2012 High School Preview

A Special Publication of

Davon Anderson – Summerville

T. J. Smith – Fort Dorchester

Mikey Goodwine – Ashley Ridge

Ashley Ridge High School Fort Dorchester High School Summerville High School Pinewood Preparatory School and more …

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Ashley Ridge High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Berkeley High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cane Bay High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Cross High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Fort Dorchester High School . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Goose Creek High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Hanahan High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Stratford High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Summerville High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Timberland High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Cathedral Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Northwood Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Pinewood Preparatory School . . . . . . . . . . .41 St. John’s Christian Academy . . . . . . . . . . .46 Cover photos by Dan Brown, Roger Lee, Rob Gantt and Doug Rogers.

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Expectations are high for new season

BY ROGER LEE The two-a-days and scrimmages are over and its time to get under the lights and play some football that counts.

The 2012 high school season opens Aug. 24 for most Lowcountry teams and fans should be in for a treat as the competition promises to be as exciting as ever.

Two local teams are out to defend state championships.

Last year, Goose Creek ran through nearly everyone to finish at 14-1 and as the Division II-AAAA champ. Timberland went 14-1 and claimed the Division I-AA state championship.

The Gators return a skilled group, but will face stiff competition from fellow Region 7AAAA teams. Stratford returns one of the area’s top quarterbacks and is looking to get back to the top of the region totem pole.

Cane Bay joins the region for the first time

and is out to prove it belongs in 4-A football.

The Region 8-AAAA teams also show promise this season. Ashley Ridge swept that region in 2011 en route to an appearance in the Division II-AAAA semifinals. But that didn’t set well with crosstown rivals Summerville and Fort Dorchester, who are both out to show their golden days aren’t over. They all face new challenges this season as Bluffton joins the region after making it all the way to the Class AAA state-title game in 2011.

Head Coach Art Craig’s Timberland squad will enter 2012 in a familiar position – with a target on its back. The Wolves have big shoes to fill, and plan on doing just that.

Berkeley moves down to AAA this season and does so with a much more experienced team than it fielded last year. Hanahan moves up to AAA ball with a veteran team.

Meanwhile, Cross is one of the favorites to win the Region 6-A crown this season.

Rob Gantt/Gazette

Stratford quarterback Jacob Park enters his third year as a starter for the Knights. He is a proficient passer and can also create plays on the run.

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Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes

1 Mikey Goodwine

2 Zach Armstrong

3 Cameron Smith

4 Stephan Gilliam

5 Jacob Thompson

6 Kadarius Anderson

7 Will Runyon

8 William Coleman

10 Chandler Avenel

12 DeAngelo Shaw

13 Sean White

14 Donavon Thompson

15 Wyatt Livingston

16 Mike Marshall

17 Trequan Jenkins

18 Darrell Loiseau

19 Lee Holley

20 Kendall Felder

21 W. Chris Jonees

22 Romelo Doctor

23 John Kessler

24 Tyler Garland

25 Eduardo Blanco

27 Ismail Holmes

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ARHS season may hinge on linemen

BY ROGER LEE The Swamp Fox football team is bigger and stronger than ever and still has impressive speed, but things aren’t exactly perfect.

“We have some question marks in areas,” Ashley Ridge coach Kenny Walker said. “We have big play potential in our skill positions but a major concern is if we will have enough time to get the ball to them.

We have some experience on the offensive line but we have a lot of new guys there so it might take some time for them to come together and jell as a unit.”

After going 10-4 in 2011, a season which saw the team earn its first region championship and advance to the semi-finals of the Division IIAAAA playoffs, Ashley Ridge returns eight starters on offense and five on defense.

The heart and soul of this year’s team is its trio of speedy and crafty

offensive backs, who are all seniors.

Romelo Doctor rushed for 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

Joining him in the backfield will be Vernon Moree, who rushed for 800 yards and 10 TDs and made 31 receptions for 500 yards and five TDs. Quarterback Jacob Thompson will again call the plays after completing 106 of 157 pass attempts in 2011 for 1,718 yards and 16 TDs. Thompson also rushed for 675 yards and six TDs. Providing leadership up front will be returning center Tyler Moss, tackle Brian Nix and tight end Fred Weeks. Guard Kennedy Whitely also has some varsity experience, but the team’s other linemen are largely untested.

The Foxes have to replace their alltime leading receiver since Seamus McKinney graduated. However, Roger Lee/Journal Scene Mikey Goodwine and Donavon Thompson return a lot of experience Above, the team’s defensive linebacking corps should be a strength for Ashley Ridge against a tough See FOXES Page 10 schedule this season.

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FOXES from page 9 to the team’s receiving corps.

“We are trying to fill that void,” Walker said. “I don’t know if we have a guy who is going to catch 70 something balls in a year, but we have two or three guys who can help with that. Romelo and Vernon are both very versatile so we can also line them up in a receiver

spot.”

Zach Armstrong, the team’s fastest athlete, and Sean White will likely see more action as receivers this season.

The team also has some defensive voids to fill.

“We are looking to make some improvements on defense with our front seven, but we have an experienced group of linebackers and we are making strides technique-wise up front.” Walker said. “We aren’t

the biggest group, but if we play fundamentally sound I think we can slow people down.”

Ends Kadarius Anderson and Malik Graham return to anchor a largely inexperienced defensive line. Josh Spigner, Jared Campagnone and former linebacker Joseph Pringle will also see a lot of action on the line.

Tray Cutler is a seasoned player returning to lead the Swamp Fox linebackers. While the other linebackers don’t have

his experience, most of them have seen varsity action.

Joining Cutler at the position are Jackson Plyler, Monquez Whaley and Matt Alewine.

In the secondary cornerback Antonio McCall and strong safety Will Runyon both return.

Armstrong and sophomore Trequan Jenkins will split time at the other corner and Tyquan Tucker and Kendall Felder are battling for the starting free safety position.

Cameron Smith is the frontrunner to do most of the kicking this season. Moree, Armstrong and White are all experienced and sure-handed kick returners.

Ashley Ridge now has more than 2,000 students, which has of course benefitted the football team. Two years ago the Foxes only had six players who weighed over 200 pounds. This year, the team has more than 20.

“That helps when you face

these teams that want to ground and pound you all night,” Walker said. “You can put some of your beef in there to maybe weather the storm a little easier.

And we have depth in certain position groups that we have never had. We can rotate people in and not lose a whole lot.”

Contact Roger Lee @ 8739424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes

30 Nick Ravenell

32 Vernon Moree

33 Tray Cutler

34 Ashton Hughes

35 Jared Campagnone

36 Stephan Gilliam

38 Antonio McCall

39 Kevin Washington

40 Damon Smalls

41 Thomas Cooper

43 Tyquan Tucker

45 Matt Alewine

46 Monquez Whaley

47 Jordan Freund

48 Tyler Moore

50 Dylan Mariucci

51 Brad McLaughlin

52 Ethan Bradham

53 Jackson Plyler

54 Matt Mohn

55 Joseph Pringle

56 Brian Nix

57 Tyler Moss

59 Joseph Sellers

60 Brandon Smith

64 Kennedy Whitley

65 Jonathan Byrd

66 Josh Spigner

68 Desmond Glover

70 Keith Clark

72 Brett Hawkins

73 Kenny Glover

76 Devin Parker

77 Shamon Thomas

78 Jamal Walker

80 Geraldo Johnson 82 Dashaun Santiago

83 Fred Weeks

84 Matt Linton

87 Malik Graham

91 Daniel Glenn

93 Jason Flippin

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Fort Dorchester Patriots 1 Coby Garrett

2 Mike Davis

4 Rashad Palmer

12 Josh Lightburn

14 David Govan

15 Kevyn Flores

23 Jawane Roper

24 AJ Murray

25 Charles Loftland

5 TJ Smith

6 Miles Smith

16 Baptiste Staggers 17 Thadius Middleton

26 Deonta Morris

27 Jonathan Rouse

7 Mike Maroille

9 Juwan Burnell

10 Jesse Cruz

11 Daquan Buksha

18 Colt Davis

19 Tevin Morris

20 Bryce Tapscott

21 Kenny Fenton Griffith

28 Daitwan Commodore

29 Riley Rozanski

30 Charles Washington

31 Dakeo Singleton

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Pats get physical

BY ROGER LEE Patriots’ coach Steve LaPrad says he wants to return to doing some of the things that have worked well for his team in the past.

