2016 Football Preview

2016

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

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

A comprehensive look at 15 Chronicle Country schools as they prepare for the 2016 football season CHAPIN’S REGISTER(ed) WEAPON: Will Register fights off 2 Spring Valley tacklers Friday in Irmo. He is one of the top prospects in the state. Story, Page 6.

2 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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

Airport High School defensive back Keyshawn Muller attempts to bring down Lexington High School wide receiver Dai’Quan Wells following a reception in the

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two teams’ contest at the Aun and McKay Kickoff Classic. Both teams are coming off double-digit victory seasons, with the Wildcats setting a school

Photo by Thomas Grant Jr. | Chronicle

record for victories (13) and consecutive wins (13).

Airport went 10-2 last season and is moving up to Class 4A this season.

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Go, Teams!

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 3

Airport moves to 4A territory 2016 Eagles 1 Brett Burnett 2 Kerryon Richardson 3 Justin Allen 4 Zach Moseley 5 Jaylon Lloyd 6 Devin Miller 7 Dewayne Lewis 8 London Tillman 9 Zach Roberts 10 Brandon Caughman 11 C.J. Wright 12 Anthony Calhoun 13 Paxton Brooks 14 Will Lorick 15 Joe Norris 19 Calvin Ford 20 Jalen Parker 21 Jamir Robinson 22 Dylan Brazell 23 TaJahn Phelps 26 Addan Poston 28 Keyshawn Muller 30 Jayon Walker 33 Chris Staley 41 Lamar Rivers 50 Nick Beach 51 Devahn Robinson 52 Tre Robinson 54 Justin Rivers 55 Tyler Ashford 58 Malike Morris 61 Jim Germany 63 Sean Cooper 64 Sean Miller 65 Collyn Richardson 70 J.C. Redmond 71 Robert Lindler 72 Wesley Gilliard 73 Desmond Brown 74 Colby Key 75 Calvin Gillians 76 Malik Minor 77 Hassan Ferguson 85 Jaylon Geiger

BY TERRY WARD

Lexchront@yahoo.com

There’s a lot new with Airport High School football in 2016.

The Eagles move up to Class 4A this season after a 5A classification was added statewide.

Airport’s new conference is comprised of Aiken, South Aiken, Midland Valley and North Augusta.

Some of the schools are new, but others- like Midland Valley and Aikenwere in Region V, 3A with Airport last year. Airport also moves from the Lower State to the Upper State.

The Eagles lost only one game in the regular

season in 201- and finished with a playoff loss to powerful Hartsville, to compile a 10-2 record.

Other teams on Airport’ out-of-conference schedule include Gilbert, Lower Richland, Orangeburg-Wilkinson and of course cross-town rival Brookland-Cayce.

Airport Head Coach and Athletic Director Kirk Burnett said the Eagles have used the summer to get ready.

“The guys spent a lot of time together during the summer,” Burnett said.

He said the time to bond will help them play together.

On offense, Airport has some returnees, including speedy senior Kerryon Richardson who has offers from several colleges to play football after high school.

Brett Burnett, Burnett’s son, will play quarterback in 2016. He missed most of 2015 with an ACL injury last year. Burnett is a capable field general and the Eagles are glad to have him back.

CJ Wright will play wide receiver. Anthony Calhoun is another receiver Burnett has mentioned as a contributor to the Eagle’s offense.

The Eagles are solid at

2016 Schedule AUG. 26 - Brookland-Cayce SEPT. 2 - Lower Richland SEPT. 9 - at Gilbert SEPT. 16 - at Orangeburg-Wilkinson SEPT. 23 - at Richland Northeast SEPT. 30 - at Midland Valley OCT. 7 - North Augusta OCT. 14 - Aiken OCT. 21 - at South Aiken OCT. 28 - Chapin

kicker with Paxton Brooks filling that role.

On defense, Airport lost a lot of players from 2015. And some will play defense and offense.

One other thing that will be a change is Brookland-Cayce on Airport’s schedule.

Airport and B-C play, but only once it 2016, and it will not be a conference game.

But even being out of conference, expect it to be intense at Bob Mooneyhan Field for the season opener Aug. 26.

Head Coach: Kirk Burnette

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

Airport’s Dylan Brazell stiff arms the Lexington defender enroute to a first-down run in

the first quarter of the two teams’ matchup at the Aun and McKay Kickoff Classic at

Cecil Woolbright Stadium on the campus of Chapin High School.

4 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

2016 Panthers 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 32 33 34 40 42 43 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 70 71 77 84

Montez Merritt Bishop Cannon Tristan Wheeler Jalik Oakman Tyreek Tolen Tresean Tolen Kendall Powell Devaros Pugh Mikal Hartley Quaja Wigfall Anthony Williams Dawson Muilenburg Diajohn Coleman-Scott Zafir Brown Patrick Burgess Jaquez Mckiever Jaylen Derrick Ke’Shoun Williams Hunter Bedenbaugh Zhadrian Burgess Tyhem Shepherd Tayvon Wilson Cameron Peterson Kaleel Turner Tobias Bulter Jacob Scruggs Ross Starnes Josh Scruggs Daquarious Jennings Keltron Nelson Braxton Craps Wells Hallman James Murrey Justin Hess JT Wells Cooper Gettys

Coach: Perry Woolbright

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

B-L’s competition gets no easier

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – Ridge Spring-Monetta AUG. 26 – Gilbert SEPT. 2 – at Newberry SEPT. 9 – at Mid-Carolina SEPT. 16 – Saluda SEPT. 23 – IDLE SEPT. 30 – at Allendale-Fairfax OCT. 7 – at Barnwell OCT. 14 – at Bamberg-Ehrhardt OCT. 21 – Silver Bluff OCT. 28 – Calhoun County

Tradition at Batesburg-Leesville demands competing for region and state titles regardless of the circumstances.

This season, the Panthers face the prospect of moving into a new region. BL moves over to Region 5-2A with last year’s Class A Division I runner-up Bamberg-Ehrhardt, Class 2A Division II runner-up Silver Bluff, Calhoun County, Allendale-Fairfax and Barnwell.

“With our new region, we will be leaving what was last year the toughest region in the state and now with realignment we will be going into the new toughest region in the state,” head coach Perry Woolbright said. “Two of the team lost in the semis (Calhoun County and Bamberg-Ehrhardt) last year and two in the state championship game (AllendaleFairfax and Silver Bluff).”

An even bigger challenge is replacing its all-time leader in touchdowns in Terrance Wilson.

“A player like Terrence is hard to replace,” Woolbright said. “There has been several guys that have been stepping up

to pick up Terrence’s lost production with running backs Tyreek Tolen and Daijohn Coleman Scott, quarterback Bishop Cannon and several wide receivers.

On defense, linebacker Mikal Harley and defensive back Davrous Pugh will help out on both sides of the football.

Jaylen Derrick and Coleman-Scott will lead the secondary.

“We as coaches push ourselves and the players push themselves to be the best they can every day so that we can honor the great teams that have become before us,” Woolbright said.

“We try to work everyday with a championship mentality and that is our ultimate goal every year to end the season with a state championship.”

photo by mark bellune | chronicle

Batesburg-Leesville’s Quaja Wigfall (11) catches a touchdown pass against Pelion Friday evening at the Lexington County Sportsarama at White Knoll High.

