PREP NOTEBOOK: Wolverines continue late-season surge

The last time East Clarendon tasted victory against Lamar, Wolverines coach Ed Brogdon was still in high school — and on the junior varsity football team.
“It’s been a while,” Brogdon said of the 20-8 win over Lamar, East Clarendon’s first in 25 years. “The kids were really excited about it.

“They had played a lot of teams close this season, so we thought we had a chance.”

Brogdon gives most of the credit to his defense. The Wolverines shut out Lamar during the final three quarters of the win.

“They never quit, and they played hard for four quarters,” Brogdon said. “They really gave a tremendous effort, one of the best this year.”

Another key was the running back Elbert McFadden, who has come on strong in the second half of the season. McFadden began the season as a fullback and barely had 200 yards before the start of region play.

But Brogdon saw something that made him rethink McFadden’s role in the offense, and in the offense itself.

“(McFadden) has that rare combination of speed and power,” Brogdon said. “He was playing fullback in our veer offense, and I thought he needed to get the ball a little more.

“So we put him at running back and started using the I-formation and more of a power running game when region play began.”

And McFadden has been running wild ever since. In the past five games, McFadden has rished for almost 1,100 yards and has 16 touchdowns, including all three against Lamar.

The team has performed better as well. After averaging 15.4 points in their first five games, the Wolverines have averaged 22 during their last four and have won two games in a row.

A win against Hannah-Pamplico on Friday would secure the fourth spot from Region 7-A.

“This team has gelled late in the season,” Brogdon said. “I think they’ve started to believe in themselves a little more.

“Hopefully, we can make the playoffs and then maybe surprise a few people.”

Shrine Bowl selections

Selections for the 72nd annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas will be made public today.

GoUpstate.com, the Website of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, will offer a live webcast of the roster announcements at 1 p.m. Interested parties can access the broadcast at GoUpstate.com or through the Shrine Bowl Website at www.shrine-bowl.com (a link will redirect you to the GoUpstate site).

The 72nd Shrine Bowl will be played on Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. at Gibbs Stadium on the campus of Wofford College.

General admission tickets will be available at all Bi-Lo stores in North and South Carolinas beginning Nov. 15. Tickets can also be purchased from the Shrine Bowl office in advance for $20.00 reserve section and $10.00 general admission. Game day, reserve section $25 and $15 general admission.

Players of the week

n West Florence quarterback Paul Pizzuti accounted for 105 yards rushing and 116 yards passing with three combined touchdowns in the Knights’ win against Hartsville to earn offensive player of the week.

n Lake City’s Shonquez Nelson had 11 tackles, three for a loss, and two sacks against Socastee to earn defensive player of the week.