Midlands high school football fans were treated to a new tradition Dec. 22.

The inaugural Columbia Metro Bowl at WC Hawkins Stadium in Irmo featured an all-star lineup of seniors from Lexington, Richland, Kershaw and Newberry counties.

The East squad won 22-16, leading the entire game as Spring Valley’s Alex Herrera kicked field goals to open scoring and close the game.

Defensive lineman Dewey Greene of A.C. Flora was named Overall MVP with 3 sacks and 6 solo tackles. Alex Herrera was the East Offensive MVP and Desean Smith of Lower Richland the East Defensive MVP.

Antonio Gantt of River Bluff was named the West Offensive MVP, with Jaewon Williams of Batesburg-Leesville the West Defensive MVP.

The East jumped out to a 17-3 1st half lead, before the West came to within 19-16 in the 2nd half.

In the 2nd quarter, Walyn Napper’s 65-yard touchdown pass to Jamal Henderson and Matthew Jamison’s 41-yard pass to Senika McKie made it 17-0.

River Bluff’s Coltin Hallman kicked a 25-yard field goal for the West to make it 17-3 at the half.

After the East’s Danique Smith recorded a safety to make it 19-3, the West made a run with Irmo quarterback John Ragin’s 52-yard touchdown pass to Gray Collegiate Academy wide receiver Kyser Samuel.

Airport quarterback Brandon Caughman then threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Gantt.

A blocked extra point left the West 3 points behind.

With 1:46 left in the game, the East’s Herrara kicked another field goal.

The passing game made the difference for the East, outgaining the West 171-104 yards.

The West lost 11 yards rushing.

The East made 9 sacks for a combined loss of 62 yards, while the West only managed 2 sacks for 21 yards.

The West team was coached by Irmo head coach Reggie Kennedy with assistants Erik Kimrey of Hammond, Robert Stogner of Chapin, Marlin Taylor of Dutch Fork, Gary Smallen of River Bluff, Kirk Burnett of Airport, Phil Strickland of Newberry and Mark Cagle of Gilbert.