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 5

Competition evens up for B-C 2016 Bearcats 1 Marquis McCoy 2 Reed Charpia 3 Joe Pradubsri 4 Mike Williams 5 Sammy Lykes 6 Raycron Williams 7 Dominick Perry 8 Raahzheik Mays 9 Wilbur Taylor 10 Wilson Ward 11 Cam Brown 12 Jonathan Edwards 13 Will King 14 Malachi Brown 15 Noah Scott 16 Garrett Drew 18 Deandre Stevenson 20 Rasheed Taylor 21 Donte Brown 25 Chandler Sox 30 Semaj Gowins 31 Tristen Watts 32 K.J. Adams 33 Paul Edwards 35 Jalen Collins 40 Jorge Sanquintin 41 Quinten Hook 44 Tay Pringle 51 Rob Boyd 52 Phillip Anderson 55 Travis Loadholt 57 Matthew Phillips 58 Corbin Small 60 Owen Ard 62 Cody Frye 65 J.J. O’Dell 66 Kiziah Lee 70 Jarren Brown 71 Jerrell Moore 72 Tradd Castles 73 Raquim Comager 75 Tyrick McCoy 83 Ali Shaheed

BY TERRY WARD

Lexchront@yahoo.com

“Change” is the operative word for Brookland-Cayce High School football in 2016.

The biggest change is the Bearcats’ conference schedule.

Airport, Aiken and Midland Valley are no longer in 3A Region V. Brookland-Cayce will be in the same conference with Edisto, Gilbert, Pelion, Strom Thurmond and Swansea.

“We’ve always been one of the smaller 3A schools,” said BC Head Football Coach Rusty Charpia. But with a classification added to the S.C. High School League, B-C will be closer to equal in enrollment with its con-

ference foes.

While looking ahead, BC can also look back with pride. The team is coming off of its first playoff win in 2015 in more than a decade.

In 2016, Charpia will have some stalwarts on what should be a stout defense.

Tay Pringle, who gets rave revues, will anchor the defensive line.

Quinten Hook, Travis Loadholt, Corbin Small and Joe Prudubsri are other solid players to be counted on.

Phillip Anderson and Jerrell Moore will man the offensive line.

Reed Charpia, the head coach’s son, will be the starting quarterback. Rusty Charpia also

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – Lake Marion

said he has a staAUG. 26 – at Airport ble of capable SEPT. 2 – at Lexington SEPT. 9 – IDLE skill players, inSEPT. 16 – at Chapin cluding running SEPT. 23 – Gray Academy back Cam Brown.

SEPT. 30 – Pelion B-C has three OCT. 7 – Gilbert kickers, and OCT. 14 – at Edisto Charpia expects OCT. 21 – at Swansea improvement in OCT. 28 – Strom Thurmond that area of the team, too.

Charpia said and athletic director. that depth with be an issue and The Bearcats will also be some players will be needed to working in some transfers, play on both sides of the ball at Charpia said. times.

While the conference schedule The coach said he is comfortis less brutal in 2016, the able with a lot of his players beBearcats’ out-of-conference oppocause they have been in the sysnents include the formidable tem for five years. That’s as long challenges of Lexington, Airport as he has been BC head coach and Chapin.

Head Coach: Rusty Charpia

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

Brookland-Cayce running back Raycron Williams heads towards the endzone for a touchdown in the Bearcats’ scrimmage against Blythewood at the Aun and McKay Kickoff Classic.

6 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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

Chapin seeking to build on 2016

By THOMAS GRANT JR. Chroniclesports@yahoo.com

It was truly the “Year of the Eagle” at Chapin High School.

Kickstarting what was a year of winning region and state championships was the football team.

The Eagles were led by Lexington Chronicle Male Co-Athlete and Football Player of the Year and Mr. S.C. Football Finalist quarterback Logan Bailey.

Chapin won its first nine games enroute to winning the Region 4-3A title, reached the third round of the Class 3A playoffs and finished 11-2.

In the spring, Chapin head coach Justin Gentry already had Bailey’s successor in 6-5, 211-pound left-handed rising junior Trad Beatty.

“Trad has been a program guy

for the last four years and knows our offense like the back of his hand,” Gentry said. “He is poised to have a great year leading our offense.”

A shoulder injury sufferred during the post-season had Beatty shelved through the first two weeks of the regular season.

Cooper Bemis moves into the starting role after a strong showing on the junior varsity level.

The wide receiving corps loses Evan Estridge and Joe Flowers.

Also gone are linebackers Garrett Rheinhart and Cory Bianco and defensive back Caleb White.

Chapin returns wide receivers Kale Rhame and one of the state’s most recruited tight ends in Will Register. The University of South Caroli­na commit had 40 catches for 644 yards and six touch­downs last season.

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – River Bluff

“Any time Will AUG. 26 – at Mid-Carolina is on the field, SEPT. 2 – at Irmo teams are going SEPT. 9 – Newberry SEPT. 16 – Brookland-Cayce to have to double SEPT. 23 – IDLE him,” Gentry SEPT. 30 – at Dreher said. “That will OCT. 7 – at A.C. Flora allow for some of OCT. 14 – Lower Richland our other receivOCT. 21 – Orangeburg-Wilkinson ers to make some OCT. 28 – at Airport plays.”

Mark Shealy leads a backfield and Will Kroske return at the corner positions. with Case Barber and Kareem They are joined by Lane Hein Bowers. and Taylor Lehman.

Defensively, Trey Greene is the Chapin moves up to Region lone returner on the defensive 5-4A to compete with archrivals front.

Dreher and A.C. Flora, Lower He will be joined this year by Richland and Orangeburg-WilkinBryce Harrington, Chase Carter, son. and Nick Edenfield.

“It will be similar to years past The linebacker spot has newwith it being a battle for the top comer Mac Eason, Tyler Zobel spot,” Gentry said. and Nick Purdham.

In the secondary, Nick Price

photo by thomas grant Jr. | chronicle

Chapin wide receiver Xzavion Gordon makes the catch as White Knoll defensive back L.J. Gray attempts to snatch the ball out of his hands.

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2016 Eagles 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 38 40 41 42 44 45 50 51 52 54 55 56 59 60 61 62 63 65 68 71 72 74 76 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 92 95

Jake Watson Lane Hein Mark Shealy Cole Owens Will Kroske Case Barber Xzavion Gordon Cooper Bemis Chase Starnes Trad Beatty Taylor Lehmann Nick Price Kale Rhame Colin Kitchens Carver Koon Chandler Johnson Cam Liles Robert Bickley Kareem Bowers Lawson Bemis Cole Finn Josh Loy Tyler Zobel Jacob Wright Bryce Harrington James Wells Jake Strange Jared Kerner Chas Slice Jacob Drag Cole Burns Garrett Dean Ryan Willingham Harrison Bedenbaugh Nick Purdham Ian Elkins Andrew Resendez Taylor Hane Mac Eason Matt Johnson Trey Greene Charlie Larosa Kevin Nickens Adam Dykes Chase Carter Ryan Trinter Nick Edenfield Hank Manos Jake Earley Will Webster Tristan Koen Jason Graves Jared Bell Blake Swick Hunter Lacey Ronnie Powers Will Register Sailor Chason Scott Samson

Head Coach: Justin Gentry Photo by thomas grant Jr.. | chronicle

Trad Beatty, who was pegged as the new starting quarterback at Chapin, will miss the first two weeks with a shoulder injury.

