Images: The 88th Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas

Larry Gamble

HSSR Photo Editor

Spartanburg - In the 88th meeting of the NC and SC high school all stars, it was the Tarheels coming out for bear against the Sandlappers.  The NC team exploded in the second half to defeat the boys from South Carolina 49-21.

It was a diverse mix of players who make the cuts at the various combines, had their coach's recommendations to the committee, and many of them have offers to play at the next level.  That is one thing that makes the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas legendary.  These two teams comprise the best of the best football players the state has to offer.  Even more competitive than a state championship game, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas teams don't just have a couple college prospect players, both sides of the ball are stocked with athletes who have invitation, offers, and some even signed with plans to be college freshmen in January. 

To say the competition is strong, is an understatement when you look back at previous Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas rosters and note how many found success in the college ranks and how many made it to the NFL.

As the players were introduced, they had commitments announced.

Schools in both North and South Carolina did a good job recruiting and keeping these fine Carolina Boys home.  In order of school and players announced, this is an unofficial, non-scientific tally.  While the following list is impressive, there are still some high quality players this writer talked to after the game that would love to hear from a coach.

Staying in the Carolinas:

S. Caroilna                   - 6

E. Carolina                   - 5

Gardner Webb           - 3

NC State                      - 2

Coastal Carolina       - 2

Duke                             -2

Davidson                     -2

UNC Central               - 2

The Citadel                 - 1

 SC State                    - 1 

Campbell                   -1

UNC-CLT                    - 1

Leaving the Carolinas:

US Naval Academy - 3

Boston College        - 2

Georgia Tech           - 2

Tennessee                - 1

Auburn                       -1

VA Tech                     - 1

Images from this game are available at this link: