2015 HS Football Preview

2015

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

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

A comprehensive look at 12 Lexington County schools as they prepare for the 2015 football season Lexington's Slade Carroll breaks through Brookland-Cayce defenders for a touchdown Friday night at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

PHOTO BY JERRY BELLUNE

2 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

“Chronic Knee Pain Helped With Amazing New Technique.” ~Lexington, SC I’m going to ask you a simple question.

I’m Dr. David Gooldy and I’ve been a local doctor in the Lexington area, and in that time I’ve seen all kinds of knee pain.

Sometimes it’s a young boy who’s been playing football and torn his ACL ligament.

But if it’s not that type of sport athletic injury, then it ‘boils down’ to about three or four things.

“Are you interested in helping getting rid of your knee pain?”

Do you think that you’d be open to doing something that would really “help” your knee pain, and wouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg?

If you answered “YES” to those questions - - keep reading.

Imagine what you’d be able to do if you didn’t have knee pain?

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Arthritis (wear & tear) A knee surgery gone bad or reinjured…

A misaligned knee joint Improper nutritional component.

Now I know you don’t care what causes it, you just want it FIXED. And I get that. But do you think in your wildest dreams that taking drugs is curing anything having to do with your knee pain? NO, it doesn’t.

If you’ve ever had any knee pain, that bothers you no matter what you do, or what you take, you need to contact me ASAP. TRUE STORY Michelle was a woman who was 60 years old, lived with her friend in town, had a good job, was getting ready to retire and travel, and had high hopes of spending a lot of time playing with her six grandchildren.

Then it seemed like out of no where she developed this quirky knee pain.

Listen… there are a lot of people that suffer from knee pain and all they THINK they can do about it is take medication or have surgery.

What if there was a unique technique that could help you get rid of your on- going, constant knee pain … without you having to use drugs or have any type of surgery.

Would you be interested?

If you answered “YES” to that question, keep reading.

When she was at home on her computer, her knee would ache.

When she was standing for longer than a few minutes her knee would throb. She thought it’d just go away, but it didn’t. It just got worse.

Then she called the office. Within a few weeks, she was back to normal.

Here’s what she said.

“My knee started out hurting for a few hours at a time, and then it just got progressively worse. I tried lots

of doctors and was on three different types of mediations. I started having other issues and all I could tell was my health was getting worse and worse. I saw Dr. Gooldy and he did an exam and told me he thought he could help. Thank goodness I called.”

Michelle S, SC. “Dr. Gooldy was great. He more or less saved my life. I had been to some other doctors in the area, but none of them had been able to take my knee pain away. It hurt. I hurt from the time I got up in the morning, until the time I went to sleep and sometimes my knee hurt me even in bed, so I was really upset.

But with Dr. Gooldy’s treatment my knee pain was better. I am almost 100% now.”

Gale C, SC.

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1926 South Lake Drive Lexington, SC 29073 ©IGC all rights reserved

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

2015 Eagles 1 Brett Burnett 2 Keryon Richardson 3 Jonathon Earl 4 CJ Wright 5 Sherman Oxendine 6 Tyraik Kahrumah 7 Jamir Ladson 8 Osirus Hairston 9 Michael Frierson 10 Joey Allen 11 Justin Allen 12 Anthony Calhoun 13 Paxton Brooks 14 Will Lorick 15 Josh Tucker 16 Alex White 19 Calvin Wright 21 Jamir Robinson 22 Dylan Brazell 23 Duane Lewis 26 Tamon Nottingham 28 Ronald Coles 30 Erik Hall 32 Raekwon Jackson 33 John Sellers 42 Jacob Feaster 43 Jaylun Loyd 44 Zach Feaster 50 Daniel Conrad 51 James Tucker 54 Noah Moseley 55 Rayquan Washington 56 Nic Beach 60 Devahn Robinson 61 Tre Robinson 62 Wesley Gilliard 64 Chris Purdie 65 Collyn Richardson 66 Arshaq Ashraf 68 Sean Miller 71 Robert Lindler 72 Linwood Sharber 73 Deaundre Scott 74 Colby Key 75 Devin Miller 76 Trumaine Flemming 77 Bobby Miltchell 80 Evan Richardson 81 Chris Netherton 86 Alec Spooner 89 Abraham Pinkston

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 3

Airport Eagles growing up in 2015 season

By terry ward LexchronT@yahoo.com

The Airport Eagles were a young team last year and took some lumps.

“We're bigger, faster and stronger this year,” said Airport High School Football Coach and Athletic Director Kirk Burnett. “Hopefully we're growing up.”

“We played a lot of young players and we got beat up on a good bit last year,” Burnett said.

Aside from getting game experience, the Eagles' players have been in the weight room and working on conditioning in the offseason.

Airport Assistant Coach Trey Wallace said he is pleased with the participation rate in the school's summer program that includes weightlifting, running, conditioning, along with passing drills.

“It's been pretty good,” Wallace said. “You want everybody to be there every time. That's not possible.

But the numbers have been good this summer.”

Since last year, Burnett said he expects the team to be better on both sides of the ball, including the offensive and defensive lines.

There is talent at the skill positions, too.

Brett Burnett, the coach's son, got some valuable starts at QB in 2014. He is

Airport quarterback Brett Burnett runs the ball against Mid-Carolia Friday night at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

Head Coach: Kirk Burnett photo by mark bellune | chronicle

2015 Schedule Aug. 28 Brookland Cayce Sept. 4 @ Dreher Sept. 11 @ L-R Sept. 18 RNE Sept. 25 @ AC Flora Oct. 2 Swansea Oct. 9 Aiken Oct. 16 @ Gilbert Oct. 23 Midland Valley Oct. 30 @ B-C

looking to be the Eagles' quarterback this year.

Airport is solid at running back with the returning of two-year starter Jonathan Earl. Wallace said Earl has benefited from weight training over the offseason, and added some muscle.

On defense, Trumain Fleming, a tackle, will be counted on. Wallace said Fleming has also had a good offseason, working hard to get better and stronger. Alec Spooner is AHS' tightend. He will also play defense as an end. At wide receiver, the Eagles have Osirus Hairston who is a playmaker. Wallace said Hairston will play at defensive back, too. Wallace said linebacker Zach Feaster will be one of the keys to the photo by mark bellune | chronicle defense.

Airport's Ronald Coles makes the stick against Mid-Carolina Friday night at the Aun “Zack Feaster will be an & McKay Classic at Chapin High School. anchor on the defense,” Wallace said. “We expect a ton of tackles from him.”

Wishing Airport & Brookland-Cayce successful seasons

4 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

B-L looking to win more games in fourth quarter 2015 Panthers 2 Montez Merritt 3 Bishop Cannon 4 Jicosha Stewart 5 Marcus West 6 Tyreek Tolen 7 Tresean Tolen 8 Mike Smith 9 Devaros Pugh 10 Mikal Hartley 11 Quaja Wigfall 12 Anthony Williams 21 Kendal Powell 22 Zafir Brown 23 Terrance Wilson 25 Tyrese Green 30 Daquan Cannon 31 Nasir Clark 32 Hunter Bedenbaugh 33 Zhadrian Burgess 34 Tyhem Shepherd 40 Jaquarius Hair 41 Kobe Long 43 Kaleel Turner 44 Hunter Broome 52 Jacob Scruggs 53 Ross Starnes 54 Josh Scruggs 55 Daquarious Jennings 58 Braxton Craps 64 Will Graham 67 Garett Shealy 73 Ronnie Ridgell 74 Jaylen Rauch 75 Devyn Padgett 78 Tobias Bulter 80 Jordan Black 82 Tyron Jordan 83 Alex Caughman 84 Hunter Childers

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Most coaches would consider a region title in their first season at a new school a success.