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

Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 7

Dutch Fork faces challenging schedule

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com Under coach Tom Knotts, Dutch Fork has established itself as a model of consistency.

The Silver Foxes have posted a 66-20 record in five seasons under Knotts.

During that span, they have won five region titles, reached the state title game three times and won it all in 2013.

Last season was a rare anomaly for Dutch Fork.

While it won another region title, the Silver Foxes failed to win 10 or more games and fell in the third round of the playoffs.

Entering preseason camp this year, the motivation to return to the top is coupled by the challenge of competing in a more competitive region.

“The goal is always a state championship,” Knotts said. “You want the kids to have fun and learn, but the ultimate goal is to win astate championship and we think we’ve got a group to compete.”

In moving Dutch Fork into Region 5-5A, the S.C. High School League reunited it with Chronicle Country rivals Lexington, River Bluff, White Knoll and Irmo.

Add Spring Valley and Blythewood and the picture is more than obvious for the Silver Foxes.

“I’ve been telling the players we’ve got to practice with more sense of urgency,” Knotts said.

“First of all, this is the way it should be. All the bigger Columbia area schools together. It’s just natural rivalries. We’ve got a rivalry with Lexington.

We’ve got a rivalry with Irmo. We’ve developed a rivalry with Blythewood.

That’s just the way it should be.

“I’m trying to impress on

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – Independence (N.C.) AUG. 26 – IDLE SEPT. 2 – at Fort Dorchester SEPT. 9 – at Summerville SEPT. 16 – at Dutch Fork SEPT. 23 – Westwood SEPT. 30 – Blythewood OCT. 7 – at Lexington OCT. 14 – White Knoll OCT. 21 – at Spring Valley OCT. 28 – Irmo

2016 Silver Foxes

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOFLASHWIN.COM

Dutch Fork wide receiver Austin Connor makes the catch over York defensive back Jae’vion Matthews during a scrimmage at Dutch Fork High School. the kids that there’s no pushovers in our league anymore. There used to be a couple of little pushovers, but now they’re not here anymore. So every game should be competitive. So competition, hopefully, will breed success and improved play.”

Last year’s starting quarterback Cole Douglas threw for 2,050 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 1,101 yards and 16 scores.

The heir apparent, Reese Nichols, was injured late last season, and he’s getting pushed by ninth grader Graeson Underwood.

Whomever gets the nod will have a plethora of talented wide receivers, led

by Austin Connor.

If Ward Acklin turns his full attention to baseball, Cannon will move to wide receiver, according to

Knotts.

Dutch Fork will have a new defensive scheme with the departure of defensive coordinator Corey Wright.

Knotts has hired Nick Pelham from Westwood High who will utilize a 3-4 front.

“Coach Pelham and my philosophies differ a little but at my age I’ve decided to go with the young guy who wants to run a 3-4,” he said. “So we’re going to run 3-4 as long as it’s successful. It’s a defense that’s given me some problems in the past, particularly in the pass rush.

“I think we’re probably more suited right now for a 3-4 than my typical 4-2-5 or 4-3. We’ve got excellent linebackers in Taylor Wiggins and Josiah Commander and Blake Branham.

They’re just excellent linebackers.

“Alex Smith will be a

D-1 recruit. He’s a junior safety, outside linebacker and possibly may play running back.”

The return of Malik Sumter full-time will further shore up an experienced secondary. Brian Wilson, Braxton Carr, Bobby Irby and Smith.

While the defensive line is young and lacks depth, Knotts is confident the work the newcomers put in in the weight room will help them.

Dutch Fork will get tested early with two games against traditional North and South Carolina powers.

The Silver Foxes invited Knotts’ former team, Independence (N.C.) to Irmo to open the season, followed by a trip to last year’s Class 4A Division I champion and preseason number-one Fort Dorchester.

1 Ford Williams 2 Reese Nichols 3 Chris Colburn 4 Gage Zirke 5 Bobby Irby 6 Austin Connor 8 Trenton Howe 9 Brian Wilson 10 Andrew Jamison 11 Taj Thomas 12 Graeson Underwood 14 Christian Johnson 15 Elijah Ngugi 16 JaKobe Borner 17 Alex Smith 18 Jesse Ragin 19 Michael James 20 Taison Thomas 22 Josue Paredes 23 Cobe Odom 24 Matt Jurgensen 25 Dallas Wise 26 Cameron Goines 27 Craig Pitts 28 Braxton Carr 29 Jack Werts 30 Blake Branham 31 George Wooten 33 Dylan Oliver 34 Josiah Commander 35 George Cook 36 Evan Barney 37 Kyle Ecton 39 Xavier Sutton 40 Jaimerius Williams 41 Michael McNeal 42 Ron Hoff 43 Hugh Ryan 44 Mikhyah Grant 45 Taylor Wiggins 46 Ryan Harris 47 Brandon Shealy 49 Brandon Wilson 50 Samuel Kibbe 51 Landon Howe

52 Jeffrey Taylor-Wallace 53 Dexter Martinez 54 Kendrick Allen 55 Jalen McDuffie 56 Jalen Jimerson 57 Christopher Bowens 58 Jonathon Holton 59 Jackson Crimminger 60 Christian Johnson 61 Chris Burton 63 Jahuvn Benson 64 William Huneycutt 65 Carson DaWalt 67 Dawon Monter 68 Chance Seibles 70 Ronnie Stevens 71 Bailey Malovic 73 Melvin Stewart 74 Isaiah Wright 75 Jacob Hionis 76 Charles Hoover 77 Blake Harris 78 Jacob Phillips 79 Malik Sumter 80 Harrison Ginn 81 Jordan Springs 82 Kobe Robinson 83 Michael Jamison 84 Johnathyn Johnson 85 Bryson Cannon 86 William Reid 87 Colin Donelson 88 Perrin Berry 89 Jack Mensch 90 Cameron Johnson 91 Isaiah Hair 92 Elijah Fulmore 93 Brandon Raysor 94 Jonathan Williams 95 Johnathan Springfield 96 Jamar Walker 97 Donte Johnson 98 Shane Savage 99 Kameren Stewart

8 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

2016 Indians 1 Brett Duncan 2 Dawson Burkett 3 Trip Bumgarner 4 Dylan McNatt 5 Jacob Rye 6 Jackson Digieso 7 Tyler Thomas 8 Ray Baston 9 Jy Tolen 10 Cody Temples 11 Gage Sease 12 Josh Strickland 14 Logan McNatt 15 Nick Best 20 Henry Gunter 21 Dillon Cornwell 22 John Fanning 25 Riser Gramling 30 Patrick Marvin 32 Darrius Bell 35 Catriez Cook 38 Marshall Hallman 40 Eric Heydenreich 41 Austin Alverson 42 Matt Hall 43 Thomas Spencer 45 Cameron Hallman 48 Paul Myrick 51 Ty Gray 52 Jaquarius Johnson 53 Xavior Bridgeford 54 Noah Garris 55 Tristan Brown 56 Erikson Abney 58 Dylan Frost 66 Jamie Anderson 72 Dawson Rucker 73 Aaron Fink 74 Jacob Burgess 75 Elijsha Hall 79 Josh Smith 80 Britt Jennings 82 Manny Bright 83 Parker Smith 85 Andrew Crowley 88 Peyton Loper 89 Rab Reeder Coach: Chad Leaphart

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

Leaphart turns page at Gilbert

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Chad Leaphart has extra incentive to see his new team at Gilbert High School succeed. .

