ORANGEBURG, SC () – The Strom Thurmond Rebels clashed with Hampton County on the field of South Carolina State University in the 2A State Championship, marking the first-ever encounter between these two teams.

As the game commenced, team captains gathered at midfield for the coin toss, setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting showdown.

During the opening quarter, the Hurricanes were on the offensive, with quarterback Tarell Grant in possession. However, the Rebels’ defense proved formidable, forcing a fumble that Kaleb Simpkins eagerly scooped up, advancing it in the opposite direction.

With the ball positioned slightly beyond midfield, Brishaun Lee handed it off to Deonte Phillips. Phillips expertly maneuvered through a gap, sprinting towards the end zone and putting the Rebels on the scoreboard first. Unfortunately, the extra point attempt fell short, maintaining the score at 6-0.

In the second quarter, Lee executed a precise long pass downfield, landing perfectly in Simpkins’ hands. Simpkins, faced with no defenders, casually made his way into the end zone. Despite the unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt, the Rebels extended their lead to 12-0.

Then it’s the Lee to Simpkins connection once again, and he makes the diving grab. The wideout had 107 receiving yds on the night, which sets up Deonte Phillips who powers his way in from four yds out. Phillips had 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the night. The Rebels take the 18-7 lead at halftime.

Now into the third quarter, it’s another beautiful pass from Lee who finds Sha Williams in the back corner of the endzone.

The final dagger was the Rebels defense once again coming up with another turnover. Jalin Collins with the interception, which was one of three picks for Storm Thurmond. The Rebels are crowned the class 2A State Champions beating Hampton County 26-7.

“Every chance I’ve had to brag on this group of seniors I’ve done it. They are our best players, our best leaders, and our best people,” said Strom Thurmond head coach Andrew Webb.

“They have led us since last November. They’ve done an outstanding job, they take pride in playing Rebel football and they love each other, and I’m proud.”

“It means everything to me, where we’re from,” Simpkins said.

“It means everything, my family is rooted in tradition here. To bring something back home that hasn’t been here in 20 years.”

The Strom Thurmond Rebels and their seniors will stroll into the offseason as 2A State Champions for the first time since 2005.