Good opens holes and eyes at Shrine Bowl

Gaffney High's Denzelle Good (78) looks for another defender to block as North Carolina linebacker Justin Jackson lands on the turf in Saturday's Shrine Bowl game. Gaffney's Denzelle Good probably never envisioned himself playing defense but maybe he should.

Good, at 6-5, 321 lbs., showed his agility by making a touchdown-saving, open-field tackle of North Carolina defensive back Justin Brewington in the third quarter, helping South Carolina preserve a 24-16 victory over North Carolina at Saturday's 72nd annual Shire Bowl of the Carolinas at Wofford's Gibbs Stadium.

Brewington had crossed midfield with a fumble recovery after South Carolina quarterback Stephon Gilmore coughed up the football.

Good, who has verbally committed to play at North Carolina State, started and played virtually the entire game on the offensive line.

The big left tackle was instrumental in clearing the way for the Sandlappers to gain more than 150 yards on the ground.

Good said it took a half for the offensive line to mesh.

"The first half, since we only had one week, the offensive line wasn't as gelled as it should be," Good said. "We were getting along, but we weren't gelled.

"At the half, we went in and we started talking about what we should do. After that we were out there communicating and picking up blocks. Everybody was looking out for each other."

Good also was a blocker on the field goal unit for South Carolina. The Sandlappers were only to convert on one of three field goal attempts.

South Carolina scored three touchdowns in the second half to rally from a 16-3 halftime deficit and win their second straight Shrine Bowl.

Dorman's Walt Canty was named the South Carolina defensive Most Valuable Player after posting two tackles for losses.

South Pointe quarterback Stephon Gilmore, who was named the state's Mr. Football, picked up the offensive MVP award. He rushed for 71 yards and passed for 28.