstrous leap forward in 2023. And it’s evidenced by excellent representation in December 9’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl in Myrtle Beach. Let’s run through the list and highlight the Lowcountry standouts…
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Continue ReadingThere’s no doubt that Lowcountry football has taken a monstrous leap forward in 2023.
And it’s evidenced by excellent representation in December 9’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl in Myrtle Beach.
Let’s run through the list and highlight the Lowcountry standouts that will take the field in the state’s prestigious senior all-star game.
KJ Chisholm
KJ Chisholm
He may be listed as a defensive back on the roster, but KJ Chisholm has done so much more in his senior year for the Whale Branch Warriors. An anchor in the secondary who put up nine interceptions in his sophomore season, Chisholm has transitioned into a leader on both sides of the ball and has thrived as a speedster and game manager at quarterback. His lightning-quick anticipation and hustle to the football helps him clean up tackles quickly, and he’s got terrific hands to come up with pass breakups and key interceptions. He’s been ultra-efficient in the red zone with 11 touchdowns while averaging 8.1 yards per carry, and figures to be the defining sparkplug for a Warriors team with state championship aspirations in Class 1A.
At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Jayden Whaley Jayden Whaley 6’1″ | 185 lbs | DB James Island | 2024 State SC has proven himself to be one of the most valuable defensive backs in the state. He’s catapulted a locked-in James Island defense to new heights in 2023, making three interceptions in eight games so far this year while adding eight pass breakups. His vertical reach allows him to contest catches downfield and win jump-ball throws over defenders, and he’s got one of the best instincts in the area to jump routes and break up passing plays. An excellent competitor who always seems to put himself in the right spot to make the biggest impact, Whaley will have a chance to make a major statement in December’s game.
There’s been no stopping Derrick Salley at wide receiver these last few weeks, and now he’s on his way to showcasing his skills against the state’s best. A monster on the outside at 6-foot-4, Salley has dominated his matchups to the tune of 83 receptions, 1,572 yards, and 17 touchdowns through just eight games. His high catch radius and crisp route running has made him a menacing challenge to cover, and he’s got rare explosiveness when he gets the ball outside on a screen to make defenders miss. He’s become the complete package of a dynamic wide receiver and should be fun to watch at the beach in December.
A reliable playmaker for Hayden Gregory’s defense at Bluffton, Jeremiah Curry has shined throughout his high school career for the Bobcats. He’s carried a strong blend of commitment, motor, and physicality to his game throughout the last four years and is a steady presence who can make the big play in the open field when his team needs him to. Curry is up to 69 total tackles in his senior season while adding four stops for a loss, one sack, and 12 hurried throws on opposing quarterbacks. He’s a patient and instinctive player who knows when to pursue and swallow up a play. Curry has always been a consistent performer on the field, and he’ll need to deliver for the Bobcats down the stretch in order to lock down a playoff spot.
Highlights
Ian Rafferty’s Summerville squad is looking like a top state title contender in Class 5A, and the defense has been flying thanks to Touchstone Cooperatives Bowl-bound linebacker Kayden Gaddist. A dynamic and explosive difference maker at linebacker while also roving over to defensive end, Gaddist is a hard-nosed player who can shed blocks quickly and dominate in one-on-one matchups. He can play coverage beautifully and has the speed and hands to lock receivers down and pick off passes. Gaddist has a strong frame with a relentless pursuit to accomplish anything that’s needed on a given play. He should provide the South team with a versatile set of skills in December’s upcoming contest.
Highlights
Ka’Von Chisolm
Ka’Von Chisolm
A monstrous playmaker on the line for Rob Hanna’s Hurricanes, Ka’Von Chisolm has provided Hampton County with unrelenting power up front. The former Estill Gator came over to Hampton through the school’s merge and has excelled in his senior season, racking up 46.5 tackles through nine games including an impressive 16 tackles for loss. He passed his biggest test yet with flying colors on Friday, manhandling an excellent Woodland offensive line to hold the Wolverines to -10 rushing yards on the night. A hard-nosed standout on the field who has risen to the occasion in his senior year, Chisolm has what it takes to lead an aggressive Hampton County defense deep in the 2A postseason.