Fort Dorchester is coming off a 7-5 season and while technically that’s a winning season the coach says his staff doesn’t view it that way.

“We are trying to be a lot more physical,” LaPrad said. “Four or five years ago defensively we were extremely physical and we

want to get back to that. Also we are trying to have more of a running attack, but we still have the ability to throw the ball. We are inexperienced, but we have a great group of young athletes so hopefully as they grow up we can have some success.”

The Patriots ran a wide-open offense in 2011 but LaPrad says a run-heavy offense fits this year’s personnel better.

The Fort returns six offensive starters, including its top two rushers from last season. Seniors Charles Loftland and Daitwan See PATRIOTS Page 14

Patriots 33 Tristan Kinard

34 Matt Murray

36 Austin Ziliak

37 Kris McGill

38 DJ Commodore

39 Ryan Chaya

40 Cato Jenkins

41 Luke Philyaw

42 Josh Hamilton

43 Eugene March

44 Daniel Finley

45 Anthony Foreman

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Fort Dorchester Patriots 46 Robert Magwood

47 Cristian Baker

49 Trent Deleon Bourque

50 Daniel Nkwocha

51 Devonte Washington

52 Chris Sturm

53 Eurndraus Bryant

54 Quandre Chisolm

55 Jackson Varner

57 Nate Philips

58 Myles White

61 Aaron Stamper

62 Matthew Dudley

63 Caleb Middleton

64 James Smith

65 Zach Howell

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Fort Dorchester Patriots PATRIOTS from page 12 Commodore return after combining for nearly 1,600 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Junior running back Matt Murray will see also see a lot of action.

“We feel real good about our running backs,” LaPrad said. “Our top three found the end zone frequently in our scrimmages.”

The Patriots also return their leading receiver, senior

T.J. Smith. He made 61 receptions last season for 939 yards and nine TDs. “We’ve had receivers who were bigger and had success, but I don’t think we have had one who is better than T.J.,” LaPrad said. “He has sub-4.5 speed, is an excellent route runner and his work ethic is off the chart.”

Ironically, the year the Pats chose to focus more on the run, they had one of their best 7-on-7 seasons this summer.

A large part of that was first-

66 Terrance Bryant

1 Tramel Terry

2 DeShawn Evans

See PATRIOTS2 Page 32

67 William Austin

5 Rashard Alston

6 JC Simuel

72 Cody Meree

73 Stephen Epley

9 Jalen Stevens

11 Omar McRae

12 Quinton Davis

13 Deondre Daniels

78 Wasif Al-Kamaiseh

79 Austin Ake

14 Cedric Matthews

15 Caleb Holmes

16 Montrai Gailliard

19 Alex Jacobus

82 Adrian McNeil

83 Corey Rawlings

21 Caleb Kinlaw

22 Rico Blanding

23 Andre Rhodes

24 D. McConnell

25 Maleik Ravenell

27 Shaquille Salley

28 Rae Ellis

30 Daylin Julius

70 Tyese McDonald 71 Marshall Dudley

74 Roderick Davis

76 Nick Tononi

80 Michael Spellman 81 De’Monte Bailey

84 Cameron Abell

Goose Creek Gators

85 Terrance McLeod 88 Jacob Hutchinson 90 Joseph Hutchinson

3 Dantez Bennamon

4 Brady Estes

7 Masamitsu Ishibashi 8 Daquan Jefferson

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These Gators out to form their own identity

BY ROB GANTT The 2012 Goose Creek Gators are looking to make their own dent in the school’s trophy case. It’s a mindset the defending champs have to have, forgetting about last year’s golden run to the title.

“The biggest thing that everybody has

to understand, starting with us, is that last year’s team is gone,” Gators coach Chuck Reedy said. “That was a very good team that achieved some very special things. This football team has create their own identity.”

The Gators open the season at home on Aug. 24 against Ashley Ridge.

They enter the fall with a bull’s eye on their backs because of last year’s accomplishment but they also have a number of the state’s top players on the roster.

31 Tyrique Johnson

32 Darin McNeal

Already, they’ve been pegged to repeat without playing a game. The High School Sports Report made the Gators See GATORS Page 16

33 Gerald Turner

35 Ja’mere Daniels 36 Malcom Baylock 42 Sanquan Singleton

34 Evan McField

43 Mike Myers

44 Bryce Kelly

45 K.J. Wood

46 Maurice Gailliard

47 Durrell Timmons

51 Tyler Hood

52 Dandre Wansley

53 Malik Jefferson

55 Matt Principio

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GATORS from page 15 No. 1 in its Class AAAA preseason poll.

Wide receiver/running back Tramel Terry is committed to Georgia and defensive end Gerald Turner is heading to South Carolina. Other uncommitted Gators project as

64 Thomas Louisy

Division I players too.

“Our five, six, seven or eight outstanding players have to play their best football,” Reedy said. “… The other 14 or 15 guys that will be starting for the first time have got to be solid players.

They’ve got to play with a lot of effort and play without a lot of mistakes. If they do that, we’ll be a very good football team.”

Terry rushed for 847 yards and

65 Malik Bryant

70 Dylan Steele

caught 44 passes for 833 yards, combining for 16 touchdowns last season.

Junior running back Caleb Kinlaw is a premier player returning as well. He had 1,497 yards and eight touchdowns rushing in 2011.

The duo figures to aid new quarterback Dantez Bennamon See GATORS2 Page 33

72 Blake Daniels

56 Moises Gallegos

60 Rodney Garrett

61 Alex Butch

63 Cooper Pippin

74 Zach Van Alstine

75 Tre Simmons

76 DeQuan White

77 Neil Saqui

73 Kyrice Williams

85 Kalan Ritchie 78 J. Robinson

80 Jordan Barnes

81 Cody Jones

83 C.J. Polite

84 Frank Wilson

86 Aikeem Gadsden

90 Shemyra Smalls

Good Luck to All Teams!

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• August 2012 • 17

Stratford Knights

1 Tyree Scroggins

2 Sheldon Reid

5 Van Harvey

6 Michael Simmons

7 Dre Steed

8 Jamar Stevens

9 Tyler Tekac

10 Jacob Park

11 Tyreik Faulks

12 Thad Thompson

17 Gerald Bonnett

18 Jamison Mobbs

21 Taylor Morrison

22 Desmond Guinn

23 Terik Johnson

25 Tyrell White

26 Nevae Daniels

27 Deondre Spruill

28 Noah Shuler

30 Griffin Martin

31 Ellis Scott

32 Josh Nowlin

33 Jordan Johnson

35 Blake Gregorich

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Stackley, Knights looking for big 2012

BY ROB GANTT The Stratford Knights will be looking to continue their upturn in 2012.

Stratford advanced to the Class AAAA Div. II quarterfinals and won nine games last season, it’s best performance on the gridiron since winning 11 games and playing in the state semifinals in 2006.

SHS begins the season Aug. 24 at county rival Berkeley.

The Knights have three-year starter Jacob Park returning at quarterback and a solid assortment of skill players.

On defense, they have enough cornerstones coming back too.

“There are some critical components that have to come through for a good football team,” said SHS coach Ray Stackley, who begins his 29th season with the Knights.

“We’ve just got to keep working to find the guys that can solidify our team.”

