Gridiron 2014 by The Sumter Item

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter wide receiver, return specialist Ky’Jon Tyler ready for encore in 2014

ON THE COVER CRESTWOOD’S TY’SON WILLIAMS (5) AND SUMTER’S KY’JON TYLER (23) PHOTO & DESIGN BY MATT WALSH, CARY HOWARD

INSIDE Barons aim for another run at SCISA 3A state crown

C3 Jones takes over SHS squad loaded on offense

C4 Knights have new coach, new look on offense

Football season returns

Ty’Son Williams finds a home, room to run at Crestwood

Wolverines few in numbers but have plenty of weapons

Get ready to spend chillier nights under bright lights

C8 Eagles look to get back to winning ways

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com

C8 Saints look to continue success under Tindall

C10 LMA eyes return to prominence in 3A

C13

Gators look to take ‘next step’

Lee Central coach sees potential in ’14 squad

C14 Cavaliers make switch to 1A football

C14 Monarchs having to break in a new QB

C15

DESIGN TEAM PHOTOS All photos by Matt Walsh unless otherwise noted

LAYOUT Jessica Stephens

Experience now on Generals’ side

C11

riday nights have a greater importance this time of year. Pep rallies kick off the preparations. Cheerleaders, the band, alumni and parents gather. Pads and helmets are put on, chin straps tightened, eye black is applied and the locker room emits a roar. School colors shine and pride is worn by everyone. The names on the front of the jersey take on more meaning than the ones on the back. Coaches preach focus and perfection on every snap, but effort is more important than any statistic. Gone are those former players who built a foundation and bragging rights. New faces symbolize the hope and future of programs to come. Student-athletes hit the gridiron week by week fighting for victory. Rivalries reignite a journey, and a team’s season is defined by two letters – W and L. Preparation, timely play-calling and execution equal the right combination for a postseason run. Every yard earned is a stepping stone toward the final score on the way to a greater goal. As the season takes its toll, winners never let the dream fade. Only one team can call itself champion.

Melanie Smith Justin Driggers Michael Christopher

STORIES Dennis Brunson Michael Christopher Justin Driggers

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All game finals, scoring and stats should be called in, emailed or faxed no later than 10 p.m. If information cannot be reported by then or is reported late, it will run in Sunday’s section.

GRIDIRON 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Reloading, not rebuilding Despite graduating 16 seniors, WH eyes another 3A crown BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com

he names and faces might change at Wilson Hall, but the expectations remain the same. That’s how head coach Bruce Lane has approached each season since taking over the Barons, and the same can be said for this year. “This program has been graduating and replacing good players for really the last 14 or 15 years,” Lane said. “It’s nothing new, and it’s one of the exciting challenges about high school football.” The challenge will be somewhat more daunting now, at least in terms of how high the Barons set the bar in 2013. WH literally had the perfect season, going 13-0 en route to a SCISA Region II-3A title, a top overall playoff seed and the school’s fourth 3A state title — finally getting the best of Hammond in the title game. “It’s exciting to have had the type of season we did last year,” Lane said. “But our mentality and approach won’t change any this season. We’re still going to focus on the next game and try to go 1-0 each week and improve each week.” The Barons open next Friday at Orangeburg Prep, but the lineup taking the field then will be much different than the one that

walked out of Benedict College with the trophy in hand. Wilson Hall returns six starters on both offense and defense, though Lane has had to shift a few around from their positions last year. The big issue for the Barons, however, comes in filling holes and many of the key skill spots. Sixteen seniors are gone from a year ago, and among them are the quarterback, top three rushers and top two pass catchers. Jay Goodson had 1,121 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in ’13. Parker McDuffie had 596 and seven TDs for an offense that averaged 232.7 yards per game on the ground. Filling those shoes will be juniors Robert James and John Ballard. James had seven carries last season, but Ballard had 126 yards rushing and two TDs with a lot of that coming in the playoffs filling in for an injured McDuffie. Perhaps the biggest hole left is that by quarterback William Kinney. Kinney threw for 2,077 yards and 19 touchdowns while also running for 943 yards and 16 scores. Junior varsity quarterback McLendon Sears takes over the starting spot with Dawson Price likely to see some time as well. Kinney’s top target is gone as well. Devin Singleton led WH with 711 yards receiving and eight touchdowns despite missing a large portion of the year due to injury. Goodson was the other top receiver with 458 yards and six scores. Brent Carraway, Josh Gentile, Clayton Lowder and Cody Hoover will be Sears’ new targets. Hoover was third on the team last year with 252 yards receiving and three TDs

playing mostly tight end. “We’ve always felt our offense is multi-dimensional,” Lane said. “So I don’t think we’ll have to necessarily change too much. Now things we did a lot last year we may do less of and vice versa, but so far everyone has played well and we’ve seen some good things in scrimmages.” One thing that will help is a seasoned offensive line. Walker Ard, Thomas McGinnis and Edward McMillan are all returning seniors, with fellow senior Walker Patrick moving from tight end to along the front line as well. Junior Jackson Matthews rounds out the offensive starters. WH has experience sprinkled throughout the defense as well. Seniors Will Watson, Tristan Whitaker and Brandon Harbour all started games along the defensive front last year, with Watson leading the team with seven sacks. McGinnis and David Tussey will also see time in the rotation, providing some depth. Senior John Wells Baker and junior Sam Watford return at linebacker. Baker led the ’13 Barons with 111 total tackles. They’ll be joined by sophomore Michael Lowery. The secondary will feature Wilson Hall’s top two returning ball hawks in senior safeties Ballard and James. Ballard had six picks a season ago and James had five. Taking over at corners will be Price and Robert Young. Special teams will be strong again with Hoover returning as placekicker. The senior connected on 62 of 65 PATs last season and was 10 of 13 on field goals with a long of 39. Sears will be the punter with Ballard, Carraway, Price and James all handling kickoff and punt return duties.

WILSON HALL KICKER CODY HOOVER

WILSON HALL SCHEDULE Aug. 29

Sept. 12

Sept. 26

Oct. 10

Oct. 24

at Orangeburg Prep 7:30 p.m.

vs. Ben LIppen 7:30 p.m.

vs. Augusta Christian 7:30 p.m.

vs. Porter-Gaud 7:30 p.m.

at Heathwood Hall 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 5

Sept. 19

Oct. 3

Oct. 17

Oct. 31

vs. Thomas Sumter 7:30 p.m.

at Cardinal Newman 7:30 p.m.

vs. Pinewood Prep 7:30 p.m.

at Laurence Manning 7:30 p.m.

at Hammond 7:30 p.m.

GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

ITEM FILE PHOTOS

The Sumter High School football team returns a number of starters from last year’s 4A Division I state runner-up squad, including quarterback James Barnes, top left, and wide receiver /return specialist Xzavion Burson (1).

Packing plenty of firepower State runner-up SHS brings back most of offense, but needs to rebuild D

SUMTER SCHEDULE Aug. 22 at York, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com It is well documented that Sumter High School has a ton of numbers returning on offense from a football team that played for the 4A Division I state championship last year. The Gamecocks have James Barnes back at quarterback, their top two receivers in standout Ky’Jon Tyler and Xzavion Burson and their two leading rushers in Russell Jenkins and Quintein Anderson. As much as it has back on offense, SHS has some rebuilding to do on the defensive side of the ball. The entire defensive line of Romero Rock, Cavazio Wells, Nate O’Connor and Demarcus Harris, linebacker and leading tackler Devontaye Edwards and 10-interception cornerback Erick Wright. John Jones, who is taking over as head coach after Reggie Kennedy left after one season for Irmo, thinks the defense is going to mesh into a solid unit as the year progresses. “We’re looking to get better each week,” said Jones, who served as the offensive coordinator for SHS last season. “We’ve got some guys that we really like; they just have to develop as a unit. We’re looking at our defensive front the same way we looked at the offensive line last season,” Jones added. “They worked and improved as the year went on and were very good at the end of the season.” Sumter will use multiple defensive fronts throughout the season, but will likely go with a 3-man front in its season opener against York on Friday. Sophomore Andy Landrum will start at nose guard with junior Zach

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vs. Crestwood, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Stratford, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 vs. Rock Hill, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Dutch Fork, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. South Florence, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. West Florence, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Carolina Forest, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Conway, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 Washington and sophomore Raymond Johnson flanking him at the ends. The outside linebackers will be Johnnie Brunson and Daniel Tallon. Brunson, a senior, started last year and had 121 tackles, forced four fumbles and had 3 1/2 quarterback sacks. Tallon, a junior, had 67 tackles. The inside backers will be junior Tyrell Ceasar and senior Kyler Pressley, who had 96 tackles. Junior Charlie Miranda, who had 113 tackles last season, returns at safety and will have senior Erick Weston starting with him at the other safety spot. Burson will also see some time at safety. The cornerbacks will be senior Tiquan Colclough and junior Tyreek Brown. As previously mentioned,

the offense returns the vast majority of its skill players. Barnes, a senior, is back behind center after throwing for 2,251 yards and 25 touchdowns against just nine interceptions, while rushing for 412 yards and eight more scores. Tyler, a senior, is back after having a monster year of 77 receptions for 1,244 yards and 18 touchdowns. Burson, a junior, had 44 catches for 492 yards and three scores and senior Marquise Moore, who will also start at receiver, had 13 catches for 138 yards and two scores. Jenkins and Anderson, both juniors, had solid seasons at running back. Jenkins rushed for 654 yards and seven scores on 172 attempts, while Anderson had 565 yards and two scores on 99 carries.

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vs. Socastee, 7:30 p.m. mer is starting to come together. The players are very comfortable in what we’re doing.” Sumter should be good on special teams again this season. Senior Vincent Watkins returns as the placekicker after connecting on eight of 12 field goals last season, including a 42-yarder on the final play of the Gamecocks’ 31-28 second-round playoff win over Hillcrest. Sophomore Pressley Harvin, who recently won a national competition, will be the punter. Tyler, who returned three kickoffs for scores, and Burson, who returned both a punt and kickoff for scores, will be lining up deep again.

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“We’re definitely a running back by committee right now,” Jones said. Juniors Troy Brayboy and Landon Ragin are back on the offensive line, Brayboy at right tackle and Ragin beside him at guard. Junior Max Farley, who started on the junior varsity last season, will play center, while the left side will senior Kamari McLeod at guard and sophomore Khalil Moore at tackle. “We starting to come together a little bit,” Jones said of the offensive line. Jones does think the offense will be improved from last year. “I think we’re ahead of where we were this time last year,” Jones said. “All that we’ve been working toward in the spring and over the sum-

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GRIDIRON 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Putting the ‘special’ in special teams Ky’Jon Tyler sets goals for new season at SHS BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

hen a football comes the way of Ky’Jon Tyler on a kickoff, he generally has a plan of attack in mind. “I like to go up the middle and draw people in there,” Tyler, the senior Sumter High School wide receiver, said. After that, all bets are off. While he may run to the middle, Tyler seldom, if ever, remains in the middle. He generally tries to break it outside either way because he more often than not has the speed and quickness to beat the defenders out there. “I then like to break it out to the sideline,” Tyler said. “That gives me some space to work in and do some things.” Tyler can make having space to work in a wonderful thing, whether as a wide receiver, kickoff returner, punt returner or a rusher. He was the key component of the Sumter offense, and he put the special in special teams on more than one occasion. “I’m glad he’s on our side,” said first-year SHS head coach John Jones, who called the plays as offensive coordinator last season. “He’s just one of those guys that when he gets in space, he can make things happen. Any time he touches the football, he can take it a long way.” In helping Sumter to a 9-6 record and a trip to the 4A Division I state championship con-

test, Tyler caught 77 passes for 1,244 yards and 18 touchdowns. That’s an average of 16.2 yards per catch and 82.9 yards receiving per game. He had 25 kickoff returns, taking three of them back for touchdowns. He had 761 return yards, good for an average of 30.4 a return. Tyler returned seven punts for 103 yards and had 29 rushing attempts for 115 yards. All told, Tyler scored 21 touchdowns, good for 126 points, and had 2,223 all-purpose yards, averaging 148.2 yards per game. Gamecock quarterback James Barnes said it is fun to have Tyler as his primary target. He especially likes throwing the football to Tyler in the flat and watching him work his magic. “The way he is able to run on those short, little routes is fun to watch,” Barnes said. “He’s so quick and has so many different moves.” “I like the short ones because I can run away from people,” said Tyler, who has set goals of 75 catches, 25 for touchdowns, this season. The only team to shut down Tyler last season was Dutch Fork, holding him to no catches in the Silver Foxes’ 54-14 victory. Tyler said Dutch Fork used a lineback-

