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What was your recruitment like? “My recruiting process came along slowly. My 11th grade year I had a couple big games and offers started coming in. I got my first offer from UNC Charlotte, around the third game. I finished with one offer during my whole junior year.”
Different paths. Same goal.
What schools have you visited during your recruitment so far? “I went to Louisville about a month ago. I’ve also visited Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina and South Carolina.”
Why did you commit to Appalachian State? “My recruiting process came along slowly. My 11th-grade year, I had a couple big games, and offers started coming in. I got my first offer from UNC Charlotte around the third game. I finished with one offer during my whole junior year.”
Brandon Top 5 Favorites ✘ Athlete: Grant Delpit or Jaycee Horn
Artist: Lil Baby or Drake ✘ Thing to Do Outside of Football: Watch Movies ✘ Sports Drink: Orange Gatorade ✘ Moment: Having Two touchdowns and one Interception in the first half against Georgetown last season
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The talent level of football players in Sumter is beginning to get more attention. As a result, recruiting has taken on a different look in the area over the past few years. There have been NFL products, like Crestwood alum Ty’son Williams and Sumter High’s Pressley Harvin III, along with more Division I successes com ing from the area. There are many routes play ers have taken from Sumter to play football at the D1 Level. The Sumter Item spoke with three local seniors about their recruiting journeys across the country.
Brandon Cisse WR/DB, Lakewood, N.C. State Commit Gatlin’s Top 5 Favorites ✘ Athlete: Tyreek Hill ✘ Artist: Lil Baby ✘ Thing to Do Outside of Football: Playing Playstation ✘ Sports Drink: Cool Blue Gatorade ✘ Moment: Kick return touchdown in the playoff game against Dutch Fork Zyier Top 5 Favorites ✘ Athlete: Ed Reed ✘ Artist: King George ✘ Thing to Do Outside of Football: Sit outside ✘ Sports Drink: Cool Blue Gatorade ✘ Moment: 60-Yard touchdown reception against King's Academy last season
CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM (From left to right) Thomas Sumter Academy' Gatlin Kimbro, Lakewood's Brandon Cisse and Sumter High's Zyeir Gamble have all been recruited by major Division I college programs.
B2 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM
What was your recruitment like? “My first offer was from Akron on Aug. 17 of last year. From there, I got a lot of Group of Five and FCS offers. Then, I went to N.C. State, and I worked out at a camp and landed an N.C. State offer, and that’s where I committed on June 14. I don't think the pro cess was too stressful. “As soon as Sept. 1 hit last year, when they could really contact me, my phone was blowing up at like midnight… I don't think I ever went a day without a college coach calling or texting me.”
Zyeir Gamble DB/RB, Sumter, Appalachian State Commit Gatlin Kimbro K/ATH, Thomas Sumter, Recruiting Still Open
What are your thoughts on the recruiting landscape here in Sumter? “I would say this is a good spot to recruit. There is a lot of talent here. Sumter High has some pretty good ballplayers; Crestwood has some pretty good ballplayers over there, and we have some pretty good ball players here at Lakewood, too.”
How have you seen the recruiting landscape at Sumter change? “Players like Justus Boone and DJ Jackson really opened up the doors for recruitment. More peo ple started coming. If they didn't really want or if they knew that DJ probably wasn’t coming to their school, they’d be able to still look for somebody else on the team.” BY ISAIAH LUCAS isaiah@theitem.com
What have you enjoyed about the process so far? “I would say just seeing new schools, going on tours and taking pictures. It’s been really cool to pro cess that I could actually be playing at one of them one day. It’s exciting. I know I’ve just got to trust the process and just keep working and just doing what I love, and that's playing. “The whole reason I moved to South Carolina from Georgia is because of my head coach, Coach (Brannon) Tidwell. He has so many connections, and he knows what's best for his players. He's really getting me looked at by a lot of schools right now.”
SHS’s Gamble TSA’s Kimbro and LHS’s Cisse talk recruitment
Football Media Day last week.. SEE GAMECOCKS, PAGE B13
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2022 AUG 19 v. Lakewood 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 @ Ridge View 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 v. Goose Creek 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 @ Crestwood 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. Summerville 7:30 p.m. SEPT 23 v. CollegiateOceanside 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 v. Socastee 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 v. ForestCarolina 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. St. James 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 v. Conway 7:30 p.m.
WHAT THEY DO The Gamecocks scored 27.7 points per game in 2021. The offense will have a dif ferent look to it this season as the quarterback position will have a new face at the starting spot. Pate Merchant edged Fred Edwards for the starting gig to open the season. A change at the posi tion means a difference in play style, shifting from the option-heavy look that was present last season. While changing an offen sive philosophy to better suit a quarterback may seem like a no-brainer, it isn’t common all the time at the high school level. Barnes has made sure to take account of the differenc es in “Whatpersonnel.I’velearned over 34 years as a head coach is you’ve got to change with players, and you better put your players in positions they’re comfortable in,” Barnes said. “So last year it was the option for us because that’s what our quarterback Ryan [McCants] was best equipped to run. This year, I think we’ll have more bal anced running and passing, maybe throw it a little bit more than we have in the past. I feel like we’ve got good skillSomeplayers.”ofthose skill play ers that Barnes hopes can produce are wide receivers Genesis Johnson and Jordan Heyward and running backs Cam Fortune and John Peo ples.Defense has been the Gamecocks’ signature for a whileSumternow.gave up just 12.8 points per game last season. This is a group with familiar faces across the front line and in the secondary including Gamble and Rhames, as well as defensive lineman Alijah Brown and defensive backs Nate Butler and Marquis Lane.Barnes gave his praises for Brown during The Sumter Item’s Football Media Day last week.“Alijah’s probably the most least-appreciated guy over the past three years that’s the most-appreciated guy by our coaching staff. He’s played up there on the defensive line with all these Division I guys. He’s just as good of a player, he just doesn’t get as much attention because he’s a little bit shorter. He’s been a ‘dawg’ for us for three years. I know when the bullets are flying what he’s going to do, and as a head coach you appreciate that.”
Sumter
HOW THEY’LL MOVE
Key Losses: QB
during The
Gamecocks hoping to finally
RBs Keion Brown RB Jabari Tiller WR Ahkemi Hosley Jr. LB Malik Mckinzie LB Terrion Burgess LB Jabri Tiller Returning Key Players DB Nate Butler DB Marquis Lane OL Valdez Holmes OL Trevor Ingram OL Mason Gregg Zyeir Gamble 16 1065touchdowns,totalall-purposeyards Alijah Brown 27 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 6 hurries, 1 FF MICAH GREEN / THE
BY ISAIAH LUCAS isaiah@theitem.com Sumter High School’s second loss in football last season didn’t come until the quarterfinals of the state playoffs against Dutch Fork, a team that has become a familiar postseason foe. The Gamecocks finished without a blemish in region play and a 10-2Ledrecord.bydo-it-all safety Zyeir Gamble, the Gamecocks are a team that feels it can take the next step and win a state championship this fall. WHO THEY ARE “We were really good last year,” head coach Mark Barnes said. “We’ve got some big holes to fill, but we feel like we’ve got guys that have come up through the program that are ready to fill those holes. I’ll say this about this group: this is my favorite as far as how they’ve acted over the summer, whether we can count ‘em to be there every day and how they’re practic ing.”The Gamecocks’ veteran presence will be crucial, though they'll have to do it without one of their stars from last fall. All-State de fensive lineman Monteque Rhames is no longer with the program, but they still have a returning core. They return six starters on offense and defense. A few of the older players make up a player council that Barnes and his staff count on to lead the team and set the tone. “I’ve got a group of seniors and some underclassmen who have gone through the battles and have been in the program long enough to where they understand what the standard is,” Barnes said. “How we’re going to act and what we’re going to do. Even when we get through running, how are we going to stand? I think they bought into that, and I feel comfortable with them making some decisions. I normally will. I think they’re gonna make the same deci sion. It just comes out better sometimes when the players are making decisions instead of me making decisions.”
FORWARD
set on a state title after consistent regular
success under
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CAL CARY / THE SUMTER
The linebacker core is where the Gamecocks are going to be the most inexpe rienced. Helping the line backers develop is something Barnes trusts the leaders of his defense like Gamble and Brown to do throughout the season when needed. Ryan McCants SUMTER ITEM High has its sights season head coach Mark Barnes ITEM coach Mark Barnes, left, speaks Sumter Item
make it over the hump
Sumter High head
Schedule 2021 RECORD: 10-2 (7-0 Region) SCHSLVI-5ARegion CarolinaConwaySumterForestSt.James
Speaking of five goals, here are five topics that should play into the Knights’ season.
Knights
Third-year quarterback Javion Martin provides plenty of reason for optimism. The signal-caller threw for 1,242 yards and 12 touch downs while rushing for another five scores. His expe rience sets him up for more success as a junior. “I’m real confident,” Martin said. “I know the game a little better now, so it’s kind of easy to pick defenses apart and do what I have to do to make the teamOnebetter.”change for Martin is his pass catchers. Nick Fortune and Maki Williams were both elite receivers. Replacing them will be Nigel Johnson, Khalil Moody and Jaden Hatcher. Martin isn’t concerned about adjusting the passing game. “I know what the receivers we have now can do,” Martin said. “If I get them the ball, they can do what they’re good at.”
