Three District Five students selected to Shrine Bowl

Three Lexington-Richland School District Five football players were selected for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas roster.

School District Five student-athletes Will Taylor (Quarterback, Dutch Fork High), Elijah Spencer (Wide Receiver, Dutch Fork High), and Thornton Gentry (Offensive Lineman, Chapin High) were selected as part of the South Carolina team roster.

“Thornton is a coach’s dream with his untouchable work ethic and tenacity that he exudes on the practice and game field,” Chapin High football coach Justin Gentry said. “He approaches every practice and game with the same mentality and it carries over to the team. Our team motto is Chapin Grit and he is the epitome of that motto.”

Hosted annually at Wofford College’s Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, the game isn’t being held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the circumstances, Shrine Bowl coaches convened to select 44 players from the two states as a way of honoring members of the Class of 2021.

“Dutch Fork is proud to be represented in the 2020 Shrine Bowl by Will Taylor and Elijah Spencer,” said Dutch Fork High School football coach Tom Knotts. “Will had a dynamic senior season as the Silver Fox’s quarterback. His ability to run and throw was an integral part in Dutch Fork winning our 5th straight championship. Elijah has been a 3-year starter and had a tremendous senior season. His ability to make the big catch and make the big perimeter block were key for the team’s championship run. Congratulations to both and we look forward to watching your college careers.”