Fort Dorchester’s Commodore leads South all-stars past North, 23-0

MYRTLE BEACH — They are rivals for 51 weeks a year. But for one week, they were roommates and will be remembered as the dynamic duo who led the South to a 23-0 victory over the North on Saturday afternoon.

Fort Dorchester’s Daitwan Commodore scored a pair of touchdowns and Summerville’s Jarrod Tucker scored the other as the South pounded the North in the 64th annual event in front of about 6,000 fans at Doug Shaw Stadium.

Commodore, who was named the South’s offensive MVP, carried 12 times for 61 yards and scored on runs of 3 and 12 yards.

Tucker staked the South to a 7-0 lead when he broke loose for a 78-yard touchdown run on the second play of the second half.

“We talked about the season, the rivalry and today’s game,” Tucker said of his time with Commodore. “We were in sort of the same situation. We needed big games to get some looks from (college) coaches, and today’s game meant a lot to me. I worked hard this season and I thank God for this opportunity. The coaches gave me a chance and I think I made the most of it.”

Tucker, who split time between fullback and tailback for the Green Wave, just missed the 1,000-yard rushing mark his senior season. Commodore did manage to top 1,000 yards to earn a spot on the South roster.

“It’s been a great experience and a great week,” Commodore said. “To get the chance to star on such a big stage is just incredible. I’m just happy to get this win, this ‘W’ for the South.”

It was the South’s first win since 2004 and their first shutout over the North since 1989. The North leads the series 36-26-2.

The South, coached by James Waring of St. John’s, dominated the North. The South totaled 343 yards in offense while the North managed just 177. The South recorded 10 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss.

Lake View linebacker Darius Leonard was the South’s defensive MVP. He recorded nine tackles, including six solo stops.

Goose Creek defensive end Jalen Stevens had eight tackles, including four solos. Teammate Michael Meyers had five tackles and a sack. Stratford’s Shawn Peace was credited with five tackles. Timberland’s Roderick McCray intercepted a pass and returned it 46 yards.

The first half featured nine punts, three interceptions, a lost fumble and a blocked kick that resulted in a scoreless 30 minutes of football.

But Tucker got the South on the scoreboard with his 78-yard TD run. The South outgained the North 245 to minus-7 yards. The North had 36 rushing attempts with only one going for more than 10 yards.

Newberry wide receiver Tovaris Cuerton was the North offensive MVP. He caught three passes for 58 yards.

Spartanburg linebacker Simeon Byrd was the North defensive MVP. He logged 11 tackles, including a tackle for a loss and a sack.

SOUTH — Jarrod Tucker 78 run (Max Huggins kick)

SOUTH — Team safety

SOUTH — Daitwan Commodore 3 run (Huggins kick)

SOUTH — Commodore 12 run (Huggins kick)