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com
Crestwood football found its groove last year. The Knights’ lone region loss was to Camden, the state runners-up. They earned a home playoff game and ad vanced to the second round. Head coach Roosevelt Nel son said he thinks his group this fall is ready to take the next“We’restep. not going to add ex tra pressure on the kids. We’re going to stick to our goals, which is first and foremost to win the opener,” Nelson said. “Next is beat Lakewood, beat Sumter, win the conference and a state championship. Those are our five goals for the“Eachyear. week I want to see improvement. We can im prove Week 1 to Week 10 and play our best football come October and November.”
B4 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM www.kona-ice.com Daniel dpalumbo@kona-ice.com803.883.6119Palumbo Like us on facebook! 2022 AUG 19 @ NortheastRichland 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 v. CollegiateGray 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 @ JacksonAndrew 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 v. Sumter High 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. North Central 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 v. Lake City 7:30 p.m. OCT 7 @ CountyMarlboro 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 v. Darlington 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. Camden 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 @ Lakewood 7:30 p.m.Schedule 2021 RECORD: 6-3 (4-1 Region) SCHSLVI-3ARegoin CamdenCrestwoodLakewood•DarlingtonLakeCityMarlboroCounty martin,javion QB 1242 yards, 12 td, 5 INT 175 rushing yards, 5 rushing TD. mentionhonorableAll-State
2. READY TO POUND THR ROCK
Crestwood also has experi ence in the backfield and the trenches. The Knights return three starting offensive line men as well as leading rush ers Ryan Cowell and Azarian Yates. That combination plays right into the offensive tone Nelson wants to set. “We’re definitely going to be balanced, but we want to start the game off establishing the running game,” Nelson said. “We’re going to lean heavily on our offensive line.” Cowell and Yates have im proved as runners during the offseason, but Nelson said he is particularly impressed with their ability to develop into well-rounded backs. “I think both improved in their pass-catching ability out of the backfield and their protection in pass-blocking,” Nelson said. “They both can run. Azarian Yates and Ryan Cowell are both physical run ners. They can run between the tackles and run outside.”
1. CONSISTENCY AT QUARTERBACK
3. NEW LOOK DEFENSE The defensive side of the ball is where Crestwood saw the most turnover. The Knights lost big-name players at every level. All-State defen sive lineman Jamori Coard graduated and now plays at Buffalo, along with star linebacker Derrick Prince and Quinton Harrison. Nelson said the key to adjusting to those losses is being mallea ble.“At the end of the day, it’s finding what guys can do best based off their talent, not what we want to do as a staff,” Nelson said. “We’ve got some guys that have different strengths. We’ve got some guys that we can play at different positions at times, it just depends on what the gameplan is for that particu lar Curtisweek.”Wilson returns at linebacker and will be an im portant leader on the defense. He thinks the defensive unit will be able to find similar success this fall even without the same big names. “Last year, we weren’t one unit. This year, we’re getting together. We’re working,” Wilson said. “Me personally, I want to improve in every aspect of the game and be a better person on the field and be a better teammate. All to gether as a defense, I feel like we’re going to get it together.” Wilson said he doesn’t feel pressure to replace Prince at linebacker but that he did learn a lot from the former Knight. Now he’s passing it on to other linebackers. “It hasn’t been too much of a change. We’re still one unit. We all understand things, and we’re coaching really well,” Wilson said. Nelson has Key Losses: WR Nick Fortune WR Maki Williams DL Jamori Coard LB Derrick Prince DB Quinton Harrison ReturningPlayers:Key QB Javion Martin RB Ryan Cowell RB Azarian Yates WR Nigel Johnson WR/DB Khalil Moody LB Curtis Wilson LB Jenoryen Gleaton DB Josiah Oaks DL Carron Dawson
NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM Crestwood offensive coordinator Wille Martin, left, speaks to his offense during a scrimmage against Manning earlier this month. The Knights' of fense will be led by quarteback Javion Martin (in red) and a strong pair of returning running backs. SEE KNIGHTS, PAGE B14
work to take next step after playoff success last fall
3. LEARNING TO LEAD Dickens served as a team captain last year, so he isn’t a stranger to being a leader. Still, he feels there is room for improvement.“I’vegottostep up and be more of a leader this year,” Dickens explained. “Espe cially because we’ve got the younger guys coming in. We’ve got to make sure they’re right for whenev er we Sophomoreleave.” JaRae Mitchell will be taking his first snaps as a varsity quarterback for the Ga tors, replacing Ben Hill. “We’re really high on JaRae Mitchell,” Cornelius said. “We love the kid. We’re almost too high on him. There’s going to be some bumps along the road without question, but in the first two scrimmages, he has played like a veteran. He’s played cool, calm and collect ed, and that’s something you don’t see out of a sophomore that’s never had a varsity start.”Cornelius wasn’t the only one with praise for the young general.“JaRae, he’s the real deal,” Cisse said. “I can’t ask for anybody better to throw me the ball. This offseason was big for the chemistry part of things. I play at a different speed, so he has to get used to that, but he’s putting the ball where it’s supposed to be.”
THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 GRIDIRON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 | B5 (803) 773-1481 McLaughlinFord.com Home of the McLaughlin Advantage. SINCE 1961 2022 AUG 19 @ Sumter High 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 v. Fox Creek 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 v. Dreher 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 @ Aynor 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 @ JacksonAndrew 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 @ Camden 7:30 p.m. OCT 7 @ Lake City 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 v. CountyMarlboro 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 @ Darlington 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 v Crestwood 7:30 p.m.Schedule 2021 RECORD: 4-6 (3-2 Region) SCHSLVI-3ARegion CrestwoodLakewood•CamdenDarlingtonLakeCityMarlboroCounty BrandonCisse 20 tackles, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles. Ran a 4.47 40 to get college attention Playoff success on tip of Gators’ tongues BY ISAIAH LUCAS isaiah@theitem.com Lakewood’s 2021 football season came to a heartbreak ing end with a 31-28 defeat that robbed the Gators of their first playoff win in pro gramThishistory.season, securing that elusive win seems more likely than ever. Here are five nota ble topics heading into their season.
One of those players who starred on both the offensive and defensive line was Trey Croskey, who was All-State lineman a year ago. Replacing talent like that isn’t easy, but Cornelius feels Lakewood has the guys to do it. “The offense and defen sive linemen are a different breed,’’ Cornelius said. “They do what they’re supposed to do. We have great leadership on both sides of the ball, especially with Bryson [Dick ens], Aveon McBride and, and Keywon White. Those are three guys that have prob ably have at least 20 varsity starts under their belt… they definitely set the tone on both sides of the ball.”
5. BOTTOM LINE: FIND THE PATH TO WIN The pathway to success is still being built. This season will hopefully see more pro gression in that process. “I want these kids to have success,” Cornelius said. “That’s the whole reason why I came to Lakewood. Lake wood has not consistently been successful in football, and it’s my job to do every thing I can to bring that. “We can’t have injuries. Here at Lakewood our young Key Losses: OL/DL Tre Croskey DB/ATHWellsZayveon ReturningPlayers:Key QB JaRae Mitchell OL/DLDickensBryson CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM
4. ON THE GROUND Behind Mitchell will be a run game that Lakewood hopes to establish with Jayden “Scooby” Jones, Divon Woods, Dwayne Wilson and Nicholas Evans. “The situation with our run ning backs is great,” Cornelius said. “We’re going to have a four-headed monster back there. The reason why we’re using four running backs is because they’re all gonna start on defense as well.” Cisse will not only be lining up at wide receiver. He’ll play corner and help lead a sec ondary that has to replace the playmaking ability of Zayveon Wells. While he’s worked on the vocal component of that leadership, Cisse wants his actions to set the example. “I’ve always kind of been like a leader,” Cisse said. “I wasn’t really too vocal last year, but this year I kind of stepped up into the role a little bit more, but I’m more leading by example. I go out there and I just try to show them the way it’s done.”
1. BUILDING A PROGRAM TAKES A TEAM
This fall will be Lakewood’s sixth year under head coach Larry Cornelius. The improve ment from not winning a region game in his first year at the helm to now expecting postseason appearances has been something to marvel at. The success in the build-up of the program at Lakewood is something for which Cor nelius doesn’t want the lone credit.“Ihaven’t built it,” Corne lius said. “We’ve built it. I’ve always been a big believer in that concept that it’s not my team, it’s our team. My assistant coaches are more important than me. The play ers are the most important. I’m just one cog in the wheel to try to get this thing moving into a consistent pattern.” That wheel has a few new cogs on the coaching front in new offensive and defensive coordinators. Josh Williams, who was the defensive coordi nator last season, was moved to offensive coordinator and Cornelius brought in Carrie English, whom he’d worked with in Georgia, to serve as defensive“Offensively,coordinator.we’regoing to have big plays in the perime ter with people like Brandon Cisse, but we’re going to start with a run game, and we’re going to pound it and grind it with our 300-pound-plus guys up front,” Cornelius said. “We’re going to run a more simplified defense. Let the kids flow a little faster.”