er and safety to cover him and had a lot of players near the line. Is he worried that this season’s opponents will look at that film and try to use that strategy to shut him down again? Not really. “We’ve got a lot of new plays to take that away,” said Tyler, whose scholarship offers at this time are to FCS schools Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina and fledgling FBS school Appalachian State . As good as Tyler looks on Friday nights, Jones said he looks just as good during the week in preparation for playing under the lights. “You should see him in practice,” Jones said. “He practices like he plays. He gives it all he has through each practice, doing what he can to make himself better, to hone his craft. “Not only is he an outstanding player, he’s an outstanding young man,” Jones added. “He’s a pleasure to coach.”

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GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS

First-year Crestwood head coach Roosevelt Nelson, top right, looks to continue the Knights’ success from last season. CHS won the Region VI-3A title and made the second round of the state playoff before falling to eventual champion Myrtle Beach. The Knights will also have a new offense that incorporates more spread than the traditional Wing-T.

Change is in the air Knights have new head coach, new offensive scheme for 1st time in more than a decade

CRESTWOOD SCHEDULE Aug. 29 at Sumter, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com It was 1997 when someone other than Keith Crolley roamed the Crestwood High School football sidelines. It’s also been about that long since the Knights ran something other than the Wing-T offense as well. Both of those will change next Friday when CHS takes on Sumter at Freddie Solomon Field at Sumter Memorial Stadium. Former Knights standout Roosevelt Nelson takes over the reins from Crolley, who stepped down after 16 seasons and 100 victories. Nelson inherits a squad that went 9-3 last year and won the Region VI-3A title before falling to eventual state champ Myrtle Beach in the second round of the state playoffs. “I’m excited to be back; excited for this opportunity,” Nelson said. “The coaches are excited and the kids have really bought in to what we’ve been trying to teach them.” That’s good news considering Crestwood lost 33 seniors from last year’s squad. Numbers will not be an issue as the Knights have upwards of 80 players to pull from, but experience is not something they have in abundance. “We are younger and our maturity level (football-wise) is young, too,” Nelson said. “Right now we’re establishing who leaders are and who playmakers are going to be.” Crestwood lost a number of both playmakers and leaders – most notably along the offensive and defensive lines. Marcus Hilton and Lamonte Alston each graded out at least 85 percent last season and both were keys members of an offensive front that helped the Knights average 369 rushing yards per game. Kitrell Alston meanwhile provided a potent pass rusher at defensive end,

at Fairfield Central, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. Timberland, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 vs. South Florence, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Lake City, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. Darlington, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Hartsville, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Marlboro County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. Manning, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m. accounting for 15 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 100 total tackles. Crestwood returns just one starter on each side. Tommie Pugh is the lone offensive lineman back with Chase Rogers returning at defensive end. Rogers had 3 ½ sacks, 22 hurries and four tackles for a loss last year while also earning all-region honors as a punter with an average distance of 40.1 yards in 43 attempts. “The cupboard is not bare, but we do have to fill some holes and coach our kids and help them grow into those roles,” Nelson said. One role that will be critical in CHS’ new spread offense is that of quarterback. Tyler Brown graduated, leaving the door open for sophomore Tylas Greene and junior Ikeem Harper to battle it out. They’ll have Dante Singleton, Anthony Hill, Joshua Stukes and Tiric

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Gadson to throw to, along with Michael Stiles at tight end. “We’re going to throw the ball when the defense gives us the opportunity to do so,” Nelson said. “We’re going to base out of the spread with one (running) back preferably, but we will still run some 2-back power formations. We still want to run the ball.” And the Knights still have one of, if not the, top running backs in the state with which to do it. Although Jason McDaniel and his 1,731 yards and 18 touchdowns are gone, Crestwood can easily call up North Carolina commitment Ty’Son Williams to shoulder more of the load now. Williams rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 TDs last year. Gadson and Traye Davis will also lineup in the backfield to provide a stable of backs. Aside from Pugh, Nic Davis, Edward Neiswonger and Noah Zion will man

the trenches. Defensively, Crestwood will base out of a 4-3 alignment with Dashawn Pringle, Jaquan Bradley, and Reggie Davis joining Rogers. The linebacking corps consists of Tyquan Albert, David Ervin and Chris Rembert. The Knights do have some experience in the secondary. Donald Rutledge started 10 games last year and returns at free safety. Strong safety Diquan Brown also started four games in 2013. They’re joined by corners Julius Pearson and Aushalon Bradley. Colby Becker will take over the placekicking and kickoff duties with the departure of Jonathan Ray. Williams, Rutledge, Brown, Singleton and Hall will be the ones back on kickoff and punt returns for CHS.

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THE SUMTER ITEM

GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Feeling right at home Knights star RB Ty’Son Williams hopes for big final season, state title BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com restwood High School really wasn’t even on Ty’Son Williams’ radar in the summer of 2012. Then again, the Knights had probably never even heard of the running back coming from El Paso, Texas, at that point either. But the chance meeting changed both their fortunes for the next three years — and likely for a much longer time than that for Williams. The son of an Army mom, Williams has been no stranger to pick-

ing up and moving to a new school and a new state on occasion — having made stops in Texas, Kansas, Georgia and now South Carolina along the way. “A lot of moves,” said Williams, a Macon, Georgia, native. “But that’s not really the hard part. The hardest part is coming in and meeting new people and finding the right spot to be .” The “right spot” turned out to be Crestwood, although it wasn’t initially

planned that way. “(My family and I) were driving around one Sunday and we were going to look at a couple of different schools,” Williams said. “We started out with Thomas Sumter and Sumter High.” Williams said he met the coaching staff at TSA, but didn’t feel like it was where he needed to be. He was unable to connect with the Sumter coaches, so he wound up driving around the city. “We drove by (Crestwood) and went to the front office,” Williams said. “One of the coaches was there and we talked and he told me when to come back and when practice started. “Been here ever since.” And both have flourished in his first two seasons. Williams ran for over 1,000 yards his sophomore year with the Knights and had doubledigit touchdowns. That