Under Perry Woolbright, Batesburg-Leesville won eight games and went undefeated again in Region 2-2A. A 34-28 home playoff loss in the opening round to Abbeville was a bitter pill for the Panthers' fans who a year earlier celebrated a Class 2-A Division II title.

As B-L was taking part in 7-on-7 passing camps before the start of preseason

ting in great shape," Woolbright said. "With guys Aug. 28 - Woodland playing both ways, we Sept. 4 - at Brookland-Cayce have to be a great condiSept. 11 - Mid-Carolina tioned team to win in the Sept. 18 - Ridge Spring4th quarter."

Monetta Graduation resulted in Sept. 25 - at Gilbert the loss of All-Region Oct. 2 - at Crescent quarterback Taylor JackOct. 9 - at Ninety-Six son and wide receiver Oct. 16 - Abbeville Dontavious Wilson and Oct. 23 - Strom Thurmond Shrine Bowl defensive Oct. 30 - at Saluda lineman Paul McKeiver.

The Panthers do return Region 2-2A Player of the camp, Woolbright said he Year running back Terrance believes having the most Wilson (1,100 rushing physically fit team is the key yards, 6 TDs in six games) to improving on last season. and defensive back/wide "One of our big focuses receiver Jaquarius Harris. this offseason has been getDespite entering the sea-

2015 Schedule

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Panthers coach Perry Woolbright, left, talks to his players during a timeout at the Aun & McKay Classic Friday night at Chapin High School.

son with a 10-game regionwinning streak, Woolbright calls Region 2-2A "one of the toughest in the state at any size". The Panthers also open the season Aug. 28

against Region 5-2A champion Woodland.

"Every week is a big game in our region and anyone could win the region any year," Woolbright said.

Head Coach: Perry Woolbright

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Batesburg-Leesville's Jaquarius Hair breaks for a run against Blythewood Friday night at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 5

2015 Bearcats 1 Ray Ray Hemingway 2 Reed Charpia 3 Joe Pradubsri 4 Dominick Byars 5 Sammy Lykes 6 A. J. Brown 7 Kozie Brown 8 Keyshawn James 9 Wilbur Taylor 11 Cam Brown 12 Jonathan Edwards 13 Samuel Pichardo 14 T. Ray 16 Justice Mills 17 Danny Williams 18 Deandre Stevenson 19 Tyran Cole 20 Tamar Boages 21 Luke Bishop 23 Jose Jacobo 24 Charles Balkcom 26 Chance Nelson 25 Chandler Sox 27 Marshall Tyler 30 Semaj Gowins 31 Tristen Watts 32 K. J. Adams 33 Paul Edwards 35 Semonda Jackson 40 Jorge Sanquintin 41 Quinten Hook 42 Corbin Small 44 Tay Pringle 45 Travis Loadholt 50 James Reep 51 David Capers 52 Phillip Anderson 55 Shylek Pringle 57 Matthew Phillips 58 Raheed Beard 60 Ryan Snelgrove 61 Shamus Johnson 62 Cody Frye 65 J. J. O'Dell 66 Kiziah Lee 70 Carlton Sutton 71 Jerrell Moore 72 Tristen Middleton 73 Raquim Comager 75 Mandrell Benn 76 Dashawn Gilbert 77 Darius Brazell 78 Patrick McNeil 80 Tyreke Williams 81 Montez Scott-White 82 Devin Moore 83 Raheed Shaheed Coach: Rusty Charpia

B-C's Justice Mills runs against Lexington Friday night at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Brookland-Cayce counting on defense in 2015

BY TERRY WARD LexchronT@yahoo.com

If the Brookland-Cayce Bearcats have a good year, it will start with defense.

"The defensive line is the strength of our team," Brookland-Cayce head coach and Athletics Director Rusty Charpia said.

In his fifth year, Charpia said he believes the program could take a big step forward this year.

Defensive lineman Octavius "Tay" Pringle is a junior and a highly sought after college recruit.

He is joined on the de-

fensive line by Mandrell Benn, Travis Loadholt and tough-as-nails Danny Williams.

"I feel very good about the defense," Charpia said.

One reason may be 6-3, 240-pound senior linebacker Keyshawn James.

"He's a team leader, a good tackler and a good player," Charpia said.

James already has scholarship offers.

Tamar Boages is the second of four starting linebackers.

Charpia said three good

2015 Schedule AUG. 21 at Fairfield-Central AUG. 28 at Airport SEPT. 4 Batesburg-Leesville SEPT. 11 OPEN SEPT. 18 Chapin SEPT. 25 Edisto OCT. 2 at Aiken OCT. 9 Gilbert OCT. 16 at Midland Valley OCT. 23 at Swansea OCT. 30 Airport

players, including Zion Carroway are competing for two open linebacker spots.

In the defensive backfield, Ray Ray Hemingway, Dominick Byers and Sammy Lykes are returning starters.

On offense, senior quarterback Kozie Brown is back. At 6-3, 240 pounds, Charpia said he wants to see Brown turn it up field and run more. If Brown will run more, it opens up opportunities for the Bearcat offense.

Charpia also said Charles Balkcom, Cam Brown, A.J. Brown and Ty Myers make up a solid group at running back.

Quentin Hooks is coming

back at wide receiver, along with some talented newcomers.

Charpia said his team lost two offensive linemen to graduation, but players with game experience are filling those spots.

Kicker David Kopowski is gone. He handled punting, placekicking and field goals for B-C. "Kicking is an area of concern," Charpia said.

He also said the Bearcats don't have a lot of depth, but he feels the team has the same depth as its opponents.

6 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

2015 Eagles 3 Elijah Rice 4 Mark Shealy 5 Garrett Reinhart 6 Logan Bailey 7 Will Kroske 8 Case Barber 9 Evan Estridge 10 Cooper Bemis 14 Trad Beatty 16 Nick Price 17 Kale Rhame 19 Colin Kitchens 21 Ben Fischer 22 Cam Liles 23 Robert Bickley 24 Kareem Bowers 26 Lawson Bemis 27 Taylor Hane 28 Jordan Lester 30 Tyler Zobel 31 Jacob Wright 32 Bryce Harrington 34 Caleb White 38 Jake Strange 40 Jared Kerner 41 Chandler Johnson 42 Cory Bianco 44 Aric Brown 45 Isaiah Freels 50 Grant Frick 51 Harrison Bedenbaugh 52 Nick Purdham 54 Cole Haile 55 Brennen Zeigler 56 Johnny Kidd 58 Khari Suber 59 Alex Renner 60 Matt Johnson 61 Trey Greene 62 Charlie LaRosa 63 Bobby Jirel 68 Chase Carter 71 Ryan Trinter 72 Nick Edenfield 73 Gage Burkhalter 74 Hank Manos 78 Will Webster 79 Reid Creswell 80 Tristan Koen 82 Bryce Watkins 83 Carson Wood 85 Joe Flowers 88 Will Register 89 Justin Baker 95 Scott Samson Head Coach: Justin Gentry

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Chapin Eagles set new playoff goals for 2015

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Chapin High School's football team has reached the playoffs six straight seasons.

Five of them were with head coach Justin Gentry.

But advancing past the first round has frustrated the Eagles.

Last year's 40-37 overtime loss to Seneca was their fifth straight post-season loss and third at home.

