Commercial Roof Repair in St. George, SC

When asked about his proudest moment thus far, the answer was simple: "To be a Gamecock."

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gamecocks legend George Rogers left it all on the football field, and then some, in his career. His many accolades are proof of that.

And even though he retired from the NFL in the 1980s, football players are still trying to emulate his career, which started in his hometown of Duluth, Georgia in 1958.

With support from his aunt, Othella Rogers, he worked incredibly hard at his craft, hauling himself up from humble beginnings to a football scholarship at the University of South Carolina.

During his time at USC, Rogers set the standard for Gamecock running backs with a still-record 5,204 rushing yards at the school.

Rogers though, said it wasn't all about him, and credited his success on the field to his offensive line. "I had good people to play in front of me," he explained. "You often can only do as good as your offensive line. At the University of South Carolina, I had a pretty good offensive line. I said if you guys can block it, I can run it, and that is how it was."

During the 1980 season, Rogers won the Heisman Trophy after leading the nation in rushing while topping the 100-yard mark in every game. He remains the Gamecocks' only Heisman winner.

FILE- IN this Dec. 1, 1980, file photo, South Carolina running back George Rogers embraces the Heisman Trophy awarded him at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York. Rogers was a standout college running back and ran for 1,781 yards, but Herschel Walker was a freshman at Georgia in 1980 and just as good. He finished third in voting behind the guy who really should have won it: Pitt defensive end Hugh Green, the Ndamukong Suh of his time. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff, File)

The New Orleans Saints then drafted Rogers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft.

In the pros, he led the NFL in rushing his rookie season with 1,674 yards and 13 touchdowns. His dominance on the field earned him the honor of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro honors, and a Pro Bowl berth.

In 1985, he took his talents to the team now known as the Washington Commanders. Rogers helped lead them to a Super Bowl Championship in 1988.

Due to nagging injuries, Rogers would step away from the game, accumulating 7,176 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns in the NFL. "I played for seven years, and I enjoyed playing," Rogers said. "I started out with the New Orleans Saints and ended up with Washington, and I got a Super Bowl ring. So what else can I do?"

While successes mark his life, he also acknowledges that he faced some personal obstacles. "You're gonna stumble, some people do, and I have," he said. " People in South Carolina, they forgive you, but they don't forget. You know, I made mistakes. But the thing about it is, you've got to push through it. I'm a different, changed man in a better way."

Rogers said part of that change is thanks to being among a positive community, which includes his wife, Brenda, and seven children.

"I have a nice, wonderful wife that does everything for me," he boasted. "I cannot complain."

Even in retirement, the accolades continued to pour in. In 1997, Rogers was elected to the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. He is also in the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and the Georgia Hall of Fame.

In 2015, he was honored with a statue outside of Williams-Brice Stadium, the first Gamecock athlete to receive that honor.

"For my family, for everybody, Gamecocks, it's great," said Rogers. "It'll be here a lot longer than I will (laughs)."

Even though Rogers is not hustling on the field, he is using his talents to help South Carolina students.

To ensure all teenagers have an opportunity at higher education, Rogers has dedicated part of his retirement to creating and running the George Rogers Foundation of the Carolinas. The foundation provides financial assistance to first-generation college students and financially supports local non-profit organizations, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Midlands, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity.

When he is not working to raise money for his foundation or cheering on the Gamecocks at a sporting event, Rogers also likes to spend his time fishing. "I don't care what time it is," Rogers joked. "I go up there (Greenwood), and I sit for hours."

Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers smiles as he holds a New Orleans Saints jersey during a news conference, on April 29, 1981, in New Orleans. The only thing keeping George from becoming a Saint is a little matter of contract negotiation. (AP Photo/Jackson Hill)

And after all these years, pride in school and program remains top of mind. When asked about his proudest moment thus far, the answer was simple: "To be a Gamecock."

