Gray Collegiate grads headed to college postseason

By Thomas Grant Jr.

A pair of Gray Collegiate Academy teammates were instrumental this past Saturday in wrapping up post-season berths for their respective universities.

Running back K.Z. Adams had a career game for South Carolina State. He rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns in the 53-21 win over Norfolk State at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium at Willie Jeffries Field.

“My offensive line played phenomenal,” he said. “It was so amazing. It was just more so just opportunities. Just taking advantage of my opportunities and that’s what I did. So, it was just regular out there for me.”

Adams scored from seven, eight and 10 yards in the second half. His final run saw him juke past a Spartan tackler and power his way into the endzone.

“He’s pretty explosive,” Berry said. “Not only can he run the ball, he also can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s good with protection. He’s a great teammate. His teammates want to play for him because he’s a great man.”

Photo by Thomas Grant Jr. – South Carolina State running back K.Z. Adams (17) of Gray Collegiate 

The victory clinched an undefeated season in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for the Bulldogs (9-2, 5-0). It was their eight straight victory and they were officially invited to the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Dec. 14 in Atlanta, Ga.

This is S.C. State’s second appearance in three years at the game, which pits them against the Southwestern Athletic Conference champion. The Bulldogs defeated Jackson State 31-10 to win the black college football national championship under head coach Buddy Pough.

This time, first-year head coach Berry will lead the Bulldogs to Atlanta, Ga.

Over in Kingston, Rhode Island, former War Eagle and Clemson quarterback Hunter Helms helped his new school make history. 

He threw for 209 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 35-21 win over Bryant. The victory clinched the Coastal Athletic Association title for Rhode Island (10-2, 7-1), which also set a program record for most regular season wins. 

This was the program’s first-ever CAA title and first conference title in 39 years. 

“It’s just such a great culture to be here, man,” Helms said after the game. “Tough game and way to really step it up and just finish the second half. 

On Sunday, Rhode Island learned it would play host to Central Connecticut State in the opening round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

Feature Photo courtesy of Todd Helms – Rhode Island quarterback Hunter Helms of Gray Collegiate holds the CAA title trophy.