As the team went through summer 7-on-7 passing camp recently, the latest at home with River Bluff, the topic is motivation.

"We've got to win in the playoffs," Coach Gentry said. "The last two years, we've given up great

2015 Schedule Aug. 21 at Columbia Aug. 28 Mid-Carolina Sept. 4 Swansea Sept. 11 at Newberry Sept. 18 at B-C Sept. 25 OPEN Oct. 2 RNE Oct. 9 A.C. Flora Oct. 16 at Lower Rich.

Oct. 23 Dreher Oct. 30 at Camden

fights, had the best matchups for first rounds, but that's okay.

"When you get to that point, you've got to win some ballgames and we've got to put the nail in the coffin come playoff time and really show everybody else, not just (Chronicle Country), what we're made of."

If Chapin is to achieve its goals, tight end Will Register is expected to play a major role. The 6-4, 240-pound rising junior recently committed to the University of South Carolina and was named by SCVarsity.com's Jim Baxter as the Midlands' top tight end.

Gentry has seen a rise in Register's on-field leadership and has taken everything in stride.

Despite the off-field plaudits, Register has focused on the 7-on-7 passing drills to improve his route running, showing faster speed getting off blocks and developing camaraderie with the quarterbacks.

Rising senior (first name) Bailey and rising sophomore Trad Beatty are

expected to share time together as quarterback.

Gentry said both have improved "vast years" over the past year.

More important for Register is helping the Eagles win Region 4-3A and advancing in the playoffs.

"Winning the region, definitely a focus," Register said. "The focus is always to get as far as you can, hopefully make it to state.

You've got to take it one game at a time, make sure we're doing everything we can to win that game."

With teams targeting their defenses to slow down Register, Gentry hopes to see more opportunities open for wide receivers Caleb White, Evan Estridge and Joe Flowers.

"If I get covered by more than one person,

hopefully that will open up for someone else," Register said.

White is nursing a broken thumb, while Estridge is travelling with a baseball team.

An area of concern is Chapin's youthful offensive line. What they may lack in experience Gentry hopes to make up for in intensity and fitness. The newly-refurbished weight room on campus will help.

"I commend (Lexington/Richland) District 5," Gentry said. "The emphasis they help put on not just education and academics, but athletics. Our new weight room is second to none. We're able to get our guys in and out.

We couldn't do it without the district."

G Eagles!

STATE SENATOR

Photo by Mark Bellune | Chronicle

Chapin's Elijah Rice is brought down by River Bluff defenders after the catch during the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High Friday night.

RONNIE CROMER

Paid for by Ronnie Cromer, P.O. Box 378, Prosperity, SC 29127

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 7

Injured Dutch Fork Silver Foxes look for help

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Reload and rebuild.

It's how Dutch Fork High School approaches each season under head coach Tom Knotts.

Despite the departures of All-State talent, the championship focus remains the same as it incorporates new contributors into the team.

"It's always been the same approach," Knotts said. "We started as soon as the season's over, after Christmas actually. We have a program of things that they are required to do and, if they do, will make us a better football team.

So, we've been following the same things I've been doing for a long time."

From the moment Knotts arrived from Independence, N.C., in 2010, the Silver Foxes have been a consistent presence in the state title picture: • 10 or more victories in five straight seasons.

• 5 consecutive region titles • 3 straight state title game appearances • 2013 Class 4A-Divison I title Such credentials have earned Dutch Fork the benefit of the doubt from high school football observers. A recent preseason poll has the Silver Foxes ranked sixth in Class 4A despite the graduation of "Mr. South Carolina Football," running back Matthew Colburn, Shrine Bowl linebacker Lane Becton, All-American placekicker Tyler Bass and quarterback Tant Fant, to name a few.

What concerns Knotts early in preseason camp is a rash of injuries which

Dutch Fork quarterback Cole Douglas runs the ball against Richland Northeast Saturday at the Battle of the County Line Jamboree at Irmo High.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

has temporarily slowed the team's process. Among the walking wounded: • Auburn-bound defensive back Stephen Davis with a broken wrist.

• Sophomore linebacker Blake Branham sidelined with undisclosed injury.

• Left tackle Malik Sumter with a torn pectoral tendon who may not return until mid-season.

• Wide receiver Austin Connor with ankle surgery.

• WR/Defensive back Jo'mal Aiken with a broken leg suffered during a playoff game against J.F. Byrnes High.

The abolition of the '8 quarter rule' which allowed junior varsity players to play Thursdays and Fridays also places a burden on the team's depth.

Knotts calls it the 'worst thing that's happened to me as a coach' and 'worst thing to happen to South Carolina football'.

"We think we've got some talent," Knotts said.

2015 Schedule Aug. 21 Greenwood (Battle on the Bluff) 8 p.m.

Aug. 28 Goose Creek Sept. 4 Open Sept. 11 at Boiling Springs Sept. 18 Dorman Sept. 25 at Sumter Oct. 2 at Irmo Oct. 9 at Ridge View Oct. 16 at Blythewood Oct. 23 Spring Valley Oct. 30 Westwood Nov. 6 Lugoff-Elgin

"We've just got to have a 'next man up' mentality with all these injuries."

Dutch Fork appears to have found its replacement for Fant at quarterback in junior Cole Douglas. He's the son of former Citadel quarterback Jack Douglas. He has excelled during the spring practice and summer drills, during which the Silver Foxes won the Cam Newton passing camp.

At running back, the Sil-

ver Foxes bring in another Colburn. Matthew's younger brother Chris is competing with Clayton Jones for the starting nod. He and Ford William look to fill the void on special teams left by the graduation of threeyear starter Tyler Bass.

Blocking upfront will be led by senior center Kyle Olenchuk and guard Paul Ryan. Alec DeBoer will look to improve on his numbers from last season at wide receiver. He will team up with rising junior Ward Hacklin.

On defense, the Silver Foxes return plenty of experience with pass rusher Rory Gallman, inside linebackers Evan Barney and Devin Taylor and cornerback Dominic Benson, who will also return kicks with DeBoer.

Dutch Fork will open the season Aug. 21 against Greenwood in the 'Battle on the Bluff' at River Bluff High School.

2015 Silver Foxes 1 Andrew Jamison 2 Ford Williams 3 Stephen Davis 4 Bryce Thompson 5 Bobby Irby 5 Zach Bickley 6 Austin Connor 7 Ward Hacklen 8 Jo'mal Aiken 8 Jordan Trapp 9 Caleb Clark 10 Nicholas Wilson 11 Taj Thomas 12 Cole Douglas 14 Christian Johnson 15 Elijah Ngugi 16 Xzavion Gordon 17 Alex Smith 18 Alec DeBoer 19 Brian Wilson 20 Clayton Jones 21 Dominique Benson 22 Lathan Olmstead 22 Josue Paredes 23 Khaleel Patterson 24 Adam Kerr 25 Chris Coburn 26 Omar Lozano 27 Craig Pitts 29 Jack Werts 30 Blake Branham 31 George Wooten 33 Dillon Oliver 34 Josiah Commander 35 Rory Gallman 36 Evan Barney 37 Kyle Ecton 38 Payton Pearson 39 Josh Coleman 40 Jackson Crimminger 41 Justin Risher 42 Tre Jenkins 43 Myron White 44 Mikhyah Grant 45 Dante Scott 46 Peyton Ramage 46 George Cook 47 Charles Holden 49 Cameron Goines 50 Colt Coffman 50 Dejaun Barr 51 Landon Howe

