BOWMAN COLUMN: Loy adds new chapter to BE family tradition
Bishop England football is about tradition -- and generations.
Just ask Griffie Loy.
The junior had a significant role in Friday's 10-0 victory over Central in the Division II-AA state championship game, the first football state title in the school's history. He had 78 all-purpose yards, including a 21-yard touchdown catch from his fullback position. He recorded seven tackles from his defensive tackle post, including two for loss.
Loy became the first member of his family to experience the thrill of victory in the state championship game. But two family members also played on Bishops football teams that made history.
His grandfather, Joseph P. Griffith, a real estate developer and investor, played on the Bishops' first football team in 1944. He played offensive and defensive tackle. Loy's uncle, Louis Griffith, played linebacker on the 1976 Bishop England team. The '76 team was the first squad to reach the state championship.
Loy said he didn't feel any pressure from his family.
"Maybe I would have if they had won a state title," said Loy, a 5-10, 215-pound junior. "I dedicated my performance in honor of what they did at BE. It's been a long process, but we finally have a state championship. The school is about ready to celebrate its centennial (2015), and Bishop England is about more than just names on the wall. It feels special and is a good place to be."
The Bishops will lose 14 seniors from this year's team, and Loy will be counted on heavily to provide leadership and talent next fall.
Region 7-AAAA stars
Division II-AAAA football state champion Goose Creek landed seven players on the Region 7-AAAA all-star team: Jaquan Marsh, Tramel Terry, Virgil Smalls, Matt Steffensen, Raemond Robinson, T.J. Burrell and Trevon Bennett.
Goose Creek's Chuck Reedy and Stratford's Ray Stackley are co-coaches of the year.
Region runner-up Stratford had five players named to the team: Brandon Young, Terrell Walton, Shawn Peace, Eric Dickerson, Braxton Childs and Devin Washington.
West Ashley's picks include: Thomas Woodhead, Marvin Harris, Eric Hilton, David Campbell, Antwan Dennis and David Brown.
Wando's picks include Gimel President, Josh Walker, Dezmond Venning, Tyler Stasky, Antwon Wright and Chuck Rouse.
Justin Bolus, Devin Brown and Taylor Morris of James Island round out the team.
Region 8-AAAA stars
Region 8-AAAA football champ Ashley Ridge landed seven players on the all-conference team: Jacob Thompson, Romelo Doctor; Vernon Moree; Seamus McKinney, Brandon Hughes, Lorenzo Baker and Kenyon Morrison.
Region runner-up Summerville's selections include Ryan Fowler, Adam Blocker, Matt White, Jerod Tucker, Dalton Saunders and Trey Privette.
Fort Dorchester had five selections: Devron Glenn, Ethan Long, Rodney Gibbs, Knox Butcher and T.J. Smith.
Beaufort's picks include Jordan Broussard, Maliek Maldonado, Rob Dennis and Kyle Clark.
Jarrett Ritter, Damien Garrett and Eric Conrad of Colleton County round out the team.
Davis honored
Gaffney wide receiver Quinshad Davis has been named the Gatorade South Carolina football player of the year.
The 6-4, 180-pound senior wide receiver led the Indians to a 14-1 record and a berth in the Division I-AAAA state championship. Davis caught 108 passes for 2,009 yards and 25 touchdowns through 14 games.
Davis has maintained a 3.41 GPA in the classroom and is active in his community and church.