started earning him looks from NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision colleges, with the first offer coming in from North Carolina State. “I thought that was going to be my only D(ivision) I offer,” he said. It wasn’t. Williams rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns his junior year to help Crestwood capture the Region VI-3A crown and earn a second-round berth in the state playoffs. The accolades helped Williams become one of, if not the, top running back prospects in the state. More offers followed, including from Clemson, South Carolina and North Carolina. He eventually made up his mind to spend his collegiate career in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, putting a busy offseason to rest. “I know he was glad to finally make the decision and get that settled,” Knights head coach Roosevelt Nelson said. “The phone calls and things like that were starting to pile up, and I know he’s glad he can concentrate on football.” Even though he no longer has to showcase his talents to prospective colleges, Williams’ senior season just might be his best one yet. At 6 feet tall and 212 pounds, the Knights running back has a rare combination of size and speed that makes him tough to tackle, Nelson said. “Most kids at this level can get hit and maybe gain three or four yards,” Nelson said. “Ty’Son can get hit and then break free and take it to the end zone. “He was clocked (in the 40-yard dash) at 4.46, so that explosiveness is there.” Crestwood’s new offensive scheme — which includes more pistol formation — might help Williams’ numbers as well. “It’s about spreading the other team out and creating space,” Williams said of the offense. “I think that really helps me. It opens up a lot more of the field.” Nelson is expecting big things from his top back as well, both on and off the field. “I just want him to be Ty’Son and to be that leader,” Nelson said. “He’s one of those kids that shows up to practice every day and works hard. He checks his ego at the door and tries to get better every day.” Williams doesn’t have any personal goals for the year — just one team goal. “We’re just trying for that state championship,” he said. “We’ve come close and we’ve been building the last few years. “That’s pretty much all I have in mind right now.”

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GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Wolverines lack depth, but return many key skill players BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com TURBEVILLE — To say that East Clarendon High School will be relying on returning senior starters Jared Hair and Marquice Elmore a lot this season is an understatement — and not just in terms of production. “If we lose Jared, we lose four positions,” ECHS head coach Dwayne Howell said. “If we lose Marquice, we lose five. Where do you go from there? “I hope we don’t have to find out.” It’s been a continuing issue for Howell and the Wolverines since his return to the sidelines in 2010. EC has carried somewhere between 20 to 30 players most years, with depth being an obvious weak spot. This year might be one of the toughest. EC prepares for its season opener against Green-Sea Floyds next Friday at Shad Hall Field with just 16 varsity players on the roster. The rest — giving EC about 27 in all — are junior varsity players. “We don’t have enough for a JV team,” Howell said. “We’ve averaged about 22 at practice every day, so there’s no depth at any position. But the 22 we do have come out and work hard and don’t complain. I’ve been very pleased with the effort and the attitude so far.” Numbers may be an issue, but the Wolverines do have experience at several key skill positions — most notably on offense. Hair returns as the EC signal caller with Elmore as his go-to receiver. The duo accounted for 13 passing TDs last year in helping the Wolverines go 4-6. They’re joined by returning running back Savontai Hall, who was the secondleading rusher and had six scores. “We’re probably going to run a little more option this year,” Howell said. “We’re going to use the pistol (formation) more and

MARK HASELDEN / MORNING NEWS

East Clarendon head coach Dwayne Howell, center, and his 2014 Wolverines are few in number, but return many key players at the skill positions. try to do some quick passes.” Hair will have Elmore, returning senior Stephon Smith and sophomore Gabe Culick to throw to with returning junior Daulton Parker lining up at tight end ialong with Kenneth McFadden. Dawuan Butler will serve as halfback with sophomores Logan Creech and Jovantez Rush filling in for Hair and Hall, respectively, when needed. Along the line, the Wolverines have returning seniors Spencer Jent and Devonte’ Cooper taking their positions at tackle and guard, respectively, with junior Daniel Culick as the lone center on the team. Tyler Baker is penciled in at the other guard position with Zach Barrett and DaShawn Porter splitting time at tackle. Porter is working his way back from an injury he sustained during the second day of

practice. Defensively, ECHS will base out of a 5-4 and a 4-3. The linebacking corps of Smith, Butler and Parker will provide muchneeded quickness and experience, Howell said. “We’re much more aggressive on defense than we have been, and I think that year under their belts helps,” Howell said. Cooper and Baker will serve as defensive ends with Daniel Culick, Porter and Boatwright manning the tackle positions. The secondary will be comprised of Elmore and McFadden as safeties and Hall, Rush and Trayshaun McKenzie at cornerbacks. Elmore will handle the kick and punt return duties, while Hair will be responsible for punts, kickoffs and extra points.

EAST CLARENDON SCHEDULE Aug. 29 vs. Green Sea-Floyds, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at North Central, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12

vs. Camden Military, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Latta, 7:30 p.m.

vs. Hannah-Pamplico, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24

Oct. 3

vs. McBee, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19

at Timmonsville, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10

at Scott’s Branch, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

vs. C.E. Murray, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17

vs. New Covenant (N.C.), 7:30 p.m.

Farmer looks to build Eagles back into 1A title contender BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com SUMMERTON — Wayne Farmer has made a career of rebuilding high school football programs. As the new head coach at Scott’s Branch, he will definitely be undertaking a rebuilding project. Farmer, an assistant at Orangeburg-Wilkinson the past two seasons, takes over a program that is on its fourth coach in four seasons. While Scott’s Branch won the 1A Division II state title in both 2008 and ‘10, it has won just one game in the last two years, going 1-9 last season. “I’ve had a lot of success rebuilding programs,” said Farmer, who has a 115-90 career record at four different schools prior to Scott’s Branch. “I like to going to places where we’re working to build the programs. Right now, we’re having to change the whole mindset here.” Farmer was at Elloree for six years, Denmark-Olar for four seasons, Allendale-Fairfax for five and Lower Richland for three. He’s had four 10-win seasons, three of them coming at Allendale and two 9-win years, both of them at D-O. The Eagles open their season on Friday on the road against Lake View. Farmer said the goal is to improve from week to week and get ready for the start of play in Region VII-1A. “On both sides of the ball, we’re still learning how to play,” Farmer said. “We’re having to learn how to execute. We’ve been getting better, but we’ve got a long way to go.” The Eagles, who have a 32-man roster,