52 Kyle Olenchuk 52 Christian Johnson 53 Hayden Kerr 54 Paul Rhyne 55 Devon Taylor 56 Joseph Holston 57 Ratwuan McMillan 58 William Honeycutt 59 Taylor Wiggins 60 Marshall Lovin 61 William Vore 62 Chris Burton 63 Jahuvn Benson 64 Caleb Hammer 65 Parker Rominger 66 Mac Coffman 67 Xavier Miller 67 Dexter Martinez 68 William Reid 70 Alex Morton 71 Bailey Malovic 72 Rhyan General 73 Melvin Stewart 74 Art Lawrence 75 Jacob Hionis 76 Charles Hoover 77 Blake Harris 78 Jacob Phillips 79 Malik Sumter 80 Jesse Ragin 81 Josh German 82 Jonathan Taylor 83 Michael Jamison 84 Nick Martellini 85 Tony Porter 86 Javian Bellamy 87 Bryson Cannon 88 Perrin Berry 89 Nicholas Walker 90 Bryan Singleton 91 Isaiah Hair 92 Elijah Fulmore 93 Brandon Raysor 94 Jonathan Williams 95 Johnathan Springfield 97 Dante Johnson 98 Shane Savage 99 Kingston Best

Head Coach:

Tom Knotts

8 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

2015 Indians 1 Brett Duncan 2 Malik Bright 3 Trip Bumgarner 4 Dylan McNatt 5 Rafael Gibson 6 Jackson Digieso 7 Tyler Thomas 8 Ray Baston 10 Cody Temples 11 Chase Swygert 14 Sam Kyzer 15 Clay Fitts 20 Marcus Powell 21 Dai Coleman-Scott 22 Riser Gramling 25 Eric Price 30 Zach Kilgore 35 Catriez Cook 38 Marshall Hallman 40 Noah Hall 41 Tug Reeder 42 Nick Best 44 John Sanders 45 Jacob Rye 48 Paul Myrick 50 Parker Smith 52 Jaquarius Johnson 53 Brodie Chisamore 54 Noah Garris 55 Tristan Brown 56 Erickson Abney 58 Dylan Frost 65 Morgan Kaigler 66 Jeremy Carlyle 68 Alex Torres-Hilley 70 Yamil Gonzalez 71 Walker Blount 72 Dawson Rucker 74 Aaron Fink 75 Daniel Harmon 77 Shun Cook 78 Nathan Hilley 79 Josh Smith 80 Britt Jennings 85 Willy Warren 88 Peyton Loper

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Young Gilbert team looks for consistency

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

The 2014 season was a tale of "two" teams at Gilbert High School.

There was the Indian squad that won all five home games. This included a win over BrooklandCayce which helped clinch the final playoff spot in Region 5-3A. The "Mr. Hyde" side of Gilbert's personality, however, played itself out on the road where it went 0-6. Gilbert was eliminated in the first round of the

2015 Schedule Aug. 21 - at Gray Collegiate (Battle on the Bluff) 5 p.m.

Aug. 28 - River Bluff Sept. 4 - at Pelion Sept. 11 - at Saluda Sept. 18 - OPEN Sept. 25 - Batesburg-Leesville Oct. 2 - Midland Valley Oct. 9 - at Brookland-Cayce Oct. 16 - Airport Oct. 23 - at Aiken Oct. 30 - Swansea

Class 3-A playoffs by Myrtle Beach.

Heading into this season, the Indians aim to

play with more consistency in replacing a bevy of seniors.

"We have worked really hard to be the best team we can be," Gilbert head coach Barry Harley said.

"Our mental approach to the game? Finding players who are going to lead by example."

A shining example from last year's team was NorthSouth All-Star Jakayus Leaphart. He rushed for 2,004 yards and 28 touchdowns and was one of six Indians selected to the AllRegion team.

Gilbert also has to find replacements for tight end Garnett Cason, wide receiver Tristan Register, offensive tackle Chris Smith, defensive tackles Keith Dort and Travis Keisler and linebackers Gabe McNatt and Matt Ligons.

"Our seniors are always a loss to us," Harley said.

"Every player who graduated contributed to make our team as good as it can be."

Harley acknowledged this is one of the youngest teams he's coached during his years at Gilbert. If the

Gilbert will be looking to replace Nick Hendrix in the speed spot this season.

Here, Hendrix runs for a long gain against rival Pelion in 2014. The Indians are looking for alot of young talent to take up the slack from a large number of graduates from 2014.

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

Head Coach: Barry Harley

Indians are to contend with the Swanseas and Airports, they need impact players.

"Our strength will be the players' attitudes," Harley said. "It is without a doubt one of the best groups who put the team first."

Gilbert will open the season Aug. 21 at River Bluff High in the "Battle on the Bluff" against Gray Collegiate Academy.

Check out the Chronicle flipbook at LexingtonChronicle.com

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 9

Gray Academy hopes to get in groove in 2nd year

By TRAVIS BOLAND Gray Collegiate Academy

Expectations are high for a Gray Collegiate football team that managed just two wins in its inaugural season.

Head coach Adam Holmes has reason to be excited. His War Eagles have had a full year of preparation for the upcoming season.

“Getting that extra time has been critical,” Holmes said. “Guys know the playcalling, they know the system. We don’t have to teach as much.”

Last summer, Holmes was attempting to put a new team together. This season, the War Eagles went through spring practice, summer conditioning

2014 Schedule Aug. 21 - Gilbert "Battle on the Bluff" at River Bluff 5 p.m.

Aug. 28 - Great Falls Sept. 4 - Open Sept. 11 - at Calhoun County Sept. 18 - at Estill Sept. 25 - Calhoun County (at Benedict College) 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 - at Scott's Branch Oct. 9 - at Great Falls Oct. 17 - at Camden Military Oct. 23 - at Pageland Central Oct. 17 - at Cardinal Newman

and 7-on-7 passing camps.

“Those days have paid dividends,” Holmes said.

“Getting 10 days in the spring, ten 7-on-7 events and a full summer's worth of conditioning has paid off at the start of practice.”

Holmes hopes the extra time will breed confidence in his team. Despite losing

eight games, GCA had leads in three of those losses, including two late in the fourth quarter.

“With a new program, it’s hard to develop a trust,” Holmes said. “We gave away a few games late because we didn’t have the confidence to overcome some mistakes.

This season, with the time we have spent together, I believe we can develop that confidence to either make a play on offense or get a stop on defense.

Offensively, GCA is led by junior quarterback Bryce Fields. Holmes said he is an intellectual player that understands the system and knows where to throw the ball. “(Bryce) was here last season, but didn’t see a lot

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GCA coach Adam Holmes talks to his players during a recent practice

of action at the varsity level,” Holmes said. “I think it was good for him to take that time to watch the system and learn why we run certain plays. He is capable of doing everything this offense asks of him.”

Junior Russ Zahler and sophomore Xavier Sutton are battling to back up Fields.

Brandon Carroway is the teams returning leading receiver. He will have help from speedy Chylon Thomas and Justin Mack.

Mack is a senior who also plays for the basketball team. Holmes was pleased with Mack's progress over the summer, having grown stronger and more fluid as a receiver.

GCA’s main offensive weapon is senior running back Eric Harris. Holmes described Harris as the workhorse of the offense and will receive the bulk of the carries this season.

“(Eric) didn’t miss a single workout in the spring, and made every conditioning session over the summer,” Holmes said. “He’s a physical back that doesn’t shy away from contact.