Last season as a sophomore, Park passed for 1,176 yards and seven touchdowns and also added some clutch yards for the Knights with his legs. He’s tall and has a strong arm, and is also mobile.

Running backs Noah Shuler and Jamar Stevens also return after combining for over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011.

Shuler had 602 yards and four scores, while Stevens had 526 yards and five touchdowns.

Jordan Johnson also figures into the mix in the backfield.

Leading receiver Chris White is back to lead a group that includes K.J. Givens and Chris German. White made 34 catches last fall.

“Skill-position wise I feel pretty good,” Stackley said.

The offensive front is largely unknown and their development will be crucial to Stratford’s success, Stackley said.

“I think we run the ball pretty good inside,” he added. “Pass protection is a big key. The offensive line’s performance is going to let us know if we’re going to be able to do what we want to do.”

That group includes DaMontae Johnson, William Flake, Brandon Hamilton, Daiquan Young and Michael Hughes. All but Hughes, a sophomore, are seniors. The group is more mobile than powerful.

The tight ends are Daniel Carter and Chris See KNIGHTS Page 19

Stratford Knights 37 Dante Horton

39 Karl Bennett

40 Cecil Smith

42 Michael Punteney

46 TJ Deveaux

47 Stanford Pringle

48 Cory Linthicum

49 Kevin Kizer

51 Connor Welch

52 Trey Easterling

53 Michael Hughes

55 Isaac Greer

56 William Flake

57 Daniel Dees

58 Shawn Peace

59 Jordan McArthur

60 Thomas Newell

62 Daniel Murray

63 Brandon Stone

64 Rodrigo Hernandez

67 Steven Hill

73 Connor Dayton

74 Brandon Hamilton

77 DaMontae Johnson

78 DaiQuan Young

79 Terrence Singleton

80 Chris German

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

KNIGHTS from page 18 Allen.

On defense, Stratford brings back three of its top tacklers from 2011.

Noseguard Shawn Peace powers the way up front. He made 99 stops as a junior.

• August 2012 • 19 Junior linebacker Cecil Smith made 84 total tackles last season. He moves from outside to inside linebacker this fall.

Defensive lineman Lucas Mayck, a senior, made 64 stops and 10 tackles for loss as a junior.

Mazyck and Peace will be joined up front by junior Steven Hill and senior Symere McLeod. Senior Thomas

Newell provides depth on the line.

Senior Karl Bennett joins Smith at inside linebacker while physical junior Michael Simmons and T.J. Simmons are on the outside.

Simmons plays more strong safety.

Senior Gerald Bonnett and junior Sheldon Reid are at cornerback, while junior Tayor Morrison and sophomore Tyreik Faulks play free safety.

Senior Blake Gregorich gives the Knights good depth in the secondary.

“There are still some hotly-contested positions,” Stackley said. “We’ve got guys really fighting for jobs at a couple different positions.”

On special teams, sophomore Tyler Tekac is set to handle kicking duties, along with punter Griffin Martin.

Stratford Knights

81 Jared Terhune

82 Daniel Carter

83 Brandon Mullins

84 Michael Fogle

85 Chris Allen

86 Chris White

87 KJ Givens

88 Joe Cook

89 Daylon Fields

90 Lucas Mazyck

96 Symere McLeod

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Summerville Green Wave 2 Sawyer Bridges

4 Tyrone Hayes

5 Darin Smalls

7 David Coccoli

8 T.J. Hopkins

10 Daquan Wrighten

11 Travis Bryant

12 Mac McCurry

13 Cameron Moore 14 Johnston McCurry 15 Rondale Johnson

16 Sean Smith

17 David Kennedy

18 Marquis Cheeseboro

20 Jerod Tucker

21Kevin Dickerson

22 Daniel Smith

23 Leo Brandon

24 Michael Powell

25 Davon Anderson

27 Jacerie Ponder

28 Reilly Hagan

29 Victor Johnson

31 Aaron Huggins

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• August 2012 • 21

Green Wave hoping for milestone season

BY ROGER LEE It won’t be easy but this season could be a special one for the Green Wave.

A three-year starter at quarterback and the team’s three leading receivers from last year are among the players Summerville has to replace so a lot is riding on how well and fast inexperienced athletes develop.

34 Justin B Vrigman

38 DJ Gaddist

39 Chad Wood

42 Richard Parks

“We are kind of thin but we have some tough young guys so we are hoping we can teach them and they can pick up the slack,” Green Wave coach John McKissick said.

“We have a little more speed than we had last year and we are going to try to have a good mixture between the run and the pass.

If we can put enough pressure on the quarterback then I think we will be ok on defense.”

The team has extra motivation this fall because it can help McKissick become the first football coach in history to reach 600 wins. Entering his 61st season at SHS, McKissick needs only six wins to reach the

milestone.

The major strength of this year’s squad should be its running backs.

Senior Jerod Tucker and junior Davon Anderson return after combining for more than 1,200 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011. Tucker won the 200-yard dash event at the 2012 Class AAAA state championship meet with a 21.69 time.

Michael Powell and Daniel Smith are also expected to see some time in the offensive backfield. DJ Gaddist is the fastest player on the team, but he is out with a neck injury.

The Wave was counting on returning

starters Trey Privette (5-11, 271) and Grant Wactor (6-2, 287) to anchor the offensive line, but Privette is out with a leg injury.

However, the team still has good size and some experience up front.

Chandler Hamby (5-9, 222), Jonathan James (6-3, 250), William McArn (6-0,

Summerville Green Wave

43 LJ Clark

44 Armani OBanner

45 Matt Powell

47 Dylan Legette

48 Latrell Walker

See Green Wave Page 22

49 Darrell Smalls

50 Adam Blocker

51 Kyle Keeney

52 Jerod Mathis

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GREEN WAVE from page 21 220), Zack Bailey (6-5, 300) and tight end Sean Smith (6-7, 215) are expected to see a lot of action on the line this year.

Coaches are looking for freshman Sawyer Bridges or junior Darin Smalls to claim the QB position but sophomore David Coccoli is also in the mix.

Sean Smith is a big target for the QBs and McKissick says he has good hands. Others looking to factor into the Wave passing attack include juniors Johnston McCurry and William Luck and seniors Kendall Parker and Tyrone Hayes.

On the defensive side of the ball, Adam Blocker returns after making 136 tackles in 2011, the second most for the team. Jerrod Mathis is back after making 103 tackles last season, but will likely be moved from linebacker to nose guard.

Darrell Smalls and Kyle Kenney also bring varsity experience to the linebacking corps and Mac McCurry will likely step into a bigger role on defense after working out primarily as a back-

up QB but also some at linebacker last year.

Bryce Robbins (6-0, 215) and LJ Clark (5-10, 230) bring some experience to the defensive line and McKissick says sophomores Matt Powell (5-8, 200) and Kwan Cox (6-1, 210) have stood out there in the preseason.

Darin Smalls was a defensive starter last season so he may play both sides of the ball. He was a shutdown corner in 2011 but this summer he lined up as safety.

Parker Cleveland returns as the Wave’s punter and extra-point kicker and may handle kickoffs this season as well. David Kennedy will provide depth at the kicker position.

McKissick is confident in his team’s kick return ability.

“We should be solid on punt and kickoff returns with Darin Smalls, Johnston McCurry and Michael Powell back there,” he said. “They are all sure handed and know what to do once they have the ball.”

Last year, Summerville finished at 8-5 after being eliminated in the second round of the state playoffs.

Roger Lee/Journal Scene

Summerville has a lot of young players, but they are enthusiastic about the 2012 season.