2. SET UP STRENGTHFOR One of the biggest issues facing the Gators will be the lack of depth that is forcing multiple players to line up on both“Structurally,sides. we’re just continuing the tone and set ting it with the new guys that are coming into our program,” Cornelius said. “The young guys, they’re not used to what we do. They’re not used to grinding it out. Over the last couple years, we’ve had all these COVID protocols. This is really the first full offsea son that we’ve had since my seniors have been freshman and that’s really changed some“I’mthings.notgoing to let these guys fail. I’m trying to show them a path to success, and a path to success means work ing every single day.”
Lakewood head coach Larry Cornelius, center, enters The Sumter Item Football Media Day with offensive lineman Bryson Dickens, left, and de fensive back and wide receiver Brandon Cisse. PAGE B13
SEE GATORS,
There will also be a new quarterback under center af ter Tate Sistare graduated. The situation is fluid with Clark Kinney and Owen Myers both up for the job. Wilder plays wide receiver and is confident that his teammates will be able to adapt to whoever is playing“NoneQB.ofus are first-year varsity players,” Boykin said, “I think we all have pretty good experience, and we all have pretty good team chem istry. This isn’t our first year with Clark at quarterback. We’ve had him on JV and the B team.“Wehave a pretty good team chemistry with this group of guys.”
OCT 14 @ ChristianFlorence 7:30 p.m.
CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM Left: Wilson Hall is finalizing con struction on several of its athletic facilities including an improved weight room, top, and locker room.
B6 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 AUG 26 v. Hilton ChristianHead 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 @ ManningLaurence 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 v. SumterThomas 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 @ Hammond 7:30 p.m. SEPT 23 v. First Baptist 7:30 p.m.
SCISA 3A Wilson
The construction meant unconventional conditions for the team, like not having a true locker room or weight room. Noah Kennedy and Boykin Wilder are two of the Barons’ senior leaders and expressed their excitement to be able to have the new amenities.“I’mhonored to be a senior and among the first people to step foot in and use that fa cility,” Kennedy said. “There’s a lot of preparation that goes into construction and every thing. I think the whole team is just ready to get in that locker room.” “It’s super exciting because last year we worked out in a warehouse like five miles away,” Boykin added. “We’d have to ride the bus together or drive there after school. This year, it was in a batting cage. We were working out outside. Our locker room last year was in a living room. So, it’s going to be nice having a brand new state-of-theart weight room and locker room.”
Along with Boykin at those skill positions are Blake Van Patten, who led the team with 621 yards and seven touch downs last season, Dylan Jones, Cameron Coulter and Brogdon Galloway. Jones is also a key piece of the Barons’ secondary, tallying four interceptions last season.
INT
1. REAL, FACILITIES.NEWFINALLY.
Schedule 2021 RECORD: 2-8
OCT 7 v. Pee AcademyDee 7:30 p.m.
yards, 2 TD,
OCT 28 @ John Paul II 7:30 p.m. (1-4 Region I-3A) Hall 215 1
BY ISAIAH LUCAS isaiah@theitem.com New is the adjective to use when talking about the Wil son Hall football team. The private school went un der renovation over the past year for many of its facilities, including a makeover for their athletics spaces. Here are five topics of in terest heading into the Baron season.
OCT 21 v. HallHeathwood 7:30 p.m.
5. NEW FACES LIKING UP ON DEFENSE
SCISA
2. NEW OPPONENTS On the field, the Barons will also have new opponents. SCISA expanded, and the 3A classification saw several teams make the jump up to 4A while adding some new foes from 2A. This isn’t some thing that changes any goals for Wilson Hall. The Barons are looking to improve on their 2-8 season. “The better teams that were in 2A classification obviously are the ones that moved up,” head coach Adam Jerec ki explained. “We want to compete every week. We want to try to do everything to be 1-0 every week, but we’ll take each week as it comes. Our ultimate goal is to be playing in November.”
Wilson Hall starting a new era: 5 things to know about Baron football
The defense will be the more challenging task to develop, though it does help to have All-Region offensive lineman Will Singleton play ing in the trenches on both sides of the football. “That’s probably where we’ll have the most holes to fill,” Jarecki said. The challenge to step up and lead the charge to replace a lot of the production from last year’s defense is a chal lenge that Kennedy wel comes.“Iwouldn’t say I’m ner vous,” the defensive lineman said. “I’m more excited about it, personally. I have absolute confidence in our defense. We have some rough spots. I felt that when we scrimmaged earlier this summer there was so much more we could do. As we played, we got better and we’re going to see further development.“I’mveryexcited to see what we can do because when it comes down to it, this is the most aggressive and active defense we’ve had collectively in years.”
SEPT 30 @ AcademyNorthwood 7:30 p.m.
Hilton NorthwoodHiltonChristianHeadHeadPrepJohnPaulIIFirstBaptistAcademyPinewoodPrepFlorenceChristianPeeDeeAcademy Wilder,BoykinWR 23 catches,
3. NEW DETAILSQUARTERBACK,TBD
4. NOT NEW, BUT JUST AS IMPORTANT While there’s a lot of new, the Barons’ style of play will stay true to their principles. “We’re a traditional tri ple-option team. That’s been our mold for the last few years,” Jarecki said. “This sum mer, we had a lot of success with our 7-on-7 tournaments and games that we partici pated in. We feel like last year and coming into this year, we had to throw it a little more than normal. That’s kind of becoming part of our game now, mixing the triple-option with some of our passing game. We feel like with the skilled people we have out in space, we ought to be able to do a lot of that kind of stuff.”
Key Losses: QB Tate Sistare RB Doc Walker LB Alex McLeod LB Max Keziah ReturningPlayers:Key WR Blake Van Patten DB/RB Dylan Jones OL/DL Will Singleton WR Boykin Wilder OL/DLKennedyNoah CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM Wilson Hall football coach Adam Jarecki, center, talks to his huddled team during a game last fall. Jarecki is looking to set a new tone for the pro gram this fall in conjunction with the Barons' new athletic facilities.
CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM Wilson Hall head coach Adam Jarecki, center on stage, is flanked by offensive and defensive lineman Noah Kennedy, left, and wide receiver Boykin Wilder during The Sumter Item Media Day.
Laurence Manning quarterback Ty;er June (1) scrambles against East Clarendon during the FTC Jamboree last week.
OCT 14 v. ChristianAugusta 7:30 p.m.
ON IDENTITY EXPECTATIONSAND “We want to be the toughest team in SCISA,” Furse said of his goal for LMA’s identity. “Mentally tough, physically tough. I don’t want my guys to be soft.” As Laurence Manning looks to transition into SCISA 4A, Furse said it’s been business as usual. The only major dif ferences are that the classifi cation has fewer teams and that there are no regions. “It’s 4A, but we’re playing the same teams. We have one new team we’re playing this year in Camden Mili tary, but we’re competing with Hammond, Trinity and Porter Gaud,” Furse said. “The schedule is very simi lar. There’s a couple of new games in there, but no one we haven’t played in the past.”One of those teams Furse mentioned was Hammond, a familiar foe at the top of SCISA. In 2019 and 2020, the two faced off for the SCISA 3A title. The Skyhawks claimed both titles. King said he thinks a shift is happening.“Ithinkwe have (closed the gap),” King said. “I think we’re going to get them this year.” Furse takes over a program that is used to winning. He expects that to continue. “We set pretty high expec Key Losses: RB Nolan Osteen WR/DB Bryce Acord DB Mickey Jordan DB/RB Josh Sharpe RB Conner Smith ReturningPlayers:Key QB Tyler June WR/LB Brandon King DB/RBSumpterThomas DB Josiah Burson RB/DBBrownJackson OL/DL James Olden NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM
Laurence Manning Augusta Christian Ben CardinalCamdenHeathwoodLippenHallMilitaryNewmanHammondPorter-GaudTrinityCollegiate 18 catches for 301andyards3TD Olden,JamesOL/DL 46 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 TFL Manning ready for the jump to 4A under new coach Furse
ON OFFENSE Furse plans to bring chang es to the LMA offense. Under Floyd, the Swampcats were run first, second and third. Furse plans to fold in the passing game more this fall to try to open up the offense. “Offensively, we just want to score points, so if you have a lot of receivers that are capable, you want to get more of those guys on the field,” Furse said. “We’re just trying to spread it out a little bit more, get our guys in space and hopefully give our guys a chance to make plays down field.”Laurence Manning has a quarterback ready to take the next step. Junior Tyler June, a South Carolina baseball com mit, has two seasons of varsity experience under his belt. Last fall, he completed half of his passes for 827 yards and eight touchdowns. He added another 406 yards and three scores on the ground. “(June’s experience) is huge. He’s been really good about identifying protections and trying to get us in the right protection and then try ing to anticipate who is going to be open based on the play call,” Furse said. “He’s really dangerous with his legs also, so any time the play breaks down or the pocket breaks down, he’s capable of making opponents pay for it.”
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com The winds of change are blowing at Laurence Man ning.The Swampcats are making the jump up to the new SCISA 4A this season, and they’ll do so under new leadership. Will Furse, who previously served as LMA’s defensive coordi nator, takes the reigns from Austin Floyd after he moved to Sumter High to serve as offensive coordinator. “It hasn’t been too difficult. I just have a different voice now,” Furse said. “Now I just have to make more decisions about discipline, what time are we having practice, what’s our plan for practice that day.”
