Sumter represented in all-star games

The South All-Stars defeated the North All-Stars, 13-10, in the Progress Energy Bowl North-South All-Star Game on Saturday afternoon at Brooks Stadium at Coastal Carolina University.

Sumter senior outside linebacker Eric Watts, who has committed to play football next year at the University of Connecticut, recorded three tackles for the North All-Stars.

Crestwood senior wide receiver Joshua Simon and Lakewood senior quarterback Malik Richardson were also nominated to play in the game. Simon declined the offer to not risk getting injured and hurting his future as a college football player, and Richardson ended up playing in the game as a wide receiver, but did not record a catch.

Both Simon and Richardson will announce where they intend to play college football next season on National Signing Day this Wednesday.

Other Sumter area players in action on Saturday included Sumter senior offensive linemen Zion Nelson and Tayvian Gass, who both played in the Shrine Bowl at Gibbs Stadium at Wofford College for South Carolina. North Carolina tied South Carolina, 10-10.

Nelson recently rescinded his commitment from Appalachian State and decided to commit to the University of Miami (Florida) instead, and Tayvian Gass has committed to Wofford. Both players plan to announce their respective decisions on Wednesday.

Eastern Washington beats Maine 50-19 in FCS semifinals

CHENEY, Wash. - Eric Barriere threw seven touchdown passes as Eastern Washington beat Maine 50-19 in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs on Saturday, to advance to the national title game against powerhouse North Dakota State.

Stick leads NDSU over Jackrabbits, into FCS title game

FARGO, N.D. - Quarterback Easton Stick ran for 169 yards and three touchdowns and threw for another score to help North Dakota State defeat rival South Dakota State 44-21 in the FCS semifinals Friday night.

Valdosta State beats Ferris 49-47 for Division II title

MCKINNEY, Texas - Rogan Wells broke tied an NCAA Division II championship game record with five touchdown passes and Valdosta State won its fourth national title with a 49-47 victory over Ferris State on Saturday.

Ferris' rally from an 11-point deficit fell short when Jevon Shaw's two-point conversion pass sailed wide of Keyondre Craig at the back of the end zone with 1:37 left.

Sophomore Wells, the runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy for Division II's outstanding player, outplayed Ferris State junior Jayru Campbell, the Hill Trophy winner.

From staff and wire reports