He’s looking to have a strong senior season.”

Harris will be running behind an experienced offensive line led by senior Josh Derrick. Holmes said Derrick's 6'6" frame will help against smaller defensive ends.

Defensive coordinator Howie Bayer looks to have a much improved group heading into Year 2.

“Defensively, players are starting to understand the overall concept of what we are trying to do,” Bayer said. “They have made great strides in the offseason programs and passing leagues.”

Bayer said Sam Brown will anchor the defensive line while Harris and Aus-

2015 War Eagles 1 Bryce Fields 2 AJ Pridemore 3 Erick Harris 5 Brandon Carroway 6 Chylon Thomas 7 Justin Mack 8 Othello Sutton 9 Austin King 10 Xavier Sutton 12 Russ Zahler 15 Cameron Hanna 21 Darrin Hicks 23 Duncan Rivers 24 Hank Howard 30 Griffin King 32 William Wilson 36 Chris Matthews 41 John Sloan 42 Romello Owens 45 Tyler Rhodes 51 Kyle Speagle 53 Tanner Mims 55 Wyatt Osborne 68 Dawson Shealy 72 Ivey Brice 75 Dillon Burkette 76 Calvin Gillins 77 Josh Derrick 81 Bobby Wessinger 83 Ayden Fields 88 Sam Brown tin King will lead the linebackers.

The secondary is all but set with Duncan Rivers, Brandon Carroway, Chylon Thomas and Chris Matthews expected to get a majority of the snaps.

GCA opens the season Aug. 21 in the "Battle on the Bluff" against Gilbert at River Bluff High School.

The War Eagles, which will move into Class 2A next season, will again meet Great Falls, Calhoun County, Estill and Scott’s Branch this season.

They add three new teams to the schedule in Camden Military, Cardinal Newman and Central Pageland.

10 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Irmo Yellow Jackets hope for the Midas Touch

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Irmo head football coach Reggie Kennedy has enjoyed a second season Midas Touch.

At four previous schools, Kennedy led his teams to the post-season in Year Two and an improved record three times.

A year into his Irmo second season, the Yellow Jackets look to make strides from its 2-9 record in in 2014.

"Just based off the spring practice and based on what I've seen during

summer, I think we'll be a lot better upfront on both sides of the ball offensively and defensively," Kennedy said. "I'm feeling a lot stronger on offense now than where we were last year at this point."

Versatile senior Rodney Jamison will look to improve an offense that averaged under 1,000 total yards and 18 points per game last season. He's expected to start at quarterback and at running back and wide receiver.

Looking to provide opportunity for Jamison and the Yellow Jacket backfield are offensive tackle Nick

2015 Schedule AUG. 28 - at York SEPT. 4 - Northwestern SEPT. 11 - at Ridge View SEPT. 18 - at Spring Valley SEPT. 25 - at Blythewood OCT. 2 - Dutch Fork OCT. 9 - at White Knoll OCT. 16 - South Aiken OCT. 23 - at Lexington OCT. 30 - North Augusta NOV. 6 - at River Bluff

Evans, a 2-year starter, On defense, the Yellow Jackets have an experienced secondary led by 3-year starter Nick Jennings. After allowing 28.7

points per game last season, Kennedy said Irmo will use a 4-man front to better control the line of scrimmage.

Irmo finished 2-3 last season in Region 5-4A, missing out on the playoffs following a 31-24 seasonending loss to River Bluff.

Kennedy expects an even more improved regional competition this season.

"It's a good, competitive region," Kennedy said.

"You look at the playoffs, PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE we had 2-3 teams that advanced. That says a whole Irmo coach Reggie Kennedy questions a call with a ref lot about our region and during the Battle of the County Line at Irmo High School Saturday against Westwood. we're looking forward to the challenge."

2015 Yellow Jackets

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Irmo's Ronnie Jamison runs the ball against Westwood Saturday at the Battle of the County Line at Irmo.

4 Brice Brazell 5 Juwan Freeman 2 Ronnie Jamison 3 Anthony Jones 7 Roderick Ladson 9 Mason Smith 14 Manny Banks 23 Phillip Barrett 45 Jalen Bell 73 Jakalen Bessant 16 Tyon Billups 50 Joseph Boyd 30 Shakeem Bradley 26 Elias Brown 36 DJ Brunson 37 Bernard Burley 41 Austin Cates 72 Nicholas Comfort 49 Parker Davis 88 Jordan Dewitt 55 Mac Eason 57 Nick Evans 90 Carlton Felder 42 Hykeem Fleming 19 Jamir Folsome 51 Emmanual Gadsen 70 Nate Green 87 Zuriel Haire 58 Isaac Hidalgo 65 Stephen Hosendove 12 Georgi Hristova 11 Nick Jenkins DB

27 Landon Jennings 43 Marcus Johnson 22 Zafir Kelly 10 Brandon Love 95 Rodterius Mack 46 Christian Marsh 68 Tyler McBeth 81 Braxton McDuffie 75 Gary McFadden 15 Will McLaughlin 69 LaTravian Moore 21 Peyton Mozee 62 Rocky Oliver 85 Jordan Overton 25 Elijah Rice-Edmonds 61 A.J. Robinson 80 Javon Scott 35 Jordan Seawright 48 Khari Stone-Marshall 66 Shakir Stone-Marshall 78 Bruce Sumpter 6 Jaylon Tharp 24 Jeffery Tharp 18 Ashanti Thomas 28 Devin Tolbert 32 Chris Tucker 8 Morgan Walker 34 Steffod White 20 Wesley Williams 52 Shannon Woodard Head Coach: Reggie Kennedy

10 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Irmo Yellow Jackets hope for the Midas Touch

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Irmo head football coach Reggie Kennedy has enjoyed a second season Midas Touch.

At four previous schools, Kennedy led his teams to the post-season in Year Two and an improved record three times.

A year into his Irmo second season, the Yellow Jackets look to make strides from its 2-9 record in in 2014.

"Just based off the spring practice and based on what I've seen during

summer, I think we'll be a lot better upfront on both sides of the ball offensively and defensively," Kennedy said. "I'm feeling a lot stronger on offense now than where we were last year at this point."

Versatile senior Rodney Jamison will look to improve an offense that averaged under 1,000 total yards and 18 points per game last season. He's expected to start at quarterback and at running back and wide receiver.

Looking to provide opportunity for Jamison and the Yellow Jacket backfield are offensive tackle Nick

2015 Schedule AUG. 28 - at York SEPT. 4 - Northwestern SEPT. 11 - at Ridge View SEPT. 18 - at Spring Valley SEPT. 25 - at Blythewood OCT. 2 - Dutch Fork OCT. 9 - at White Knoll OCT. 16 - South Aiken OCT. 23 - at Lexington OCT. 30 - North Augusta NOV. 6 - at River Bluff

Evans, a 2-year starter, On defense, the Yellow Jackets have an experienced secondary led by 3-year starter Nick Jennings. After allowing 28.7

points per game last season, Kennedy said Irmo will use a 4-man front to better control the line of scrimmage.

Irmo finished 2-3 last season in Region 5-4A, missing out on the playoffs following a 31-24 seasonending loss to River Bluff.

Kennedy expects an even more improved regional competition this season.

"It's a good, competitive region," Kennedy said.

"You look at the playoffs, photo by mark bellune | chronicle we had 2-3 teams that advanced. That says a whole Irmo coach Reggie Kennedy questions a call with a ref lot about our region and during the Battle of the County Line at Irmo High School Saturday against Westwood. we're looking forward to the challenge."