BrandonKing,WR/LB
THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 GRIDIRON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 | B7 2022 AUG 19 @ Lake City 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 v. PrepPinewood 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 v Wilson Hall 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 @ Hammond 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. MilitaryCamden 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 @ HallHeathwood 7:30 p.m.
NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM
Schedule 2021
ON PLAYERS LOST AND HOLES FILLED
Laurence Manning's Bryson Smith (14) carries the ball against East Clarendon during the FTC Jamboree last week. SEE SWAMPCATS, PAGE B13
OCT 7 @ Porter Gaud 7:30 p.m.
Laurence Manning does have some big players to replace on offense, notably Nolan Osteen and Bryce Acord. Osteen led the team in rushing last fall with 484 yards and six touchdowns while Acord played all over the“It’soffense.really been next man up,” Furse said. “Our return ing players knew there would be holes to fill, and they were excited about the opportunity and they’re trying to make the most of it. We have a lot of great competition at wide receiver. They’ve had compet itive reps to figure out who is going to be that guy.” Filling in for Osteen at running back will be an eas ier task. Laurence Manning regularly used three in the position in the past, so several players like Jackson Brown gained experience. LMA won’t have as many forma tions with three backs on the field, so that gap closes more easily.Atreceiver, King is a match up nightmare with his combi nation of size and speed. “He’s a matchup that we think we have an edge (with) regardless of who is covering him,” Furse said. ON DEFENSE Defensively, Laurence Manning won’t make any sweeping changes. As the former defensive coordinator, Furse already established what he wants to do on that side of the ball. “We’re always looking to find ways we can improve,” Furse said. “We’ll change a couple of things up, just small things that I think will give us a better chance to win. Cov erage-wise, we’ll be the same. We’re going to play a lot of zone defense and do what we can do to give our guys a chance to succeed.”
OCT 21 v. PrepOrangeburg 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 @ CollegiateTrinity 7:30 p.m. RECORD: 5-4 (3-2 SCISA Region II-3A) SCISA 4A
Brandon King figures to be a major piece of LMA’s expanded passing attack. He caught 18 passes for 301 yards and three scores as the Swampcats leading receiv er last year. He’s enjoying working with June in the new offense.
CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM (From left to right) Laurence Manning offensive and defensive lineman James Olden, head coach Will Furse and wide receiver and linebacker Brandon King pose for a photo at The Sumter Item Football Media Day.
Some of Laurence Man ning’s big names on defense will be James Olden, who plays in the trenches on both sides of the ball, King at line backer and Josiah Burson in the secondary.
Laurence
“It’s been fun,” King said. “He’s has been trying to teach up more. He’s trying to be an offensive leader, and I feel like he’s doing a good job.”
ReturningPlayersKey QB/WR/DB/K Gatlin Kimbro TE/LB James Claffy LB Charlie Joyner OL/DL Ryan Millett TE/DL Will Luzzi RB Miles Van Patten WR/DBBlackwellLandin DB Landon Stevens
Williamsburg Academy, who played for the state title last fall. Other 2A schools on the slate include Spartanburg Christian, Greenwood Chris tian, Palmetto Christian and Beaufort Academy. LEIBLE / THE SUMTER ITEM
AUG 19 @ HallClarendon 7:30 p.m.
TIM
Thomas Sumter work to grow amid jump to SCISA 2A
ton Gaskins certainly appreci ates having them. Last season, he was dominant on the ground to the tune of 1,221 yards and 21 total touch downs.“With the experience that we have in the middle of the offensive line, it really boosts my confidence because I Key Losses: DB/WR Drew Nix RB Andrew Hair OL Tripp Strange OL Parker Wilkes ReturningPlayers:Key RB/LB QB/DBOL/LBGaskinsHamptonEliTomlinsonDB/RBWilliamWestDLLiamHoopaughJesseBowersRB/LBDeshoneHadden
AUG 26 v. Lee Academy 7:30 p.m.
SEPT 23 @ ChristianGreenwood 7:30 p.m.
OCT 14 v. ChristianSpartanburg 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. AcademyWilliamsburg 7:30 p.m.
2022
In the three years since Brannon Tidwell arrived at Thomas Sumter Academy, the football program has trans formed from one that strug gled to win a game to a team that succeeds in the playoffs “It was pretty bad. Nobody wanted to play. We weren’t excited for Friday nights,” said James Claffy, a senior who therefore knows what it was like before Tidwell’s arrival. “Having more people come in, coach Tidwell especially and the rest of the coaching staff, we’re excited.” Another senior, lineback er Charlie Joyner, added, “It was hard to make a change between getting like one win every year to being expected to win most of your games and go to the playoffs. Figur ing out how to win was a big change.TheGenerals have learned how to win. TSA went 4-1 in SCISA Region II-1A and 7-5 overall a year ago. They won their firstround playoff game before a loss to eventual state champi on Thomas Heyward. As they make the jump up to 2A this fall, they want to take another step.“Just looking to finish,” Claffy said. “We went into the playoffs last year and lost to Heyward in the second round, but we’re looking to make it to state this year and get it Withdone.”thenew classification comes a new schedule. Some non-region matchups remain the same, like annual battles with Wilson Hall and former 1A region foe Lee Academy. Now they’ll face a region slate that includes Carolina Academy and 2A powerhouse
Thomas Sumter's Gatlin Kimbro, right, will serve as the team's quarter back, kicker and safety this fall. PAGE B14
SEE GENERALS,
B8 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 AUG 26 @ Thomas Sumter7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 v. Patrick Henry 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 @ Dillon Christian7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. St. John’s Christian7:30 p.m. SEPT 23 v. Cross Schools 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 v. AcademyWilliamsburg 7:30 p.m. OCT 7 @ AcademyCalhoun 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 v. ChristianConway 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. AcademyCarolina 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 @ AcademyKing’s 7:30 p.m.Schedule 2021 RECORD: 7-6 (3-2 SCISA Region II-1A) SCISA Region II-1A Lee TheConwayAcademyChristianDillonChristianKing’sAcademy 2021 RECORD: 7-5 (4-1 SCISA Region II-1A) SCISA Region II-2A Thomas Sumter CarolinaWilliamsburgAcademy OL/LBTomlinson,Eli Sumter Item AllteamIndependentlineman HamptonGaskins,RB/LB 1,221yards,rushing21 total TDs, 122 tackles, 3 INT, 4 sacks, 9 TFL James Claffy, TE/LB 4 sacks, 4 TFLs in 5 games GatlinQB/WR/DB/KKimbro, 35 catches, 500 yards 6 TDs, 5-5 passing for 56 yards and 1 TD, 50 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 20-25 PATs Cavaliers' eyes set on state titleafter consecutive appearances
1. THE EXPERIENCE
The bulk of their roster is returning. Lee had just five seniors graduate, though they lost an additional player due to an injury to Clayton Catoe. That level of continuity, on top of what Rankin sees as the best offseason in the weight room he’s had at Lee, should bring more success. “They’re excited. They were excited to come in the weight room. They’re kind of addict ed to the weight room, which is good,” Rankin said of his returning players. “We’ve got a lot of continuity, a lot of the same faces that have been with me since the sixth grade. They know me, and we know what we want.” That continuity starts in the trenches where Lee returns three offensive linemen. Eli Tomlinson is rejoined by Alex and Nathan Garrick up front. “Having three people coming back on the line this year just helps us work together even better,” Tomlinson said. “We all know each other, know how everyone thinks on the line, so it helps us get along better in pressureRunningsituations.”backHamp
SEPT 2 @ AcademyBethesda 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 v. Wilson Hall 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. AcademyCarolina 7:30 p.m.
OCT 7 @ ChristianPalmetto 7:30 p.m.
OCT 28 v. ChristianDillon 7:30 p.m.
Schedule
SEE CAVALIERS, PAGE B13
Key Losses: QB Jamari Harris WR/DB
RB/LBHawkinsMatthewAydenAllenOL/DLHaydenPostonOL/DLJhylilBradford
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com Lee Academy is used to suc cess under head coach David Rankin.TheCavaliers have played in the last two SCISA 1A state championship games, falling to Thomas Heyward Academy each time. In the last seven years, the Lee has gone 67-23. With all that winning, Rankin sees no reason to expect any thing different this fall. “Our expectation is to be there again,” Rankin said plainly. “Our expectation is to win it this time.” Rankin has every right to believe that. Here are five reasons why.
CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM Lee Academy's Hampton Gaskins (10) returns after leading the Cavaliers in rushing a year ago.
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com
2022 AUG 19 v. SumterThomas 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 @ Andrew Jackson Academy 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 v. ChristianDillon 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. AcademyKing’s 7:30 p.m. SEPT 23 @ Patrick Henry Academy 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 @ ChristianConway 7:30 p.m. OCT 7 v. Cross Schools 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 @ AcademyDorchester 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. AcademyCalhoun 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 @ St. ChristianJohn’s 7:30 p.m.Schedule 2021 RECORD: 8-4 (4-3 SCISA 8-man Region I) SCISA Region I-1A Clarendon Hall Calhoun DorchesterAcademyAcademySt.John’sChristian Darius Aiken, RB/DB 1,361 total yards, 19 touchdownstotalRobinson,WilderWR/DB 76 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 INT, 2 fumb rec, 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD
11 MEN MINUS 1 Clarendon Hall isn’t just adjusting to having a few extra players on the field. The Saints had been able to rely on Kylic Horton on both sides of the ball the last four years. He’s now at South Car olina playing wide receiver for Shane Beamer, so Clarendon Hall must find ways to move the football without the long standing superstar. “Kylic is a big player. A lot of teams base their defense around him. Not having him around opens it up a little bit,” Mathis said. “Defenses kind of focus more on the whole team instead of just one person.” Robinson said the other wide receivers aren’t going to be the only players to notice Hortin’s base“Whenabsence.ateamwoulditaroundhim,itwould open up our run game a little bit more,” the returning pass-catcher said. “Now in 11-man, not having him, it’s going to be a challenge to run with our offense now.”