A 1992 graduate, he played for Indian teams that competed for three consecutive Lower State titles.

Since 2008, Gilbert has managed just one season with a record over .500.

Leaphart hopes to revive the program the way he did in leading Swansea to

two region titles.

“I’ve got a lot of pride in this place and I just want to see it do well,” he said.

Leaphart has used spring practice to focus on building a foundation.

This means getting the base elements on both sides of the football and more physical through increased work in the weight room.

Junior running back/ safety Catriez Cook emerged during the

spring as the strongest player on the team. Safety/wide receiver Dylan McNatt, who was among the team’s leading tacklers last season and quarterback Tyler Thomas, who threw for over 1,500 yards last season, make their return.

Gilbert opens the season Aug. 19 against Gray Collegiate Academy. It’s the first of four straight contests against Chronicle Country foes, followed by Batesburg-Leesville, River

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – Gray Collegiate Academy AUG. 26 – at Batesburg-Leesville SEPT. 2 – at River Bluff SEPT. 9 – Airport SEPT. 16 – IDLE SEPT. 23 – Dreher SEPT. 30 – Swansea OCT. 7 – at Brookland-Cayce OCT. 14 – at Strom Thurmond OCT. 21 – Edisto OCT. 28 – at Pelion

Bluff and Airport.

The schedule gets even more daunting in region play with road games at

region newcomer Strom Thurmond and Brookland-Cayce and closing the season at archrival Pelion.

Gilbert’s Catriez Cook runs the ball against Lexington Friday night at the Lexington County Sportsarama at White Knoll High. Gilbert beat Lexington in two quarters of play, 21-14.

Photos by Mark Bellune | Chronicle

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Gilbert’s Trip Bumgarner runs against Lexington Friday night at White Knoll High.

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 9

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

Gray Collegiate Academy quarterback Brice Fields runs the ball against White Knoll at the Lexington County Sportsarama Friday night.

Gray Collegiate enters state title race for this moment.

Having gone through the rigors of a fledging football program, the War EaFor two years, coach Adam Holmes gles are ready to charge full tilt into the has prepared Gray Collegiate Academy S.C. High School League regular season.

2016 War Eagles They will now compete 1 Brice Fields 32 Julian Jackson for a region and state title 2 AJ Pridemore 34 Jarious Jenkins as a full-fledged member of 3 John Sloan 36 Chris Mathews Region 3-AA. 4 Kyser Samuel 45 Tyric Taylor “Our guys have worked 5 Brandon Carroway 50 Brendan Evansreally hard this off-season 6 Chylon Thomas Grayson preparing for Year Three 7 Josh Doctor 51 Cam Cox knowing we’re going to 8 Reece Fields 53 Tanner Mims have an opportunity to 9 Noah Livingston 55 Wyatt Osborn maybe make the playoffs 10 Luke Wilson 56 Seth Kemfort and have an opportunity to 12 Russ Zahler, Jr 58 Nico Altman make a run at a state cham14 Hank Howard 68 Andrew Patel pionship,” said Holmes fol17 Connor Sheridan 70 Boone Tomilson lowing a 4-way, 7-on-7 19 Erik Anderson 75 Dillan Burkett scrimmage with Airport, 20 Spencer Steverson 76 Tyler Lamar 21 Khaleel Paterson 81 Abraham Pinkston Newberry and River Bluff High Schools at ‘The 22 Carlos Aponte 83 Aydan Fields 23 Duncan Rivers 88 Carson Crumpton Swamp”.

Gray Collegiate won five 25 Arthur Albritton games last year and return 30 Amani Williams Coach: Adam Holmes a 30-35 team roster led

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 - at Glibert AUG. 26 - Calhoun County* SEPT. 2 - Dreher* SEPT. 9 - IDLE SEPT. 16 - at Pelion SEPT. 23 - at Brookland Cayce SEPT. 30 - at W.J. Keenan OCT. 7 - at Saluda OCT. 14 - at Fox Creek OCT. 21 - Eau Claire* OCT. 28 - at C.A. Johnson

heavily by upperclassmen.

Holmes credits their leadership, as well “weeding out” players not fully committed for right direction.

Having a 3-year starter at quarterback in senior Bryce Fields enhances Holmes’ optimism. “(Fields) does a great job of understanding our offense,” he said. ”He can make all the throws, all the vertical throws.

He’s coming off a good year last year with over 25 touchdowns and 2,300 (passing) yards. We’re going to ask him to step that up this year.”

Fields will have a bevy of weapons at his disposal with Brandon Carroway, Aiden Fields, Cylon Thomas and Kyser Samuel. All four will also handle kick-returning duties.

Gray returns four offensive linemen led by senior center Tanner Mims.

On defense, the War Eagles return leading tacklers in linebackers junior John Sloan and senior Chris Matthews

and defensive linemen Dillon Birkette and Wyatt Osborne.

Eric Anderson will handle the kicking duties.

Gray opens play in Week Zero at Gilbert and will have its region opener in Week Six at W.J. Keenan. The lone home region contest is against Eau Claire.

“We want to win a region championship,” Holmes said. “We want to make sure we make the playoffs. We want to be in the post-season this year.”

10 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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

Irmo looks to continue turnaround in Class 5A

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Reggie Kennedy’s reputation for quick turnarounds was enhanced last season at Irmo High School.

In just his second year, he led the Yellow Jackets to a secondplace finish in Region 5-4A and a first-round home playoff game.

Entering Year Three under Kennedy, Irmo looks to take another positive step.

Moving up to Class 5A, the newly-realigned Region 4A adds rival Dutch Fork and former nonregion foes Spring Valley and Blythewood to an already competitive group.

It’s a challenge the Yellow Jackets appear more than ready to undertake. So much so they have adopted a motto for the 2016 season: “48 minutes of pounding!”

“I think we’ve finally got some

guys up2016 Schedule front to where we can comAUG. 19 – at Nation Ford pete on a AUG. 26 – J.L. Mann consistent SEPT. 2 – Chapin basis week SEPT. 9 – at Laurens SEPT. 16 – Blythewood in and week SEPT. 23 – at Lexington out on this SEPT. 30 – White Knoll level,” KenOCT. 7 – at Spring Valley nedy said.

OCT. 14 – IDLE “That’s OCT. 21 – River Bluff something OCT. 28 – at Dutch Fork that we didn’t have since I’ve been here.

Returning are guards Tyrese ‘We’ve got some guys that have Duffie and Tyler McBeth and cencame through our program and ter Nick Comfort. At tackles are kind of grown through our proKendrick Smith, who moves up gram and we just feel good about from junior varsity and Calvin our choices upfront this upcomMcFadden, who returns from a ing year.” broken leg which kept him out of Kennedy estimates his starting action. line averages about 280 pounds.

Another new varsity starter Even more impressive is their off- from the JV is quarterback Mafield bond and camaraderie. son Lassiter. Joining him in the

backfield are Jeff Tharp and Shakeem Bradley, who can make plays both running and catching the football.

