Prep Notebook, Dec. 9: Beaufort High School linebacker in All-American Bowl

Beaufort High School senior linebacker Malcolm Dantzler has been selected to participate in the Offense-Defense Junior All-American Bowl, which will be held in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The two-year-old facility is perhaps best known for its 11,520 square-foot high-definition video board.

"I'm not sure what I'm expecting," Dantzler said. "I know I'll be shocked."

Dantzler was chosen as an Elite award-winner after a camp in Myrtle Beach. Dantzler said he began attending the camps in eighth grade, and was evaluated after each and compared to athletes from the same camps throughout the country. He learned last month of his selection.

Dantzler finished the 2011 season with 37 tackles, three tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries for the Eagles. He returned a fumble for a touchdown against Wando and almost scored on another during a victory over Summerville.

Dantzler joined the varsity team his sophomore year, and moved into the starting lineup last season as a junior. He and Eagles coaches are working to find a spot for him on a college roster next year.

"I always looked at myself as an underdog," Dantzler said. "I kept my confidence and kept working hard. And finally, I was blessed."

A week of events will run Dec. 26-31, culminating in the sixth annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, an all-star football game showcasing 80 of the top high school players in the country.

JAGUARS TO UNVEIL CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER

Ridgeland will recognize its Class 1-A champion girls basketball team Saturday night. A state championship banner will be raised at halftime of the girls basketball game with Bluffton.

The Jaguars won the state title behind a stiff defense and the play of Class 1-A player of the year Brittany Richardson, who graduated. Ridgeland defeated St. Joseph's 41-34 in the state championship game at Colonial Life Arena.