Summerville Green Wave 53 Bryce Robbins

54 Tim McVicker

63 Tyler Thirkelle

65 Chandler Hamby

55 Peter Jones

56 Ronald Mitchell

57 Josh Davis

58 Kyler Villa

59 Trey Privette

60 Ryan Waters

62 William McArn

66 David White

67 Jake Taylor

68 Vincent Brown

69 Grant Wactor

70 Jonathan James

71 Travis White

74 Seth Schraeder

76 Tyler Graham

77 Bo Memering

78 Zack Bailey

79 Rodney Chaplin

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 23

24 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Summerville Green Wave 80 Bernard Jackson

82 KendallParker

85 Devon Scott

87 Nathan White

88 Joshua Orr

89 William Luck

91 Kwan Cox

92 Julian Gibbs

93 Parker Cleveland

94 Hector Vega

97 Daniel Huggins

96 Seth Brown

98 Andrew McCullough Roger Lee/Journal Scene

Darin Smalls, Adam Blocker and Jerrod Mathis converge on a James Island ball carrier.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 25

Stags’ focus on moving forward

BY DAN BROWN The Berkeley Stags have their eye on the prize.

After winning their fifth state championship in 2009, the Stags want another taste at the title, and in 2012, Coach Jeff Cruce believes his team has the makings of a potential state champion.

“It’s not just these kids in high school,” he said. “The talent here goes all the way down into middle school. I see the possible beginning of a six or seven year run where we’re in the hunt for a state championship.”

But these Stags took their lumps last year.

Coming off their first losing season in 19 years, the Stags are a year older, a year more experienced and hopefully much improved from the 4-7 record that followed Cruce to

Berkeley.

“We’ve had a great summer. The kids have worked hard. We definitely aren’t sophomores anymore.”

The Stags have that hungry look in their eyes.

“The kids realize 4-7 is not acceptable at a Berkeley program,” Cruce said. “We were young and made young mistakes. This year you just see that mentality in them. Our practices have been great.

Very positive, very spirited and very focused. We’re growing from the experience and moving forward.”

Cruce said one plus of his team this year has been depth.

“We have a lot of kids to insert into different positions.

There are some fine athletes here who can play.”

Matt Harkness returns under center as the starter

going into the season opener against Stratford but the competition between Harkness and Connor Teague

has continued through preseason practice and scrimmages leading up to the season opener.

“Matt Harkness has separated himself as the quarterback,” Cruce said. “They’re still in the competition, but

his reads are better. These young kids are growing up.”

On the offensive line Cruce See STAGS Page 27

Matthew Harkness will lead the Stags offense at quarterback this fall.

Doug Rogers

Berkeley Stags

James Ancrum

Dylan Baker

Kamal Barton

John Bellamy

Hunter Bowman

Tyrone Bradford

Tyrone Bradham

Jayden Brown

Brandon Brooks-Covington

Greg Butler

Kaleb Butler

Jordan Campbell

Reginald Champgagne

JaQuan Curry

Azanti Dantzler

Nick Donaldson

Joseph Dress

Mason Edwards

Josh Fiddie

JR Fiddie

Sterling Fiddie

Sam Gadegbeku

TJ Griffin

Diamante Harley

Matthew Harkness

Sam Hucks

Donnie Hutchinson

26 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Berkeley Stags Dalton Infinger

Jewuan Jefferson

Ezekiel Jenkins

Kraig Jowers

Alex King

Bryce Knuckle

Chris Mathis

Harrison Matthews

Alonzoo McGill

Darius Milford

Todd Mobley

Darrius Nelson

Jermain Nelson

Cyrus Pinckney

Andre Rembert

Aston Renolds

DeAndre Robinson

Joshua Sellers

Esequiel Sepulveda

Alonzo Simmons

Branden Simmons

Deontae Simmons

Joshua Simmons

Cleveland Singleton

Conner Teague

Daryll Walker

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 27

Berkeley Stags Devonte White

Lablonc Whitfield

Ja Juan Williams

Damion Woods

Ohen Wren

Barry Zeruth

STAGS from page 25 points to John Bellamy who at 6’3” and pushing 300 pounds is turning into a legitimate D1 prospect.

“He’s got great size and great speed,” Cruce said.

Bellamy joins a sizable line that includes Sterling Fiddie at center and TJ Griffin.

“We’ve got some good kids coming back. Cleveland Singleton is back as is Kendrick Wilson and Devonta White is at tight end.”

On the defensive line Cyrus Pinckney and Jewuan Jefferson are a pair of bookends to lead the pass rush.

Josh Simmons anchors the linebacking corps and Branden Williams moves to the defensive backfield at safety.

“I feel like I have two of the best defensive ends around,” Cruce said. “Jefferson and Pinckney can stop an offense.”

A deep backfield gives Cruce what he calls, “the best group of running backs I’ve

ever had.”

Ezekiel Jenkins and Josh Sellers have stepped it up over the summer, both having great speed and real toughness according to Cruce. Devin Butler returns to pound out the short yardage situations.

“Our receivers have some of the best talent we’ve had,” Cruce said. “Dylan Baker runs some good routes along with Asanti Dantzler. Dee Harley has been really athletic.”

Cruce said this year’s edition of the Stags has some of the deepest talent Cruce has seen over his 25 years on the sidelines.

“We have the potential to be really, good if we all live up to our abilities and potential,” he said. “This year we’re starting the Hall of Fame and they’ve seen the past and what’s come before them, and they know they’re the future.”

Cruce said his team needs to focus on getting better every day.

“If we do that we’ve a real chance of being good.”

28 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Cane Bay Cobras 1 Quentin Francis

2 Dustin Singletary

4 Milon Enos

5 Shon Swett

6 Alex King

7 Jordan Washington

8 Maurice Wesley

10 Jacob Page

11 Joey Wade

14 Devin Kilgore

15 Tre Robinson

16 Kealon Weldon

17 David Welch

18 Nathan Amico

19 Austin Sineath

20 Tracy Gilliard

21 George Anderson

22 Rashad Andrews

23 Jason Sheppard

24 Davon Higgins

25 Matt Rudy

26 Sean Colburn

32 Jacob Bradrick

33 Leon Givens

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 29

Cobras moving on up

BY ROB GANTT The Cane Bay Cobras make the move up to Class AAAA football this fall. It’s a challenge second-year coach Russell Zehr hopes the program is up for.

The Cobras are bumping up to the state’s highest classification after spending the last two seasons in Class AAA and the first two years of the program in Class AA. “I bet there might be some people that don’t expect us to win a game,” said Zehr, whose team won nine games and advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. “All I know is

that these seniors are in their last season and we’re going to do everything we can to put the kids in position to be successful. We’ve got kids that will compete but are they willing to do what it takes to win at the Class AAAA level?”

Their first Class AAAA game will be on Aug. 24 at home against Summerville, one of the state’s most well-known programs.

“Summerville is one of the most respected names in the state,” Zehr said. “Hopefully our kids will take it as a challenge. I really hope our kids go out there and prove it to themselves that they can play at this level.”

Cane Bay Cobras

34 Michael Green

35 Jaleel Williams

36 Jonathan X

38 Jordan Newlin

40 Devin Dingle

42 Romonte Frazier

43 Wilson Brantley

44 Trey Burdette

46 Willie Mazyck

48 Henry Pryor

50 Keith Anderson

51 Daryl Booker

52 Akeem Lincoln

53 Zach Lashley

After Summerville, the Cobras will travel to the Wave’s biggest rival, Fort Dorchester.

“We should be able to find out where we stand in Class AAAA right off the bat,” Zehr said. “We know we’ve got a ways to go but we believe the kids will work hard for us.”

Cane Bay joins Region 7-AAAA with defending Class AAAA Div. II champion Goose Creek, Stratford, Wando and West Ashley.

The good news for Cane Bay is the starting lineup is a senior-laden group.

The Cobras will break in a new quarterback this season after four years with Brandon Hall at the helm. Zehr said his team could go with two this season, last year’s backup Shon Swett, a senior, and junior Devin Kilgore.

“We could split time there,” Zehr said. “It could be a situation where we give it to the guy who has the hot hand. With the option, your quarterback can go down at any time so we’re definitely going to have them both ready to go.”