WeorneedTrymaryannsdelisc.com(803)775-4575584BultmanDr.usthenexttimeyoucateringforaneventofficelunch!VotedBestofSumterwinneryearafteryear!Cater!
THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 GRIDIRON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 | B9
PLAYING BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL Defensively, Clarendon Hall will be malleable. Logan wants his team to adjust depending on their week ly matchup. For example, CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM (From left to right) Clarendon Hall's Wilder Robinson, head coach Justin Logan and Tucker Mathis speak at The Sumter Item Football Media Day.
Clarendon Hall Saints marching back into 11-man football
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com Clarendon Hall’s football program is getting a make over.For the first time since 2009, the Saints are making the leap into 11-man football for the first time since 2009, having spent the last decade in the world of 8-on-8, it’s a notice able shift. Veterans Wilder Robinson and Tucker Mathis aren’t taking the change lightly.“The field is 10 yards wider, but you’ve also got those extra people in there to try to get it done,” Mathis said.” Robinson noted the new level comes with a new style of football, particularly on the defensive end. 11-man is more condensed with the extra bodies, so their schemes need to adjust. “It’s really different because you have to learn a little bit of a different type of defense. You’re running zone, not man defense,” Robinson said. “It’s just a little bit different. You’ve got more people to help out on the field.” The coach who will lead the Saints through this transition is first-time head coach Justin Logan. He comes to Clar endon Hall from fellow 1A school Lee Academy, where he was on the coaching staff as the Cavaliers earned con secutive trips to the 1A state championship game. “Going from 8-man to 11man is going to be a chal lenge, but I tell my guys that it’s still blocking and tackling,” LoganLogansaid.learned important coaching lessons from Cava lier head coach David Rankin he plans to carry with him. “We’re going to do some things that he likes to do, but there are a lot of things I like to do differently,” Logan said. “We’re a running team. That’s something that Lee’s always incorporated, and that’s what we’ll try to do.” If the Saints are going to run the ball, they’ll need to estab lish the line of scrimmage. Of fensive line play is one of the biggest differences between 8-man and 11-man; Two of the additional players are the bookend linemen. Building a strong offensive line has been the biggest challenge Logan has faced so far. “It’s something that hasn’t been a focus. I don’t know if that’s an 8-man thing,” Logan said about improving in the trenches. “We’ve got our offensive line coach, Matt Baxley, played offensive line at Newberry, working with them every day, working on steps, working on technique. He’s teaching them the right blocking scheme, which has probably been the biggest challenge.”
Junior running back Darius Aiken will be one of the play ers looking to jumpstart that running game this fall. He returns after rushing for 1,106 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He added another 259 and three scores through the air. He’ll be taking handoffs from a somewhat new quar terback this year as Brock Mathis moves into the posi tion full-time. He attempted 32 passes last year, throwing three touchdowns and an interception. Logan is looking forward to the physicality he brings to both sides of the ball as he also plays linebacker. “It’s probably something a lot of teams won’t hear is their quarterback playing linebacker,” Logan said. “He’s got a good arm; he can run the football. He’s a real down hill runner.”
Key Losses: WR/DB Kylic Horton WR/DBRobinsonGerlante QB Colt Gibbons ReturningPlayersKey RB/DB Darius Aiken QB/LB Brock Mathis DE/TE Tucker Mathis OL Trey Bagnal WR/DBRobinsonWilder SEE SAINTS, PAGE B13
Cade cook, QB Moves to quarterback after being named an All-Region wide receiver last year.
Wolverines looking to bring along young players
SEPT 9 @ Cross 7:30 p.m.
SEPT 16 @ St John’s 7:30 p.m.
OCT 7 @ Johnsonville 7:30 p.m.
OCT 14 @ Carver’s Bay 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 @ Hemingway 7:30 p.m.
OCT 28 v ClarendonEast 7:30 p.m.
East Clarendon made the playoffs after going 2-2 during region play last sea son. The Wolverines lost in the playoffs to Whale Branch and finished the season 2-7. Here are five topics of interest heading in their season.
SEE
SEPT 9 @ McBee 7:30 p.m.
One of those seniors is quarterback Cade Cook. He was a standout at the wide receiver position but made the move to be the team’s signal caller this offseason. His time lining up out wide helped ease his transition to field“Playinggeneral.wide receiver has helped me know the plays and know what to do with the routes they’re running,” the Wolverine QB said. “I played quarterback a little bit on the B team, but when I got moved to receiver, I kind of stayed off of it and didn’t play for a while. Moving back this year, it wasn’t the easiest, but it’s getting easier. I feel like I’m getting where I need to be.” The move is a reflection of Cade Cook’s commitment to the“Iteam.appreciate him doing it because he’s a better receiv er,” the coach said. “Wide receiver is his spot, but we need him at quarterback. He was willing to step in and do that like the previous two quarterbacks before him. They’re athletes. They’re multiple-sport guys, and I’m a firm believer in that if you have multiple-sport guys and put them in different positions, they can adapt to anything.”
DesaneMontrezRendellSinklerWashington ReturningPlayersKey QB/DB
2021 RECORD: 2-7 (2-2IV-1A)Region
Scott's Branch: Another year, another coach
SEPT 23 @ Branchville 7:30 p.m.
Scott’s Branch EastJohnsonvilleCarversClarendonBayHemingway
1. LEADERSHIP IS KEY With a good number of younger faces on the roster this year, head coach Scott Cook knows his team will have to lean on its senior leadership heavily if the Wol verines want to play in the postseason again. “We got a bunch of guys out there, some young guys who are trying to get adapted to the varsity level, but we’re excited,” the coach said. “This year, I’m expecting good leadership. We’ve got six seniors this year, and we’re expecting a lot out of them.”
B10 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM
OCT 14 v. Johnsonville 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 @ Carvers Bay 7:30 p.m.
BY ISAIAH LUCAS isaiah@theitem.com Randall State is the new head coach for Scott’s Branch, and the Eagles have now had a different head coach for each of the last four years. He and the football program are both looking for the same thing as he makes the move to Summerton: Stability. “I’ve been turning over the last few years. ... I need some, personally, also,” he said. Despite the lack of con sistency at the top coaching spot, the players at Scott’s Branch are eager to play and hope to improve on last sea son’s 1-9 record. NOT HAMMERTIMEJUST
3. EARLY LIFTS A key part in the develop ment process for the younger players on the team, espe cially the linemen, was the allowance made by admin istration for weight training to begin while they were in middle school. “Last year after football season, our administration helped us by letting me start a middle school weightlifting class,” Scott Cook said. “That got those young guys into the weight room, the big boys and big linemen. We’ve got two juniors on the line, and the rest are freshmen and sophomores. They’ve been in the weight room all summer. They’ve got a lot of room for growth, so they’re not where they need to be, but I’m proud of where they’re at Key Losses: QB Kyler Odom OL/DL Nate Coker WR/DBMcKenzieRaulston DL Tymere Cooper DL Austin McKenzie OL Coleman Yates ReturningPlayersKey QB Cade Cook LB Luke Robinson WR Brooks MIxon TE/DE Kyle Boothe TE/DE Hayden Craft RB Jay Webb
Schedule
2021 RECORD: 1-9 (1-4 SCHSL Region IV-1A)
SEE WOLVERINES,
CAL CARY / THE SUMTER ITEM East Clarendon's Cade Cook, left, and Luke Robinson sign a football at the Sumter Item Football Media Day. PAGE B13
OCT 28 @ BranchScott’s 7:30 p.m.
State brings with him a different philosophy on both sides of the football. The most drastic change will be on of fense, as the Eagles’ signature “Hammer” offense will largely be a thing of the past. “We want to run the ball 60-40 (%), throw the ball deep when we have the chance and control the game on the ground first and fore most,” State said. “It’ll be a spread-power game on offense and RPO (run-pass option) a little bit. We’ll probably take some of what coach Johnson had for them with the Hammer and some of those running formations because that’s been the foun dation for the last few years.” Athletic director and defen sive coordinator Kevin Miller is excited to see the offensive change. “The offense is more tailored to these kids’ strengths. They’re quick, so we want to put them in space,” Miller said. “We’ve got some power sets. It’s like an amoeba-type offense. It has no real defined shape. It’s just whatever we want to do at that specific time. It’s fun to watch, we just hope the points add up, too.” On defense, the changes are slight but still cater to person nel“Westrengths.arevery fast on de fense,” Miller said. “Our de fense will mimic our offense. We run a flex defense. It’s really a 3-4 that turns into a 4-2-5. We want to be ready for any personnel we may be up against.”Whilethe defense may be malleable, one thing will / THE SUMTER ITEM (From left to right) Scott's Branch athlete Randy Gibson, athletic diretor and defensive coordinator Kevin Miller and quarterback Tyler Kind speak at the Sumter Item Football Media Day.
