Ty Olenchuk earns MVP honors plus how Midlands players did in Touchstone Energy Bowl
or nearly three quarters Saturday, it appeared the North all-stars might pitch a shutout in the 71st Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.
The South squad had 43 yards of offense and two first downs in the first half, and trailed 10-0 late in the third quarter in the annual South Carolina high school all-star game.
But the South erupted for 35 points in the final 14 minutes to earn a 35-13 win.
The Most Valuable Players for the South team were quarterback Ty Olenchuk of Dutch Fork, who completed 13 of 27 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns, and Fort Dorchester defensive end Emmanuel Johnson, who had a team-high eight tackles including 3.5 sacks.
The North’s MVPs were tight end Eli Wilson of Wren, who had six receptions for 84 yards including a 33-yard one-handed catch over the middle, and Calhoun County defensive back Michael Brunson Jr., who had four solo tackles.
The South was outgained 234-43 in the first half but amassed 290 yards on 35 plays in the second half, and was aided by defense and special teams. The defense had three interceptions in the game, including May River defensive back Terry Fields’ touchdown on a 20-yard interception return, and Johnson blocked a punt to create a short field for the offense.
How Midlands Players Fared
South
Ty Olenchuk, Dutch Fork - Was 13-of-27 passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Named South Offensive MVP
Ta’Chawn Brooks, Dutch Fork - Played on offensive line
Nanders Lawrence, Airport - Had one carry for four yards and a TD and caught eight passes for 97 yards.
Alec Holt, Gilbert - Second on team with seven tackles
Dontorian Best, AC Flora - Had three tackles including TFL
Josh Taylor, Chapin - -Played on offensive line.
Garrett Huyck, Chapin - Had one tackle
Walker Anderson, Lexington - Played on offensive line
Tradd Castles, Brookland-Cayce - Played on offensive line
Mikey Jones, Swansea - Played but didn’t record a catch.
Jacob Lucas, Pelion - Played but didn’t record any stats.
Jy Tolen, Gilbert - Was 9-of-18 passing for 67 yards
North
Hunter Helms, Gray Collegiate - Was 15-of-33 passing for 163 yards
Ahmon Green, Westwood - Was 5-of-17 passing for 53 yards
Omarion Dollison, Gray Collegiate - Caught 2 passes for 104 yards including a 95-yard TD
Cam Atkins, Westwood - Caught three passes for 27 yards
Tyson Player, Ridge View - Had two tackles
Chandler Muller, Ridge View - Played on offensive line
Ahmorae Wilmore, Newberry - Had one tackle
Keshoun Williams, Batesburg-Leesville - Had one catch for 8 yards
This story was originally published December 14, 2019 at 8:00 PM.