Senior fullback Davon Higgins is the top running back returning, having rushed for over 700 yards last season. Senior tailback Alex King is small but shifty, replacing 1,800-yard rusher Anthony Enos who was more of a bruiser.

Up front, the Cobras have four senior linemen, left guard Charles Thompson, right guard Jonathan Edwards, right tackle Tyrell Davis and left tackle Jordan Middleton.

Center Keith Anderson is a junior.

Zehr likes his starting five linemen but is concerned about the Cobras’ depth.

“If we can keep those five healthy, we’re going to have a chance,” Zehr said. “They’re good, strong and physical kids that will get after it. If we have to deal with a lot of injuries, I’m not sure what kind of shape we’re going to be in.”

Senior Nate Amico and junior Tre Robinson are the tight ends.

Maurice Wesley and Lamar Gulley, a pair of See COBRAS Page 44

30 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Cane Bay Cobras 54 Matt Davies

55 Hunter Henderson

56 Corey Germanoff

57 Avery Torres

58 Joseph Sass

60 Aaron Perkins

62 Bradley Berry

64 Kyle Kirton

65 Richard Henderson

66 Derrick Moser

67 Cody Stegal

70 Brian Ziegler

71 Josh Harris

73 Eddie Felkel

74 Jonathan Edwards

75 Matthew Strauss

76 Jordan Middleton

77 Charles Thompson

78 Tyrell Davis

79 Matt Glendening

82 Brandon Brown

83 Alandis Murray

87 Kevin Bunch

88 Sallassie Lee

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 31

Doug Rogers/Special to The Gazette

Brian Ford is starting member of the secondary for the Hanahan Hawks.

Hawks expect to contend for region title

BY ROB GANTT The Hanahan Hawks were moved up to Class AAA in the most recent realignment but it comes at an OK time for the football team.

Coach Charlie Patterson expects his squad to be able to go toe-to-toe with everybody on its schedule.

“I think that it comes at a good time for us,” said Patterson, whose team won region championships in Class AA each of the last two seasons. “I think we’ve got the kids that can compete at this level. If there is one thing that concerns me, though, it’s our depth. We’re not very deep.”

The Hawks join a region with Berkeley, James Island, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Hilton Head and Stall.

“If we can stay healthy, I think we’ve got a chance to compete for a region championship,” Patterson said.

The Hawks won region titles in their last two seasons at Class AA. On offense, the Hawks lean heavily on senior quarterback Anthony Smalls. As a junior, the lefty combined for over 3,300 yards passing and rushing and was in on 42 touchdowns, 28 of them passing. He threw 11 intercep-

tions.

“Everything starts with him,” Patterson said.

“He’s looked pretty good over the summer.”

Two of his top 2011 targets are back this season in wide receiver Mario Gates and inside receiver Sammy Richardson. Gates had 31 grabs for 507 yards and four scores last season, while Richardson made 23 catches for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Terrell Green, at 6 feet, 6 inches is a sizable target downfield and figures to be a mismatch for cornerbacks. Mason Schwerzler, also the backup quarterback, is another inside receiver and Sam Denmark will get some time at receiver too along with Martinez Finney.

Running back Octavious Hayes had 453 yards rushing and six scores out of the backfield and returns. Quan Wade and Haven Horlback are the other running backs.

On the offensive line, right tackle Roger Flathman and center Aaron Clark are the anchors. Gerad Richardson, Deondre Brown and Jacob Billings are the other starters up front and Josh Greenbaum provides depth.

On defense, the top two tacklers return in free safety Marlon Washington and outside See HANAHAN Page 44

32 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Roger Lee

The Fort Dorchester Patriots will be counting on improved play in the trenches of the offensive and defensive lines in 2012. Patriot lineman Roderick Davis, pictured above from a game in 2011, could play a pivotal role this fall for the team. Fort Dorchester opens the new campaign in a night game on Friday at Carolina Forest.

PATRIOTS2 from page 14 year starting QB Baptiste Staggers, who poses a dual threat. Backup QB Colby Garret also had a good summer.

Some of their other targets include Tevin Morris, Rashad Palmer and Corey Rawlings.

William Alston (6-1 235), Nick Tononi (5-11, 240) and TE Michael Spellman (6-1, 200) return to anchor the offensive line.

“Last year we pretty much had a revolving door on our offensive line, which is good this year because we have several lineman back with some varsity experience,” LaPrad said.

“Considering that, we are probably more experienced on the offensive line than we normally are.”

Terrance Bryant (6-2, 266), Jackson Varner (6-0, 235), Cody Meree (6-2, 230) and Tyese McDonald (5-11, 309) are among the other linemen returning with some varsity experience.

The Patriot defense had a starting linebacker and lineman move this summer so it only returns five starters. That includes defensive back Bryce Tapscott, who is injured and won’t likely return to action until October. With 111 tackles in 2011, he is the team’s top returning tackler.

In the meantime, returning DB Josh Lightburn (84 tackles) and linebackers

David Govan (40 tackles) and Kevyn Flores (40 tackles) will anchor the D. Nose Guard Roderick Davis (6-1, 330) returns up front and will be joined by Josh Hamilton (5-11, 215), who is moving to defensive end after starting at linebacker last season.

Spellman will see time on the defensive line and Robert Magwood (6-0, 210) also brings experience up front.

Eurndraus Bryant is young but if he develops the way LaPrad hopes, the sophomore could make a huge impact, pun intended.

The 6-2, 360-pound lineman just turned 15 and squats 550 pounds. LaPrad says he is very quick for his size.

The Pats have to replace their punter and kicker. Luke Philyaw and Christian Baker are in the lead for the kicker position and Rawlings will start the season as the team’s new punter.

The team has a host of players capable of making big returns, most notably TJ Smith, Rashad Smith, Kenny Fenton-Griffith and Loftland.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 33

Rob Gantt/Gazette

Senior defensive end Gerald Turner is committed to the University of South Carolina. He made nine sacks and blocked five kicks last season.

GATORS2 from page 16 in getting adjusted. Bennamon, a junior, only played sparingly last season behind three-year starter Jaquan Marsh.

“My job is just to manage the offense and get the ball into the hands of the guys that can make plays.”

Senior fullbacks Rico Blanding and Rashard Alston figure will get their touches too.

Senior receiver Caleb Holmes will

be a target in the passing game.

Up front, the Gators are largely inexperienced. Only left guard Dylan Steele was a full-time starter last season. The other starters on the line are junior left tackle Tyler Hood, sophomore center Kyrice Williams, senior right guard Rodney Garrett and junior right tackle Tre Simmons.

The tight ends are juniors Kalan Ritchie and Evan McField.

Defensively, Turner is a disruptive force up front. Last season, he had over 50 tackles, nine sacks and

blocked five kicks. Mike Myers and Bryce Kelly are also seniors on the defensive wall. Defensive tackle DeQuan White is a junior.

Jalen Stevens, another Division I prospect, backs up to take over an inside linebacker spot.

On special teams, rising senior placekicker Masamitsu Ishibashi gives the Gators a very solid weapon. He made 97 extra points last season and converted four field goals.

“The younger players got to experience getting on those buses with a

police escort, going over to a hotel, going over to Death Valley, going through the walkthrough… We did everything like a college road game. That experience should be a motivating factor in them wanting to go back. It could motivate them to get in the weight room and do what (the 2011 seniors) did.”

The Gators were hit hard by graduation at linebacker, losing all five second-level players from 2011.

Two of their better players there this season, outside linebacker DeShawn Evans and inside line-

backer Jalen Stevens, were in the defensive front rotation last season.

Both are seniors.

The other linebackers are juniors Shaquille Salley and Daylin Julius.

The secondary is essentially brand new too. Juniors Andre Rhodes and Omar McRae are juniors and free safety Maleik Ravenell is a senior.

