2014 High School Football Preview

2014

The Lexington County Chronicle and The Dispatch-News / Lake Murray Fish Wrapper

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

A comprehensive look at 14 Lexington County schools as they prepare for the 2014 football season Batesburg-Leesville's Terrance Wilson is brought down by Chapin's defense Friday night at the Wildcat Jamboree in Lexington.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE

2 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

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Best Wishes For A Successful Season H

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Joe Wilson U.S. Representative H

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PA I D F O R BY J O E W I L S O N F O R C O N G R E S S C O M M I T T E E P O B o x 2 1 4 5 , We s t C o l u m b i a , S C 2 9 1 7 1

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

2014 Eagles 1 Brett Burnett 2 Keryon Richardson 3 Jonathon Earl 4 CJ Wright 5 Kadarius Jackson 6 Tarik Khrumah 7 Abdul Kamara 8 Osirus Hairston 9 Victor Lee 10 Deion Richardson 12 Athony Calhoun 13 Paxton Brooks 14 Brady Nelson 15 Josh Tucker 16 Keenan Jackson 17 Eric Hall 18 Michael Frierson 19 Micah Graydon 20 Keon Wilson 21 Hassan Washington 22 Dylan Brazell 23 Reggie Reese 25 Darius Hart 26 Tamon Nottingham 28 Ronald Coles 30 Dean Stevens 31 Justin White 32 Raekwon Jackson 40 Andrew Chavis 42 Jacob Feaster 43 Travon Goodman 44 Zach Feaster 45 Nick Wilson 50 Daniel Conrad 55 Raquan Washington 56 Andrew McCraw 58 Trumain Fleming 61 Keziah Lee 62 Martinez White 63 Charlie Fagan 64 Haden Tolbert 65 Luis Solorio-Johnson 66 Arshaq Ashraf 70 Chris Netherton 71 Chris Noel 72 Tyler Flannery 73 Robert Lindler 74 Chris Stubbs 75 Linwood Sharber 76 Mark Wideman 77 Quinton Earp 80 Evan Richardson 82 Elijah Brooks 83 Calvin Ford 85 Roosevelt Jenkins 86 Alec Spooner 88 Stan Jones 89 Chris Clisby

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 3

Airport looks to bounce back in 2014

BY TERRY WARD Lexchront@yahoo.com

Airport High School is coming off a disappointing season in 2013.

The Eagles finished at 2-8. Airport won just one Class 3A-Region 4 Conference game last year.

But fortunes could be better in 2014. AHS Athletic Director and Head Coach Kirk Burnett said struggling through the 2103 season has his players “hungry” and ready to compete this year.

And Burnett has more than just words to buoy his expectations.

“We feel like this is the best set of skilled players this school has ever had,” he said.

And while the past was not as fruitful as the Eagle faithful would have liked, the pipeline to the varsity program has fared better.

In 2013, AHS's Junior Varsity team was undefeated, going 7-0 in the regular season.

For the 2014 campaign, AHS will depend on its talent on both offense and defense.

Roosevelt Jenkins, a receiver and Keenan Jackson, also a receiver, are expected to contribute to the Eagles' passing game. Elijah Brooks is another member of the hands team, playing receiver for AHS. At runningback there are a few options. Reggie Reese, Victor Lee and Deion

2013 Schedule Aug. 29 at B-C* Sept. 5 Dreher Sept. 12 Lower Richland Sept. 19 at RNE Sept. 25 AC Flora Oct. 3 at Swansea* Oct. 10 at Aiken* Oct. 17 Gilbert* Oct. 24 at Mid. Valley* Oct. 31 B-C* * Denotes Region Game

Richardson are expected to carry much of the load in the running game. Micah Graydon is the Eagles' fullback. The signals for the Eagles' offense will be called by quarterback Kadarius Jackson.

The schedule does provide some challenges. Airport plays at Swansea on Oct. 3 and at Aiken on Oct. 10. On Oct. 24, AHS travels to Midland Valley.

To help lift the Eagles, one of the team's wins last season came from a matchup with crosstown rival Brookland-Cayce. That win over the Bearcats came in the last game of the season.

Hoping to springboard on that success, Airport will take on B-C on Aug. 29, at B-C's brand new $9 million, 5,000-seat stadium. It would be a good idea to get your ticket early for that game, because it will sellout fast.

The Bearcats and Eagles play again on Oct. 31, at Airport.

Josh Tucker is tackled by Lexington Friday.

PHOTO BY

Head Coach: Kirk Burnett

MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Airport quarterback Kadarius Jackson looks for running room against Lexington Friday night at the Wildcat Jamboree.

1/4 page, 5 inch x 5 inch

4 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

B-L looks for back to back Class 2A championships 2014 Panthers 2 Janeius Haltiwanger 3 Dontavious Morris 4 Jicosha Stewart 5 Marcus West 6 Mitchell Cobb 7 Dashun Stroman 8 Mike Smith 9 Austin Coleman 10 Taylor Jackson 11 Quaja Wigfall 20 Tresean Tolen 21 Tyrese Green 23 Terrance Wilson 24 Xavier McKie 25 Gabe Mulkey 32 Hunter Bedenbaugh 33 Mikal Hartley 34 Daquan Cannon 40 Jaquarius Hair 41 Kobe Long 42 Eric Hendley 44 Daniel Burton 54 Clint Harmon 57 Vance Oswald 67 Garrett Shealy 69 Donte Johnson 70 Shaundra Padgett 71 Morgan Bryant 73 Ronnie Ridgell 74 Jaylen Rauch 75 Devyn Padgett 76 Paul McKeiver 77 Braylin Cumbee 83 Alex Caughman 84 Will Graham

BY JERRY BELLUNE JerryBellune@yahoo.com

No need to feel sorry for Perry Woolbright.

He welcomes the opportunities he sees as head football coach of a team that won last year’s 2A championship.

The first year BatesburgLeesville coach is stepping into shoes Dr. Jerry Brown left when he resigned to return to Spring Valley as head football coach.

Woolbright told the Chronicle he wants to keep the winning tradition going at Batesburg-Leesville High.

“We’ve won titles here

before,” he said. “But we’ve never won them back to back. This is a chance to be the first team to do that.”

Offense Woolbright anticipates using one back and two back sets, multiple formations and running to set up the passing game.

He’s depending on starting running back Terrence Wilson for yardage.

His starting quarterback, Taylor Jackson, likes to throw, Woolbright said.

“We’ll throw a lot.”

