CCC West Florence: 2026 MVP and Award Winners

FLORENCE | Wet conditions did not slow down linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1267317' first='Daniel' last='Capehart'] Sunday at West Florence High School.   The Daniel rising senior took MVP honors at the latest Class of 2026 Carolinas Coaching Combine. He strong individual combine numbers and displaying athletic dominance in man-to-man coverage and defending ball carriers. The 5-foot 11, 190-pound Capehart also won Top Overall Defensive Combo and fastest 40-yard dash.   “I just came out here to try to do the best of my ability real hard and just go my hardest,” he said.   Capehart credited the coaches on hand with helping him improve his footwork and overall speed. He was also highly encouraged and motivated by his fellow camp participants.   After tallying 107 tackles and three sacks last season, Capehart hopes to double that number as a senior.   A pair of Gray Collegiate rising seniors excelled on a day their school's name matched the sky color. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='205787' first='Hiszari' last='Gantt'] posted the highest score in both the Pro Shuffle and Broad Jump events.   The 5-7, 135-pound Gantt put those skills on display running routes and making long receptions. Gantt also got himself a step ahead of the oncoming rain.   “I've been here before, so I looked at the weather before I came down here,” he said. “So I already prepared for what I was coming to.”   Gray Collegiate teammate [player_tooltip player_id='232668' first='Tyler' last='Waller'] was among the quarterbacks who willingly collaborated with both quarterbacks and running backs. His uninhibited, accurate throwing motion and a confident pocket helped earn him the Leadership Award.   “I've been working with (Gantt) and (the receivers) throwing every Thursday getting work in,” Waller said. “Didn't start strong but when the routes came in, it started to click.”   Best Bench Press/Top Defensive Line: [player_tooltip player_id='1394751' first='Michael' last='Cohen'] RB, Myrtle Beach   The senior packs a ball of strength in his 5-foot 7, 188-pound frame. He matched defensive lineman Quilen Johnson with the most lifts (30). It's not surprising considering Cohen has topped 500 pounds squatting and double the pounds he benched Sunday. This has helped his durability as a prime ball carrier for the Seahawks.   Best Vertical: RJ Matthews WR, Lake City   The 5-foot 11, 164-pound rising senior had an extra “spring” in his step Sunday. Jumping leaps and bounds over everyone, Matthews brought his best qualities out from basketball and track, and field). He also started at cornerback last season.   Top Defensive Skill: [player_tooltip player_id='1025815' first='Caleb' last='Geronomi'] DB, White Knoll   Like his older brother [player_tooltip player_id='1012621' first='Devin' last='Geronomi'] who is graduating, Caleb is a proven veteran of the combines. This was the second straight week he attended a Carolinas Coaching Clinic. In improving his individual combine numbers, the 5-foot 11, 164-pound rising senior once again showed his strong coverage skills. His relentless work ethic also highly impressed the coaching staff.   “Just the competition,” he said. “I like to compete. I like to go get it and I think to make myself better going against people.”   Top Offensive Line: Kelan Hammond OL, Lugoff-Elgin   Second-year Demons' head coach Leon Boulware has a formidable wall at left guard. The 6-foot 3, 296-pound rising senior uses his long arms and physical strength effectively in pass protection. He can also stop attacking defensive lineman in their tracks in slowing their forward pursuit.   Top Offensive Combo: [player_tooltip player_id='797160' first='Moon' last='Gerald'] QB, Loris   The 5-foot 10, 176-pound rising senior was a major catalyst in the Lions' historic 2025 campaign. His explosive play, field vision and poise in the pocket helped produce over 1,700 total yards and 20 touchdowns. His versatility in running both conventional and option plays makes him a difficult defensive assignment. He also showed his upper body strength with his showing in the bench press.   Top Offensive Skill: [player_tooltip player_id='473013' first='Carter' last='Coleman'] WR, Blythewood   Add another honor for the MVP at the South Carolina High School Blitz Junior Showcase in January. The 5-foot 10, 167-pound rising senior is an offensive threat running, receiving and kick returning. He amassed 843 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns and had 600 kick return yards. His quick route running and on-field versatility will prove even more valuable next season for the Bengals.   Top Defensive Line: [player_tooltip player_id='617662' first='Jamie' last='Williamson'] DL, West Florence   The 6-0, 276-pound rising senior overcomes any size disadvantage with relentless pursuit charging out of his stance. He effectively utilizes his long arms and athleticism to overwhelm opposing lineman. This is seen in his numbers as a junior (60 tackles, five sacks). Playing both ways also gives Williamson knowledge on the fundamentals on both sides of the football.

FLORENCE | Wet conditions did not slow down linebacker Daniel Capehart Daniel Capehart 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB Dillon | 2026 State SC Sunday at West Florence High School.