By David Shelton
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30 Aug, 2023
Walterboro – After a string of average to below average seasons, the Colleton Prep football team caught fire in 2022, winning 11 games and reaching the SCISA Class AA state championship game. The Warhawks ended last season with a loss to Williamsburg Academy but proved they belonged once again. Now, the goal is to take the next step in 2023 and close with a win and a state title. The victory total last season was the most since winning 10 games in 2016 and was only the second winning season since that year. Head coach Greg Langdale, entering his fifth season as head coach, has stressed urgency to improve since January. He says it took a little time to get everyone on board again. “I would say about 70 percent of our returning guys got hungry but we had a few get satisfied and found excuses not to put in the work,” the head coach said. “It started to come around as we got through the spring. I’ve tried to tell them, even with some players back, this year will be harder, We won’t sneak up on anyone this year.” Langdale saw improved attention and work ethic by the entire team during the preseason and the Warhawks opened 2023 with a solid 33-23 win over Florence Christian. “We are getting there slowly but we are working hard,” Langdale said. “We’re a little dinged up, nothing serious, so we’re hoping to continue to get healthy.” Colleton Prep’s biggest losses in personnel from last year’s team came along the offensive line where three starters, all four-year starters, graduated. The seniors up front are Drew Rushton, Thomas McMillan and Matthew Blackmon. Junior Cayson Warner and sophomore Steven Crosby, who missed last season with a knee injury, round out the starting front. The good news offensively is the return of quarterback Cole Davis and running back Caleb Davis. Cole accounted for more than 2,700 yards and 34 touchdowns last season while Caleb added 11 scores and nearly 1,000 yards rushing. Cole rushed for 241 yards and two scores, with a passing touchdown, in the opening game. The Warhawks lost leading receiver Caden Crosby but return quality in junior Walker Bryan and senior Will Brady. The strength defensively is at linebacker where Rushton returns as a starter, along with Warner. Raleigh Obenhaus is moving from the line to linebacker as well. A combination of Blackmon, McMillan and freshman BJ Gillespie will work along the defensive front. Senior Eli Rowe is a regular starter at safety with the other positions in the back shared by receivers and backs. “We have 14 seniors, which is the most we’ve had since I have been here, and we have eight juniors, so we’re a more veteran group overall,” Langdale said. “Hopefully that maturity will help us maintain the focus that we need. Nothing will come easy but we definitely have a shot if we can stay healthy.”