Bamberg duo deals pressure

Sapp, Bowers make two sacks apiece on opposite sides of the ball in scrimmage

By WILL VANDERVORT - Special to The State

CLEMSON — The town of Bamberg had to be pleased when former Bamberg-Ehrhardt standouts Ricky Sapp and Da’Quan Bowers both started for their respected squads in the Orange’s 16-7 win over the White team in Clemson’s annual Orange and White game.

The small town of nearly 3,000 had to be prouder when both finished the game with two sacks apiece in Death Valley on Saturday.

“I did all right,” Bowers said. “But I still have a lot of improvement to do.”

Bowers plowed through left tackle Cory Lambert to record both sacks and two more tackles for a loss. The true freshman, who enrolled at Clemson in January, proved why ESPN rated him the nation’s top overall player coming out of high school.

“When he does that against Alabama, we will say he is living up to his potential,” Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said. “He is a great kid and he wants to do well. He is mature and he is going to find it. It’s obvious to see why he was the best guy in the country at that position.”

Bowers finished the day with 7 tackles overall, while Sapp recorded four tackles — all for a loss.

“Last year was my first year as a starter so now, I think that has made me a little more comfortable with what I’m doing,” Sapp said. “I feel loose out there.”

Now his old high school teammate is joining him on the defensive front.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling I have getting to play with Da’Quan,” Sapp said. “I’m excited to get to play with him this year and it is a real good feeling to know that he is on the other side.”

Clemson Sons Bowl. Former Tigers Woodrow Dantzler, Patrick Sapp, James Trapp and Levon Kirkland highlighted the “Clemson Sons Bowl” flag football game, which was held prior to Saturday’s Orange and White game.

The White beat the Orange 36-30 thanks to Dantzler’s two touchdowns.

Time management. The clock operator also got the opportunity to practice some of the new rule changes in regards to game time that will go into effect this fall.

The play clock started immediately after a play once the ball was marked, and it began at 40 seconds instead of 25. After a first down was recorded, the game clock began immediately after the ball was marked instead of beginning after the official blew his whistle to begin the play.