Jackson’s targets will be wide receivers Austin Coleman and Dontavious Mor-

2014 Schedule Aug. 29 at Woodland Sept. 5 Brookland Cayce Sept. 12 at Mid Carolina Sept. 19 at Ridge Springs Sept. 26 Gilbert* Oct. 3 Crescent Oct. 10 Ninety Six Oct. 17 at Abbeville Oct. 24 at S. Thurmond Oct. 31 Saluda *Home Coming

ris who have the speed and agility to get open.

Defense Woolbright expects his leader on the defensive line

to be end Paul McIver.

“We’ll be in a 3-4 (three down linemen and four linebackers),” he said.

He looks for big plays from four returning starters in the secondary, Xavier Mckie, Daniel Burton.

Jaquarius Hair and Dontavious Morris, who also plays wise receiver on offense.

As their new coach, he wants the Panthers to concentrate on: • The pass rush to force turnovers in the backfield.

• Playing smart to avoid giving opponents chances to make plays for big gains.

• Playing a fast and physical game.

Opponents The coach calls his team’s conference the toughest 2A region in the state.

He thinks the Panthers’ tough non-conference opening games will get them ready for the tougher conference games to follow.

Like all coaches, he’s had his share of losses and wants his team to learn from the experience.

“We teach our kids to see the bigger picture,” he said.

“As long as they see they’re making progress, that they’re getting better, they will buy into what you’re teaching them.”

Head Coach: Perry Woolbright

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Batesburg-Leesville's Terrance Wilson breaks for a run against Chapin last season. Wilson is back as the Panther's starting running back in 2014.

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

2014 Bearcats 1 Cam Brown 2 Thomas Scott 3 Ti Myers 4 Dominick Byars 5 Sammy Lykes 6 A. J. Brown 7 Kozie Brown 8 Keyshawn James 9 Jarrod Taylor 10 Ray Ray Hemingway 12 Jonathan Edwards 13 David Koprowski 14 Cameron Shaw 16 Jason Walker 17 Danny Williams 18 Jonathan Teeter 20 Tamar Boages 21 Austin Daniels 22 JaVante Nichols 23 Jose Jacobo 24 Charles Balkcom 25 Chandler Sox 26 Devonte Wise 27 Austin Linenbrink 31 Zion Carroway 33 Tre Hamilton 41 Michael Pajitnykh 42 Marquise Inabinet 44 Tay Pringle 45 Travis Loadholt 50 Anthony Anderson 51 David Capers 52 Jorge Sanquintin 55 Luke Griggs 56 Rob Boyd 57 Devin Simmons 60 Brett Ebener 61 Shamus Johnson 63 Phillip Anderson 66 Joey Fraylick 70 Carlton Sutton 71 Alex Wilkes 72 Tristen Middleton 75 Mandrell Benn 76 Dashawn Gilbert 77 Darrius Brazell 78 Patrick McNeil 80 Wilbur Taylor 81 DeJon Amaker 82 Quinten Hooks 83 Joseph Lloyd 88 Edwin Taylor

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 5

Brookland-Cayce plans to increase success

BY TERRY WARD Lexchront@yahoo.com

Brookland-Cayce High's football team begins the 2014 football season with optimism.

“We should have a good, competitive team,” said B-C's Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Rusty Charpia.

The Class 3A-Region 4 member had a winning season in 2013, beat rival Airport, and made the high school playoffs. But the team's personnel has changed.

The Bearcats start this season with four new offensive linemen, but

2014 Schedule Aug. 22 Fairfield Central Aug. 29 Airport Sept. 5 at Batesburg-Leesville Sept. 12 Open Sept. 19 at Chapin Sept. 26 at Edisto Oct. 3 Aiken* Oct. 10 at Gilbert* Oct. 17 Midland Valley* Oct. 24 Swansea* Oct. 31 at Airport* * Denotes Region Game

Charpia said that is not a reason for lower expectations.

“We lost some seniors off of last year's offensive line,” said Charpia. But we

feel like we have players this year who are equal to what we lost, or maybe a little ahead. Their size and strength is good” Charpia said the personnel loses were anticipated.

“We played a lot of people on the line last year, even if they were not seniors,” said Charpia.

The only returning starter on the OL is Alex Wilkes. He is 6-5 and 270 pounds.

“He has grown into a very good player,” said Charpia.

Maybe one of the biggest pickups on defense is

not a player. Kemper Amick, who was the head coach at Columbia High School for more than 20 years, is B-C's new defensive coordinator.

“He just wanted to do something different,” said Charpia. “We're very glad to have Coach Amick. He brings a different formation and a different attitude to our defense. He coaches a very aggressive style.”

On offense, B-C lost QB Zeke Walker. He signed to play at Indiana University.

Charpia said Walker will most be missed on defense where he played in

the defensive backfield.

All of B-C's running backs are returning. The team did lose a wide receiver and plans to use a tight end more this year, than was used in 2013.

The kicking game should be solid, too, Charpia said.

Strom Thurmond is no longer in Region 4, but Aiken dropped from 4A to 3A in Region 4. Airport, BC's crosstown rival is always a big game. Airport and B-C play twice.

“Swansea and Midland Valley are favorites, but we feel like we can be competitive,” said Charpia.

Brookland-Cayce High School Bearcat football team will play their first game in their new stadium against Fairfield Central Friday, Aug. 22.

GO s t a c r a Be RVF

ROBERT V. FERRELL, CPA, P.A. 1600 AUGUSTA ROAD • PO BOX 5889 • WEST COLUMBIA, SC 29171

Head Coach: Rusty Charpia

803.794.8210 robertferrell@sc.rr.com PHOTO BY TERRY WARD | CHRONICLE

6 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

2014 Eagles

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Chapin Eagles look to fill key spots on offense

2 Jordan Day

By Jerry Bellune 3 Nate Blankenship JerryBellune@yahoo.com 4 Chandler Engel 5 Garrett Reinhart Chapin High’s Eagles 6 Logan Bailey come off a 7-4 season last 7 Noah Schelble fall with key spots to fill.

8 Rakeem Rikard In this Q&A interview 9 Evan Estridge with Chapin head football 10 Cooper Bemis coach Justin Gentry, he 12 Anthony Gonzales gives Chronicle readers his 14 Trad Beatty insights on the games and 15 Aaron Holmes players this season.

