Players Improving Stock at Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl

MYRTLE BEACH | Just two weeks ago [player_tooltip player_id='346199' first='Landon' last='Sharpe'] thought his high school football career was over.   Instead, the White Knoll quarterback got a final chance to impress college scouts and end his senior year with a victory at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium. He was also named co-captain of the South team at the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl.   “I was supposed to be a replacement,” he said during Friday's walk-through. “I ended up being a captain at this point, so it's been pretty good. We've just been practicing and it's cool to play with other All-Stars.”   Sharpe more than proved himself All-Star worthy. His 74-yard pass to River Bluff wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1360145' first='Aaron' last='Griffin'] (pictured right) as time expired in the first half was the South's lone score.   Like Sharpe, Griffin was a late addition to the Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bowl. He ended up with six receptions for 123 yards to earn South Offensive Most Valuable Player honors.   Ironically, Griffin had replaced teammate [player_tooltip player_id='464880' first='Stephen' last='Collier'] on the South roster. Collier was added to the Shrine Bowl and had six receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns for South Carolina.   While Collier is signed with East Carolina, Griffin is hoping to receive increased interest heading into February's national signing day.   Other North and South players apparently made a strong showing for the in-game coaches and scouts watching on the sidelines:   [player_tooltip player_id='1157945' first='Spencer' last='Conn'] LB, Daniel   The North Defensive MVP came to Myrtle Beach with only offers from North Greenville and Murray State. Although he was credited with just three tackles, he played a significant role in helping the defensive line force four turnovers and limit the South to 28 rushing yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1158045' first='Jared' last='Acosta'] LB, Newberry and [player_tooltip player_id='1157982' first='Montrelle' last='Keys'], LB, Airport   The senior inside and outside linebackers, respectively, were among the leading tacklers for the South. Acosta had a game-high six, while Keys was one of three players with four tackles.  Each showed hustle and a willingness to fight in the trenches to make tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249754' first='Josh' last='Merriweather'] DL, Strom Thurmond, Antrez Nance DL, Hillcrest, Altavious Patterson DL, Abbeville, and [player_tooltip player_id='1467823' first='Jayden' last='Martin'] DL, TL Hanna   The North's front were greatly credited by head coach Richard Muster of Powdersville for helping to “set the tone” in the victory. All four players played a significant role in forcing the South quarterbacks out of the pocket and limiting their speed advantage in the backfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157988' first='Aakil' last='Brown'] DL, South Pointe   The 5-foot 10, 199-pound senior consistently made his way into the South backfield. He and Wren defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='605526' first='Tyler' last='Morgan'] each had five tackles but had a game-high four tackles for loss totaling 16 yards. Known for his pass-rushing skills with the Stallions (13 sacks this season), Brown brought the same intensity to Saturday's game.   [player_tooltip player_id='809744' first='John' last='Peeples'] RB, Sumter   The Gamecocks' all-time leading rusher had a quiet 22 rushing yards to lead the South. However, he earned praise from South coaches during team practices for his ability to find running lanes.   Donovan Sims OL, White Knoll and [player_tooltip player_id='1573970' first='Josh' last='Ladd'] OL, Ridge View   South coaches raved all week about the play of the 6-foot 2, 330-pound Sims. His athleticism, size, enthusiasm and pass protection skills was a major boost the past two seasons for the Timberwolves. A mainstay in the Blazers' lineup, Ladd played tackle, guard and even center during his three seasons as a starter. At 6-foot 3 and 270 pounds, his technique and experience make him a well-seasoned prospect. While the entire South offensive line had a difficult time upfront against the North, the positive vibe from their coaches should help them gain interest.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249786' first='Artem' last='Kalinkin'] DL, Lexington and [player_tooltip player_id='272709' first='Malachi' last='Jefferson'] DL, James Island   Both South players had four tackles along with Airport's Keys. They did so competing against a North offensive line with 300-plus pound seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1360096' first='Robert' last='Stevens'] of Greenwood and [player_tooltip player_id='1359209' first='Jackson' last='Njoku'] of Fountain Inn. Having each played in competitive regions, Kalinkin and Jefferson have more than proven themselves as next level candidates.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255330' first='Noah' last='Lucas'] TE, Lower Richland   A pair of tight ends with similar physical attributes. Both are above 6-foot-4 and average about 230 pounds. Lucas uses his long strength effectively in pass blocking as seen by his four pancake blocks. He also had 22 receptions and 338 yards in three seasons.

MYRTLE BEACH | Just two weeks ago Landon Sharpe Landon Sharpe 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB White Knoll | 2025 State SC thought his high school football career was over.