There will soon be an autumn chill in the air, and that can only mean one thing for summer lovers: Time to plan a beach getaway! The cool days of fall, the freeze of winter and the thaw of spring are a bit more bearable when broken up with time on a coastline with warm sands, tepid waters and unbroken vistas of blue seas and skies. Pack up those flip-flops, swim noodles and extra bathing suits, and explore these bucolic beach destinations that will make you forget winter’s woes.

Samaná, Dominican Republic

Known for its clear, clean waters protected by multiple reefs, the Dominican Republic is a year-round draw for beach lovers. The recently re-opened Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa is ready to share the sea and sand with visitors who will be treated to family friendly activities, upscale amenities and detailed service. A stay at the resort on Samaná Bay comes with lounge chairs and umbrellas, towel service, three pools and free access to paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling gear. The property includes 284 rooms, two pools, five restaurants and four bars where the drinks are unlimited. Teens have their own club with a range of activities while parents can sign on for sunrise yoga and dance classes. Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa. $89. Loma De Puerto Escondido, Samaná, Domincan Republic. +1 809-538-3131, bahia-principe.com.

Surfside Beach, South Carolina

After a $7 million renovation, the Holiday Inn Oceanfront now welcomes guests to take in the sea views from one of the 133 rooms. The six-story property, just south of the entertainment and dining options in bustling Myrtle Beach, has an outdoor pool overlooking the beach, a hot tub, bar and fitness center. It’s also close to waterside piers, sports facilities, amusement parks and mini golf courses. Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, a half-mile stroll along a boardwalk flanked by a natural saltwater estuary and home to eight restaurants with views of the natural landscape. Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach $149. 1601 N. Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach, South Carolina, 29575. 843-238-5601, hisurfsidebeach.com.

Duck Key, Florida

Billed as the only resort destination in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay is an oasis of water and land activities designed for guests to enjoy without leaving the property. The island’s on-site marina is a launching point for fishing and boating excursions, snorkeling on nearby reefs and sandbars, and private sunset cruises. The saltwater lagoon is the ideal spot for paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming with dolphins. Other activities include tennis, morning walking groups, yoga classes, working out in the 70,000-square-foot fitness center, swimming in one of several pools, relaxing at the spa and dining at one of the five restaurants. Pick from individual rooms or cottages, including spaces in an adults-only section, where a new rum bar has partnered with Papa’s Pilar Rum to offer tastings. Hawks Cay Resort. $569. 61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, Florida, 33050. 888-395-5539, hawkscay.com.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A property-wide, $65 million renovation has brought several changes to the Kingston Resorts, a beachside destination that’s two hotels in one: Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. One of the new attractions is the Black Drum Brewing restaurant, specializing in coastal concepts served amid nautical decor, high vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Wet Whistle pool bar and Beachcombers eateries now have new looks and menus. A new pool and two waterparks opened in late August. As part of its family-friendly approach, the resort offers a variety of games for all ages, from cornhole to hula hoops, as well as arts and crafts, a playground, sand volleyball and golf packages at the 80 nearby courses. Kingston Resorts. $230. 9800 Queensway Blvd., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29572. 843-449-0006, kingstonresorts.com.

St. Pete Beach, Florida

The TradeWinds Island Resorts, which include the beachfront properties of Island Grand and the RumFish Beach Resort, recently wrapped a major expansion, adding 141 rooms, a new Mexican-themed restaurant and a beach zipline. The project brought the rooms total to 899, with the new spaces featuring one- and two-bedroom suites with complete kitchens. It also added two pools, a covered spa area and seaside bar. The three-story zipline now leads the amenities on site, joining the Aqua-Bana, a floating cabana that seats up to 10, and a water park with a new slide. Together, the two properties share 40 acres of sands along the Gulf of Mexico. Island Grand. $263. 5500 Gulf Blvd. RumFish Beach Resort. $229. 6000 Gulf Blvd. Both located in St. Pete Beach, Florida, 33706. 800-36-4016, tradewindsresort.com.