16 Nick Price 17 Kale Rhame Q. What kind of season 20 Michael Voyles do you expect, coach?

21 Ben Fischer A. We are looking to re23 Kareem Bowers build on the offensive side 24 Robert Bickley of the ball. We have a 26 Lawson Bemis good bit of defensive guys 28 Jordan Lester returning and are looking 32 Bryce Harrington 33 Spencer Sims 34 Caleb White 38 EJ Gilmore 42 Cory Bianco 44 Stef. Washington 45 Graham Reinhart 50 Grant Frick 51 Harr. Bedenbaugh 52 Matt Bickley 54 Alex Shealy 55 Brennan Zeigler 56 Chapell Johnson 58 Khari Suber 59 Matthew Nalley 61 Trey Greene 62 Torin Stott 65 Steph. Haralambis 67 Hunter Caine 69 Austin Jeffords 70 Bennett Blanton 71 Dustin Derrick 76 Jarrett Hazel 79 Reid Creswell 81 Justin Dodd 85 Joe Flowers 88 Will Register 89 Justin Baker 92 Smith Dawsey 95 Ryan Janis

Head Coach: Justin Gentry

2014 Schedule Aug 22 Aug 29 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 19 Oct 3 Oct 9 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Columbia at Mid-Carolina at Swansea Newberry at Brkland-Cayce at Richland NE at AC Flora at L-Richland at Dreher Camden

for them to help carry the load early on in the season.

Q. Who are you going to miss this season? How

will you fill their shoes?

A. Offensively, we took a big hit losing Matt Charpia, our three-year starter at quarterback, Carter White, a NorthSouth Wide Receiver, and several of our key offensive linemen.

Logan Bailey will take over at quarterback and will give us a new look.

He is a run-first quarterback who will look to open up the passing game with his legs.

Defensively, we lost Matt George and Dylan Edenfield on our defensive line and Sam Holaday and

Christian Santiago in the secondary.

Rakeem Rikard will be back on the field this year to help us in the secondary with Nate Blankenship and Noah Schelble.

Matt Bickley, Steven Haralambis and Garrett Reinhart will look to be a force on the front and at linebacker.

Q. Which players do you see stepping up to be your team leaders?

A. Rakeem Ricard, Noah Schelble, Anthony Gonzales, Steven Haralambis

and Matt Nalley.

Q. What do you see will be your most challenging games and why?

A. If we can come out of pre-region games healthy, we can definitely be in the mix come time to play our region games.

Check out the Chronicle Flipbook at

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G Eagles!

STATE SENATOR

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Chapin's Chandler Engel runs the ball against Batesburg-Leesville Friday night at the Wildcat Jamboree in Lexington.

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 7

Dutch Fork goes for back-to-back championships

BY JERRY BELLUNE JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Getting to the top is hard.

Staying there is harder.

Dutch Fork Silver Fox Coach Tom Knotts has been there in both Carolinas.

Knotts’ teams have played for state championships at every school he’s coached.

At Independence High in Charlotte, his teams won 109 straight games and seven straight state titles.

This year, his team will go for a second 4A region title.

Here are Coach Knotts’ thoughts on this year.

A. We expect to contend for a championship every season. This season is no different. We understand that we are the hunted this season.

A. Our quarterback, Derek Olenchuk, was like having a coach on the field. His leadership will be missed.

We also had 3 all-star game participants that we must replace: Josh Hutchinson (OL) and Omar Staley (DL) participated in the North-South game while Caleb Harris (OL) participated in the Shrine Bowl.

We will also need to replace tight ends Austin Ruger and KJ Williams. All of these young men will be competing at the next level.

A. We expect all of our games to be challenging because we are the defending state champions. The target is on our back now.

As of right now, some of the more highly-ranked teams include Allen, Texas which is ranked as a top 5 team nationally, Dorman, which has one of the top receivers in the state and

Boiling Springs, which has

Head Coach: one of the top quarter Tom Knotts backs.

We also have a re-match of the state championship game with Sumter.

Q. Who are you going to miss from last year? How will you fill their shoes?

Aug 22 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 7

Greenwood at Allen, Tex at Boil. Springs at Dorman Sumter Irmo Ridge View Blythewood at Spring Valley at Westwood Lugoff-Elgin

PHOTO BY TRAVIS BOLAND | CHRONICLE

Dutch Fork's Matt Colburn runs the ball in 2013.

Q. Who do you see stepping up as team leaders?

1 Tyler Bass 2 Stephen Davis 3 Romello Cook 4 Bryce Thompson 5 Jeremy Addison 6 Austin Conner 7 Lane Ecton 8 Jo’mal Aiken 9 Reese Nichols 10 Nicholas Wilson 11 Will Sweeper 12 Cole Douglas 14 Tate Fant 15 Daniel Johns 16 DeAndre Metze 17 Robert Edmonson 18 Alec DeBoer 19 Jeremy Bouknight 20 Clayton Jones 21 Dominique Benson 22 Lathan Olmstead 23 Dante Marks 24 Adam Kerr 25 Chris Colburn 26 Bobby Irby 27 Craig Pitts 28 Braxton Carr 29 TJ Woodard 30 Jacob Solomon 31 Matt Colburn 33 Dylan Oliver 35 Rory Gallman 36 Evan Barney 37 Chris Parrott 38 Brian Wilson 39 Cortez Pollock 40 Jordan Harmon 41 Mick Lusk 42 Omar Lozano 43 Myron White 44 Kyle Olenchuk 45 Devlen Bridges 46 Peyton Ramage 47 Dominique Scott 48 Dante Scott 49 Mitch Stevens 50 David Tillman

A. We are fortunate to have one of the states best running backs in Matt Colburn, who has committed to Louisville. He is one of the hardest working young men on the team. We are led on defense by Georgia Southern commitment Lane Ecton and junior Auburn commitment Stephen Davis, Jr.

Q. What kind of season do you anticipate?

2014 Schedule

Tate Fant will step in to replace Olenchuk and our offensive line will be led by Montel Smith. Collin James will step into one of the tight end roles. There will be several players that could step in to replace Staley.

Andrew Dunlap, David Tillman, and Dominique Scott will all play important roles on the defense.

2014 Silver Foxes

Q. What will be your most challenging games and why?

8 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

2014 Indians 1 Jaylin Jennings 2 Nick Hendrix 3 Daijohn Coleman-Scott 4 Dylan McNatt 5 Gabe McNatt 6 Malik Bright 7 Tyler Thomas 8 Garnett Cason 9 Ja'Ree Brown 10 Jakayus Leaphart 11 Matt Ligons 12 Tristan Register 14 Sam Kyzer 15 Matt Harris 20 Ray'Quan Baston 21 Thomas Miller 22 Colton Murphy 30 Zach Kilgore 32 K J Binnicker 35 Catriez Cook 38 Nathan Shealy 40 Noah Hall 41 Tyler Craps 42 Ryan Albus 43 Rafeal Gibson 44 Devin Moore 45 Jacob Rye 48 Keivon Howard 50 Keith Dort 51 Zach Smith 52 Travis Keisler 54 Chris Post 55 Tristan Brown 56 Carter Tetanich 58 Dylan Frost 60 Nathen Hilley 65 Connor Motes 66 Tyler Drafts 68 Chris Smith 71 Walker Blount 73 Noah Garris 74 Dillan Burkett 77 Shun Cook 79 Josh Smith 80 Paul Myrick 85 Willy Warren 88 Trey Johnson 89 Tyler West 99 Matthew Pressley

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Gilbert looks to make some noise in 2014

BY HAL MILLARD halmillard@gmail.com

Coming off a 4-6 campaign in 2013, Gilbert High head coach Barry Harley has high hopes for 2014.