A key fixture of a dominant Oceanside Collegiate front, Ben Britton has shown out in his senior campaign for the Landsharks. He’s been a beast up front with his long arms and muscle, helping stuff the run and put his opponents behind the sticks. The Army West Point commit shows impressive motor and explosiveness off the block to wrap up tackles and displays a relentless nature to catch up to the ball-carrier and finish the play. Britton has the size, quickness, and efficiency on the field to produce over the rest of the year against the best as the Landsharks eye a 2A state title.
Highlights
A hidden gem at Stratford, Landon Stradcutter has turned himself into one of the most skilled offensive linemen in the state. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound standout has excellent technical abilities up front and has been phenomenal at sealing the edge to open outside runs and protecting his quarterback’s blind side. Stradcutter is a vicious competitor with impressive energy and stamina to finish his blocks downfield and compete until the whistle. His tenacious play should be on display in December as he goes against the best seniors in the state.
Highlights
It’s been an excellent senior season for Cane Bay standout tackle Andrew Tumbleston. A hard worker on the field and the gym, Tumbleston has delivered a strong campaign with a persistent effort to hold and maintain his blocking. He’s shown terrific footwork and poise to set the tone on the line and open up lanes for his teammates to move the football downfield. Tumbleston has become the anchor on an offensive line that will have to perform down the stretch and into the postseason.
Highlights
Drake Bull
Drake Bull
A high-octane sparkplug for a talented Lucy Beckham team, Drake Bull has been a force for the Bengals in his senior campaign. He’s set the tone for a hungry Beckham defense, making countless plays in the backfield with his extra effort and strength at the line. Bull has excellent instincts off the snap and terrific athleticism to quickly outwork his matchups. He constantly puts away tackles in the open field and has the ability to force turnovers with his physicality. Bull is a proven anchor of a Lucy Beckham team that will be a tough group to face in next month’s postseason.
Taking a huge step forward in his senior year, Zion Dobson has soared to elite status at the running back position in South Carolina. With his improved patience to seek out running lanes combined with blazing speed through the open field, Dobson has carved up his opposition to the tune of 1,570 yards and 21 touchdowns on 139 carries. He put on a clinic against a solid Woodland defense on Friday, showing his quick burst and textbook tackle-breaking power for five touchdowns and 248 yards. A potent weapon who could see some time both out wide and the return game at the Touchstone Cooperatives Bowl, Dobson has the potential to star in December at Doug Shaw Memorial.
Highlights
Dwayne Simmons
Dwayne Simmons
A dynamic offensive producer for Ashley Ridge’s high-octane group, Dwayne Simmons has earned a spot at tight end at this year’s all-star game. He’s become a terrific weapon out wide this season, showcasing picture-perfect route running and excellent hands to hold onto catches in traffic. A tall and strong target downfield for quarterback Trevor Kalisz, Simmons has provided another option to push the ball forward in the passing game and is a matchup advantage with his size and athleticism. He’ll have a great opportunity to impress in a few weeks to close out his senior campaign.
A breakout star with his leg for Philip Simmons, Sam Crocker has earned the coveted kicker spot for the South squad at this year’s Cooperatives Bowl. Crocker has been consistent this year in both his kicking and punting duties, posting a 35.6-yard average on punts with six attempts knocked inside the 20-yard line. He showed the power in his leg to help the Iron Horses pick up a massive win over Beaufort, notching six touchbacks and hitting a 23-yard field goal. Philip Simmons will need Crocker to step up on special teams and be the difference in a crowded Class 3A postseason gauntlet this November.
William Coker
William Coker
Cane Bay’s defense has been excellent in 2023, and reliable lineman William Coker has led the charge. A key producer on both defense and special teams, Coker is a hard worker up front with terrific strength to impact and slow down the opponent’s run game. He plays with nonstop tenacity on the edge and will battle all play long to establish control and penetrate towards the ball-carrier. A coach’s favorite with his persistence and consistent motor on the field, Coker will be an underrated name to watch in Myrtle Beach.
Jayden Middleton
Jayden Middleton
The Cross Trojans have crashed the party as one of the top squads in Class 1A, and Jayden Middleton has been the spark to power a sensational defensive unit. The 5-foot-11, 275-pound standout has dominated in the trenches this fall, using his ferocious pressure at the line to wreak havoc in the backfield. Middleton is a tremendous run-stopper, working hard at every snap to consistently break through at the line and finish plays with his strong frame and elite physicality. He’s been an integral component to an impressive Trojan defense that’s pulled off three shutouts in a row.