ROCKINGHAM — Two playmakers, one on each side of the football, for Richmond Senior High School will get to showcase their talents one more time this season.
Seniors Jayden Hamilton and Terande Spencer will represent the Raider football program in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas five days before Christmas.
The annual all-star game, which pits the top senior football players from North and South Carolina against one another, is considered “one of the oldest bowl games in America,” according to its website.
In what will be the 89th all-time edition of the game, Hamilton (wide receiver) and Spencer (linebacker) join a storied list of Raider football players who have competed in the showcase event.
Richmond’s most recent representative was defensive tackle Tate Simpson last year, who helped North Carolina to a 49-24 win, ending an 11-year losing streak to its neighbors to the south.
Former players Caleb Hood (quarterback) and CJ Tillman (linebacker) were selected in 2020, but didn’t play due to the pandemic. Prior to them, current New York Giants running back Dante Miller played in the 2017 game.
Among the other program greats to participate in the game were Carl Isaac (2016), Cyrus Stanback (2014), Tyrone Crowder (2012) and former NFL players Melvin Ingram (2006) and Dannell Ellerbe (2004).
Both Hamilton and Spencer found out about their naming to the team from Richmond head coach Brad Denson.
Spencer, who was recently named the Mid-South Conference’s “Defensive Player of the Year” for the second straight season, was among the initial roster released by the Shrine Bowl earlier this season. The senior linebacker is also verbally committed to play at East Carolina University.
“Coach Denson told me before they dropped the roster and I was excited and grateful to make it,” Spencer recalled.
“It means a lot to get this opportunity. I know that past players (from Richmond) worked hard all four of their years and it led to them being selected, so I’m glad to be part of that history.”
Despite battling a knee injury sustained early in the season, Spencer played in all but one of Richmond’s 12 games. He totaled 91 tackles (49 solo), 23.0 tackles-for-loss, 9.0 sacks and 16 quarterback hurries.
Spencer also defended three passes, caused two fumbles and had two fumble recoveries.
“I just want to go out there and do my best like I’ve always done,” Spencer said of his expectations. “And fly around, make plays and have fun.”
“I know most of these players are going to college to play, so just competing with and against other players who are going to the next level will be exciting. I’m looking forward to that challenge”
Hamilton was also named to the All-MSC team this season, his third career selection in his four-year varsity career. Initially named a first alternative, Hamilton got the call up when another player for North Carolina was sidelined due to injury.
“Coach Denson told me earlier in the season that I was an alternate, which was exciting,” Hamilton said. “But then he told me more recently that I was officially in the game, it was a very rewarding feeling.
“This is an honor to be named to the team because not a lot of players get this chance. And it’s humbling to join such a historic list of Richmond players.”
Part of an explosive wide receiver corps, Hamilton pulled in 37 catches for 708 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns this season. He averaged 19.1 yards per catch and 59 yards per game.
“I want to go out there and show people that players from Richmond County are different,” Hamilton said. “It’s really cool to get to wear the Raider diamond one more time.
“It’s also special that Terande and I will get to experience this together,” he closed. “It’s one more chance to show what we can do and what Raider football is all about. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 20, at Spartanburg High School. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Viking Stadium.
