ORANGEBURG, S.C. —

The Belton-Honea Path Bears' pursuit of a perfect season came up just short in Orangeburg Friday afternoon, losing to Oceanside Collegiate, 28-7.

It was the third straight championship for the Landsharks, who also beat BHP for the 3A title last December.

The Bears, who entered the game a perfect 14-0, totaled 204 yards, nearly half of that yardage total coming on a late drive after Oceanside built a 28-0 lead.

"I'm so proud of these guys," head coach Russell Blackston said after the game. "These guys got 50 wins. The sun's gonna come up tomorrow. I love this group and I'll go to battle with this group any day of the week.

"All our kids come from Belton Middle and Honea Path Middle," Blackston added, an indirect comparison to Oceanside Collegiate, a public charter sc

See Full Page