SCOTT’S BRANCH SCHEDULE Aug. 22 at Lake View, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 vs. Manning, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Burke, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 vs. Cross, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Military Magnet, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Gray Academy, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Hannah-Pamplico, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 vs. Timmonsville, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. East Clarendon, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 at C.E. Murray, 7:30 p.m.

will run out of the Wing-T on offense with some option and veer thrown in for good measure. Shimari Junios will be the quarterback with Trent Lincoln lining up at fullback. The wingbacks will be Kevin Johnson and Marqus House. Shykeem Bozier will anchor the offensive line at center. Jaquan Dingle will be the right guard with Alonza Bennett lining up beside him at tackle. The left side will see Malique Coard at left guard and Meer Simon at tackle. Andre Brown will be the tight end with Raquan Walker and Davon Canty playing wide receiver. Simon and Brown will be the defensive ends with Bozier and Arnold Madison playing in the middle of the line. Marquise Thomas and Dingle will be the linebacker with Junios, House, Johnson, Lincoln and Brian Tindal all seeing time in the secondary.

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GRIDIRON 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

LAKEWOOD HIGH WIDE RECEIVER TYSHAWN JOHNSON

Taking the next step forward Gators aim to be contenders in Year 3 with Parks BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com

he expectations haven’t changed for Lakewood High School head football coach Perry Parks, who is in his third year with the program, but there is a sense of urgency. Three wins over his first two years isn’t going to cut it anymore. The Gators are ready to take the next step with a new mindset and pride that hopefully will lead to a new breed of success. “For so long here at Lakewood it’s just acceptable to be mediocre, be average in football and every program I’ve been in, even when I was in Sumter (High School), I’m not used to that,” Parks said. “If a kid gets used to that you can slip in a lull and go through the motions. We’re not accepting that. We’re telling the kids we expect to win every Friday night. We don’t want to come out here and give our best because the last two years our best hasn’t been good enough. So we’ve got to find a way to get it done.” Most of the freshmen and sophomores that began learning Parks’ system when he took over as head coach are now juniors and seniors. The Gators return 10 players on offense and nine on defense. Lakewood will open its season at J. Frank

Baker Stadium against McBee on Friday. The Gators have a favorable home schedule with six of their 10 contests at home. “There is a lot of pressure to get out of the gates and I want a 3-0 start,” he explained. “That’s pressure on our kids, but I think it’s time. We’ve got a lot of seniors; more seniors than I’ve ever had since I’ve been here with a whopping 14, and it’s a lot of pressure to get the job done for these kids.” The LHS offense will run the spread, giving multiple looks with 3-year starter and senior quarterback Roderick Charles under center. Charles threw for nearly 900 yards with 10 touchdowns to six interceptions last season while rushing for 400 yards and three scores. “I put a lot of pressure on this kid when I got here, and this summer he’s been on fire, and I need that to carry over,” Parks said of Charles. “Last year he could’ve had a huge year, but he got hurt early against Crestwood in Week 2 and never got in rhythm. If we keep him healthy I tell people to watch out because he’s definitely a sleeper player in the state of South Carolina..” Senior D’onte Washington will lead the backfield along with sophomores Latheron Rogers-Anderson and Raquan James. Sophomore Ahmir Palmer and junior Malyk McGee will also see time.

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Senior Tyshawn Johnson and junior Terry Singleton, both of whom have received collegiate offers, are the top receiving threats. Both had nearly 600 receiving yards last season. Senior Khafari Buffalo will also be a valuable option with junior Daquan Tindal playing tight end. Junior Deondre Cisse, sophomores Wayne Ragin, Charles McFarland and Wyatt Thompson, senior Lequan Gray and freshmen Joey Bruce all could also see action. The offensive line is anchored by junior guard Robert Overby along with junior tackle Ralph Singleton. Seniors Raymond Davis and Blake Clark will join them with sophomore Zaire Cain playing center. Defensively the Gators will switch to a 3-4 defense with seniors Zach Baker, Dominique Rose and junior Jordan Smith playing up front. Freshmen Gregory Brunson and Tindal could also see time. Washington, junior Terrence Nolan, Tindal and freshman Tyquarious Brown will make up the linebacking corps. Buffalo, a Citadel commitment, will play strong safety with Cisse playing free safety. Rogers-Anderson will play corner along with Johnson. Singleton and Johnson will be the team’s returners on special teams. Junior Blake Carraher will be the placekicker.

LAKEWOOD SCHEDULE Aug. 22 vs. McBee, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 at Lake City, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Johnsonville, 7:30 p.m.,

Sept. 12 vs. Sumter, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. Camden, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Manning, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs. Marlboro County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Darlington, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Hartsville, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 vs. Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

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C10

GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

New coach, same goals for Saints Clarendon Hall looks to build on 8-4 campaign

THE SUMTER ITEM

Report your Friday night football scores to Phone (803) 774 -1241 (803) 774 -1235 (803) 774 -1228

Email sports@theitem.com Fax (803) 774 -1210

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com SUMMERTON —Clarendon Hall may have a new football head coach this season, but the expectations are still the same. First-year head coach Michael Tindall is giving the Saints football team little room for error when it comes to expectations. After an 8-4 season in SCISA 8-man football last season, the Saints return six starters despite having nine freshmen on its TINDALL 19-player roster. “My biggest concern for us a group is me as a coach,” Tindall said. “I have no experience at the varsity level, but they were 8-4 last year and anything less than eight or nine wins and I’d be disappointed.” The offense was the strength of the team last year as the Saints scored more than 400 points. Tindall said he knows putting up points won’t be a problem this season, but the team does lack depth on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Dustin Way returns and will be backed up by junior John Lewis. Seniors Tilton McCrea, who rushed for close to 1,500 yards, and Daniel Pappas will lead the rushing attack. Junior Gavin Allen and sophomore Ryan Morris could also see time in the backfield. Allen and junior Matthew Corbett, along with senior Mac Davis, will be the go-to receivers. Seniors Cody Armstrong, William Fleming and Nathan Byrd and junior Lance Browder will also see time at tight end or receiver. Returning to the offensive line are seniors Raj Patel, Trey Thomas and junior Al Hobbs. Also possibly seeing time is junior Lance Router. CH will run a 3-4 defense, and while it won’t have the biggest players, Tindall said his defense will be quick to the ball. Thomas and Hobbs will start at defensive tackle. Armstrong, Lewis and Router will see time at defensive end. Pappas and Corbett, the two leading tacklers last season, will both play inside linebacker with Way possibly seeing time at inside linebacker or safety. Allen and McCrea will either be at cornerback or safety. McCrea will also be a key performer on special teams, both as a punter and punt returner. “I have high expectations for this team,” Tindall said. “They do for themselves, and I’ve been on them pretty hard about having that swag to them; not getting bigheaded, but there’s nothing wrong with a little pep in your step.”