Despite losing quarterback Mitch Spires to graduation, the Indians expect to be highly competitive once the Class 3A Region 5 team takes the field Aug. 23 against Aynor to start its season.

“You always expect the best,” said Harley, in his 10th season as coach. “We have a good, athletic team, and guys who have

2014 Schedule Aug. 23 Aynor at River Bluff Aug. 29 at River Bluff Sept. 5 Pelion Sept. 12 Saluda Sept 19. Open Sept. 26 Batesburg-Leesville Oct. 3 at Midland Valley* Oct. 10 Brookland-Cayce* Oct. 17 at Airport* Oct. 24 Aiken* Oct. 31 at Swansea* * Denotes Region Game

worked extremely hard in the off-season... If we can stay healthy, and stay on task, we think we can be

competitive in all our ball games.”

While the loss of Mitch Spires is a “huge loss” for the team, Harley said he expects good things, and leadership, from junior quarterback Nick Hendrix.

“Nick has had a tremendous pre-season for us, carrying on what Mitch did, and doing all that we ask our quarterback to do,” Harley said.

Gilbert also will miss other talent on the offensive side of the ball, most notably lineman Gage Smith, who anchored the

Indians' O-line.

“But we return a lot of guys (on offense) that are doing well, and right now Chris Smith is doing a tremendous job stepping up where Gage left off,” Harley said.

Thankfully, Harley said, “defensively, most everybody's back. We'll miss Zach Thier at linebacker; he'll be a hard replacement on that side of the ball. But we like our guys right now. We feel we're very athletic on defense.

We're still on the smaller side, but we do get after it

awfully hard. We feel good about defense.”

Harley said he expects Travis Keisler, Keith Dort, Matt Ligons, and Jakayus Leaphart to step up in 2014 as team leaders on both sides of the ball.

Such leadership will be important. To make the playoffs, Harley said the Indians will have to navigate a region that's as tough, top to bottom, as any in the state.

“So every game is going to be very important,” he said.

Check out the Chronicle flipbook at LexingtonChronicle.com

Head Coach: Barry Harley

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Jakayus Leaphart tries to break a Midland Valley tackle Friday at Lexington's Wildcat Jamboree.

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 9

Gray Academy building foundation

BY TRAVIS BOLAND Special to the Chronicle

Whenever you start something new, you have to build a foundation.

That's the mindset of the players and coaches at Gray Collegiate Academy this season. The War Eagles are opening their first-ever football season Friday, Aug. 22 on the road at Laurence Manning Academy.

"We've had just over a week of work, and we're trying to get the guys to come together," head coach Adam Holmes said. "We've put in our base offense and defense, but we're vanilla right now. Hopefully, we can start building on both sides of the ball."

GCA's latest test came Aug. 15 in Orangeburg against Lower Richland. The

2014 Schedule Aug. 22 @ Laurence Manning Aug. 29 @ Great Falls Sept. 5 Hillside High (NC) Sept. 12 @ Calhoun County Sept. 18 @ River Bluff (JV) Sept. 19 @ Estill Sept. 26 @ Lexington (JV) Oct. 3 @ Scott's Branch Oct. 10 @ Great Falls Oct. 17 @ North Myrtle Beach Christian Oct. 31 Blountstown (Florida)

War Eagles fell 12-0 in the two-quarter scrimmage, but Holmes continues to find positives each time his team takes the field. "(LR) is a developed, 3-A program, and we hung with them," Holmes said.

"We turned the ball over deep in our own territory, giving them a score. Then we missed some passes on

offense, but we were right there. They made some big plays, but we had opportunities for big plays as well."

Gray's big-play receiver is LJ Mealing, who caught the majority of passes Friday night against the Diamond Hornets. He has been the featured receiver in all three Gray scrimmages.

Bryce Fields has taken most of the snaps at quarterback with Duncan Rivers lining up at the running back position. The offensive line was anchored

by Ivey Brice.

On defense, the War Eagles are led by middle linebacker Grant Robertson, a transfer from Irmo High School. Many of the starters are playing both offense and defense. Othello Sutton has been working with

the defensive line while Tyler Rhodes helps anchor the linebackers.

"We have to get all 11 guys to work as a unit," Holmes said. "Against (Lower Richland) we had some chances, but guys missed assignments. If we get those things corrected, we have a chance to have a successful season."

GCA will play the majority of its games on the road this season. All but one game are scheduled to be played on the opponent's field.

The War Eagles are members of the S.C. High School League, but will play as an independent its first two seasons, meaning they are not eligible for the playoffs. Gray will be placed in a region during the next re-alignment scheduled for 2016.

Gray Academy players, below, listen to instructions from their coach at a recent practice

2014 War Eagles 1 Bryce Fields 2 AJ Pridemore 3 Isread Williams 4 Bryson Martin 5 LJ Mealing 6 Chylon Thomas 7 Drake Elliott 8 Othello Sutton 9 Austin King 10 Xavier Sutton 11 Chandler Corley 12 Isaiah Harris 13 Corvin Jones 14 Rudy Caceres 15 Jeremiah James 16 Konnor Cable 17 Dalton Skarzynski 18 John Robert Seawell 19 Brandon Carroway 20 Hank Howard 23 Duncan Rivers 24 Hunter Brazell 25 Sherrod Snead 26 Andrew Wright 27 Joel Adams 28 Erick Harris 29 Justin Mack 30 Griffin King 31 Darrin Hicks 32 Cameron Cox 33 Jacob Wilkerson 34 Grant Robertson 35 William Wilson 36 Luke Bishop 37 Austin Driggers

38 Ryan Cint 39 Cameron Hanna 40 Matthew Waller 42 Jordan Frye 44 Cole Riefsnyder 45 Tyler Rhodes 46 Zach Johnson 47 Sam Striggles 49 Dillon Elrod 51 Kyle Speagle 52 Justin Hopkins 53 Tanner Mims 55 Howard Stone 57 Wyatt Osborne 58 Hunter Campbell 60 Dylan Crimm 61 Nathan Woodle 63 Jon T. Shimabuku 65 DJ Buzzard 66 Jared Gutierrez 69 Taz Crawford 71 Shymiek Dennis 75 Nick Beach 77 Josh Derrick 78 Calvin Gillins 79 Ivey Brice 80 Brewer Cawley 82 Cody Burchette 83 Aydan Fields 88 Isaiah Buckner 89 Sam Brown 94 Robert Adams 98 James Cogan Head Coach: Adam Holmes

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10 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Irmo Yellow Jackets pick up pace for new coach

BY JERRY BELLUNE JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Irmo Yellow Jacket fans are looking for big things from Reggie Kennedy.