3x footballbaseballAll-Stateplayerreturnstotheprogram
SCHSL Region V-1A East Scott’sClarendonBranchCarversBayHemingwayJohnsonville 2022 AUG 19 @ Kinard-TylerHunter- 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 v Manning High 7:30 p.m.
Schedule 2022 AUG 19 v. Lewisville 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 v. Latta 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 v. Manning High 7:30 p.m.
SEPT 2 v. Great Falls 7:30 p.m.
SCISA Region II-1A
Gibson,RandyATH
SEPT 16 @ PamplicoHannah- 7:30 p.m.
SEPT 30 v. Hemingway 7:30 p.m.
BY ISAIAH LUCAS isaiah@theitem.com
2. PLAYING FOR THE TEAM
Key Losses: Zakee Tyler Kind ATH Randy Gibson TE Chris Barringer OL Ikel Tindall EAGLES, PAGE B13
CAL CARY
Devonne D.
Palmetto Adult Medicine Sumter Harry A. Jordan, Jr., MD | Ansel R. McFaddin, MD Andrew J. Reynolds, MD | Hugh T. Stoddard, Jr., MD Katherine S. Coffey, PA-C | James R. McMahon, FNP Emily J. Miller, PA-C 1295 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 905-6800
NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM Manning quarterback Justin Daniels (1) reaches for the end zone against Lee Central at the FTC Jamboree.
THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 GRIDIRON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 | B11
Justin Daniels,QB/DB 37-85 for 463 yards, 2 TDs, 90 carries for 465 yards, 3 Bobby Allen
McLeod Primary Care Turbeville Michael O. Ouzts, DO | Abbie Kirby, PA-C Amanda McConnell, PA-C 944 Smith Street, Turbeville, SC 29162 (843) 659-2114 McLeod Family Medicine Kingstree Andrew Gulledge, FNP | Raina McKenzie, PA-C 512 Nelson Boulevard, Suite 200, Kingstree, SC 29556 (843) 355-5459
Rodney K. Alan, MD
Barrineau, MD 50 East Hospital Street, Suite 4, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-2822 540 Physicians Lane Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 340-5110 Urology McLeod Urology Associates Sumter Michelle B. Miller, NP 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 340-5100 Vascular McLeod Vascular Associates 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (843) 777-7043 Here for Life www.mcleodhealthclarendon.org Clarendon 2022 AUG 19 @ Kingstree 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 @ BranchScott’s 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 @ ClarendonEast 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 v. Lake Marion 7:30 p.m. SEPT 23 v. Baptist Hill 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 v. Aynor 7:30 p.m. OCT 7 @ Georgetown 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 @ Dillon 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. Loris 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 v. Waccamaw 7:30 p.m.Schedule
50
Orthopedics McLeod
Clarendon
Robert S. Eagerton, MD | Carmen Roberts, DO Amber P. Newman, NP 200 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-0439 McLeod Primary Care Clarendon Lisa E. Heichberger, MD | Laine Way, MD Susan Caulkins, FNP | Susanne Johnson, FNP 50 East Hospital Street, Suite 3, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-8828
Chase Godwin, NP Chaz McDonald, NP 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (843) 777-7900 East Hospital Street, Suite 6 , Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-3065 Surgery
Associates
Surgery McLeod
McLeod Cardiology Associates Ryan C. Garbalosa, DO | Prabal Guha, MD Dennis Lang, DO 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 21Manning883-5171Clinic:EastHospital Street, Manning, SC 29102
TDs Manning football looking to bounce back Key Losses: DL
ReturningPlayersKey QB/DBDanielsJustin DL Michael Brown OL/DL OL/DLBannisterE’vontaJa-monBrockDBAmaryonKennedy
Rebecca Cartledge, APRN, CNM Shaquinda Dowdle, DNP, APRN, CNM East Hospital Street, Suite 4A, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-0797 Orthopaedics
|
The last two years of Manning football have been difficult.AmidCOVID-19, the Monarchs haven’t been able to find their footing, winning just one game over the span of two seasons. Despite the recent struggles, head coach Reggie Kennedy is more than optimistic about his program. “I think we’ve finally recov ered from the pandemic,” the Manning head coach said. “This is probably the best offseason since my first year here. We had a great spring, a great summer. I think we’re a little bit ahead, at this point, that we were in the last two years.”Manning was still feeling the effects of COVID-19 last fall. The Monarchs were out of school for a week as the community battled the virus, causing Manning to miss one of their regular season games. Kennedy couldn’t overstate how important it was to have a sense of normalcy with the season about to kick off. “I think it’s important for us to get back to a normal routine during the football season,” Kennedy said. “I can see it now. This could be a special group I have this year.” One of the reasons Ken nedy is confident about this group is senior quarterback Justin Daniels. This will be his third full season as the starter after taking over the position late in his freshman year. His athletic ability and knowledge of the offense is a major boost for Kennedy, who also serves as the Monarch’s offensive play“Hecaller.makes us go,” Kenne dy said. “It’s good to have a seasoned quarterback because he’s just a team leader on both sides of the ball. Kids look up to him, they look to him to make the big plays for us. It makes my play calling a lot easier. He can get the guys in the right position and if I call the wrong play, he knows the checks (to adjust to the Offensively,defense).”Kennedy likes what he’s seen in the trench es. E’vonta Bannister returns at left tackle with some help from Ja-mon Brock, Mark Locklear and Darius Parson upThey’llfront. open some doors for what Kennedy considers “one of our plus areas,” the offen sive skill positions. Jeffrey Ceasar Jr. and Jamari Wilson will provide some punch in the passing game, while Tristan Thames locks things down in the backfield. On the other side of the ball, Kennedy thinks his defensive front will be one of the most dangerous position groups in the area. Michael Brown leads that group at defensive end. Brock will play both ways, lining up at defensive tackle next to Jalynn Coard. Bannis ter will also start both ways opposite Brown at defensive end.“Our D-line is probably one of the tops in the state, I think,” Kennedy said. “They have been dominant since the start of spring, and they’ve gotten better each day.” Kenndy thinks that line will open the doors for lineback ers I’yuan Dozier and Lamont Hilton.“With a good D-line, you’ve got to have a good lineback er that can tackle in space,”
Cardiology
Primary Care Eagerton Family Practice
Obstetrics and Gynecology
LorisAynorManning•DillonGeorgetown•Waccamaw
2021 RECORD: 1-8 (1-3 SCHSL Region VI-3A) SCHSLVII-3ARegion
50
RB LBLBRBMcfaddenNizhajuanDeiontaMcFaddenTimothyGoldsmithJaleelMyers
SEE MONARCHS, PAGE B13
McLeod Women’s Care Clarendon Monica Ploetzke, MD | Thomas C. Key, MD Tom Chappell, CNM | Allison Saran, CNM, WHNP
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com
BY TIM LEIBLE tim@theitem.com A year ago, Lee Central was preparing for their re turn to athletics after missing the entire 2019-20 athletic year to COVID-19. The football program nearly had to start from scratch. Only a handful of players with varsity expe rience were on the roster. Even those veterans have now graduated. The new crop of students that came in last year was finally able to get some experience of their own. Head coach Justin Danner is looking forward to building on the first year back.“We’re back at work. A year ago, that wasn’t the case,” Danner said. “We’ve got a mixture of young guys, as well as some new guys and a few old guys. We’re just happy to be back in the mix.” As much as the Lee Cen tral players learned from a year of varsity football, Dan ner said they’re keeping the lessons that came with the lost“Iseason.thinkthat the guys that returned learned some thing from being out during COVID, and that’s to not take anything for granted,” Dan ner said. “Our guys were ex cited going into the offseason and they brought that into camp and our preseason. We’re working toward fixing things, trying to grow up every scrimmage and every day. It’s just been refreshing as a Leecoach.”Central has a lot of new faces as key positions, notably at quarterback, so Danner is focused on making sure the Stallions don’t try to rush into a full gallop. “Patience, even within the coaching piece of it. Hav ing younger guys, we have to understand where they are in the process and what they can do right now and what they can get better at,” Danner said. “We plan to work through our base stuff, working to get good at that. The better we get at that, we may have a chance to be able to do some other things later in the year.
NEW QB1, SAME FACES UP FRONT At quarterback, the last name stays the same. Chuck Harry, who was on varsity with the Stallions last fall, takes over for his brother Kwantre under center. “A different skill set than his brother,” Danner said. “He’s got a strong arm. We feel like he can put the ball down the field.” Harry is behind a line with some experience. Danner said he thinks his group in the trenches is further along right now than they were entering last season because of that continuity.“Wehave some older kids that know more up front. Last year, our offensive line only returned one guy. That was tough for us starting out,” Danner said. “Now we’re bringing back a lot more than just one guy. They’re the keys to the Returningcar.” lineman Everett Burns is more confident com ing into the season. “Now I’ve got varsity experience. Now I know what to do. Now we’ve got that momentum on our side for bigger and better things,” BurnsBurnssaid.also has some big shoes to fill. He lined up at
Key Losses: DL Bobby Allen RB LBLBRBMcfaddenNizhajuanDeiontaMcFaddenTimothyGoldsmithJaleelMyers ReturningPlayersKey QB/DBDanielsJustin DL Michael Brown OL/DL OL/DLBannisterE’vontaJa-monBrockDBAmaryonKennedySEE STALLIONS, PAGE B14 NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM Lee Central, left, returns all but one of their starting lineman this fall.