All game finals, scoring and stats should be called in, emailed or faxed no later than 10 p.m. If information cannot be reported by then or is reported late, it will run in Sunday’s section.

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CLARENDON HALL SCHEDULE Aug. 29 vs. Patrick Henry, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 vs. Andrew Jackson, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Laurens, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 vs. Richard Winn, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Wardlaw, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Greenwood Christian, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at James Island Christian, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. W.W. King, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Jefferson Davis, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 vs. Carolina Academy, 7:30 p.m.

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GRIDIRON 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

Weathering the inexperience storm After having to play 16 freshmen in ’13, Generals hope vets help turn tide BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com

ALZELL — Thomas Sumter Academy football head coach Troy Kessinger called last season the perfect storm, and the Generals knew it was coming. TSA had just six seniors, with no more than two playing through the first seven games. It also had 16 freshmen on varsity, which resulted in a 3-8 season that ended with a first-round 2A state playoff loss. “We knew it was a big rebuilding year,” Kessinger said. “We lost our quarterback early,

which may have cost us two or three games. “We knew it was coming, so we still battled through it and tried to get through it, but at the end of the year, we played in a playoff game. A couple of plays different, and we could’ve shocked the world.” All 16 freshmen are back, along with six new seniors, the secondlowest total since Kessinger took over as head coach. He doesn’t necessarily think that will be a bad thing, though. “These six seniors have displayed more leadership in the last couple of months than I’m used to,” he said. “We’ve asked them to step up, and they’ve done that.” TSA returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense. The goals remain the same — make the playoffs, win the region and win a state championship. Gone are Michael Hoge, Steven Reaves, Cody Ray and Andrew Wrenn, all key cogs on both sides of the ball. The Generals ran the spread offense last year for the first, and probably only, time under Kessinger. This year, TSA will run a Wing-T style offense with a percentage of 70-30 running to passing. “We’re going to do what we did to win six region championships; we run a Wing-T style

THOMAS SUMTER ACADEMY SCHEDULE Aug. 29

Oct. 3

vs. Robert E. Lee 7:30 p.m.

at Florence Christian 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10

Sept. 5 at Dillon Christian 7:30 p.m.

at Spartanburg Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12

Oct. 17

vs. Calhoun Academy 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Wilson Hall 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. Trinity-Byrnes 7:30 p.m.

vs. Orangeburg Prep 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 vs. The King’s Academy 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Cardinal Newman 7:30 p.m.

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and drop back and throw it 20 times a game,” the TSA head coach explained. “We’ll use a lot of Wing-T type running plays. “Our running backs are probably our strongest element going into this season,” he said. Senior Drew Stengel, who played half the season at quarterback, returns under center. Senior Kevin Lewis, who played four games at QB last year, will be the backup. “Our quarterback play has to be better,” Kessinger said. “We turned the ball over an amazing amount of times. We’ve got to do better at ball control and ball security because we had a lot of big loss plays and a lot of turnovers.” Juniors Jordan Adams and Ty Cressione return to the backfield. Juniors James Rabon, Paul James and Frankie Folderman may also see time. Lewis and Cody Segura are the top receiving threats. Senior Noah White and junior Dre Litsey could

also see time as receivers. Junior Austin Hudson along with sophomores Kyle Decker and Ryan Dixon are expected to see time at tight end. The offensive line is far ahead of where it was a season ago, according to Kessinger. Junior Oren Wilkes will be returning at offensive tackle, while sophomores Ben Jansen, Matthew Beamer, Cameron Eatson, Walker Brooks and Ross Campbell will all get playing time on the offensive line. Freshman Jonathan Dillon and juniors Kevin Hurley and Brandon Edens will also be in the mix. “We’re not real big, but we’ve got a couple of 230-pounders and (our) offensive line is going to be the key for our success,” Kessinger explained. “There are multiple guys, maybe 17 or 18 guys who can play offensive line, and of those, five are freshmen with one probably playing.” Very few seniors started on defense last year, and that appears to be the case again this season. TSA will run multiple defensive sets, giving opponents different looks depending on the situation. Decker returns at defensive end along with leading tackler and senior Patrick Kuzbary. Sophomore Walker Brooks will play nose guard with Wilkes, Hudson, senior Brian Prewitt and Rabon making up the front seven. Kessinger expects better things from the special teams unit this season as freshmen John Bracewell will be the team’s placekicker with Stengel handling punts.

C11

C12

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

CRESTWOOD KNIGHTS

GRIDIRON 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

CLARENDON HALL SAINTS

SUMTER GAMECOCKS LAURENCE MANNING SWAMPCATS

LAKEWOOD GATORS ROBERT E. LEE CAVALIERS

WILSON HALL BARONS

LEE CENTRAL STALLIONS

EAST CLARENDON WOLVERINES

MANNING MONARCHS

THOMAS SUMTER GENERALS

SCOTT’S BRANCH EAGLES

GRIDIRON 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

C13

The topic of conversation Swampcats pushing to be among the elite in SCISA 3A BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

LAURENCE MANNING RUNNING BACK TYSHAWN EPPS

LMA SCHEDULE Aug. 22

Oct. 3

vs. Gray Collegiate Academy, 7:30 p.m.

vs. Hammond, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 29

at Orangeburg Prep, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10

vs. Augusta Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17

Sept. 5

vs. Ben Lippen, 7:30 p.m.

at Pinewood Prep, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24

Sept. 12

at Porter-Gaud, 7:30 p.m.

at Heathwood Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31

Sept. 19

vs. Wilson Hall, 7:30 p.m.

vs. Florence Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Cardinal Newman, 7:30 p.m.