In his two seasons at Sumter, the new Irmo High head coach led the Gamecocks to the 4A Division I state finals before falling to Irmo’s rival, the Dutch Fork Silver Foxes.

Kennedy has been a head coach for 18 years at Kingstree, Fairfield Central, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Blythewood and Sumter.

He was a member of East Clarendon’s 1985 state championship team and an All-MEAC linebacker at South Carolina State.

Here are Coach Kennedy’s answers to the Chronicle’s questions:

Q. Who do you see stepping up as team leaders?

A. Manny Banks at wide receiver and Ronnie Jamison at running back.

Q. What will be your most challenging games?

A. Dutch Fork and Northwestern will be our two most challenging.

Both are defending state champs.

Q. What kind of defensive strategies can Yellow Jacket fans expect to see you bring with you to Irmo?

A. We base out of the 3-4 defense and run multifronts out of it. We will be doing a lot of zone blitzing and line stunts. Hopefully, we will confuse the offense blocking scheme and give up an advance.

Q. Who do you see so far

2014 Schedule Aug 29 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 19 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 7

York at Northwestern Ridge View Spring Valley at Dutch Fork White Knoll at S. Aiken Lexington at N. Augusta River Bluff

as your defensive leaders in what positions?

A. Our defensive leaders are Khari Stone-Marshall and Shakir Stone-Marshall. Both players are defensive lineman and dedicated young men. They had an outstanding summer in the weight room and great preseason camp.

I am expecting big things from both.

Q. On offense, what kind of strategies can the fans expect to see?

A. Offensively, we will be a spread and up-tempo football team. We will base out a 1-back set with a lot of motion and a fast pace.

Q. Who do you see so far as your offensive leaders in what positions?

A. Manny Bank, senior wide receiver, and Ronnie Jamison, junior running Irmo's Khari Stone-Smith, right, in the 2013 Lexington back, will be our offensives game returns for Irmo in 2014. leaders. Both are explosive offensive players.

Q. What life — as well as football lessons — do you hope the team will learn this year from you?

A. My philosophy to the game of football is, “Teach the game of life through the game of football.”

PHOTOS BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Irmo's Shikir Stone-Marshall, 66, tracks Lexington's Will Hunter in their 2013 match-up.

2014 Yellow Jackets 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 32 34 35 36 37 41

Ronnie Jamison Anthony Jones Brice Brazell Juman Freeman Jaylon Tharp Rodrick Ladson Walker Morgan Mason Smith Brandon Love Nick Jenkins Georgi Hristova Manny Banks Will McLaughlin Tyon Billups Henry Rowe Ashanti Thomas Jamir Folsome Wesley Williams Peyton Mozee Zafir Kelly Phillip Barrett Jeffery Tharpe E. Rice-Edmonds Elias Brown Landon Jennnings Devin Tolbert Shakeem Bradley Chris Tucker Steffod White Jordan Seawright DJ Brunson Bernard Burley Austin Cates

42 Hykeem Flemming 43 Marcus Johnson 45 Jalen Bell 46 Christian Marsh 48 K. Stone-Marshall 49 Parket Davis 50 Joseph Boyd 51 Emmanual Gadsen 52 S. Woodward 55 Mac Eason 57 Nickl Evans 58 Isaac Hidalgo 61 AJ Robinson 62 Rocky Oliver 65 S. Hosendove 66 S. Stone-Marshall 68 Tyler McBeth 69 Latravian Moore 70 Nate Green 72 Nicholas Comfort 73 Jakalen Bessant 75 Gary McFadden 78 Bruce Sumpter 80 Javon Scott 81 Braxton McDuffie 85 Jordan Overton 87 Zuriel Haire 88 Jordan Dewitt 90 Carlton Felder 95 Rodterius Mack

Head Coach: Reggie Kennedy

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 11

Lexington looks to repeat playoff drive in 2014

BY MARK BELLUNE markbellune@yahoo.com Lexington's James Ricker looks to pass against Airport Friday night during the Wildcat Jamboree.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Lexington football coach Josh Stepp expects his Wildcats to return to the playoffs this season after an impressive 10-3 record in 2013.

That is if “we stay healthy and catch breaks, we’ll be in the hunt at the end of the year.”

A breakout season in Stepp’s first year was led by former standouts Will Hunter behind the trigger and Grayson Chumley on defense.

With those graduations Stepp will be looking for new leaders and some young players to step up and learn the system and the Wildcats fast-paced play.

Stepp said he won’t pick a starter for quarterback until week one but his two top

“We’re building off the foundation of last year.” candidates are pushing each other in the competition.

“Senior James Ricker was the backup to Will the last two seasons,” he said.

“He’s a very good athlete and a good runner.

“Brandon Blake is 6-3, a big kid. He’s more a thrower than a runner. I expect them both to be in there during the season.”

Slade Carroll “has been the workhorse for us” running behind a front line “that is doing well” in practice.

The Wildcats will use a “balanced attack to keep defenses on their toes.”

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On defense the “kids have responded really well” to a new defensive staff, he said, and will use multiple looks out of a 4-3 set.

“The kids are more athletic” this season, Stepp said of the defense. “We’ve got to get the kids to rally to the ball.”

Jordan Carr and Nick Graves “will anchor it down in the secondary” while Trey Mitchell and Aubrey Walker will be tough as linebackers.

Riley Moon and Patrick Martin will be anchors on the defensive line.

“We expect to be successful,” Stepp said. “We’re

2014 Schedule Aug. 29 at Westside Sept. 5 Blythewood Sept. 12 Wando Sept. 19 Westwood Sept. 26 at Carolina Forrest Oct. 3 at Lugoff-Elgin Oct. 3 North Augusta* Oct. 17 at River Bluff* Oct. 24 at Irmo* Oct. 31 South Aiken* Nov. 7 White Knoll* * Denotes Region Game

building off the foundation of last year.”

Going into the second round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs last season, Stepp expects the Wildcats will face stiff competition this year.