2015 Yellow Jackets

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

Irmo's Ronnie Jamison runs the ball against Westwood Saturday at the Battle of the County Line at Irmo.

4 Brice Brazell 5 Juwan Freeman 2 Ronnie Jamison 3 Anthony Jones 7 Roderick Ladson 9 Mason Smith 14 Manny Banks 23 Phillip Barrett 45 Jalen Bell 73 Jakalen Bessant 16 Tyon Billups 50 Joseph Boyd 30 Shakeem Bradley 26 Elias Brown 36 DJ Brunson 37 Bernard Burley 41 Austin Cates 72 Nicholas Comfort 49 Parker Davis 88 Jordan Dewitt 55 Mac Eason 57 Nick Evans 90 Carlton Felder 42 Hykeem Fleming 19 Jamir Folsome 51 Emmanual Gadsen 70 Nate Green 87 Zuriel Haire 58 Isaac Hidalgo 65 Stephen Hosendove 12 Georgi Hristova 11 Nick Jenkins DB

27 Landon Jennings 43 Marcus Johnson 22 Zafir Kelly 10 Brandon Love 95 Rodterius Mack 46 Christian Marsh 68 Tyler McBeth 81 Braxton McDuffie 75 Gary McFadden 15 Will McLaughlin 69 LaTravian Moore 21 Peyton Mozee 62 Rocky Oliver 85 Jordan Overton 25 Elijah Rice-Edmonds 61 A.J. Robinson 80 Javon Scott 35 Jordan Seawright 48 Khari Stone-Marshall 66 Shakir Stone-Marshall 78 Bruce Sumpter 6 Jaylon Tharp 24 Jeffery Tharp 18 Ashanti Thomas 28 Devin Tolbert 32 Chris Tucker 8 Morgan Walker 34 Steffod White 20 Wesley Williams 52 Shannon Woodard Head Coach: Reggie Kennedy

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 11

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 13

Lexington looks to leaders in 2015

2015 Wildcats 1 GRAVES, NICK 2 MITCHELL,TREY 3 HOPPER, JAYSON 4 BANE, RHETT 5 WELLS, DAI'QUAN 6 FERGUSON, OSCAR 7 RUMPH, JASON 8 KINSLEY, CHRISTIAN 9 MABALOT, ALEX 10 RICKER, ERIC 12 VANCOUTREN, PARKER 16 BLAKE, BRANDON 17 BAKER, DONNY 19 MOSIER, WILL 21 CARROLL, SLADE 22 JACOBS, DAVID 23 GREEN, ERVIN 24 BROADWATER, MICHAEL 25 LUCAS, BRADY 26 BEACH, JONATHAN 27 MCCOY, JAYLEN 28 KENNEDY,GUNNAR 30 HARTE, JT 33 WHITWORTH, BOBBY 34 GAY, IVAN 36 DAVIS, DONTE

40 LEAPHART, SPENCER 41 SAWYER, PRESTON 42 SMITH, COOPER 44 SAMPLES, JACOB 45 OLIVEIRA, KENNETH 50 BORING, MATTHEW 51 CRIPE, DYLAN 52 MAULDIN, MASON 55 HARMON, ANDREW 58 WALTERS,TRAVIS 64 SMITH, ERIK 68 WILLIAMS, CAMERON 70 MOLIT, NOEL 72 WARD, JACKSON 73 BLACKMON, HUNTER 75 DEPRIEST, TANNER 77 DHILLON, DASHK 78 STOREY, ANDREW 79 EDEN, ARMANI 81 SCHADEWALD, TYLER 82 MILLS, JOHN 84 BOKOR, TYLER

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Lexington's challenge lies ahead.

A late-season run of three straight wins and a playoff victory over archrival White Knoll gave the Lexington High Widcats positive momentum.

"We need to get bigger, faster, stronger this off-season and get ready to take the next step as a program," said Wildcats' head coach Josh Stepp after the season-ending playoff loss to eventual Class 4-A Division I champion Hillcrest.

2015 Schedule Aug. 28 Westside Sept. 4 at Blythewood Sept. 11 at Wando Sept. 18 at Westwood Sept. 25 Carolina Forest Oct. 2 Lugoff-Elgin Oct. 9 at North Augusta Oct. 16 River Bluff Oct. 23 Irmo Oct. 30 at South Aiken Nov. 6 at White Knoll

Stepp remains encouraged about the team's prospects after spring practice. Getting through May relatively healthy as a team and showing daily

improvement were among the positives.

A player who has attracted high attention is running back Slade Carroll. The rising senior rushed for 1,624 yards and 18 TDs. He is one of the skilled position players returning this fall.

The quarterback duo of Donny Baker and Brandon Blake combined for 2,000-plus passing yards and 14 touchdowns and top weapons Jayson Hooper and Tyler Schadeweld are back.

Lexington will need to

Lexington's Ervin Green has his helmet ripped off during a run against B-C Friday evening at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

Head coach: Josh Stepp

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replace Shrine Bowl left tackle Liam Ronan and Austin Leaphart on the offensive line.

Last season, the Wildcats doubled their opponents in sacks (32).

Rising senior defensive back Nick Graves looks to assert his leadership in the secondary and linebacker Trey Mitchell had 173 tackles.

"We return the majority of our key players," Stepp said. "We expect all of these players to step up and lead for us on and off the field this year."

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14 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Pelion looks to spread offense with new football coach

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Pelion has a new leader.

For the first time in 25 years, it was not Ben Freeman in charge of practice. Instead, a new face was patrolling the sidelines and giving instructions to the offense.

New Pelion head football coach Dann Holland has become quite familiar around the state in prep football. The past two seasons, he led eastern Orangeburg County school Hunter-Kinard-Tyler to unprecedented back-to-back S.C. High School League Division II titles.

Holland now looks to perform similar magic with a Panthers' program. Despite winning its only two region titles under Free-

2015 Schedule

2015 Panthers

Aug. 22 - Cardinal Newman Sept. 4 - GILBERT Sept. 11 - C.A. Johnson Sept. 18 - at Mid-Carolina Sept. 25 - at North Oct. 2 - at Eau Claire Oct. 9 - Columbia Oct. 16 - at Fairfield Central Oct. 23 - at Newberry Oct. 30 - W.J. Keenan

man, Pelion had finished over .500 just once over the past seven seasons.

Along with a new head coach, the Panthers will be transitioning from the flexbone into a spread offense.

Holland wants to take advantage of the height advantage at wide receiver he enjoys with players like O.G. Green.

"We've got some kids that can go up there and get it,"

New Pelion football coach Dann Holland talks to a player at a recent practice.

Holland said. "Our kids are real receptive to coaching as we're learning. They're not making the same mistakes over and over again."

It appears Pelion will utilize a "running back by committee" approach and

Holland sees quarterback Dayrun (pronounced Darren) Keith as a potential, versatile playmaker.

Another advantage Holland enjoys in coaching in a higher classification is depth. He does not expect

1 Desmond Phillips 2 Dayrun Keith 3 Richard Kollie 4 Jason Bunch 5 Jacobye Holmes 6 Donnie Driggers 7 Octavious Green 8 Alex Conner 9 Marcus Dwyer 12 Zack Chamberlain 14 Jonathan Wade 15 Alex Quinonez 21 Jarett Hill 25 Jordan Sigler 33 Brent Oswald 57 Owen Linkhorn to have to double platoon as much as he did successfully at H-K-T and expects to acquire more depth with incoming transfers.