ANNING — Robbie Briggs feels like the Laurence Manning Academy football program worked its way back into the conversation when it comes to the SCISA 3A state title last year, his first at the school. Briggs hopes the Swampcats can become more of the topic of conversation this year. “We made some strides last year; we won eight games and could have won 10 or 11,” said Briggs, who guided LMA to an 8-5 record and the state semifinals. “I feel like there is a lot of parity in the league. Of course, you have the four who are good every year in Wilson Hall, Hammond, Augusta Christian and Porter-Gaud. “We feel like (with a year at Laurence Manning) we have a better grip on the styles of play of the other teams,” Briggs added. “We’ll also have a better idea of what we want to do with our personnel. Briggs hopes the Swampcats will be able to stay healthier this season. They went through three quarterbacks alone last year, not to mention other injuries that forced them to narrow the scope on what they could do offensively. One of those injured QBs is back in senior J.T. Eppley. He will be the starter, but will split time with Adam Lowder, who transferred from East Clarendon High School. “They’re two quarterbacks who have different styles, do some things better than each other,” Briggs said. “We just don’t want to be in the same situation (using inexperienced players at quarterback) that we were in last year.” While LMA won’t have Rashae Bey, who rushed for 2,247 yards and 27 touchdowns, back, it will have senior Tyshawn Epps returning. All Epps did was rush for 1,447 yards and 14 scores. “Tyshawn had a great season himself,” Briggs said. “A lot of what we do offensively will go through him. We’ll move him around some. He’s a more physical runner than he’s been in the past.” The Swampcats will operate out of a 2-tight end set, but they will line up in shotgun formation 90 percent of the time, according to Briggs. Senior Davis Martin will start at one end with juniors Justin Alsbrook and Cale Gamble splitting time at the other end. Three starters return on the offensive line, senior right tackle Raymond Davis, senior left guard Tillman Tumbleston and junior center Caleb Pipkin. Sophomore Austin Griffith will be the left tackle and senior Tyler Riles will be the right guard. Senior Brandon Fenters will start at wide receiver and sophomore Colton Ardis will be the H-back. Elmer Bench, Briggs’ defensive coordinator at Manning High School, will be his defensive coordinator this season. He will have seven returning starters on defense, just like the offense. The Swampcats will operate out of a base 3-4 defense, but will use multiple looks. The five starting offensive linemen will split time at nose tackle. Junior Owen Robinson will line up at left defensive end and sophomore Josh Edwards will play on the right side. The outside linebackers will be sophomore Maleke Davis and senior Todd Larrimer with senior Cameron Menzer and junior Tripp Mason manning the inside slots. The secondary will be led by senior Cagney Brunson at cornerback. Brunson had five interceptions and 47 tackles last season. Eppley and Epps will split time at the other corner with Lowder and Brandon Hudson slated to start at safety. Josh Martin will handle the kicking duties.

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C14

GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Duplicate the winning blueprint Turner sees similarities in current squad to historic ’12 season BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — Follow the blueprint from just two seasons ago. At least that’s what Lee Central High School football head coach Baron Turner hopes he can do with this year’s squad after seeing glaring resemblances to the 8-4 squad that won the region, set the school record for wins and went to the third round of the 2A Division II state playoffs in 2012. The Stallions went 5-6 last year, losing to Garrett Academy Tech 14-6 in the first round of the playoffs with just eight seniors on the team. This year’s squad returns five starters on offense and includes 20 freshmen who won their middle school title. “This team has some of the same talent that (8-4 squad) did, and I’m just waiting for those guys to grow up,” Turner said. “I just pray that nothing’s going to happen and we can all stay together and grow together because I see the same talent on that 8-4 team that’s on this team.” Sticking with a combination of the pistol and spread on offense, Turner feels the offensive line will be the teams’ strength. “We’re just trying to keep everybody healthy -- that’s our No. 1 key because we’ve

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Lee Central will return five starters on offense, including three key cogs on the offensive line which hope to carry the Stallions to a region title after a 5-6 season last year. LCHS will also add some talented freshmen to the mix. got a lot of No. 1 guys, but our backups are going to be young,” he explained. “Our key is try to make sure we keep everybody healthy and just stick with the game plan week in and week out. We just want to try to continue to improve on certain things and certain areas because we’re going to be young.” Seniors Quinta Anthony, Juwan Wright and center Devin Wilson are the core of the Stallions offensive line. Also seeing time will be sophomores Brandon Davis and Jalen Graham, junior Derrick Brooks and freshmen Jamel Wilson. Junior Don Halley will be LC’s new starting quarterback after losing senior Velton Dixon to graduation. Hal-

LEE CENTRAL SCHEDULE Aug. 22 vs. Christ Church, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 at Marion, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 vs. Fairfield Central, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Hartsville, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. Timmonsville, 7:30 p.m.

ley, who played on the junior varsity team last year, will share time with junior Takeen Albert and freshmen Shykeem Cooper. Turner said the backfield will be running back by committee after losing senior Montrell Smith for the first part of the season because of surgery to his tibia bone. His

Oct. 3 vs. Andrews, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Lake Marion, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 vs. Kingstree, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Johnsonville, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Timberland,7:30 p.m.

return is expected Oct. 13, in time for region play. Junior Marquis King, freshmen Demetrius Dubose and Shileake Albert and seniors Marquis Toney and Israel Lathan will all get their opportunities. Juniors Devion McElveen, Mitch Santimaw and Tykeen Albert will be the veteran receivers with Dubose and se-

nior Antwan Smith also seeing action. LC will lineup in a 4-3 or 4-4 defensive base with multiple fronts. Wright and Anthony will be up front on the defensive line alongside sophomores Brandon Davis, Devin Wilson and Jalen Graham at tackle. Senior Richard Sweetenburg and sophomore Kyle Franklin will see time at defensive end. King returns at linebacker as the Stallions’ leading tackler. He will play beside Lathan, Dubose, Santimaw and Halley. Senior Antonio Dunton-El will start at cornerback with junior Devion McElveen at safety. Freshman Fonseco Price and junior Jalen Simon will also see time.