“You’ve got to bring it every week (in Class 4A) or you’re going to get beat.”

12 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

2014 Wildcats 1 Nick Graves 2 Trey Mitchell 3 Jayson Hopper 4 Rhett Bane 5 Daquan Wells 6 Eric Ricker 7 James Ricker 8 Christian Kinsley 9 Alex Mabalot 10 Jordan Carr 12 Shane Felder 14 Dalton Abrams 16 Brandon Blake 17 Jonathan Beach 19 Zack Mitchell 21 Slade Carroll 22 Luke Cooper 23 Aubrey Walker 24 Henson Lewis 25 Brady Lucas 26 Brooks Winchester 27 David Jacobs 28 Braxton Bender 30 Jeremiah Davies

32 Josh Dressendorfer 33 Robert Whitworth 34 Scottie Galvin 36 Donte Davis 38 Jacob Samples 40 Devon Giles 41 Kaylon Riley 44 Michael Manning 45 Michael Broadwater 50 Matthew Boring 51 Jackson Ward 52 Mason Mauldin 53 Kahlil Bryant 54 Brett Taylor 55 Jack Hinson 56 Patrick Martin 57 Ryan Huff 58 Aaron Austin 59 Andrew Harmon 61 Braxton Ashley 62 Zach Altenberg 63 Jack Miele 64 Erick Smith 65 Hunter Blackman

67 Cameron Williams 69 William Ronan 70 David Chauhan 71 Jackson Judy 72 Austin Leaphart 73 Davis Velila 74 Riley Moon 75 Tanner DePriest 76 Justin Walker 77 Gunner Kennedy 78 Andrew Story 80 Oscar Ferguson 81 Tyler Schadewald 82 Spencer Leaphart 83 Cade Spinx 84 Tyler Bokor 85 Isaiha Davenport 88 Jalen Hopkins 98 Armani Eden Head Coach: PHOTO BY JERRY BELLUNE | CHRONICLE Josh Stepp

Lexington's Patrick Martin and Josh Dressendorfer tackle Airport's quarterback Kadarius Jackson during the Wildcat Jamboree Friday night.

The Town of Lexington Supports the Lexington High School and River Bluff High School Football Programs

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 13

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Freeman says Pelion will be a 'very competitive team' 2014 Panthers 1 DESMOND PHILLIPS 2 DAYRUN KEITH 3 FREDDIE PHILLIPS 4 DEON PULVER 5 BRAXTON JONES 6 ISAIAH JENKINS 7 ORLANDO BETHEA 8 SAMI BULLOCK 9 DANIEL HAWKINS 12 JAMES GOLDEN 13 DAMIEN FLORES 14 JASON TOOLE 15 MARLIN MARTOI 16 QUINCY KERSHAW 21 ZACH CHAMBERLAIN 22 DONNIE BARRY 23 ERVIN GREEN 24 NICK DILLON 33 BRENT OSWALD 34 HUNTER CORBETT 42 NICK REEVES

51 MICHAEL DIAL 52 ETVAN LASTER 53 ANTHONY MITCHUM 54 EMANUEL LASTER 57 OWEN LINKHORN 60 JOHN VUOCOLO 61 AUSTIN KING 62 JOHN MOLIGA 63 COLT BEDENBAUGH 70 DEVIN FEASTER 71 TRISTON KELLY 72 SCOTT BUDENBENDER 73 JOHN WILSON 77 OCTAVIUS GREEN 81 JONATHAN BELL

Head Coach: Ben Freeman

BY KEVIN OLIVER Special to the Chronicle

In 2013 the Pelion Panthers took a 4-1 region record into the playoffs and made it to the second round before falling to Cheraw 41-26.

Coach Ben Freeman is in his 25th year at Pelion and he has been selected to coach the South Carolina team in the 2014 Shrine Bowl.

But, he is looking at the Panthers season first. He says this year could be another good year despite some changes in key personnel.

“I expect us to have a very competitive team that has a chance to be pretty good if some of our new players respond to the challenge,” Freeman says. “We will miss our All-Region quarterback Zach Hawkins a whole lot — he

S

really made our offense go.”

The other spot the Panthers will have to find new standout players to fill will be the offensive line, where Tim Kneece, Hunter Duncan, and Garret Leaphart all graduated.

“We will have some very capable replacements there, but they lack the experience that those guys had,” Freeman says. “It will be very tough to fill their shoes.”

The Panthers are not completely out of options when it comes to experienced players who will contribute this season, however. Freddie Phillips at running back, wide receiver, and safety will be a big part of the team's offense, and at the heart of their offensive and defensive lines will be center and defensive tackle Colt Bedenbaugh.

“Both Freddie and Colt will go on to play college football

2014 Schedule Aug. 22 C-N at River Bluff Sept. 5 at Gilbert Sept. 12 CA Johnson Sept. 19 Mid Carolina Sept. 26 North Oct. 3 Eau Claire Oct. 10 at Columbia Oct. 17 Fairfield Central Oct. 24 Newberry Oct. 31 at Keenan

once they graduate,” Freeman says as he points to them as two key returning players.

“I am counting on them being our team leaders, along with the other returning seniors.”

The Panthers are facing another difficult climb in Region III this season. Fairfield Central has played for the state championship the last two years, and Newberry may be a newcomer

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Pelion's long-time coach Ben Freeman has been selected to coach the 2014 Shrine Bowl.

to the region but most of the polls have them ranked #2 in the state. In non-conference games, look for rival Gilbert to be a decisive match as they have bested the Panthers the past few meetings.

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 15

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Pelion's Isaiah Jenkins makes a cut Friday evening against Swansea.

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16 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

River Bluff facing stiff competition in move to Class 4A

By Mark Bellune markbellune@yahoo.com

A River Bluff receiver during a recent practice.

PHOTOS BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

2014 Schedule

“Never give up.”

River Bluff’s move into Class 4A will put Coach David Bennett’s Gators to the test this season.

In their second year, River Bluff is still building.

Now they face a tough Class 4A schedule that includes county rivals Lexington, Irmo and White Knoll in their region.

“Each game will be a tough challenge for us,” Bennett said. “Starting with a Westwood Team that advanced deep in the playoffs, all the way to our 4A region schedule. Our biggest challenge will be for our entire Gator Nation Family to be patient as we grow and learn and compete together

Aug. 23 Westwood Aug. 29 Gilbert Sept. 15 Columbia Sept. 12 at Fort Mill Sept. 19 at Crescent Sept. 26 Cheraw Oct. 10 at South Aiken* Oct. 17 Lexington* Oct. 24 North Augusta* Oct. 31 at White Knoll* Nov. 7 at Irmo* * denotes Region game

to make everyone proud.”