Raekwon Heath was the team’s leading receiver and is recovering from off-season knee surgery.

Irmo returns an experienced linebacking corps on defense with last year’s leading tackler Parker Davis, Marcus Johnson and Tim Lamb. Even stronger is the secondary with Zafir Kelly at corner and Asad Gibson at safety Carlton Felder and C.J. Shiver are the returning starters on the defensive line.

Kennedy believes Irmo can make an impact with its special teams by generating points off returns from Bradley and Tharp and James Duley at place-kicker.

“We just want to continue to get better each day,” Kennedy said.

“Our goal is to go into Week 10 and play Dutch Fork for the region championship.”

2016 Yellow Jackets 1 Shakeem Bradley 2 Keylin Roach 3 Jeffery Tharp 4 Marcus Johnson 5 Tyon Billups 6 Zafir Kelly 7 Daquan Pryor 8 Assad Gibson 9 Parker Davis 10 Joel Wright 11 Josiah Wright 12 Antwone Mack 14 Nigel Harris 15 Timothy Land 16 Mason Lasitter 17 Raekwon Heath 18 Trajan Jeffcoat 19 Winston Hill 20 Jason Legette 21 Hassuan Rivers 22 Gabe McCleery 23 Jonathan Henryhand 24 Eric Littles 25 Julius Land 26 Kendrell Flowers 27 Ricky Elan 28 James Dooley 30 Ja’Quez Yon 32 Devontae Richardson 35 Andrae’ Aiken 40 Dalyon Guess 44 Jonah Bebbington 45 Antonio Taylor 49 Taji Jenkins 51 Jack Brooks 52 Becan Floyd 59 Tyrese Duffie 60 Shamar Young 61 Hunter Herring 67 Luke McFadden 68 Tyler McBeth 71 Kendrick Smith 72 Nick Comfort 80 Keon Ruff 83 Nick Moore 84 Qaudry Green 87 Malik Harkness 89 Eric Cipolla 90 Carlton Felder 95 Joshua Cheeseboro 99 C.J. Shiver

Head Coach: Reggie Kennedy

The Irmo Yellow Jackets will look to rely upon an offensive line which averages about

280 pounds, according to head coach Reggie Kennedy (right), to improve on its second-

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

place finish in region play last season.

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

Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 11

Photos by thomas grant Jr. | chronicle

Irmo running back Jason Legette rushes for a touchdown against Ridge View in the Irmo Football Jamboree.

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Irmo punter Gabe McCleery goes for field position.

12 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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

Can Lexington return to title game?

“Build some depth at each position, stay healthy and get better everyday,” the Lexington High head football coach Josh Stepp had three simple goals said. during the spring.

Coming off the winningest season in school 2016 Wildcats history, the Wildcats head 1 Mitchell McGee 50 Matthew Boring into the preseason replac2 Trey Norman 52 Cameron McMahan ing 28 seniors.

3 Parker Vancoutren 55 Andrew Harmon They will play in the 4 Trevor Daniel 56 Travis Walters competitive Region 5-5A 5 Dai’Quan Wells 61 Taylor Holland with familiar rivals like Riv6 Oscar Ferguson 62 Collin Blaschke er Bluff, Irmo, Spring Valley, 7 Chase Crouch 63 Joshua Keasler Dutch Fork and White 8 Chandler Corley 64 Sellers Ocain Knoll.

9 Shane Felder 65 Hampton Eargle 10 Eric Ricker 68 Cameron Williams Among the new starters 12 Jordan Hiller 70 Nathan Long is quarterback Chase 14 Cade Spinks 71 Jacob Weed Crouch. The 6-2 junior re16 Forrest Alvarez 72 Jackson Ward ceived his mentorship 17 Drew Richardson 73 Hunter Blackmon watching Donnie Baker and 19 Will Mosier 75 Fabio Malano Brandon Blake lead Lexing21 John Mills 77 Andrew Lyon ton to a school-record 13 22 David Jacobs 78 Andrew Storey straight wins and 13 overall 24 Othello Sutton 80 Jordan Harris victories and was tested in 25 Cooper Smith 81 Isaac Manning 27 Jaylen McCoy 83 David West 28 Gunnar Kennedy 84 Dawson Smith 36 Donte Davis 87 Alston Stewart 40 Finn Hardin 95 Gage Murphy 41 Logan Cripe 44 Jacob Samples Head Coach: Josh Stepp

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – at West Florence AUG. 25 – at A.C. Flora SEPT. 2 – Brookland-Cayce SEPT. 9 – North Augusta SEPT. 16 – at Spring Valley SEPT. 23 – Irmo SEPT. 30 – at River Bluff OCT. 7 – Dutch Fork OCT. 14 – at Blythewood OCT. 21 – IDLE OCT. 28 – White Knoll

several 7-on-7 passing camps this summer.

“Chase got to sit behind both of those guys last year so he learned a great deal from them,” Stepp said. “He has a great skill set and understands the offense inside and out.”

While losing Tyler Schadewald to graduation, the Wildcats return wide receivers Oscar Ferguson and Dai’Quan Wells.

The duo combined for 71 receptions last year, while Wells had a teamhigh seven interceptions.

Another major void Lexington must fill is at running back. Gone is 2,000-plus yard rusher Slade Carroll.

It appears Stepp will utilize a ‘Running Back by Committee’ approach with Donte Davis, Cooper Smith, Eric Ricker and Dai’Quan Wells getting their share of carrries.

Lexington has the good fortune of re-

turning an experienced offensive line, including senior guard Hunter Blackman.

He missed the final three regular season games and the post-season with a foot injury.

The Wildcats appear equally solid on the defensive line and will look to fill holes at linebacker and the secondary. A major concern is finding a replacement for Palmetto Champions’ Kicker of the Year and Lower State final hero Christian Kingsley.

Catch the latest local news and sports updates at www.LexingtonChronicle.com

Go Teams!

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 13

Photo by Mark Bellune | Chronicle

Lexington head football coach Josh Stepp talks to his players before the start of their scrimmage against Gilbert High last Friday evening at the Lexington County Sportsarama at White Knoll High School.

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 15

Northside Christian making its varsity debut

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

What can ‘Brown’ do for you?

In the case of Jerry Brown, take a high school football program and turn it into a champion.

At three different schools (Berkeley, Spring Valley and Batesburg-Leesville) on five occasions, he has ended a season hoisting a South Carolina High School League title trophy.

Brown now finds himself with a similar challenge. This time, it’s in SCISA as he’s taken over a fledging program at Northside Christian Academy which will compete in 8-man Region I. The team is split between junior and senior newcomers and rising ninth graders who played

on the undefeated middle 2016 Schedule school team.

AUG. 26 – Cathedral Academy* Brown’s goal SEPT. 2 – at Newberry Academy so far through SEPT. 9 – Richard Winn* preseason SEPT. 16 – at Beaufort Academy practice is SEPT. 23 – Wardlaw Academy* getting everySEPT. 30 – at St. John’s Christian Academy one on the OCT. 7 – W.W. King Academy* same page.

OCT. 14 – at Curtis Baptist OCT. 21 – Holly Hill Academy* “All of OCT. 28 – at Laurens Academy them just kind of start *All home games at Seven Oaks Park in from ‘Ground Irmo.

