North-South notebook: The week’s about more than fun and games, though there’s plenty of that too

Hailing from a small town where everyone knew his name, the task of forging new relationships this week seemed a tad daunting for Saluda’s Cortez Herrin.

Standing out from the crowd has proven easy for the senior offensive lineman, in part due to his 6-foot-3, 320-pound frame. Thankfully, a larger than life personality has helped offset some of his early nervousness, blending in with a host of talented gridiron stars from throughout South Carolina for this Saturday’s Touchstone Energy Bowl - North vs. South All-Star Game.

“Yeah, it was kind of rough at first, but as the week went on a lot of those walls broke down,” Herrin said. “We’ve kind of got to know each other, and a lot of the things we are getting to experience (courtesy of the North-South game) has something to do with that.”

Certainly, a regimen of two-a-days is keeping both teams “on the hop” this week, players putting their best foot forward in an effort to earn as much playing time as possible. But event organizers have sought to create a bowl-like atmosphere leading up to the contest, scheduling a host of events each day for players.

According to North-South game co-director Scott Earley, the purpose is two-fold.

“We try to go a lot of places, do a lot of things,” he said. “… Whether it is community service involved or competitive, fun and entertainment, we try to give them the whole experience and hope the playability of the game is good on Saturday.

“The goal is to have everyone go home healthy, having the opportunity to brag about this all-star game, because our goal is to have the best game in the country.”

Along with a heaping helping of practices, team meetings and meals, the teams Wednesday night engaged in contested games of bowling at Captain’s Quarters.

“(Bowling) was the first time both teams really were in the same room together,” Herrin said. “The interactions were minor for the large part, but it really lightened the mood and allowed people to be themselves.”

While much of the week is about the gridiron stars showcasing their athletic gifts, the opportunity for them to express a more compassionate side also presented itself.

Accompanying a host of Myrtle Beach-area youths through a local Target, players allowed them to fill shopping carts with whatever items their hearts desired.

For Chapin’s Logan Bailey, the experience put the entire week in perspective.

“Truly, this is a humbling experience,” said Chapin quarterback Logan Bailey. “… This is about building friendships and community. (North-South game organizers) have done a good job treating us very well and taking us to do a lot of great things.

“The shopping spree is certainly one of the things you’ll remember.”

Also among the things likely not to fall from their memory banks for some time are the casual moments spent with each other. Perfect strangers a mere week ago, bonds have been created – some with the potential to last well into adulthood.

“Hanging out with teammates, laughing and joking around … those are some of the best moments we’ll take from this week,” said Hilton Head Island kicker Aiden Hegerty. “… We all relate playing the same game. On the field we jell naturally, but off the field it is all jokes and everyone is nice and friendly, so it is not hard to meet new people and begin conversations.

“This is our last high school football experience, to some of us this game has provided us the best times we’ll ever have. It is really great to think that we will be able to look back on this five, 10 and 20 years from now and laugh about the time we had.”

NOTES

▪ Hobbled by injury during the previous day’s practice sessions, Chapin quarterback Logan Bailey returned to the field on Thursday, splitting snaps with Seneca signal caller Elijah Turner.

Nursing a lower leg injury, Dreher quarterback Avery Armstrong was held out of the day’s practice sessions. He is expected to return to the practice field Friday.

▪ Aside from practicing in helmets and shoulder pads only, the approaches to early practice sessions on Thursday could not differ more. While the South tied down all loose ends in regard to special teams, the North used the time to continue working on tempo – from offensive efficiency to the speed it takes for its field goal unit to get a kick off.

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 10:57 PM with the headline "North-South notebook: The week’s about more than fun and games, though there’s plenty of that too."