MYRTLE BEACH - Berkeley running back R.J. Robinson wanted a victory in Saturday's North-South Game.
He had to settle for being named the South's offensive MVP as the North posted a 21-17 victory in the 62nd annual event in front of 4,000 frigid fans at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.
Robinson, who tallied 125 yards in last weekend's Division II-Class 4A state championship victory against Northwestern, had another big effort Saturday. He did most of his damage in the first half and finished with 81 yards on 12 carries. He edged out North Charleston wide receiver Corey Washington for the MVP honor. Washington caught three passes for 100 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown.
"I wanted to win, but this week was still fun," Robinson said. "I got to meet a lot of people and some of my friends and family made it up here to watch me. I have to give my offensive line credit for the MVP award. They pushed them back and opened the holes. I read the holes and was able to get some decent yardage."
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The South took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when Darlington's Ray Early kicked a 32-yard field goal. But the North came right back as Woodmont's Okoye Houston returned the kickoff 99 yards to give his team a 6-3 lead.
Edisto's Malik Brown, who was named the South's defensive MVP, recovered a fumble in the end zone to give the South a 10-6 lead. The North added a 34-yard field goal by Jeremey Tommie to close out the scoring in the first half.
Marlboro County's Elliot Alford completed the 57-yard touchdown pass to Washington three plays into the second half to give the South a 17-9 lead.
But Belton Honea Path's Nino Woolridge scored on a 4-yard run and Byrnes quarterback Chas Dodd completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Eastside's Drake Thomason for the game-winning score.
Stratford wide receiver Francis Lloyd was able to smile after experiencing a traumatic Friday when he found out his house caught fire and burned down. Lloyd considered returning to Ladson but stayed, played and came up with five catches for 48 yards.
"I had to have a good game," Lloyd said. "I didn't want to dwell on the bad stuff. I finally got to see my mom and she told me everything was all right. So, that made me feel better, knowing everyone was OK."
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