S

60 John Vuocolo 61 Austin King 62 Michael Dial 64 Stephen Boltin 71 Triston Kelly 72 Christian Sharpe 73 Austin Smith 75 Jordan Merril 77 Dylan Platts 81 Brice Bergeron 88 T.J. Jenkins 99 Wiley Jackson Head Coach: Dann Holland

Pelion will open the season Aug. 22 at River Bluff High School against Cardinal Newman in the "The Battle of the Bluff".

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 15

Pelion rushes the ball against Gilbert last September.

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

Best Wishes For A Successful Season H

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16 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

River Bluff hopes to keep 1st year success going forward

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

It did not take long for River Bluff football to make an impact under head coach David Bennett.

The Gators won eight games in their inaugual season and tied for second with Lexington for first place in Region 5-4A. They then shocked the S.C. High School League with a 2221 come-from-behind vic-

tory over top-seed Goose Creek in the Class 4A Division II playoffs.

"It motivated some of our kids that are serious about athletics," said Bennett about the win.

Entering Year Two, River Bluff faces the challenge of building off last year's success with a revamped offensive line. The graduation of North/South AllStar center Whitt Warner,

the transfer of Cole Armstrong and two others declining to play as seniors means four new starters to go with returning junior Connor Lynch for the upcoming season.

River Bluff does return skilled players on offense like Juniors quarterback Brandon Tillmon, who rushed and threw for over 1,000 yards and was named Co-Region Offen-

sive Player of the Year, tight end Trent Brittingham and running backs Jarod Farchione and Davon Johnson.

The Gators also return defensive lineman Armonti Hook and sophomore placekicker/punter Justin Salters.

They open the season Aug. 22 against Westwood in the "Battle on the Bluff".

2015 Schedule Aug. 22 Westwood Aug. 28 @ Gilbert Sept. 4 Columbia High Sept. 11 Fort Mill Sept. 18 Crescent Sept. 25 @ Cheraw Oct. 9 South Aiken Oct. 16 @ Lexington Oct. 23 @ North Augusta Oct. 30 White Knoll Nov. 6 Irmo Coach David Bennett

River Bluff defenders make the stop against Chapin Friday night at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 17

2015 Gators

photo by Mark bellune | chronicle

River Bluff's Brandon Tillmon is brought down by Chapin defenders after a long gain at the Aun & McKay Classic Friday night at Chapin High School

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1 Collin Salters 2 Davon Johnson 3 Brandon Tillmon 4 Armonti Hook 5 Chadd Roof 6 Noah Freshley 7 Stephen Kight 8 Jalen Weston 9 Markquis Riley 10 Dawson Henis 11 Christopher Wililams 12 Grant Connell 13 Justin Salters 14 Jake Scott 15 Tykese Boages 16 McLean Robertson 17 Cacin Harnett 18 CJ Lafayette 19 Josh Senter 20 Ti'Juan Glenn 21 Brantley Campbell 22 Jeremia Rozmus 24 DJ Ledell 28 Austin Pollard 33 Raahzheik Mays 38 Kyle Taylor 39 Raj Thiara

42 Brandon Mack 43 Cary Dill 44 Vincent Smith 45 Jarod Farchione 46 Jacob Leonhardt 48 Parker Baskin 50 Damian Gortman 51 Tommy Jordan 52 Jared Lough 54 Tyler Lykes 55 Chancelor Cotten 58 Jason Bowers 62 Devin Cook 63 Connor Lynch 64 Andrew Molair 67 Bryan Vereen 70 James Boazman 72 Jacob Bedenbaugh 76 Fabian Leon 79 Jacob Cordero 80 Chase Murray 83 Edge Murton 85 Jared DePiro 86 Trent Brittingham 87 Adam Wallace 99 Tawuan Scales Head Coach David Bennett

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18 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Swansea Tigers seek to keep momentum rolling in 2015

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

It appears Swansea High School has a “Ray” of a “Chance” to have a successful football season.

Both defensive lineman Mason Ray and running back now quarterback Chance Walker have ranked highly in lists of top seniors by the likes of SCVarsity.com's Jim Baxter.

Each helped the Tigers rebound from a 0-4 start to win seven straight games enroute to claiming the Region 4-3A title.

“Chance has done a great job for us,” head coach Chad Leaphart said.

“He's scored 20-plus touchdowns the past two seasons as a sophomore

and junior. So explosive, probably the fastest player I've ever coached. Pure speed. Last year, we used him at running back, wide receiver, kind of all over the place. But this year, he's our quarterback.”

“Mason Ray is just a big guy (6-3, 235 lbs.) at defensive end that can wreak some havoc inside there on people. He had a good year, especially the second half of the year in region play which was when the light really came on for him. So we're looking for big things from him.”

The Tigers will look to rally around Ray and Walker as it seeks to avoid last year's slow start. The non-region schedule is challenging with two re-

2015 Schedule Aug. 28 A.C. Flora Sept. 4 at Chapin Sept. 11 Ninety-Six Sept. 18 White Knoll Sept. 25 at Silver Bluff Oct. 2 at Airport Oct. 9 Midland Valley Oct. 16 at Aiken Oct. 23 Brookland-Cayce Oct. 30 at Gilbert

gion champions in A.C. Flora and White Knoll as well as in-county rival Chapin.

Swansea also seeks to rebuild its linebacking corps with the departures of college-bound Johnathon Sutton, Craig Johnson and Chris Brunswick.

Having Ray on the defen-

sive line with another college prospect in nose guard Jordan Smith (6-5, 265) should provide stability upfront as the Tigers look to develop depth in the secondary as well.

Matt Dawkins and Marion Houser lead the linebacking corps and Tomas Walker will be looked upon for leadership.

Ray also hopes to use the training he received at the Nathan M. Wolfe Cadet Academy in Columbia to keep his teammates “on the right track”.

Offensively, the Tigers return Quaevon Cannon who pared with Walker out of the backfield along with an experienced line with Jarrett Sandy and Tyler May will enable the

team to maintain its spread offense. Walker is used the 7-on-7 passing camps with White Knoll to develop chemistry with his wide receivers.

“It's a big transition because usually, I'm the one that's taking the ball out of the quarterback's hand or catching the ball in space,” Walker said. “Now, I'm giving the ball to everyone else. It's kind of shaky at first, but I'm getting down to it.”

Despite going undefeated in region play last season, Leaphart sees a challenge repeating the feat in 2015.

“Our region keeps getting better,” Leaphart said. “(Brookland-Cayce) especially, they're a lot like the

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Swansea's Chance Walker makes a diving grab during the 2014 playoffs.

teams we see in those later round in the playoffs with their size and physicality and speed. And Airport has got as talented skilled people as there is.”

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 19

2014 Tigers 10 Dayyan Felder 11 Daniel Brown 12 Marce Smith 13 Ron Bell 14 Effix Miller 15 Chance Walker 20 Fouche Dawkins 21 Zerell Shivers 22 Brandon Dixon 23 Marion Houser 24 Calvin Favor 25 Tomas Walker 30 Devyn Wannamaker 31 Myles Smith 33 Quaevon Cannon 34 Dante Summers 35 Daquan Briggman 40 Yenum Pena 43 Brandon Sox 44 Will Florence 45 Grant Sebok 46 Tylan Leysath SO 51 Ed Scott

Swansea's Chance Walker runs the ball during the playoffs last year. The running back is turning quarterback this year for the Tigers.