Hamilton, Bermuda

Those who want some history tossed into their beach getaway will find it in abundance on this island. Explore the gardens, battlements and dungeons of the 1870 Fort Hamilton overlooking the harbor. Other must-see sites are the Royal Naval Dockyard, King’s Square in St. George and the four UNESCO World Heritage forts: St. David’s Battery, Paget Fort, Smith’s Fort and Fort Cunningham. Ecotours that visit the zoo and aquarium highlight the island’s natural beauty and native creatures on land and sea. The historic Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, known as the “Pink Palace,” has been a magnet for famous guests since 1885 from Mark Twain to British royalty. Amenities include an infinity pool, four restaurants, a spa, tennis facilities and a beach club on the private cove of Sinky Bay with water hammocks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel boards and kids’ beach toys. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. $880. 76 Pitts Bay Road, HM08, Bermuda. +1 441-295-3000, thehamiltonprincess.com.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Tucked onto the state’s east coastline are two options for a winter getaway. At the new 12-story Max Beach Resort, guests can check into short-term rentals with one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each with views of the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, outdoor living spaces and fully equipped kitchens. The property includes a saltwater pool, private cabanas, bike rentals, a rooftop fitness center and sunrise and sunset terraces where guests will find games, billiard tables and sweeping views of the sea. Nearby is the recently restored Art Deco Streamline Hotel, billed as “the birthplace of NASCAR” and decorated with an array of photos and mementos that recount NASCAR history. The 44 rooms, pool, fitness center and two restaurants sit on the famous AIA overlooking the Atlantic, so it’s a short stroll to the 23-mile stretch of sand, boardwalk and the 1,000-foot Daytona Beach pier. Keep the NASCAR theme going with a tour of the nearby Daytona International Speedway and a spin through the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Max Beach Resort. $299. 1901 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, 32118. 386-999-2555, maxdaytona.com. Streamline Hotel. $138. 140 South Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida 32118. 386-947-7470, streamlinehotel.com.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

The luxury, all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a destination for its pristine beaches, chef-driven dining experiences and the spacious suites. But the resort’s crown jewel is the spa, which just received its third consecutive five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for its exceptional service and experience, making it one of six with that ranking in the country. The two-story, 89,000-square-foot space is as stunning as it is relaxing, designed to reflect the jungle and water of the Yucatan Peninsula by incorporating natural stone, plants and streams. Eight water features, including a polar pool, provide relaxing hydrotherapy options to enjoy after visiting the clay and ice rooms. Pamper yourself with signature treatments rooted in Mayan culture that utilize coffee, cacao, vanilla, gourds and local honey. Grand Velas Riviera Maya. $617. Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62, Playa Del Carmen, 77710 Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico, 77710. 877-418-2963, rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Sept. 9, 2022) – The ETSU football team begins defense of its Southern Conference title on Saturday when the No. 8 Buccaneers travel to Charleston, S.C. to take on The Citadel inside Johnson Hagood Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

SATURDAY SHOWDOWN

Date: Saturday, Sept. 10

Location: Charleston, S.C. | Johnson Hagood Stadium

Teams: #8/9 ETSU (1-0, 0-0) at The Citadel (0-1, 0-0)

Weather: High: 86; Low: 75; 70% chance of rain

Live Stats: CitadelSports.com

Television: NexStar

Live Video: ESPN+

TV Crew: Pete Yanity (play-by-play); Jared Singleton (analyst)

Live Audio: WXSM-AM 640 |104.9 NASH ICON

Radio Personnel: Voice of the Bucs Jay Sandos (play-by-play), Mark Hutsell (analyst), Robert Harper (sideline), Don Helman (stats)

Game Sponsor: First Horizon

ABOUT THE BUCS

ABOUT THE CITADEL

SERIES HISTORY

Saturday marks the 31st all-time meeting between the two programs with ETSU leading the series, 18-12 ... The Bucs have won the last two meetings, three of the last five and seven of the last 10 … ETSU holds a slight 8-7 advantage in games played in Charleston … The Bucs’ largest win in the series came in 1983 when ETSU blanked the Bulldogs, 45-0, while ETSU’s most points scored vs. The Citadel was 56 in 1994.

