Staff report

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Carolina Thundering Herd, based in Salisbury, defeated the Motor City Hawks, 51-12, to with the Sunshine Bowl national championship, last Sunday at Orange Bowl Field-Carter Park.

The Thundering Herd had won the semi-pro Central Carolina Football League championship on Nov. 16, with a 16-0 shutout of the Pee Dee Vikings. That victory earned Carolina the trip to Florida.

The Herd, coached by Torrie Walker and Phillip Brown, featured several local players, including wide receiver Brandon Ford (North Rowan, Catawba), QB D’Andre Hopper (Livingstone), defensive back Marcus House (Livingstone), defensive line Bobby Lee (North Rowan), Anthony Smith (Salisbury) and Jaylen McDowell (Salisbury).

Former Concord High and NFL player Lance Lewis was another wide receiver for the Herd.

Carolina, which finished 13-2, played some of its home games at Catawba’s Shuford Stadium and others at Webb Field in Concord. The team owner is Phildel Kirk.