Cavaliers hoping to gain more success competing in 1A BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE— The talk and focus for the Robert E. Lee Academy football team this offseason has been about pride. The Cavaliers went 3-8 last year with six seniors who had never won a varsity football game. This year’s squad will be young again with six seniors and 17 combined RANKIN freshman and sophomores out of 28 players, but head coach David Rankin said that good days are ahead. “It’s going to take the work ethic we’ve got right now and some breaks,” Rankin said. “We’re going to be a better football team; whether it shows up on the scoreboard or not I don’t know, but we’re going to be a better a football team and our good days are ahead of us.” REL has dropped down to

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1A classification in SCISA and will compete in Region I against Pee Dee Academy, Christian Academy, TrinityByrnes, Dillon Christian, Holly Hill Academy and Williamsburg Academy. Rankin said he feels the Cavaliers are in the classification they’re supposed to be in. “Last year I felt like 1A was about as tough as 2A and will probably be there again because they had Williamsburg, Bible Baptist and Colleton Prep,” the REL head coach said. “Holly Hill and Calhoun beat some of those double-As and made the playoffs. “I don’t know how tough it’s going to be, but it’s going to be pretty tough,” he said. “And I don’t know if that’s going to make a big difference in the wins and losses.” Offensively, the Cavaliers have moved to the spread, but also hope to be a power running football team. Who will run the offense is still up for grabs as sophomores Harry Cook and Nic Stokes, along with freshmen Bryce Barrett,

are in a 3-way battle to start at quarterback. “We’re going to try throw it short and get it in (our receivers’ hands) and see if we can pick up first downs and walk it down the field. I feel like we can be a power running team along with the spread.” Stokes and junior Weston Green along with seniors Hunter Segars and Tee Outlaw will all play some running back. Rankin said Stokes will likely be the starter if he’s not under center. Outlaw is the team’s main threat offensively and will be the go-to receiver. Other targets will be Barrett, senior Chris Godwin and junior Tyson Kirven. Sophomores William Corbett, Jay McCutchen and Matthew Tidwell will also be in the mix. Up front will be senior leader Alex Glasscock alongside juniors Travis Christmas and Heath Smith and sophomores Kody McCutchen and Sidney Arledge. Also seeing time will be junior Caleb Watson and

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freshman Jamie Walker. The Cavaliers will run a 4-2-5 base on defense with multiple 4-3 and 4-4 looks. Christmas, McCutchen will be starters while sophomore Brent King will rotate with several options at defensive end. Godwin, Smith, Jay McCutchen and Walker will get looks at the tackle and end positions. “We’ve got to tackle better; we did not tackle real well last year,” Rankin said. “We were not real physical; our fundamentals are not good, but they’ve gotten better over the 12 summer practices. We’ve gotten a lot better at knowing what to do.” The linebacking corps will be a combination of Glasscock, Caleb Watson, Kody McCutchen, Arledge, Cook and Green. Kirven, Corbett and Gavin Melton will play cornerback with Tidwell and Cody Watson at safety. Outlaw, Barrett and Green will eye the strong safety spot with Mark Dinkins also seeing time.

ROBERT E. LEE SCHEDULE Aug. 22 at Dorchester, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at Thomas Sumter, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 vs. Calhoun, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. Holly Hill, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Christian Academy, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Dillon Christian, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Pee Dee, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. The King’s Academy, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Williamsburg, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 vs. Trinity-Byrnes, 7:30 p.m.

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33 West Liberty Street • Downtown Sumter 18 N. Brooks Street • Downtown Manning

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FFURNITURE UR NIT TUR E & BBEDDING ED D I N G “Where Quality Matters”

774-2100 • 31 West Wesmark Blvd. • Sumter, SC

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THE SUMTER ITEM

GRIDIRON 2014

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

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MANNING HIGH RUNNING BACK RAQUAN BENNETT

MANNING SCHEDULE

Last-minute adjustment

Aug. 29

Monarchs scramble after QB leaves 2 weeks before opener BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

ANNING — When Tony Felder decided to go with sophomore Donnie Baker at quarterback in his first season as head coach at Manning High School, he did so with the knowledge that any growing pains Baker went through would pay off with two years of an experienced quarterback. The Monarchs went 5-5 last year and missed out on the 3A state playoffs for the first time in several years. However, Manning won’t get the opportunity to benefit from Baker’s year of experience. Baker’s family moved to Lexington a couple of weeks ago, and he is now vying for the starting QB job at Lexington High. “We had him all spring, all summer;

he went to many camps to work on getting better,” Felder said of Baker. “Then our second scrimmage of the preseason, we’re changing horses in midstream.” Felder said Manning was planning to throw the football more this season and hopefully open up more running room for senior running back Raquan Bennett. Tommy King and Greg Canty are battling for the starting position when Manning opens its season on Aug. 29 at Scott’s Branch. “Those two kids can get it done,” Felder said. “They’re more athletic (than Baker). We’re just going to have to figure out how we’re going to approach things offensively.” Giving the ball to Bennett will be a good place to start. Bennett rushed for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns on 152 carries last season after rushing for almost 2,000

at Scott’s Branch, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 5

yards as a sophomore. The Monarchs do return four starters on the offensive line. “That experience will be a strength for us,” Felder said. Manning returns seven starters on defense but lost four linebackers, including Shrine Bowl performer Cam Darley. Felder, though, likes his defense. “I feel like we’ve got a pretty good nucleus to build around,” he said. While the season hasn’t even started and a curve has come Manning’s way, Felder is preaching hard work to his team. “Hopefully we’ll be playing the first week of December (for the 3A state title),” said Felder, who coached Fairfield Central to a state title a few years ago. “We’ve been telling the kids that we’ve got 15 weeks that we’ve got to work to get it done.”

vs. Marion, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Lake City, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. C.E. Murray, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. Beaufort, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs. Darlington, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 vs. Hartsville, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 vs. Marlboro County, 7:30 p.m.

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GE® WASHER $499 • 3.9 DOE CU. FT. CAPACITY • STAINLESS STEEL TUB GTWN5450DWW

GE® DURA DRUM ELECTRIC DRYER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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114 E. Calhoun Street 1455 S. Guignard Pkwy. 1011 Broad Street 343 Pinewood Road 36 Sunset Dr., Manning

773-6312 778-5755 775-3268 773-1252 433-8544