On special teams, Masamitsu Ishibashi will handle kicks and punts.

Last season, he made 97 extra points and converted four field goals.

34 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Timberland Wolves 2 Shamell Williams 3 Austin McKinney

5 Matt Gabel

6 Deandre Pressley

7 Darelle Pressley

8 Johnelle Brown

9 Armonte Prioleau

10 Ryan Hood

11 Chevy Dennis

12 Ronrecco Harry

14 Jo-El Milford

17 Jace Pond

19 Brooks Morgan 20 Anthony Timmons

21 Jaquan Thompson

22 Ezekiel Padgett

23 Otto Wilson

24 Brandon Simmons

25 Roderick McCray

31 Bernard Harmon

32 Joe Swinton

34 Za'von Whitaker

35 Josh Austin

36 Adam June

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 35

Wolves ready to defend state title

Timberland players hoist the 2011 state championship trophy.

BY DAN BROWN The Timberland Wolves took the prize in 2011 and Coach Art Craig has enjoyed everything that comes with winning a state championship.

So much so, he wants to do it again.

“Wouldn’t trade the experience for the world,” he said of the 2011 Class AA Division I state championship. “No reason we can’t do it again this year.”

Part of the state championship experience also includes the target painted on the team’s back the next fall.

“Teams are going to be gunning for us,” he said. “And we welcome that. They think they’re going to find us down because of all the seniors we lost but we have some play-

Dan Brown/Independent

ers coming back and some coming up through the ranks.”

It’s long been said that Timberland never rebuilds they simply reload and the Wolves are no different this year, but the senior class of 2012 was a special class of athletes and their absence will be felt.

“You can’t lose a Daquan Lucas, Mike Wilson, Taylor Elizondo, or Lee Mayes and be affected by it. We have to replace a lot of talent from last year’s team, but after this summer’s workouts I believe our seniors have really stepped it up and taken on a leadership role.”

Craig pointed out the play of running back Deiondre Pressley who has separated himself from the pack during summer workouts.

“Deoindre’s been explosive off the ball in workouts. He and Roderick McCrary have really worked hard this summer.”

Craig also mentioned senior Brian Moore, a unique player that will become a first in the long line of stellar Timberland linemen.

“Brian is the first player I have that will start all four years both ways,” Craig said.

“Quinton Washington didn’t do that, Aldrick Fordham didn’t do that, all those great players we’ve had come through this program, Brian Moore is the first player to accomplish this.”

With Moore anchoring both sides of the line, the Wolves will once again be big in the trenches with both of Craig’s younger sons in the lineup.

See WOLVES Page 37

36 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Dan Brown/Independent

Center Dylan Craig anchors a powerful Wolves offensive line.

Timberland Wolves 40 Bernard Williams

41 Dashaun Kelly

42 Tyler Rose

44 Alex White

50 BJ Fayall

52 Damon Kelly

53 Robert Hefner

54 Denalgelo Cleveland

55 David Fosnight

56 Octavius Hampton

57 Brandon Cool

60 Brian Moore

66 Dylan Craig

70 Lance Lambert

71 Malcolm Garrett

75 Rajon King

76 Cody Wadford

80 Javaunti Chandler

81 Austin Rentzel

82 David Stafford

83 Javonte Middleton

85 Shane Carver

86 Isaac Ferguson

88 Wyatt Craig

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 37

Photos by Dan Brown/Independent

Wolves Coach Art Craig hoists the 2011 Class AA Div. I state championship aloft during the postgame celebration of Timberland’s 20-3 win over Woodruff.

WOLVES from page 35

At cent e r

Dylan Craig heads up the offensive line and Wyatt Craig lines up at tight end.

Craig also said defensive back Austin McKinney will attract a lot of attention this fall.

“There was a lot of hype surrounding Austin in the spring and that attention will continue into the fall, but it’s settled down a bit.”

The Wolves were able to settle on a new quarterback early on this summer in junior Matt Gabel.

“Matt really distanced himself from the competition and established himself as the starter early,” Craig said. “He handles the ball well and has a good arm.”

“Matt is the sleeper of the year.

He’s going to surprise a lot of people.”

While the Wolves’ Region 7AA line up will be altered slightly this fall with the loss of Manning to Class AAA and new region foe Lake Marion dropping to Class AA, Craig knows his team will have to hit the ground running with a tough pre-region schedule.

“We open with Manning on the road, then host Hanahan and then go on the road again to Cross.

Those are three tough games right there.”

The Wolves then host Class A powerhouse C.E. Murray before the annual Berkeley game on Sept. 21.

“Cross is always tough, and this year could be a big year for them,” Craig said.

Craig told his team early in the summer that they have the unenviable task of being the team that follows a state champion. They would have the targets on their backs, but they would also have the responsibility of living up to the tag “Defending State Champs.”

“I told the guys that many teams would consider a 9-3 record a decent season and be happy with that,” he said. “For us that would be awful. When we last went to the state title game in 2006, we finished 9-3 the next season and were out of the playoffs in the second round. I asked them, do you want to be the team that follows a state championship season with a so-so year, or do you want to be the team that defends that state championship?”

Defensive back Austin McKinney anchors an always-tough Timberland defense.

38 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

First-year Generals’ coach has experienced soldiers

BY ROGER LEE Rick Howell thinks his first year at Cathedral Academy will be a good one.

“I think we will be pretty good,” the new Generals football coach said. “We have five seniors on the offensive line who are hard workers and they are my leaders. We have 14 guys who have been here every day since May for our summer program. They have hit the weights and are in great shape so I think we will be a physical team this year.”

After going 6-5 last season, the Generals only lost three players to graduation in the spring and all the other players are back this year. The team also has two new members, Jake LeCroy and Lloyd Hayes.

Quarterback Christian Rogers and running back Dylan Jones both return to the offensive backfield. Standing 6-foot tall and weighing over 200 pounds, Jones is a true standout in the Generals’ league.

“We play eight-man football, but I have a

couple of guys here who could play somewhere like Fort Dorchester,” Howell said. “I think Dylan Jones is going to be one of the best running backs in the state. And the work ethic of our players has been just awesome.”

Nikko Brace, Troy Gross and Trace Varella bring a lot of experience to the Generals’ defense.

Other players back for the team’s second season of 8-man football are Dustin Wise, Jeffery Ryalnd, Drew Murray, Ryan Carter, Mitchell Corwin, Christian Gurney and Tyler Williams.

Howell was a four-year starter for the Charleston Southern University offensive line. He started 44 games for CSU, playing both the guard and center positions.

He received all-conference honors as a junior and senior and was a member of the 2005 Buccaneer team that earned the only Big South Football Championship in CSU history. With Howell leading the offensive line, quarterback Collin Draft set several records.

Roger Lee/Journal Scene

Cathedral Academy players run through summer drills.

The 26-year-old came to Cathedral with prior coaching experience. He served as a student assistant at CSU and last year coached the offensive line for Coastal Christian Prep,

which did make the playoffs.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 39

Cross Trojans

Trojans have lofty hopes for 2012

BY DAN BROWN

Morris Camphor

DaQuan Chambers

Gregory Jones-Clark

Cornelius Davis

Diamonte Evans

Dionte Evans

Da'Vaughn Gooding

Alvonta Hall

Branford Halls

Deondre Jackson

James Jackson

Justin Magargle

Jamar Matthews

Tyler Middleton

Anthony Myers

Taurus Nelson

Cross standout Devante Shepherd finds daylight during 2011 action.

Photo Provided

The Cross Trojans feel 2012 could be the year to undertake serious Pursuit of the Prize.

With Coach Shaun Wright beginning his fourth year guiding the Men of Troy while his team may lack experience and depth in places, this bunch is dangerous.

“We’re young,” he said.

“We have a lot of kids coming back, but we’re not deep.

I hope we don’t get hurt.”

