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<p>Former Whale Branch star Nyles Pinckney and the Clemson football team were crowned national champions after their 44-16 win over Alabama on Jan. 7 in Santa Clara, California. Pinckney, a sophomore defensive tackle, made two tackles in the national championship game, including a tackle for loss to stymie the Crimson Tideís fake field goal attempt early in the third quarter. Photo by Maddie Williams. <br></p>
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