B12 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM 2021 RECORD: 4-3 (4-1 SCHSL Region VII-2A) SCHSLVIII-2ARegion Lee AndrewsCentral•KingstreeMarion•MullinsJohnsonville Good Luck This Season! uscsumter.edu Financial aid and scholarships available. Apply today at: 2022 AUG 19 v. Chesterfield 7:30 p.m. AUG 26 v. Great Falls 7:30 p.m. SEPT 2 @ Burford 7:30 p.m. SEPT 9 @ Latta 7:30 p.m. SEPT 16 v. Estill 7:30 p.m. SEPT 30 v. Mullins 7:30 p.m. OCT 14 @ Marion 7:30 p.m. OCT 21 v. Andrews 7:30 p.m. OCT 28 @ Kingstree 7:30 p.m.ScheduleRichTrentonardsonBurnseverette The dooropenedlinementheforLCHStorushfor1,705yardsand18touchdownsin2021 Lee Central looks to build on 2021 in Year 2 of restart
GATORS FROM PAGE B5 tations for ourselves,” Furse said. “We want to be the best version of our team that we can be, and we hope the best version comes out in November when it matters most. If we do that, I think we can be somewhat satis fied with the work we’ve put in this year.”
2. THE SIGNAL CALLER
The biggest change offen sively comes at quarterback. Jesse Bowers, a transfer from Landrum, replaces Catoe and brings another dimen sion to the offense. “He can run it and throw it,” Rankin said. “We had some other people that could’ve stepped up at quarterback, but he’s expe rienced. He’s played a lot of quarterback.”WithBowers’ mobility, Lee can make some adjustments. Back are the days of Keaton Price and Jet Smith when the QB is just as capable as the running backs at carrying the ball.“That creates a lot more opportunities for running the football because they have to worry about both of us,” Gaskins said. “We do a lot of counters with that because they’re worried about me running it, and he’s capable of pulling it and running the ball.” Deshone Hadden also comes to Lee this fall from North Central. He’ll play running back as well as out side linebacker.
THE SUMTER ITEM 2022 GRIDIRON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 | B13 know they’re capable of opening up the holes even better than they were last year,” Gaskins said. “That cre ates a lot of running oppor tunities to make plays.”
Robinson will serve as both a linebacker and a slot defend er while Tucker Mathis will play both linebacker and defensive end depending on the“Somematchup.weeks we’ll have four people down. Some times it’ll be five. It just de pends on who we’re playing,” Logan said. “Our defensive coordinator, Stewart Price, is really good at mixing up his looks.”Robinson isn’t concerned about being stretched too thin.“Since my freshman year, I’ve played both sides of the ball,” the junior said. “With me, Tucker and Brock out there at the same time, I feel like our rotation is important as long as one of us is on the field to help lead them.”
3. THE DEFENSE Defensively, Lee is built up theThemiddle.Cavaliers have some big boys in the trenches, led by returning nose tackle Liam Hoopaugh. Cooper Bradt and Aubrey Boyce also bring some beef to the defensive front, which frees Gaskins and Tomlinson to make plays at inside line backer.Gaskins finished with 122 tackles, three picks, four sacks and nine tackles for a loss a year ago. He wants those numbers to rise, but they may not have to. “That size on the defen sive line really makes a huge difference. I’ve noticed that in the last two scrimmages compared to last year. They really plug up those holes,” Gaskins said. “I haven’t had to make as many tackles as I did last year because they’re capable of making tackles too. It really frees us up.”
5. THE NEXT CLASS OF LEADERS OFF THE FIELD Coach Cook made it clear that he wants to help his players develop as much as possi ble on and off the field. “We want to win more than anybody. That’s not the main reason we (coaches) do this in this profession,” Cook said. “We just want them to grow into young men, and we want them to work hard. One day, they’re going to all be husbands and fathers and people in the community. We use football to help build those relationships with each other and make this town, this community and this world a better place. “At the end of the day, we like to win foot ball games. We want to win football games. Don’t, don’t take us wrong at that. And we will try our best to win football games, but don’t judge these young men by wins. Judge them by their character.”
Kennedy said. In the secondary, Amaryon Kennedy and Travis Smiling return as starters. Daniels played sparingly on defense a year ago and will likely see an expanded role as a 2-way player this season. Deyvon Jamison will line up next to Daniels at Manningsafety.willsee some major changes in competi tion this fall. The Monarchs have recently been paired with Sumter County Schools Lakewood and Crestwood in Region VI-3A but now move over to Region VII. Dillon, a 3A state semifinalist a year ago, Aynor, Georgetown, Loris and Waccamaw will now fill the Monarch’s region slate. Kennedy thinks his squad will be able to compete with a strong group of teams. “I think it’s going to help us having played in one of the toughest regions in 3A for the last two years,” Kennedy said of Manning’s former region. “I think we have the chance to finish at the top of this region. This group I have coming, I’ll put them against anyone in the region. This is one of the most talented groups I’ve had.”AsClarendon County School District consolidates, Manning adds fellow district schools East Clarendon and Scott’s Branch to their sched ule. Kennedy is looking for ward to the environment that will come with those games. “I think it’s good for the community where they can support all three schools in our county,” Kennedy said. “I like good, friendly rivalries.” Kennedy is confident in his group. While wins have been hard to come by, he believes his team is ready for a com plete year.”championship.butweWithwhatthisgotdystate“Regionturnaround.championship,championship,”Kennesaidofhisgoals.“We’vechampionshipnumbersyear.Inthepast,weknewweweredealingwith.abreakhereorthere,could’vebeenabove.500,thisyear,we’rethinking“Wewanthardwarethis
MONARCHS
CAVALIERS FROM PAGE B8
Quarterback Tyler Kind has been on the team through all the coaching changes and is appreciative of the newness State has brought.“Itisvery exciting,” Kind said. “He is a very motiva tional and uplifting coach. If we make a mistake, he tells us to push through it. This is my fourth year on varsity… it’s always been a feeling of not knowing what to expect and not getting too com fortable. Coach State is very exciting.”Another part of the hype for the Eagles this season has to do with Randy Gib son’s return to the football field for his senior year. State had a lot to do with that decision.“Justhearing what Coach State has for us to do,” Gibson explained as part of why he wanted to come back to the gridiron. “My senior year, I’m trying to go out with a bang… I’ve been a football player, so when I’m on the field I can do any thing. Wherever he wants me to go, that’s where I’ll go, depending on the formation. I’ll just be trying to make a play.”Scott’s Branch has been known for its success on the basketball court in recent years, making the state championship game three in a row. With Kind and Gibson being members of those teams, they are hoping that winning mentality is some thing that they can bring over to the football field and get their teammates to embrace.“Thementality can trans late through character,” Kind said. “Just knowing what to do in certain situations. As leaders, we can tell them if we get down in a game to keep their heads up and stay motivated so they don’t think everything’s just over.” “We really just want to get the other players on the level that we are on,” Gibson add ed. “We tell them different things and show them things that we’ve seen or we’ve ex perienced, trying to get keep them on the right track.” The newness in the pro gram is something that has been felt school-wide and has contributed to growing the number of guys on the team in recent weeks. A foundation being laid is a hope for the Eagles this year. “It’s like a wave is coming through the school,” Miller said. Everybody wants to get on that wave. For the last few weeks now, since school opened, we’ve been getting more bodies on the team. It is really amazing to watch to see these kids. They don’t know what it is, but they feel something special.”
“Going from 8-man to 11man, there’s a lot of transi tion,” Logan said. “We’ve got a new (athletic director), a young team, and I want to see them get better every week. Obviously, we want to win every week, but realisti cally we know there will be growing pains. We want to line up and compete every week, and if I see these guys getting better every week and growing as young men, I think it’ll be successful.”
“Jamal Taylor, he’s the starting linebacker and I’m leaning on him to get the linebackers correct,” Gam ble said. “If we have to do it, Alijah and I and a couple other team leaders will do it. But we’re counting on him to hold the linebackers accountable right now.” While the state title is the goal, Barnes knows that the road isn’t easy. A lot of circumstances have to work in the Gamecocks’ favor, but Barnes will take pride in his team regardless of the outcome.“We’vegot the right group. They’ve got the right men tality. As a head coach, all I want to do is go out and be the best we can be. If it ain’t good enough, it ain’t good enough. If it is, it is,” Barnes said. “The thing I’m most proud of is our commitment to excellence year in and year out. Hopefully we can get over that hump ‘cause I know they want it, and I want it for them.”
While the Saints are aim ing for success this fall, Lo gan knows there will prob ably be bumps and bruises in the transition to 11-man. He’ll define success based on one word: growth.
Lee Academy looks to celebrate a state title this fall after consecutive appearances in the 1A title game.
NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM East Clarendon's Brooks Mixon (16) and Kyle Booth tackle Laurence Manning's Tyler June.