LAST MEETING WITH THE BULLDOGS

ETSU cruised past the Bulldogs with a 48-21 victory last Oct. 9 in Johnson City as the Bucs improved to 6-0 on the season and 3-0 in SoCon play … The Bucs posted 558 yards of total offense (288 rushing/270 passing yards), while ETSU held the ball for over 32 minutes … Quay Holmes rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns and Jacob Saylors rushed 12 times for 94 yards and one score … Four different Bucs posted rushing touchdowns in the win, including Bryson Irby and Jawan Martin … ETSU’s defense held the Bulldogs to 21 points on 330 yards of total offense.

COVERAGE

The Buccaneer Sports Network (BSN) will provide ETSU fans with complete pregame, in-game and postgame coverage on the Bucs’ flagship station WXSM-AM 640 and affiliate station 104.9 FM NASH ICON.

BSN begins its pregame programing one hour and 30 minutes prior to kickoff with the 30-minute Tennessee Lottery Tailgate Show, followed by the George Quarles Pregame Show presented by Tommie’s Plumbing which will lead up to 30 minutes prior to kickoff. The Appalachian Orthopedic Countdown to Kickoff will then lead into the final moments before kickoff.

The broadcast team of “Voice of the Bucs” Jay Sandos, color analyst Mark Hutsell, sideline reporter Robert Harper and stat-man Don Helman will provide ETSU fans all the information they need to complement their game-day activities.

At halftime, the crew will have the Mr. Electric Halftime Show, while fans can tune into the Mullican Flooring Post Game Show for a full wrap up, with game statistics, players and coach interviews and other post-game information.

Saturday’s game will also be broadcast on Nexstar and ESPN+ with the team of Pete Yanity (play-by-play) and Jared Singleton (analyst).

For more information on Buccaneer football, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the football page.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives Young Africans and Simba SC made a flying start in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League with convincing away victories on Saturday in preliminary round, first leg matches.

Yanga trounced Zalan Rumbek 4-0 in a match that was switched to Dar es Salaam because South Sudan does not have an international-standard stadium.

Simba, who reached the quarter-finals of the premier African club competition two seasons ago, beat Nyasa Big Bullets of Malawi 2-0 in Lilongwe.

Congolese striker Fiston Mayele grabbed a second-half hat-trick for Yanga in Dar es Salaam. Feisal Salum was also on the mark for the Tanzania Mainland champions.

In Lilongwe, Moses Phiri and John Bocco netted on either side of half-time for Simba, whose Champions League form has been erratic in recent campaigns.

Simba have gone farthest of any Tanzanian club in the annual competition, reaching the 1974 semi-finals when the competition was known as the African Cup of Champions.

Yanga’s best performance in the competition was when as they reached the 1969 and 1970 quarter-finals.

Read: Coaches of big guns scratch heads over 2022/23 squads

Assuming both teams reach the last 32 after next weekend’s return matches, they will face winnable fixtures in October.

While Simba will meet Red Arrows of Zambia or Primeiro Agosto of Angola, Young Africans will take on either Saint George of Ethiopia or Al Hilal of Sudan.

Primeiro established a potentially decisive advantage over Arrows by winning 1-0 in Lusaka, thanks to an early goal from Ambrozini Salvador.

Saint George and Hilal were due to meet in the Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar in one of the ten preliminary round, first leg matches scheduled for yesterday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Cape Town City shrugged off modest early South African season form to win 2-0 at home against AS Otoho of Congo Brazzaville.

While Otoho were making a sixth consecutive appearance in the marquee African club competition, it was the first time Cape Town have competed in the Champions League.