52 Matthew Dawkins 53 Jordan Smith 54 Jacob Riley 60 Mason Ray 61 Zach Martin 62 Kris Gleaton 63 J.C. Redmond 64 Damon Leaphart 65 Adam Dykes 70 Jarrett Sandy 71 Marquis Sease 73 Kymani Alston 74 Joseph Beane 75 Tyler May 80 Justin Thompson 81 Austin Caudill 82 Micheal Rish 84 Nick Godwin 85 Tyler Hoffman

photos by mark bellune | chronicle

Head Coach: Chad Leaphart

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20 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

White Knoll's Maurice Jones breaks for yardage Saturday against Blythewood at the Battle of the County Line Jamboree at Irmo High School.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

White Knoll strategy: Outlast your opponents

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Finish strong.

It's more than a slogan at White Knoll High School.

For the football team, it's the way practice, regular season and playoff games are approached.

"Every drill we do, we talk about finishing up," Wolves head coach Dean Howell said. "Last year, we won a lot of ballgames in the fourth quarter and that's who we are. It's our mindset.

"We want to run the football. We want to stop the run. We want to shorten the game up and get it into the fourth quarter

with a chance to win.

"Hopefully, we're in better shape than the other team and we win it there."

White Knoll won five games during an eightgame winning streak last season by less than a touchdown. It clinched the Region 5-4A title, despite ending the season with consecutive losses to archrival Lexington.

Howell is more focused on this and keeping his team focused on every play during practice and the regular season. This season, the Wolves will have to replace a major cog in their offense in running back E'mond Brown.

Brown accounted for 1,624 yards on 224 carries

and eight touchdowns last season. While Howell acknowldged no one can directly replace Brown, he does have "a handful of" candidates capable to making similar contributions.

Leading the way is rising junior Maurice Jones, a backup tailback last season with 23 touchdowns in junior varsity. Howell described him as smaller than Brown, but "lightning quick" and "tough to tackle".

The quarterback position is also competitive with five prospects, led by rising senior Calev Grubbs.

He threw for 972 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 729 yards and

2015 Schedule Aug. 20 - Fort Mill Aug. 28 - Wando Sept. 11 - Clover Sept. 11 - at Swansea Sept. 18 - at Lugoff-Elgin Sept. 25 - at Lugoff-Elgin Oct. 2 - at Spring Valley Oct. 9 - Irmo Oct. 16 - North Augusta Oct. 23 - at South Aiken Oct. 30 - at River Bluff Nov. 6 - Lexington

13 TDs and is expected to share time with returning senior Parker McInnis.

The Wolves also return fullback Gary Shell, who provided an offensive punch last season with eight touchdowns.

Howell is especially op-

timistic about his defense, particularly upfront. Twosport athlete defensive lineman Tyquilo Moore, linebackers Joe Beckett and Michael Johnson (51 tackles each last season), safety Jimmy Rankin (32 tackles, five pass breakups last season) and cornerback DeAngelo Jacobs have received college interest.

"We've got probably the biggest, most athletic-looking group that I can remember," Howell said.

"We've got some big, strong, fast lineman and some big, fast, strong linebackers and some really good athletes in our secondary. We've got all the pieces. We've just got to

hope that they stay healthy and everybody plays and does their job."

White Knoll opens the season with three straight non-region home games, starting Aug. 20 against Fort Mill. The first region game is Oct. 9 against Irmo.

"Our mindset has got to be that we expect, every single time we come out, we expect to win," Howell said. "So, we expect to win the region or else we wouldn't put in all the hard work we put in. We would be okay with losing and that kind of stuff. But we expect to win the region."

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 21

2015 Timberwolves 1 L.J. Gray 2 Gary Shell 3 Corey Meggett 4 Daniel Fulmer 5 Nigel Harris 6 Luke Riggs 8 Joe Beckett 9 Michael Johnson 10 Jacob Jeffcoat 11 Parker McGinness 13 Braydon Clariday 14 Calev Grubbs 15 Brandon New 17 Toby Isaac 18 Jayllen Crosby 19 Darius Clark 20 Maurice Jones 21 Blake Mills 22 DeAngelo Jacobs 24 Jimmy Rankin 25 Nate Allen 26 Robert Gunn

27 Isaiah Allen 28 Dalton Deans 31 Albert Hope 32 Chris Reagan 33 Jacob Chavis 35 Brandon Serio 36 Andrew Millhouse 37 Brian McDonald 41 Sam Hayes 43 Thomas Rikard 44 Blake Johnson 45 John Palmer 50 Dyland Shermback 52 Chance Laffin 54 Jackson Wilkinson 55 Andrew Jeffers 60 James Henderson 62 Danny McClne 63 Jake Grigsby 64 Chandler Thompson 67 Andrew Snelgrove 68 Chandler Brown

70 Jackson Morgan 73 Adrian Dunbar 75 Daniel Quigley 76 Ricky Holmes 77 Shaheem Haltiwanger 79 Tyquillo Moore 80 Jason Arnette 83 Josue Hernandez 84 Thomas Scott 85 Bruce Wilkinson Head Coach: Dean Howell

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

White Knoll's Calev Grubbs scrambles from pressure during the Timberwolves matchup with Blythewood Saturday at the Battle of the County Line at Irmo High.

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22 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Batesburg-Leesville's Mike Smith throws a bomb for a touchdown against Blythewood Friday evening at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

Here’s wishing success to our high school teams this season Your state Republican Rep. Todd Atwater in House District 87

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

Dutch Fork's Cole Douglas is surrounded by Richland Northeast players on a quarterback keeper during the Battle of the County Line at Irmo High School Saturday evening.

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Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 23

Brookland-Cayce's A. J. Brown gets set to give a stiff arm while gaining yards against Lexington Friday night at the Aun & McKay Classic at Chapin High School.

PHOTO BY JERRY BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Are you ready for some football?

Local fans get preseason treat

BY JERRY BELLUNE JerryBellune@yahoo.com

It was a hot, busy weekend of high school football.

Eleven Chronicle Country high school teams played two quarters each Friday and Saturday at

three local football jamborees.

The events gave fans a pre-season look at their teams in action, gave players a chance to work out the jitters and the coaches a chance to decide who will make their teams.

• At Chapin High, the Aun and McKay Kickoff Classic Friday pitted eight teams, six of them from Chronicle Country.

The Batesburg-Leesville Panthers played Blythewood for two quarters, followed by the Brookland-Cayce Bearcats against the Lexington Wildcats, the Airport Eagles against Mid-Carolina and Chapin’s Eagles against the River Bluff Gators.

• At Swansea High, the Pelion Panthers faced the Swansea Tigers and North played Dreher.

• At Irmo High Saturday, the second Battle of the County Line Football Jamboree pitted five teams each from Lexington and Richland counties.

The White Knoll Timberwolves played Blythewood for two quarters, the River Bluff Gators played Spring Valley, the Chapin Eagles played Ridge View, the Dutch Fork Silver Foxes played Richland Northeast

and the Irmo Yellow Jackets played Westwood.

Chapin head coach Justin Gentry said the Kickoff Classic has been in the planning stage since last year.

“This is the first time Chapin’s ever hosted a jamboree,” he said. “For us to pull one off of this magnitude says a lot.”

The proceeds from the event was split between

the schools for equipment.

“There’s so many equipment needs by all these programs,” said McKay Classic sponsor Andy Aun, a local attorney and former Lexington High Wildcat player.

“We thought, if we could take care of the cost of the event, it enhances the amount of money that they’re able to realize for the needs of the kids.”

24 | Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch-News

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