That process includes building character, he said.

“We’ve got to continue to compete, have sportsmanship and do the right thing,” the former college coach, who led Coastal Carolina to Big South titles and the FCS playoffs, said.

“It not about I and me,” he said. “It’s about us and we, and

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R and B.” With a team that split games playing junior varsity squads and Class A and AA varsity programs last year, Bennett said his players got to taste victory and defeat in the new program, but building character is still most important.

“When you’re too busy trying to win games, we forget why we went into coaching.”

The offense will be led by junior quarterback Brandon Tillmon behind senior center Whit Warner.

Bennett will also be relying on senior wide receiver and defensive back Diante Petruso for leadership.

River Bluff will try to keep opponents guessing and on their heels with “all kinds of different formations,” Bennett said.

Coach David Bennett

Other players he’ll call on to lead include Harrison Evans, Anthony Januchowski, Cole Armstrong, Will Rummel and Jared Farchione.

“We’re going (into this season) to set a goal to get better every day,” he said.

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 17

2014 Gators 1 Wofford- Petruso, Diante 2 Johnson, Davon 3 Tillmon, Brandon 4 Bagwell, Pattrik 5 Dieterly, Mark 6 Barrett, Robbie 7 Kight, Stephen 8 Kight, Daniel 9 Riley, Markquis 10 Leonard, Paul 11 Spence, Whit 12 Connell, Grant 13 Salters, Justin 14 Graham, Kyle 16 Evans, Harrison 17 Vogt, Rory 18 Lafayette, CJ 19 Senter, Josh 20 Glenn, Ti Juan 21 Campbell, Brantley 22 Gamble, Jordan 23 Simmons, Shelby

PHOTOS BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Shelby Simmons runs through drills at practice.

24 Ledell, DJ 25 Adams, Tyler 26 Connelly, Tanner 27 Hook, Armonti 28 Pollard, Austin 29 Greene, Devin 30 Ford, Shannon 32 Brown, Justice 34 Rummel, Will 35 Roof, Chadd 36 Smola, Mike 40 Henke, Phoenix 42 Mack, Brandon 44 Sisson, Zach 45 Farchione, Jarod 46 Leonhardt, Jacob 48 Baskin, Parker 49 MacDonald, Nico 50 Gortman, Damian 51 Jordan, Tommy 54 Januchowski, Anthony 55 Cotten, Chancelor

56 Warner, Whitt 58 Salter, Jarvis 60 Thomas, Corey 62 Keisler, Brandon 63 Lynch, Conner 64 Molair, Andrew 70 Carter, Chase 74 Ailstock, Layne 76 Roberson, Nathan 78 Armstrong, Cole 80 Murray, Chase 82 McCall, Aaron 83 Murton, Edge 84 Desai, Akash 86 Brittingham, Trent 87 Wallace, Adam 89 Cox, Lucas 92 Mirmow, Nathan 93 Lykes, Tyler Head Coach: David Bennett

Follow Lexington County high school football all season week by week in the Lexington County Chronicle

Whit Spence runs through drills at practice.

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18 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Tough schedule is OK for optimistic Swansea Tigers

BY TERRY WARD Lexchront@yahoo.com Swansea's Quaevon Cannon runs the ball against Pelion Friday night at the Wildcat Jamboree in Lexington.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

The Swansea High School Tigers are coming off of a 7-4 record in 2013, and looking forward to a good year in 2014. The Class 3A Region 4 team made it to the playoffs.

“We are expecting big things for this season” said SHS Head Coach Chad Leaphart. But he acknowledges success may be more difficult to come by.

“We do have a tougher non-region schedule than we have had in the past and we hope that prepares us well for our Region and the playoffs,” Leaphart said.

And the Tigers will have to do it without Travis Loadholt. He was one of the stars the team had relied on. But

Loadholt graduated.

“Travis Loadholt was our leading rusher for the last 3 seasons, so he is a big loss,” said Leaphart, but there are reasons to be optimistic, he said.

“We are looking for Junior Quaevon Cannon to step up and Jonathan Sutton and Chance Walker will also get some carries,” said Leaphart.

Sutton plays running back and linebacker. He has committed to play for the University of North Carolina after graduating from Swansea.

Walker is a running back and wide receiver.

But it's not only skill players that Leaphart will depend on.

“Devin Johnson, who is going to VMI to play, anchored our lines,” he said.

“We actually lost quite a few linemen from both sides of the ball, so we will be counting on some young guys to step up. B.T. Saunders and Gauge Miller are returning starters that we will look to for some leadership up front.”

Leaphart also said leadership is essential.

“We have a strong senior class that is ready to lead, but Johnathon Sutton has been a leader on our team as an underclassman and that will continue,” he said.

Success will be a challenge.

“Our entire schedule is much tougher from last year and it starts out with AC Flora and they're rated as one of the top 10 teams in 3-A,” said Leaphart. “They are well

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2014 Schedule Aug. 29 at AC Flora Sept. 5 Chapin Sept. 12 at Ninety Six Sept. 19 at White Knoll Sept. 26 Silver Bluff Oct. 3 Airport Oct. 10 at Midland Valley Oct. 17 Aiken Oct. 24 at Brookland-Cayce Oct. 31 Gilbert

coached and have some very good players. We would like to get off to a good start, so they will be a tough challenge starting out.

"Our Region lost Strom Thurmond, which is good for all of us. The Region should be very balanced and every game will be important.”

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 19

2014 Tigers 10 Dayyan Felder 11 Clay Lucas 12 Luke Sox 13 Ron Bell 15 Chance Walker 20 Johnathon Sutton 21 Tyquan Austin 22 Brandon Dixon 23 Freddie Jones 24 Brandon Walker 25 Tomas Walker 30 Devin Wannamaker 31 Myles Smith 32 Daniel Brown 33 Quaevon Cannon 34 Chris Brunswick 35 Jacob Berry 40 Yenum Pena 41 Austin Fowler 43 Brandon Sox 44 Dante Summers 45 Will Edmund 46 Kymani Alston 50 Gauge Miller 51 Ed Scott

52 Matthew Dawkins 53 Jordan Smith 54 Ty Jeffcoat 55 Tyler Hoffman 60 Mason Ray 61 Zach Martin 62 Christian McCaw 63 Caleb Thompson 64 BT Saunders 65 Adam Dykes 70 Jarrett Sandy 71 Marquis Sease 72 William Hutto 73 William Florence 74 Joseph Beane 75 Tyler May 80 Justin Thompson 81 Emmanuel Torres 82 Michael Rish 84 Craig Johnson 85 Rosheen Veren Head Coach: Chad Leaphart

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Swansea's Chris Brunswick breaks for yardage against Pelion Friday night at the Wildcat Jamboree in Lexington.