“These are the players we will win and lose with.”

The Trojans come off an 84 record in 2011 and advanced into the second

round of the Class A playoffs, falling to Lake View 38-16.

The Trojans kick off the 2012 season against Class AA’s Kingstree.

“We’ll be ready,” Wright said.

Branford Halls will take over at quarterback this fall and keys a powerful offense with many scoring weapons.

“We have full confidence in him that he will get the job done,” Wright said. “We just hope to keep him healthy because we don’t have many options as a back-up at this time.”

Wright tabbed Malik Gooding, Taurus Nelson, and Greg Jones as the guys the Trojans will depend on up

front that have been leaders throughout the summer.

“We also have the entire backfield back. However most of those guys ran summer track, so we had to share a couple of them.”

Defensively Olin Pinckney returns at linebacker along with Devante Shepherd who also is the Trojans’ returning ground gainer. Shepherd, along with Halls, are emerging as the next premier football players to come out of the Cross program, following in Frazier’s footsteps as the first Trojan football player under Wright’s tutelage to move on to play college football.

See TROJANS Page 40

40 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Cross Trojans Kye'Aire Nesbit

Olin Pinckney

Jamarial Pringle

Devontae Shepherd

Christopher Spann

Xavier Steed

Jessie Turner

Anthony Wigfall

Dan Brown

Cross High School’s Branford Halls runs up the middle for a nice gain during last year’s campaign.

TROJANS from page 39 “They have the look for sure,” Wright said.

Three new assistant coaches have been added to the Trojan staff this fall including former Timmonsville head coach Jimmy Woods who will serve as co-defensive coordinator.

“This will be Jimmy’s second stint at Cross,” Wright said. Woods will also coach the defensive tackles.

Also new on board is former Berkeley Stag product Denario Smalls who trans-

fers to Cross from Lakewood High School who will coach running backs and strong safeties, and Keith Williams who joins the Trojans after coaching at Scotland High School in North Carolina.

Williams will work with the offensive line and defensive ends.

Wright’s goal has been to go deep in the playoffs, and this year’s edition of the Trojans are as strong as any team he’s had to do that. In preparation for the Region 6A schedule, Wright loads up on the heavy hitters during the non-region portion of his

schedule playing defending Class AA state champ Kingstree, Timberland and Lake Marion right off the bat.

“Our schedule is the toughest since I have been here but we won’t make any excuses.

We expect to win our share of games but injuries will be more critical this year than any since I have been here because we simply aren’t a deep team. Our starters are as good as you will get in certain spots but we just don’t have enough of them.”

www.berkeleyind.com

Tyrin Walker

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 41

Roger Lee

Panther quarterback Bobby Casey runs through drills during a recent preseason practice at the school.

Panthers look to be better in 2012

BY ROGER LEE Pinewood coach Jody Kafina believes his team is turning a corner.

Kafina took over a floundering Panther football program last year. The team finished the season with a 2-8 record, but Kafina says that has inspired his players to work harder.

“I’m feeling good,” Kafina said.

“Our offseason weight training program is making all the difference in the world. Last year I only had one lineman who could bench press 200 pounds; this year all but one of them can.”

In the spring, Pinewood won the SCISA Speed and Strength competition and the coach is hoping that will lead to other things.

“That gave them some confidence,” Kafina said. “Now they

know they just need to take that to the football field. We also had a great preseason camp. Our play is more physical. Our confidence in what we are doing is much more aligned with where I want it to be.

Our overall commitment and attitude is where it needs to be.”

The Panthers’ varsity team dresses out 38 athletes.

“We finally have some depth,” Kafina said. “We still have some guys who will play both ways, but a lot of other kids are going to get in the games. This year we have also been able to expand on what we do on both sides of the ball.”

The Panthers will stick to a multiple spread offense and have several players returning on that side of the ball.

Bobby Casey is back for his third year as the Panthers’ starting quarterback. The senior has a

strong arm and a full year of experience with Kafina’s offense.

Joining him in the backfield are returners Jarrett Londergan and TJ Wilson. Londergan is a senior with good speed, but he definitely has the mentality of a fullback and that proved to be a great combination for the Panthers last season.

Wilson is a sophomore who earned valuable experience last season.

“I don’t think there are two faster running backs in our league,” Kafina said.

The Panther offensive line will be anchored by center Cameron Poaps (5-10, 235), guard Andrew Niemeyer (6-2, 230) and tight end Evan Schwartz (6-3, 220). Poaps is a team captain who Kafina says could play at any school in the Lowcountry. Schwartz is a sound blocker and Pinewood’s leading

returning receiver.

Donnell Bryan, Johnny O’Shaugnessy and Joseph Bates return at the wide-out position.

However, O’Shaugnessy will miss the first few weeks of the season due to a collarbone injury.

The linebackers will be the heart and soul of the Pinewood’s 3-4 based defense this season. Marcus Clark and Zack Latham return to lead the group.

“We have some smart, tough guys at that position,” Kafina said.

Safety Joseph Bates and tackle Zack Kanlic also return on the defensive side of the ball.

Wilson and Bryan are among the Panthers likely to play both ways this season. Both have experience in the secondary.

Junior Kevin Weber and sophomore Matt Gabel are battling for

the kicking position and Londergan will be the Panthers’ punter.

Kafina has added some new coaches this season and says his staff is more prepared than it was entering last season.

“I was surprised at how competitive SCISA 3-A football is,” Kafina said. “I knew the teams like Hammond who have that reputation were going to be tough but overall the league is better than I expected. But I’m fortunate to have some coaches who have been around the game a long time and some young guys who will bring extra intensity to our program.

They are all quality people first and foremost and are very dedicated.”

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

42 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Pinewood Panthers 1 Matt Gabel

2 TJ Wilson

3 Donnell Bryan

4 Joseph Bates

5 Kris Johnson

6 Steven Kennedy

7 Dehlon Brooks

8 Lewis Vaughn

10 Johnny O'Shaugnessy

11 Kevin Weber

CT Fredericks

14 Sam Lopez

15 Bobby Casey

19 Landry Lima

20 Zack Heaton

21 Zack Latham

22 Cameron Hendrix

23 Joseph Siegel

24 Jeremy Hunt

25 Jared Stenger

27 Andrew Latham

36 Jarrett Londergan

38 Alex Ruggerio

42 Alex Nelson

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 43

Photos by Roger Lee

Pinewood players work on their receiving and blocking skills during recent workouts at the school.

Panthers 48 Marcus Clark

50 Cameron Poaps

51 Zack Kanlic

54 Cameron Rylance

67 Brad Richards

68 Shareff Boddie

74 Bobby Thomas

75 Harry Scott

76 Clayton Are

81 Evan Schwartz

82 Leslie Redden

58 Andrew Niemeyer 62 Grayson Charpia

70 Chase Abrahams

44 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Northwood Academy under new leadership The Northwood Academy Chargers have a new coach this fall.

After five years as an assistant, Philip Keefe takes over as the head football coach at Northwood Academy former head coach Jerry Stoots retired.

Keefe, a former head coach at First Baptist, has seen a slight increase in numbers and feels the Chargers can improve on last year’s 4-7 record.

Northwood opens the season Aug. 24 at Pinewood Prep. The Chargers travel to Colleton Prep on Aug. 31 in their second game.

“We have a good group out, some kids returning with experience, so I feel like we should be more competitive overall,” says Keefe. “We are still fairly young. We will be starting several underclassmen on both sides of the ball. We have pret-

COBRAS from page 29 seniors, are the wide receivers.

On defense, sophomore linebacker Matt Rudy, who made 98 tackles, and senior cornerback Jason Sheppard, who made 87 tackles and four interceptions, are the top players returning statistically.

Three of four starters on the defensive front are seniors, defensive ends Leon Givens and Henry Pryor, and defensive tackle Aaron Perkins.