Zone’ so to speak,” he said. “We have to explain field di- Zero’ with everybody anyway. So, agrams, where the numbers are, it’s pretty good to start at ‘Footwhere the hash are, how far is it ball 101’. between the lines. Get them to Among the players Brown beput the pads on right, where the lieves can contribute in Year One deep pads goes, hip pads, girdle are ninth graders middle linepads. You’re kind of at a ‘Ground backer/fullback Noah Powell,

quarterback Ty Walker and center Ben Despres.

Brown is hopeful to have 24 players on the active roster for the Aug. 19 season-opener against Cathedral Academy at Seven Oaks Park in Irmo. When asked about depth concern, Brown reminded that he once coached a Class 4A team that had just 18 players.

They won five of the first seven games.

The current reigning 8-man champion is Andrew Jackson Academy, coached by former Lexington head football coach Allen Sitterle. While Brown understands other SCISA teams have a ‘leg up’ on NCA, he believes the Crusaders can eventually grown into an 11-man program that will compete in Class 2A or 3A.

2016 Crusaders 1 3 4 5 10 20 21 32 33 35 40 51 52 54 60 65 66 70 75 78 80 84

Thornton Dykes Ty Walker David Hilbish Ian Kilmartin Louis Hunter Luke Jeffery Caleb Dumais Noah Powell Davis Motley Nathaniel Smith Caleb Pantoja Brayden Mitchell Christian Hampton Michael Diaz Cory Black Levi Peterson Oliver Neal Benjamin Despres William Koerner Andrew Thompson Andrew Walke Hudson Jones

Head Coach: Jerry Brown

BOTH PHOTOS BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

A Northside Christian Academy assistant coach oversees two players during a sled drill held as part of the Crusaders’ inaugural varsity practice. This is the first year of varsity football for the Northside Christian Academy program with half the team consisting of players who went undefeated in junior varsity SCISA playl.

Northside Christian Academy head coach Jerry Brown gives instructions to the players during a practice drill. During Brown’s coaching career, he has won five state titles at three different schools.

16 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

2016 Panthers 2 Dayrun Keith 3 Richard Kollie 4 Jason Bunch 5 T.J. Jenkins 6 Donnie Driggers 7 Tryston Baker 8 Alex Conner 9 Marcus Dwyer 12 Trayvon Alston 14 J.J. Wade 15 Ben Nicewonger 20 Andrew Boozer 21 Jarett Hill 22 Tyler Looney 23 Jeremiah Green 24 Pryce Whitten 25 George Storm 30 Colby Miles 32 Niko Austin 35 Parker England 44 Chase Learnard 45 Daniel Garcia 50 Jacob Lucas 54 Christian Farmer 56 Tucker Brown 57 Owen Linkhorn 60 Bethany Emmertt 61 Dalton Williams 62 Trevor Dunn 64 Alex Quinonez 66 Parker Sherlock 65 Blake Bagwell 70 David Lima 71 Triston Kelly 72 D.J. Anderson 73 Austin Smith 74 Noah Weakley 75 Jordan Merrill 77 Kaleb Vick 80 Chris Jackson 81 Brice Bergeron 85 Bartow Felts 88 Hunter Toole 90 Stephen Boltin Coach: Dann Holland

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

Pelion coach thinks positively

By THOMAS GRANT JR. Chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” famously opens with this sentence: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

The same could be said for the Last three football seasons for head football coach Dann Holland. He reached the pinnacle of success in his profession with back-to-back state titles at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler in 2013 and 2014.

His first season at Pelion High School was the complete opposite with a career-worst 1-9 mark.

Now in the higher class 3a and new region 5-3A, the Panthers look for a more positive outcome in 2016.

“Last year was a tough year,” Holland said. “It was a year of transition but it’s a new year now. “The kids are bigger, faster

and stronger than they were last year. The strength staff has done a heck of a job this summer. The kids did a good job.

Still, kind of quite not where I want to be as far as attendance goes. We’ve still got a few issues we’re trying to clean up there.

That will take some time.

“So far, our attitude has been fantastic. The kids have been receptive to coaching. We’ve got some new staff members, a new defense this year, a new defensive scheme.

“They’ve taken ownership of that and seem to be having fun with it. So, we’ll looking forward to it.”

The new region puts Pelion in close proximity of Lexington County neighbors BrooklandCayce, Gilbert and Swansea and well as a familiar foe from Holland’s past, Edisto. Strom Thurmond is considered the favorite, but the Panthers are not deterred about facing up to the

AUG. 19 – at Calhoun County

challenge.

AUG. 26 – at Wagener-Salley “It’s a tough SEPT. 2 – Barnwell region, but then SEPT. 9 – IDLE again, it’s a good SEPT. 16 – Gray Collegiate Academy region because SEPT. 23 – Columbia everybody travSEPT. 30 – at Brookland-Cayce els well,” HolOCT. 7 – Edisto land said. “All of OCT. 14 – Swansea the coaches are OCT. 21 – at Strom Thurmond good guys. Their OCT. 28 – Gilbert teams are going to play it clean On defense, the Panthers and we hope to bring back Alex Conner and be able to have good crowds.”

Richard Kollie returns at run- Jarrett Hill at outside linebacker and a group which capitalning back and will see time on ized off their work in the weigh defense as well. room.

After starting at quarterback “We’re hoping it’s going to be last season, Dayrun Keith will a good fit together,” Holland move to wide receiver to capitalize on his playmaking ability. said. “The guys get along well.

They’re pretty tight. We did Sophomore George Storm is the new starting quarterback. some team-building stuff over “He’s had a good summer,” the summer to try to help out he said. “He’s a bigger kid. He’s with that a little bit. It’s just a got a live arm. He’s still learnmatter of getting everybody on ing where to put the ball and the same page and fighting towards the same goal.” where not to put the ball.”

photos by mark bellune | chronicle

Pelion’s J.J. Wade tries to come up with a big catch against B-L last Friday.

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 17

Pelion’s Richard Kollie races down the field against Batesburg-Leesville at the Lexington County Sportsarama Friday night at White Knoll High.

photos by mark bellune | chronicle

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Pelion’s Dayrun Keith carries the ball in traffic Friday against B-L.

18 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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River Bluff to compete one final time for head coach

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahool.com

In four years, River Bluff High has had one head football coach and athletics director.

It will lose both at the end of the football season.

Whenever the Gators take their final snap, David Bennett will become the full-time Director of Athletics in Lexington District 1.

“I think our board just realized with us having 25,000 students, we needed the position,” Bennett said.

His new duties will consist of meeting with coaches and student-athletes at all levels, working with the school district on improving facilities and overseeing athletic budgets.

“I think as you get older and a little wiser, you realize...you’ve got 9-10 championship rings and you want to go into Hall of Fames. I think I realized in praying that this is God’s plan for me. To help as many coaches, as many kids that we can help and to realize it’s not about me. It’s about

my kids. It’s about rela2016 Schedule tionships, I AUG. 19 – at Chapin want to help AUG. 26 – at Lugoff-Elgin as many as I SEPT. 2 – Gilbert possibly can.”

SEPT. 9 – Dreher Bennett has SEPT. 16 – Dutch Fork led the Gators SEPT. 23 – at Blythewood to a 22-11 SEPT. 30 – Lexington overall record OCT. 7 – at White Knoll in three seaOCT. 14 – Spring Valley sons. This inOCT. 21 – at Irmo cludes a firstround victory over top-seed Goose Creek in the Class 4A Divi- by committee” with mostly first sion II playoffs. or second year players.