20 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

White Knoll's experience returns to the gridiron from one week to the next.

“How that translates into wins and losses I can Aug. 23 Fort Mill at River B. White Knoll has experinever tell. You never know Aug. 29 at Wando ence coming back in the who will get hurt and how Sept. 12 at Clover Sept. 19 Swansea 2014 football season. the funny shaped ball will Sept. 26 Lugoff-Elgin “We have the majority of bounce but I love our kids Oct. 3 Spring Valley our production back from and we have an unbelievOct. 10 at Irmo* last year,” Timberwolves able collection of coaches.

Oct. 17 at North Augusta* Head Coach Dean Howell “I believe that our kids Oct. 24 South Aiken* told the Chronicle. believe we can be great...

Oct. 31 River Bluff* “But the problem is, we and we’ve worked too dang Nov. 7 at Lexington* have moved some folks hard not to be good.” * denotes Region game around so even though we Howell looks for good have some experienced “Our leading receiver things from two returning kids, they are playing new from a year ago (Calev inside linebackers Caleb spots in a lot of cases so it’s Grubbs) has been moved to Brian and Seth Poston as just like starting over. quarterback but will proba- defensive leaders.

“Our starting tailback bly get some time at receiv“They are the heart and (E'Mond Brown) was our er as well.” soul of our team and the feature back by the end of His Timberwolves have voices in the locker room last year. He averaged over been working hard to make the other guys listen to. eight yards per carry so we the playoffs this season, “They are great kids and hope to get that same pro- Howell said.

I’m tickled to death they duction from him this year.

“I expect us to improve are on my team.”

BY MARK BELLUNE markbellune@yahoo.com

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

E'Mond Brown runs against Lexington last season.

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2014 Schedule

Howell said even with his team’s improvement from last season, he knows their opponents have been working hard, too.

“We look most forward to playing the next game because it is the most important one,” he said.

“We are a much improved team and I love our kids, but we are not exactly gonna woo a bunch of our opponents when we get off the bus and we embrace that.

“We will have to play our very best every time we go out to have a chance to win and I believe this group will do just that.

“I remind them every week they have been practicing ... nothing is going to be easy.

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 21

2014 Timberwolves 1 Tim Eichelberger 2 Gary Shell 3 Corey Meggett 4 Daniel Fulmer 5 Kendrick Curry 6 Nick Rezendes 7 Joe Beckett 8 Justin Riley 9 Michael Johnson 10 Jacob Jeffcoat 11 Parker McInnis 12 Braydon Clariday 13 Eddie Prestigiacomo 14 Calev Grubbs 15 Brandon New 17 Toby Isaac 19 Nick Thornton 20 Maurice Jones 21 Jordan Griffin 22 DeAngelo Jacobs 23 E'Mond Brown 24 Jimmy Rankin

25 Rashard Jones 26 Dylan Bell 27 Chris Felder 30 Will Turner 33 Phillip Brown 34 Jackson Wilkinson 35 Brandon Serio 36 Andrew Millhouse 37 Brian McDonald 40 Caleb Brian 41 Sam Hayes 42 Seth Poston 43 Thomas Rikard 44 Chris Miller 45 John Palmer 50 Jason Bordeaux 51 Zach Riley 54 Sean Coffey 55 Andrew Jeffers 60 James Henderson 62 Danny McClane 63 Jake Grigsby

Proud of all Lexington County teams

64 Brandon Shealy 65 Kevin Hutoo 66 Caleb Young 67 Andrew Snelgrove 68 Chandler Brown 70 Jackson Morgan 74 Thomas Harsey 75 Daniel Quigly 76 Hubie Gates 77 Shaheem Haltiwanger 79 Tyquillo Moore 80 Jason Arnette 83 Josue Hernandez 85 Bruce Wilkinson 88 Jason Rumph 89 Andrew King Head Coach: Dean Howell

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Kendrick Curry goes for a stop against Spring Valley last season.

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22 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Northside to open its third football season

BY JERRY BELLUNE JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Northside Academy’s Crusaders last year depended on one outstanding player’ offensive skills.

This year the middle school team looks for more players to step up into leadership roles.

Northside Athletics Director Fred Stabler talked with us about the school’s third football season.

PHOTOS BY JERRY BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

The Crusaders run through drills recently.

2014 Schedule Sep 4 King Academy Sep 11 Richard Winn Sep 18 Andrew Jackson Sep 25 Jefferson Davis Oct 2 Open Oct 9 Laurens Academy Oct 16 Wardlaw Acad.

All games start at 6 p.m.

most challenging will be Richard Winn, Wardlaw and Wyman King.

Q. How do you see the football program growing and the opportunity to field varsity teams and a field for home games?

2014 Crusaders No numbers assigned yet Andrew Walke Houston Dykes Thornton Dykes Brandon Trewhella Ty Walker Dean Harper Matthew Wrenn Vince Holsenback Luke Jeffrey Thomas Codman Asa Griffin William Koerner

A. Our school is showing tremendous growth. We hope to be able to start a varsity program as soon as er meet. next year. We will need Q. How many do you have kids from this year’s 10th turning out for the team this year? Who do you see and 11th grades.

We’re building a gym and Q. Based on your prostepping up as leaders? family life center. We have gram’s youth, what kind A. We have 12 but we land behind the school of season do you expect may have one or two more which has the footprint for for the team this year? in the next week.

Coaches an athletics complex with A. We always expect to be We have two promising Seth Skogen baseball and softball fields competitive. Coaches Seth quarterbacks in Thornton Andy Walke and a football field.

Skogen and Andy Walke are Dykes and Dean Harper.

My father used to say pleased with the effort they They will make plays for you must crawl before you see from the players who us on defense, too. walk and walk before you turned out this year.

Q. All your games are on are commitment and acQ. Who will you miss from the road but which do you run. countability. Football is a last season and how will Q. What life lessons do think will be your most you fill their shoes? you hope your players will team sport. Every player challenging ones? has an assignment on every A. We lost an exceptional A. Since we have no sta- learn from playing in a highly competitive sport? play. We want them to take athlete in Jonathan Lolar. dium yet, we’re like Fresno A. We thank God for the commitment and accountHe was 90% of our offense. State. We’ll play anyone, opportunity to compete. ability with them as they He set a great example. anywhere, any time.

The two biggest things go out into life.

Most humble kid you’ll evNone will be easy but the

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 23

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24 | Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

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