Savion Pinckney, the other starting defensive

ty good experience and depth on the offensive line and that could be the strength for us.

Everyone seems to be pretty excited about the season.”

Northwood returns plenty of experience in the offensive skill positions this fall, starting at quarterback where sophomore Will Lloyd returns. Lloyd took over at quarterback a few games into last season and led the team in passing and rushing

tackle, is a junior. Senior defensive end Willie Mazyck is also in the rotation to play a lot up front.

Rudy, one of the top underclassmen in the area, is flanked by seniors Jordan Newlin and Kealon Weldon on the second level.

Sheppard anchors the defensive backfield. Two other starters in the secondary are seniors, cornerback Joey Wade and strong safety Milan Enos.

Free safety Tracy Gilliard is a sophomore. Senior Wilson Brantley gives the Cobras quality depth in the secondary.

On special teams, George Anderson will handle kicking duties.

HANAHAN from page 31 linebacker Lyndon Young.

Washington made 100 stops last fall, while Young was in on 97 total tackles.

The Hawks return four players with starting experience up front defensively in defensive tackle Jacob Garibay, defensive end Dominique Lucas, defensive end Corbin Heyward and Vontrell Grant.

Grant, who made over 60 stops last season, moves up to defensive tackle from linebacker.

In addition to Young on the second level, Quan Wade is a returning starter at linebacker.

He’ll play outside, while Ronald England and Donte Richardson are slated to start at inside linebacker. Marquis Mack figures to play a bunch at linebacker too, while Avery Drake provides depth at the position.

In the secondary, Washington and cornerback Brian Ford are returning starters and Andrew

Doug Rogers/Special to the Gazette

Hanahan receiver Sammy Richardson tries to break tackles against Woodland last season.

Conyers got plenty of time at yard field goal last season, is the other corner spot in 2011. back to handle all kicking Kyle Spigner, who made 51 duties. He averaged 30.8 yards of 57 extra points and a 24- per punt too.

yards.

Joining Lloyd in the backfield are returning running backs Darrett Drayton and Chris Williams, both juniors.

Senior Tre Orr will also see time in the backfield.

Junior Isaiah Williams is the number one receiver with sophomore Douglas Wright expected to contribute in the passing game as well.

Working at tight end are

sophomore Micah Deveaux and freshman Jon Glee – both first-year starters.

Entering camp, the projected starters at tackle were seniors Scott Sweatman and Corey Hansford. Josh Chambers and Ben Watkins, also seniors, were the likely starters at guard. Sophomore Dalton Kolodjiez is a candidate at center.

Some of the same players

will start defensively as younger depth is developed.

Watkins and Chambers head up the linebackers while Hansford and Sweatman work up front. Senior Matt Shifflett will also play up front.

Orr, Drayton and both Williams’ will anchor the secondary. Lloyd will also play in spots in the secondary, along with sophomore Alex Simmons.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 45

Woodland fields veteran team

BY ROGER LEE Woodland returns all but two starters from an offense that put up some serious points during the 2011 campaign.

The Wolverines finished at 74 last season after dominating every team in its region except Hanahan, which won the Region 6-AA crown. This season 31 of the 42 players on Woodland’s roster are returning varsity lettermen so second-year coach Mathis Burnette is optimistic.

“We feel we should make a nice run and that this may be our year,” Burnette said. “We lost one offensive lineman and a slot receiver but the rest of our offensive starters are back.

We’ve had a whole year to game plan with them and we know we have big play potential, but we do need to be a little more physical.”

Junior Patrick Sheppard returns at quarterback and presents a dual threat.

Sophomore Drake Knight provides good depth at the position.

Wide receiver Chris Gaddist is another key skill player.

Burnette says if he and left tackle Michael Barnett (6-4, 225) play up to their potential the Wolverines attack will be hard to stop.

Dakeem Hanton comes in as the new slot receiver. While it is not yet known if he will be able to do all the things his predecessor did, he brings better size to the position. The other new member of the offense is guard Avery Thompson (6-4, 260). What the freshman lacks in experience,

Photos by Roger Lee/Journal Scene

Mathis Burnette enters his second season as the head coach for the Wolverines. he makes up for in size.

Other players listed as starters on that side of the ball are wide receiver Michael Delee, tight end Eric Carn, running back Jari Smith, center Nick Muckenfuss (5-11, 220), guard Ben Mays (6-1, 230) and tackle James Gaddist (5-11,220).

The Wolverine defense also has a lot of experience.

“I feel our defense will stand up,” Burnette said. “We don’t have the biggest group of guys, but man do they fly to the football. Plus, we can lock up manto-man and that allows us to do a lot of good things.

The defense will be anchored by the secondary. Senior safety Rameak Smith returns to “play center field” for the unit.

Senior Laquan White returns as a shutdown cornerback and linebackers Daquan Bolden and Michael Wamer also bring

The Woodland offensive and defensive lines return nearly fully intact this season. experience and leadership to the defense.

Others expected to contribute defensively include linebacker Ryan Kinsey, Corner Juwan Green, safety Roderick Britt, linebacker Zounce Simmons and linemen Mays, Barnett, Kyle Nettles and James Gaddist.

The Wolverines have a new kicker this season, but their punter returns. The team should be strong when it comes to kick returns considering Wamer returned seven kicks for touchdowns last season.

“We have our most experienced team ever,” Burnette said. “If we just handle our assignments, there is no reason we can’t do better than we did last year.”

Contact Roger Lee @ 8739424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

46 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

St. John’s Christian Academy Cavaliers

Dan Brown/Independent

Rashae Bey will be counted on to pick up a lot of yardage on the ground in 2012.

Cavs drop to 8-man football in 2012

BY DAN BROWN Following the 2011 season St. John’s Christian Academy football coach Bill McCall found himself behind the 8ball.

Looking ahead to his 2012 roster of returning players, the numbers simply didn’t add up. The Cavaliers would not have enough players to field a team for 11-man foot-

ball.

So, for the first time since the 2008 season, SJCA will play in SCISA’s 8-Man football league.

“We’ve played 8-man football before and the game is just as competitive as 11-man football, if not faster,” McCall said. “8-man football is faster and a little more open.”

In scrimmage games this

year McCall said his team quickly adjusted to the new game.

“We have played good defense in our scrimmages and we are developing nicely,” he said. “Our speed is the key this year.”

Just because the Cavaliers are small in numbers shouldn’t mean they’re mistaken for being small in talent.

See CAVS Page 47

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

• August 2012 • 47

Quarterback Britt Pipkin rolls out for a pass during practice drills.

CAVS from page 46 They are not.

This team is big, and fast and can play the game.

On offense SJCA will rely on quarterback Evan Hammond and running back Rashey Bey to provide the team with leadership.

Longtime basketball point guard Bobby Winters is playing for the first time in his varsity career and McCall Receiver Damian Hurta goes up for a catch against defender Evan Hammond.

Photos by Dan Brown/Independent

said he was coming along nicely at fullback.

On the offensive line William Brown and Dan Glover anchor the front three.

“They are doing a nice job of blocking for us,” McCall said. “We may be small upfront, but we are quick and strong.”

Damian Hurta and Joe Denton bring experience back to the receivers’ position along with Jalen Ward and Mike Lewis.

“All these guys will play key roles on defense as well,” McCall said.

First year player Walter Edwards has picked up the game well at nose guard.

“He is a tough nose guard that is getting better and becoming a tough nose guard,” he said.

The region lineup in the 8-man league is a little different, split into two regions with SJCA in Region I. “I really don’t know much about the teams we are playing yet, but I know Patrick Henry will be tough,” McCall said. “There are some local teams that will present a challenge as well. We just have to see what’s out there.

For now, the Cavaliers are focusing their attention on Week One. “All we’re concentrating on is our first game with Clarendon Hall,” he said.

48 • August 2012

FOOTBALL PREVIEW