For River Bluff’s final season, Joining Kight in the backfield the Gators return just nine playare returning running back Ti ers from a 7-4 team which Juan Glenn and backup sophomissed the playoffs. more Antonio Gantt.

Among the top players River The Gators return three playBluff looks to replace are Shrine ers on the offensive line – Bowl quarterback/linebacker Chancelor Cotten, Fabien Leon Brandon Tillmon and wide reand James Boazman. . ceiver/defensive back Davon Defense is where the absence Johnson. of both Tillmon and Johnson will Taking the mantle at quarterbe felt. The secondary returns back is senior Stephen Kight, a starting cornerbacks D.J. Ledell 3-sport athlete whom Bennett and Josh Senter and safety Jalen said has a “lot of grit.”

Weston.

At wide receiver, it’s a “group Linebackers includes sopho-

more Noah Johnson and junior Weston Wilson.

The defensive line is led by Tawuan Scales at the end and juniors Robert Demarre and Tristen Winne.

Despite the graduation of Justin Salters, Bennett said the kicking department is one of the Gators’ strongest areas. Dawson Henis and McLean Robertson will share the placekicking/punting duties with Ledell and Ti Juan Glenn taking kick returning responsibilities.

“We want to win, but at the same time, we want these guys to realize that we are a young team,” Bennett said.

“We’ve got just a couple of seniors. We want these guys to respect the game, to have great attitudes, to have great work ethics, great sportsmanship and to compete.

“We want them to compete with everything they’ve got. I think you just handle business during the day and for two hours you’re out there with those kids.

You’re coaching those kids.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOFLASHWIN.COM

River Bluff head football coach David Bennett speaks with his team prior to last year’s matchup with Lexington. The former

Coastal Carolina head football coach will led the Gators for a fourth and final season after he accepted the newly-created position of

Lexington School District 1 District Athletics Director.

2016 Gators 2 Damone Spencer 3 McLean Robertson 4 Vincent Smith 5 D.J. Ledell 6 Antonio Gantt 7 Collin Salters 8 Jalen Weston 9 Myles Bell 10 Ty’keice Boages 11 Noah Johnson 12 Cleburne Gray 13 Stephen Kight 14 Jake Scott 15 Jeffrey Bramlett 16 Jackson Hannon 17 Jackson Locklier 18 Gabe Fingerlin 19 Josh Senter 20 Ti Juan Glenn 21 Mickal Henderson 22 Jeramia Rozmus 23 Chandler Mack 24 Parker Myrick 25 Jeremiah Jones 26 Bryson Gartmon 27 Dawson Henis 28 Noah Gillespie 29 James Johnson 30 Bernard Larry 31 Chris Best 32 Kalyn Cook 33 Raj Thiara 34 Clay Aschelmann 35 Tyler Rogers 36 Weston Wilson 38 Xavier Bright 43 Woods Wooten 49 Tristen Winne 52 Jared Lough 53 Harrison Carter 54 Bret Murphy 55 Chanceller Cotten 58 Robert DeMarre 60 Jacob Cordero 62 Devin Code 65 Barry Wessinger 67 Austin Reeves 68 Zach Drawdy 70 James Boazman 71 Conor Gaffney 72 Jacob Bedendbaugh 75 Reece Ott 76 Fabien Leon 77 Stephen Stewart 88 Cameron Cribb 89 Joey Shevchik 95 Sid Segars 99 Tawuan Scales

Head coach: David Bennett

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

Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 19

New leadership, region for Swansea football

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

Swansea football has turned towards new leadership.

Coach Gregory Wright led Eau Claire to its most successful campaign in recent years.

This season, he takes over a Tigers’ program which lost their offensive leader in quarterback Chance Walker, running back Quaevon Cannon and defensive lineman Mason Ray. He’s used spring practice to evaulate his team’s mental capacity and areas of strength.

A positive Wright sees so far is having three returning starters on the offensive line led by versatile rising senior Jarrett Sandy,

6-0, 2016 Schedule 205-pound running AUG. 19 – Battery Creek back Marion AUG. 26 – at Richland Northeast Houser and SEPT. 2 – South Aiken SEPT. 9 – IDLE quarterback SEPT. 16 – Barnwell Effix Miller, SEPT. 23 – at Silver Bluff who started SEPT. 30 – at Gilbert some games OCT. 7 – Strom Thurmond due to WalkOCT. 14 – at Pelion er’s injuries.

OCT. 21 – Brookland-Cayce “He can OCT. 28 – at Edisto be pretty good,” Wright said.

Wright is optimistic about the po“He spins it around pretty good. tential with freshman Gregory He does a pretty good job taking Williams. command of the offense. I’m re“The upside on this kid is ally excited about him.” through the roof,” Wright said.

While developing the depth on “He’s going to be special. He’s the defensive line is a concern, about 6-1, 6-2, maybe about 205-

210 right now and he has a motor on him and a passion to be better every day.”

Swansea returns a young secondary which will go through plenty of repetitions to strengthen their technique.

Rising junior Kendall Brooks and linebacker Devyn Wannamaker are players expected to step up as leaders.

The Tigers open the season at Doug Bennett Stadium Aug. 19 against Battery Creek.

“We’ve got a lot of bright spots,” Wright said. “Everything’s not all good, but it’s not all bad.

“We’ve got work to do, but I’m definitely excited about the potential we have.”

2016 Tigers 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 41 44 45 46 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 62 63 64 65 70 71 75 80 82 83 84 85

Dayyan Felder Greg Williams Thomas Lackey Keenan Coats Effix Miller Dante Williams Allen Fields Jonathan Edmonds Taylor Sikes Marion Houser Blake Simmons Dustin Graddick Devyn Wannamaker William Padgett Kendell Brooks Jamal Smith Jaquay Mills Trenton Taylor Felix Rodriquez Hunter Brantley Will Florence Grant Sebok Tylan Leysath Ed Scott Jordan Grimes Kenya Macon Jacob Riley Travis Hosey Kaleb Argoe T.J. Coglan Dakota Eckler Tyler Westbrook Dakota Spires Mixon Mixon Jarrett Sandy Marquis Sease Tyler May Justin Thompson Clinton Jackson Christian Smith Michael Jones Tylor Torres

Head Coach: Greg Wright

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

New Swansea head football coach Greg Wright speaks with wide receiver Michael Jones during spring practice. He takes over

a Tigers’ program which missed the playoffs after winning the Region 5-3A title last season. They will compete in a newly-realigned

region which now includes archrival Pelion, Edisto and Strom Thurmond.

20 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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

White Knoll running back Maurice Jones rushes against Gray Collegiate Academy Friday evening at the Lexington County Sportsarama at White Knoll High School.