The goals came within eight minutes of each other early in the second half through Taahir Goedeman and Mark van Heerden.

Plateau United, hoping to become only the second African champions from Nigeria after 2003 and 2004 winners Enyimba, drew 2-2 with Stade Mandji of Gabon in Franceville.

While the Nigerians will be happy to have claimed two away goals, they did surrender the lead twice during a first half when all the goals were scored.

A 0-0 or 1-1 second-leg draw in Abuja will suffice to book Plateau a last-32 showdown with four-time Champions League winners Esperance of Tunisia.

Asante Kotoko's Isaac Oppong celebrates last gasp goal against RC Kadiogo of Burkina Faso

It has been an exciting weekend around the African continent as the 2022/23 CAF interclub competition campaign has kicked off with every club looking to get off to the best possible start in representing their country in a prestigious club competition and progressing to the next round.

In the Champions League 25 fixtures were scheduled to take place however one fixture was called off as Hawks FC (Gambia) withdrew from their game against Horoya AC (Guinea) due to financial difficulties meaning they couldn’t honour the fixture giving Horoya automatic qualification to the next round.

Asante Kotoko, Ghana’s flag bearers in the competition managed a superb 1-0 away win from home to Rail Club du Kadigo in Burkina Faso giving themselves the upper hand in this tie before the second leg in Kumasi.

The precious away goal being scored by Isaac Opong in the final minutes of the game giving the Kumasi based side much hope of qualifying to the next round.

Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Young Africans managed comfortable 0-2 and 0-4 away wins against Big Bullets (Malawi) and Zalan FC (South Sudan) respectively pathing the way to the next round.

Coton Sport (Cameroon), Petro Atletico (Angola) and Vipers SC (Uganda) all managed comfortable 0-3 wins away from home against Matlama (Lesotho), Black Bulls (Mozambique) and Olympique Real Banjul (Gambia) which all but confirms their presence in the next round of the competition.

St George (Ethiopia) managed a slight advantage with a 2-1 home win against Al Hilal (Sudan) setting up a very interesting return leg in Omdurman on Sunday.

APR FC (Rwanda) also beat debutants US Monastir (Tunisia) 1-0 and a big performance is needed by the Tunisians if they are to progress.

Many ties are still in the balance and another interesting round of fixtures await as all the teams battle to confirm their status in Africa’s biggest club competition.

ALL OTHER FIRST LEG PRELIMARY ROUND RESULTS:

Volcan Club (Comoros) 1-0 La Passe FC (Seychelles) Red Arrows FC (Zambia) 0-1 Primeiro de Agosto (Angola) KMKM Zanzibar (Zanzibar) 0-2 Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) Cape Town FC (South Africa) 2-0 AS Otoho D’yo (Congo) AS Stade Mandji (Gabon) 2-2 Plateau United (Nigeria) Deportivo Mongomo (Equatorial Guinea) 2-0 Djoliba AC (Mali) ASN Nigelec (Niger) 2-1 SOAR Coyah (Guinea) Bo Rangers FC (Sierra Leone) 0-0 Club Riadhi De Belouizdad (Algeria) CFFA (Madagascar) 2-3 Royal Leopards (Eswatini) Flambeau du Centre FC (Burundi) 1-0 Al Ittihad (Libya Arta Solar 7 (Djibouti) 1-2 Al Merriekh (Sudan) Rivers United FC (Nigeria) 3-0 Watanga FC (Liberia) Asko Kara (Togo) 1-1 FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania) Gaborone United SC (Botswana) 1-0 AS Vita Club (DR Congo) Coton Sport (Benin) 1-2 ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) Casa Sports (Senegal) 1-0 JS Kabylie (Algeria)

By: Abdul Musa - @Pepjunior1. (Abdul Musa - ????????? ???? (@PepJunior1) / Twitter) https://twitter.com/PepJunior1?t=3wPshaQZrc-j0Q5cxalWYA&s=09