In a couple hours, we’ll announce the RBC Heritage Player of the Week, but first we shine the spotlight — ever so briefly — on the players who don’t always get such fanfare.
They are the linemen in the trenches, the hard-hitting defenders, the special teams standouts, and the ironmen who rarely take a play off.
We call them the Unsung Heroes presented by Candor USA, and here they are for Week 7:
Memphis Daniels, BLHS — Junior safety made 11 tackles to lead the Bobcats’ defense in a 35-24 loss at Beaufort High.
Rod Grant, MRHS — Junior defensive lineman collected 11 tackles (two for loss), a sack, and two more QB pressures in the Sharks’ 47-0 win over Ridgeland-Hardeeville.
Eli Hall, MRHS — Junior linebacker racked up 11 tackles (one for loss), forced a fumble, and was responsible for a safety to help the Sharks post a third consecutive shutout.
Shamarr Hamilton, BCHS — Senior piled up 10 tackles (two for loss), forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble in the Dolphins’ 38-20 win over Lake Marion.
John Hewlett, THA — Two-way lineman racked up 11 tackles (five for loss), blocked a punt, and helped the Rebels roll up 315 rushing yards in a 36-14 win at Spartanburg Christian.
Josh Horton, JPII — Senior linebacker piled up a team-high 18 tackles in a 35-21 loss to Northwood Academy.
Ely’Jiah Mitchell, THA — Senior had 10 tackles (two for loss), a sack, two QB pressures, and a blocked punt in a 36-14 win at Spartanburg Christian.
Eli Minton, HHCA — Sophomore made eight tackles (seven solo) to anchor the Eagles’ defense in a 62-33 win at Orangeburg Prep to take control of the region title race.
Cameron Strickland, HHCA — The junior’s 79-yard fumble return touchdown helped the Eagles pull away, and he added three tackles, a pass breakup, and a 37-yard reception in a 62-33 win at Orangeburg Prep.
Toby Strawderman, Caleb Hagood, Henry Manley, Terence Wilson, and John Asher Howell, BHS — The Eagles’ offensive line got the job done Friday, paving the way for 309 rushing yards in a 35-24 win over Bluffton.
Brandon Wilson, BCHS — Senior defensive end had another solid game with six tackles (three for loss) to help the Dolphins to a second straight win.