Lexington -- White Knoll High School (13-0) hopes to complete a dream season by remaining
undefeated as it challenges Region 4 rival Dutch Fork (9-5) in the AAAAA gold medal round at
South Carolina State University’s Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg on Friday at 8 p.m.
.
Fresh off the “turf” practice field at River Bluff earlier in championship week, third\-year White
Knoll head coach Nick Pelham told High School Sports Report, “If we are fortunate to win the game
it will be an incredible accomplishment for sure. “On the way back from practice today (Tuesday), I
was telling a group of our coaches that it is very rare in life that you get to see a group of people really
commit to something long-term and to work hard as a team to have success. Usually, success comes to
other people after they come through and have graduated.
“We hope to see our present kids have success and reach their ultimate goal of a state
championship if we are able to have success and win the game on Friday night. A win Friday night
would be great, but it is not all for nothing, but it would be a great stepping stone to what we are
trying to build here at White Knoll.
“What I think a win would do is validate that we are for real. We will quiet those folks who
tried to make excuses about any success we have had this season, and even last season, when we won
seven games. Some folks said we won seven games last year but that we didn’t really beat any real
strong teams.
“O, you beat Dutch Fork (17-14) this season, but you caught them when they were down with
injuries said some folks. A win Friday night, and there are not any more excuses people can bring up.
We would be the champions, and I for one would be so proud of every player and their hard work put in
to obtain success.”
During the playoffs the Timberwolves defeated Cane Bay 28-0, Fort Dorchester 50-7, Sumter 35-7
and Summerville 21-14.
On offense, junior quarterback Landon Sharpe, the region Offensive Player of the year, has
completed 172 of 249 passes for 2,465 yards and 29 touchdowns. With his feet he has added 389 rushing
yards on 80 carries with six TDs.
“He’s a competitor,” said Pelham. “Pound per pound I have not seen a tougher kid on a football field
this year.”
Freshman running back Tiyon Fanning leads in rushing with 801 yards and 11 scores on 166 carries.
“His vision is well-beyond his years,” said Pelham. “He has a knack of running at different speeds
depending on his blocking and the situation.”
Senior Tight end Tyson Cox is a 3-year starter who can also flip to defense. He has caught 10
passes for 140 yards. “He is a great blocker and he has sure hands,” said Pelham.
The wide receiver corps is led by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl selection Austin
Cunningham, who has 35 receptions for 419 yards and six TDs. “He runs spectacular routes and just has a
great understanding of the game,” said Pelham.
Evan Henderson is a sure-handed slot receiver. He leads the team with 56 catches for 750 yards and
five TDs. Junior CJ Earl has 38 catches for 611 yards and eight TDs. Senior tight end Hasan Lee has also
caught 23 passes for 397 yards and five TDs. Senior Malique Walker (6-2,205) has had some big catches and
also is one of the best blockers on the team.
The offensive line is led by all-region 3-year starter Ty Bennett (6-2, 265) at left guard along with left
tackle Mason Gravlin (6-1, 250) also a 3-year starter. The center is Hayden Hohlwein (6-1, 250). The right
guard is Donovan Sims (6-3, 315) and the right tackle is Thomas Disbrow (6-2, 260).
White Knoll’s 3-4 defense has allowed only 92 points. This brotherhood of Timberwolves has blocked
seven punts, produced 27 quarterback sacks, forced 14 fumbles, 75 tackles for loss and 14 interceptions. (Wow!).
The defense is led by Region Player of the Year and Shrine Bowl senior inside linebacker Jaiden Kimble, who has a firm offer from Georgia Southern and a preferred walk-on offer from South Carolina. Kimble has 111 tackles along
with 19 TFLs, six sacks and two blocked kicks.
“Kimble is so quick and fast and he is a sure tackler,” said Pelham. “His best attribute is that he processes so
well.”
The Region Defensive POY is the “Monster in the Middle”, 4-year outside linebacker starter Demenco
Banks. He is the leading tackler (120) with six TFLs and five sacks. “His strength is his super power,” said
Pelham. “He gets off blocks so well and plugs holes really well.”
Another LB is all-region performer Marcus Domenech, who came back off of an injury. “He covers a lot of
ground being so long, smart, and tough,” said Pelham. Junior Connor Burgess is the other LB starter. Burgess is the
second leading tackler (117) with three TFLs and two blocked kicks. “Number 29 plays with great intensity and he is
always streaking to the ball,” said Pelham.
Tyler Stoudimire is a nickel LB with 49 tackles who has played a lot of snaps.
The 3-man front is keyed by 3-year starter Leroy Simmons (6-0,285) at nose tackle with 30 tackles including
four sacks. “He holds firm at the point of attack,” said Pelham.
The ends are Lincoln Ilunga (6-1, 180) with 79 tackles. Pelham said Ilunga is the fastest player on the defense.
The other end is Nick Pierce (6-1, 190) with 34 tackles, 2 ½ TFLs and two sacks.
The secondary is led by 3-year starter senior Charles Plange, who has 42 tackles and manages to always be in
the right spot. Freshman strong safety James Smith (6-0,180) has 54 tackles with five pass breakups and three
interceptions. “He is a fantastic player with a bright future,” said Pelham.
The two cornerbacks are brothers, sophomore Caleb Geronomi (6-1, 165) with 72 tackles and junior Devin
Geronomi (6-2, 170) with 50 tackles.
The punter is Kimble and freshman Jordy Aquilera is the placekicker. Aquilera has made 5-of-7
field goals with a long of 38 yards.
Pelham also praised his coaching staff. “All our coaches do an excellent job with their position
Groups, and we all communicate really well amongst each other,” he said.
Offense
0 -- QB – Landon Sharpe, Jr.
23 -- RB – Tiyon Fanning, Fr.
8 -- WR – Austin Cunningham, Sr.
11 -- WR – Evan Henderson, Sr.
1 -- WR – CJ Earl, Jr.
51 -- LT – Mason Gravlin
62 -- LG – Ty Bennett, Sr.
73 -- C – Hayden Hohlwein, Jr.
77 -- RG – Donovan Sims, Jr.
76 -- RT – Thomas Disbrow
35 -- TE – Tyson Cox, Sr.
36 -- PK – Jordy Aguilera, Fr.
Defense
18 -- DE – Lincoln Ilunga
75 -- NT – Leroy Simmons
34 -- DE – Nick Pierce, Sr.
11 -- LB – Jaiden Kimble, Sr.
22 -- LB – Demenco Banks, Sr.
24 -- LB – Marcus Domenech
29 -- LB –Connor Burgess
3 -- CB – Caleb Geronomi, So.
2 -- CB – Devin Geronomi, Jr.
7 -- FS – Charles Plange, Sr.
6 -- SS – James Smith, Fr.
11 -- P – Jaiden Kimble, Sr.
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