SAINTS FROM PAGE B9
A EXCITEMENTGROWING
WOLVERINES FROM PAGE B10
4. THE SECONDARY The secondary is the least experienced group for Lee but has taken a step forward. William West returns at safety to lead the unit. Bow ers will man one of the cor ner spots with Logan Arrants taking the other spot outside. Bryson Muldrow will also factor into the secondary at safety after playing lineback er last “We’veseason.gotsome expe rience back there,” Rankin said. “We’re a lot better off than we were last year. Wil liam West has done a great job for us. He’d never played defense before he got here from Lugoff-Elgin, and he was lost as he could be. He’s not this year.”
FROM PAGE B11
EAGLES FROM PAGE B10 right now.”
GAMECOCKS FROM PAGE B3 guys just aren’t ready, so we just have to suck it up and find ways to use the guys that we have. You have to think outside the box. Some things that we do are unconventional, but if you wanna win, you have to do it as long as it’s ethical.”
NICH PITTS / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM Scott's Branch quarterback Tyler Kind scrambles against Kingstree.
5. THE IDENTITY As the Cavaliers quest to claim the SCISA 1A title, Rankin said their identity will be simple. “We want to be as physical as we can possibly be,” the head coach Tomlinsonsaid.and Gaskins both said they think this group is capable of putting everything together to take that next step to win a title. “I just want to win football games; I don’t have any goals for myself,” Tomlinson said. “If we win, I’m happy.” remain acancanthathitting.ischanged.“Footballconstant.hasneverThefoundationtackling,blockingandWe’regoingtolearndailyandbethebestweatthat,”Statesaid.“Ifwetackleandhit,we’llhavechanceineverygame.”
SWAMPCATS FROM PAGE B7 MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM
4. THE NEXT CLASS OF LEADERS ON THE FIELD Another one of the seniors expected to lead is Luke Robinson. The linebacker has been impressed with what he’s seen from the“They’renewcomers.young, and I’ve known them for only a couple months, but I’m really close with them,” Robinson said. “There’s some good guys, and they have got some good size. They’re gonna be really good in the future as well. Most of these guys really impressed me. I was scared that some of these freshmen were going to come up and be scared, but they impressed me in our scrimmages. I’m really think we’re going to go far.”
The Stallions have some new faces across the board on defense after losing their top pass-rushers and Kwantre Harry, who was an All-State safety along with his role at quarterback.“Wewantto be aggressive. We want to be gap sound,” Danner said. “We want to be able to have our defensive line really lead us. That starts with our nose guard, Trenton Richardson. De’marius Gregg is at end as well as Demarion Dixon. We also have an out side linebacker that’s new to us, Nate Pitts. He’s a basket ball kid, a long rangy guy.” The secondary has some returning faces in Isaac John son, who also returns punts and plays wide receiver, along with Washington and Perkins. The Stallions set a high bar in their return last fall, going 4-1 in region play to earn a home playoff game. Danner wants to compete for the region again, but he also isn’t judging success purely on wins and losses. “We want our team to reach its fullest potential, whatever that is,” Danner said. “I want to make sure I do everything I can to help our team reach that point. If we can reach that fullest poten tial, I think we stand a chance in our conference to maybe have a shot at it.”
TOO
NEW LOOK OFFENSE
B14 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 2022 GRIDIRON THE SUMTER ITEM
There was also a player that Nelson didn’t expect to step up.“A guy who has been a surprise so far is Hashim Patterson,” Nelson said. “He’s been a surprise to a lot of the coaching staff. I know he’s going to turn it on this last year the way he’s playing right now.”
5. EXPECTATIONS After a successful season a year ago, the Knights now must deal with greater expecta tions outside the pro gram. That doesn’t faze Martin and Wilson. “It feels different,” Martin said. “Last year, people didn’t expect us to go as far as we did. This year, I wouldn’t say we have a better team, but we have a good team like last year. We should go further.“Ibelieve in my guys,” Wilson added. “I believe we can do some great stuff if we stay on track and stay focused.”
THE VISION IS SET Thomas Sumter has its sights set on a state title, but Joyner said the team needs one change from last year to see that happen. “A better connection between the teammates,” Joyner said. “We were friends, but on the field it was a lot of arguing, going back and forth about certain things, blaming each other. There wasn’t a lot of leadership on the team.” Tidwell doesn’t want to set specific goals or expectations. “I just want them to be better today than they were yesterday. That’s a little cliché as a coach, but that is it. We’re not looking four weeks down the line. I want to get better tomorrow at practice,” Tidwell said. “This has been one of my favorite summers and groups to be around because it’s amazing the bond they have. To me, a success if giving all that we have and having no regrets when the season is over. Whatever wins we get are the wins we get, but I fully expect us to win more than we lose this year.” guard last fall but now shifts to center to replace Jamarion Johnson, the Stallions’ lone returning starter a year ago. He’s ready for the challenge. “It was a long process. Last season, I started to learn how to play center throughout the last few games,” Burns said. “Throughout the offseason, it got easier. Now I know what to do, so I can lead my guys on the line and hope for success.”
RELOADING ON DEFENSE
Thomas Sumter will see some changes on offense after losing important seniors at quarterback, wide receiv er and running back. Gatlin Kimbro, who played wide receiver last fall, will now step in as signal caller. He’s done a little bit of everything for the Generals, including kick and play safety, so the move to QB is just another day at the office.Tidwell said he’s been moving around the field since he was 3 years old. “Every time we move him to a new position his mom will be like, ‘Oh, he’s already played this,’ and send a picture,” Tidwell said. “He’s played quarterback in the past.”Atrunning back, Mile Van Patten transfers to his father’s alma mater from Wilson Hall. He’ll be joined in the back field occasionally by tight ends Will Luzzi and Claffy. Kam Bowser, Ryan Gregory and Cade and Landin Black well will give Kimbro options in the passing game. One of the biggest changes is up front. Gone are the days of grabbing any player willing to fight in the trenches. Claffy and Joyner used to make up the left side of the Gener als’ offensive line, and now they’re free to play positions more suited to their strengths. “It’s a lot better. Being about 5-foot-4, 5-foot-5, 160 pounds blocking a 6-foot, 230-350-pound D lineman was not fun,” Joyner said. “It didn’t work well. We had to work a lot of double teams so teams that had four down linemen, if they blitzed some body was getting through. “It’s nice to play a position that I actually can play.” Claffy is excited to catch some passes for a change. “It’s nice to have the ball in your hands instead of letting everyone else have all the fun,” the tight end and line backer said. “As a lineman, you understand the basis of a play, but you don’t under stand all of the options that come with it. It’s nice to be able to learn and grow with it.” The line will now be Ryan Millet, Jackson Barnes, Sam Matthews, Aidan Smith and Gavin“It’sMcCaskill.goodtohave a solid of fensive line, and not too many of those guys will have to play every snap of the game,” Tidwell said.
KNIGHTS FROM PAGE B4
COMMITTED TO THE GROUND, BUT READY TO ADJUST That line will be crucial. Lee Central’s offense is driven by success on the ground. Lee Central ran for more than 1,700 yards as a team a year ago. They’ll look to do the same now even though they lost their top runners, including Kenneth Albert, to graduation.“Webrought back a few guys that got reps (last year). Even though we wanted to be as successful as we could be last year, it was important that we played guys so they’d have some experience coming into this year,” Danner said. “We’re looking toward Dominic Washington, and he’s defi nitely been a leader for us in the backfield. Jamarion Slater, he’s been one of our fullbacks along with Chris Thomas. We played with our dive back Xaveion Perkins. And we’ve had some young guys step in from middle school.” The Stallions did evolve last year, mixing in more pass attempts. While the run game will still be key, Danner isn’t afraid to throw the ball more this“Afall.lot of people will say Coach Danner doesn’t like to pass unless he’s on I-20 or I-90,” the LCHS coach joked. “We found some success last year trying to throw it a little bit more, but we still really ran the football. We’ve got some guys that we feel can be special at wide receiver for us.
seen players step into the big shoes last year’s seniors left behind. In the secondary, Josiah Oaks and Moody will both be crucial. In the trenches, Carron Daw son returns to lead the group up front.
DEFENSIVE CHANGES,
“There are a lot of teams that we haven’t played before because we’ve been 1A since I was a freshman,” Joyner said. “I haven’t played most of these teams except Wilson Hall and Lee, but they’re not even in our (classification). “It’s nice to not have Thom as Heyward on our schedule in the playoffs.”
Former Thomas Sumter defensive coordinator Bryan Newsome made the jump to college during the offseason, taking a job as the running backs coach at Erskine. With his departure come some tweaks to the defense. “We’ll be based out of a 3-4 a little bit,” Tidwell said of the new scheme. “We’re going to be multiple; we won’t be in one front more than a play at a time. We’ll be able to get in and out of things.” Millet and Luzzi will help lock down the defensive front with nose tackle Zak Dukette. Joyner will line up at inside linebacker next to Jake James, while a mix of Claffy, Carter Hill and Sam Matthews will be at outside backer. The secondary has experi ence with Kimbro and Landin Blackwell at safety, along with 4-year veteran corner in Landon Stevens and Noah Allen.
GENERALS FROM PAGE B8
4. SURPRISES
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