By Kaye Collins

The 12U football team of the Loris Recreation Department received a spirited and enthusiastic send-off for their lower state championship game against Latta on Monday, Nov. 24. This was marked by an unplanned parade along Main Street, featuring an escort from the Loris Police, a ladder truck and tanker from the Loris Fire Department followed by the coaches and players traveling in separate vehicles. Supporters lined the streets, waving their Loris Lions flags and encouraging the team towards a win.

This team earned an 8-1 record, one step closer in the playoffs than last year, they finished this season as runner up with a 38 to 6 score against Latta.

The referees advanced the originally scheduled start time from 8 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., much to the disappointment of the coaches, who were left with insufficient time for the team to warm up prior to the commencement of the game.

This team was generously rewarded with wins in the playoffs against Marion 28-6, Harstville 41-0 and Cheraw 20-0.

The 12U team began practice sessions in July. By the time the season started at the beginning of September, Coach Kenny Rich, along with his assistant coaches John Mishoe and Shannon Jones, had prepared a squad of 23 11 and 12 year old players eager to engage in football.

Coach Kenny highlighted his exceptional players this year, including quarterback Rylan Mishoe, wide receiver/cornerback Lukas Clark, wide receiver/running back Kymire Rich, running back/linebacker Carter Black, running back and safety Aaiden Jordan, wide receiver/cornerback Liam Lane, and linebacker/offensive lineman Jeremiah Sanders.

“One thing I can say about this 12U team,” Kenny remarked, “is that they demonstrated resilience, especially with five 7th graders on a 12U team, which poses challenges for the younger players.” He expressed that this team impressed him and the other coaches with their preparedness and commitment to the games from the start of the season when their cleats touched the field to the last minute of the playoff game in Latta. “I never anticipated we would reach a district championship game,” he expressed, “in reference to the younger team members, but they truly exerted tremendous effort to come one step closer to another state championship.”

The coaches of the 12U team dedicate significant time to prepare and instruct these children in the game, but more importantly, they emphasize the value of life beyond the game. When these kids walk away from the sport, they can genuinely say that ‘Coach Kenny, Coach Shannon, and Coach John have provided me with lessons that help me win the game of life, more than any sport ever could.’

Kenny conveyed that he frequently communicates to the team the trust he and the other coaches possess in their abilities, encouraging them to always have faith in themselves. “I consistently remind the boys,” he stated, “do not merely knock on the door, but kick it in!”

The 12U team members are Rylan Mishoe, Kymir Rich, Aaiden Jordan, Carter Black, Karlis Smith, Eli Norris, Desire Bellamy, Bryson Davis, Vermahd Hemingway, Sincere Hemingway, Davis Miller, Grayson Dozier, Sawyer Godwin, Joe May, Jeremiah Sanders, Malik Bacchus, Jaden Ford, Javier Washington, Jaden Smith, Lukas Clark, Camden Fernandez , Liam Lane and Skyler Jones

The 12U 2025 team had a record 8-1 with games against South Columbus 22-0, Green Sea 36-6, Marion 26-8, West Columbus 28-22, Aynor 30-0, Whiteville 28-0, Carolina Forest 38-0, Whiteville 35-0 and North Strand L 20-8. The Playoffs 12U games Marion 28-6, Hartsville 46-0, Cheraw 20-0 and Latta 38-6, overall 11-2

The group exited the field with immense pride as the runner-up, and to honor the team, coaches, and parents, a celebration was held at Santino’s Pizza on Tuesday, November 25, commencing at 6:30 p.m.