Photo by Mark Bellune | Chronicle

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2016 Timberwolves 1 LJ Gray 2 Chance Newsome 3 Corey Meggett 4 Aiden Myers 5 Alan Alvarez 6 Amar Omerbasic 7 Joe Beckett 8 Justin Riley 9 Michael Johnson 10 Jacob Jeffcoat 11 Jeremy Coggins 12 Jon Eric Kirkland 13 Braydon Clariday 14 JaJuan Johnson 15 Joel Rogers 16 Caleb Sheldon 17 Toby Isaac 18 Jayllen Crosby 19 Ma’Shon Vaughn 20 Maurice Jones 21 Keenan Hughey 22 DeAngelo Jacobs 23 Timothy Jamison 24 Bruce Staley 25 Keon Clary 26 Bryson Jones 27 Chris Felder 28 Dalton Deans 30 CJ Wilkerson 31 Albert Hope 32 Caleb Meyerand 33 Douglass Summers 34 Jacob Chavis 35 Brandon Serio 36 Jacob Bannister 37 Dawson Sams 40 Chris Sox 41 Sam Hayes 42 Braden Nanney 43 Kyler Trongo 44 Blake Johnson 50 Dylan Shermbeck 51 Treyvon Sumpter 52 Zack Stout 55 Andrew Jeffers 60 Austin Jennings 62 Samuel Fogle 63 Sergio Moreno 64 Jeffry Rose 65 Nick Navarro 66 Elrick Hooper 67 Andrew Snelgrove 68 Chandler Brown 70 KZ Knight 73 Adrian Dunbar 74 Koby Sherman 75 Daniel Quigley 76 Ricky Holmes 77 Shaheem Haltiwanger 78 Cleveland Wells 79 Brad Beard 80 David Kinard 81 AJ Williams 82 Tyreke Williams 83 Josue Hernandez 84 Nick Keller 88 Clayton Lindsay 89 Zach Brabham 91 Richard Broxton Head Coach: Dean Howell

Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 21

White Knoll wants no mistakes

BY THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com

The newly-created Region 5-5A does not intimidate the White Knoll Timberwolves.

The team has competed and forged rivalries with Lexington, River Bluff and Irmo and is familiar with Dutch Fork, Blythewood and Spring Valley, all now in the New Class 5A. Head coach Anthony Howell is cognizant of what awaits the Timberwolves in winning their second region title in three years.

“It’s not going to be much different as far as that goes, other than the fact you’ve got to win

those games to make the playoffs,” he said.

“Our kids will be up to the challenge. We want to play the best people out there. We’re excited.”

White Knoll finished 7-5 overall last season, but were 2-3 in region play. The losses to Irmo and River Bluff were less than seven points.

Howell believes White Knoll could have won if not for untimely mistakes.

“You take out a handful of 3-4 plays and we’re 9-1 going into the Lexington game (a 41-13 loss) as opposed to 7-3,” Howell said.

“We’ve just got to stop giving up the big plays.”

White Knoll returns

several players on defense, with some in new positions.

Three-year starters Joe Beckett and Michael Johnson will now play at outside linebacker and defensive tackle, respectively.

Shaheem Haltiwanger, who played every game last season at defensive tackle, moves to nose tackle.

On offense, last year’s leading rusher Maurice Jones will be asked to carry the offensive load.

Opening holes for Jones is an offensive line with returning starters center Andrew Snelgrove and guards Chandler Brown and Daniel Quigley.

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – Aiken AUG. 26 – at South Aiken SEPT. 2 – IDLE SEPT. 9 – W.J. Keenan SEPT. 16 – at North Augusta SEPT. 23 – Spring Valley SEPT. 30 – at Irmo OCT. 7 – River Bluff OCT. 14 – at Dutch Fork OCT. 21 – Blythewood OCT. 28 – at Lexington

Jacob Jeffcoat gets his opportunity at quarterback and presents a different style than predecessor Calev Grubbs.

“He’s not the small, elusive guy that Calev was, but at the same time, he’s effective in the running game. He’s also a bigger, stronger kid who can throw it a little bit

more accurately than Calev did, He just brings a different dynamic and we’ve got to do a good job as coaches of giving him a chance to be successful.”

Among Jeffcoat’s targets are senior Jalen Crosby, junior Braydon Clariday and Keon Clary from the junior varsity ranks.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE | CHRONICLE

White Knoll running back Albert Hope rushes against Gray Collegiate Academy Friday evening at the Lexington County Sportsarama at White Knoll High School.

22 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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

W.W. King fully loaded after injuries cut 2015 season short

By THOMAS GRANT JR. chroniclesports@yahoo.com The 2015 season lasted only eight games for W.W. King Academy.

Injuries and attrition left the Knights well under the number of available players to compete in 8-man football.

Head coach Zach Matthews does not forsee a similar situation this season.

“I feel like we have enough depth this year to prevent what happened last year,” he said.

“We have a good 13 (players) that is going to get after it, so that gives me piece of mind that we are going to be okay.”

Running backs Lane Bedenbaugh and Chris Fincher will be key leaders for the Knights this season.

2016 Schedule AUG. 19 – Coastal Christian Academy AUG. 26 – Patrick Henry SEPT. 2 – at Charleston Collegiate SEPT. 9 – Curtis Baptist SEPT. 16 – at Wardlaw Academy SEPT. 23 – IDLE SEPT. 30 – Jefferson Davis Academy OCT. 7 – Northside Christian Academy * OCT. 14 – at Newberry Academy OCT. 21 – Laurens Academy OCT. 28 – at Richard Winn

2016 Knights

will lead the blocking upfront and protect quarterback Jackson Parrish.

His main targets will be Truman Caufhman and Hunter DuBose.

W.W. King Academy will compete in SCISA 8-man Region II with defending champion Andrew Jackson Academy.

1 3 6 8 9 10 11 12 24 54 55 62 72

*To take place at Seven Oaks Park in Irmo

Head Coach: Zach Matthews

Senior Ben Buzhardt and Reagan Pugh

The 2016 W.W. King Academy football team. Starting from top left: Grady Williamson, Hunter DuBose, Hunter Black, Ben Buzhardt, River Guy, Reagan Pugh,

Truman Caughman, Chris Fincher, Jackson Parrish, Lane Bedenbaugh, Head Coach Zach Matthews, Joe Sauls, Wil Parrish, Bryan Doolittle, and Assistant

Read the whole newspaper online with our Flip Book

Bryan Doolittle Hunter DuBose Lane Bedenbaugh Chris Fincher Truman Caughman Joe Sauls Hunter Black Jackson Parrish Wil Parrish Grady Williamson Reagan Pugh Ben Buzhardt River Guy

photo courtesy of w.w. kiing academy

Coach Devin Bedenbaugh. Not pictured are assistant coach Daniel Dorn and Michael Kinard.

Subscribe today and enjoy the whole newspaper. Just $35 a year online at www. lexingtonchronicle.com.

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Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 23

PRESEASON FOOTBALL IN CHRONICLE COUNTRY

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

The Chapin football team does a quick run to the line in a fake onside kick attempt to start the scrimmage against Spring Valley at the Irmo High School Jamboree.

PHOTO BY MARK BELLUNE| CHRONICLE

PHOTO BY THOMAS GRANT JR. | CHRONICLE

Airport wide receiver Kerryon Richardson is congratulated by his teammate following his touchdown reception against Lexington in the Aun and McKay Kickoff Classic.

Lexington High School wide receiver Dai’Quan Wells high-fives a ballboy during the scrimmage against Gilbert High School. The Wildcats lost 21-14 to the Indians.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOFLASHWIN.COM

Dutch Fork quarterback Reese Nichols (2) makes a throw during the scrimmage against York High School on Aug. 13.

24 | Thursday, August 18, 2016

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