Bamberg Ehrhardt, Lewisville, Christ Church Start 2023 Season 1-3 In Class A

By Billy G. Baker

Publisher

(Note: Class A Previews Written Prior To Week One Games on 8-25-2023)

Class A Over-view:  After a first person look at the Lewisville Lions in early August, the HSSR predicts that the final two Class A teams competing at South Carolina State University in the Class A finals this season will be the Lions and the Bamberg Ehrhardt Red Raiders.

Lewisville has 19 starters back from a team that went 11-2 a year ago. Then in July, the Lions gained the services of Clover transfers Dion Brown (6-0, 150) and Cade Pilgrim (6-0, 160). Brown is a Clemson baseball commitment who caught 44 passes for 1.067 yards and 11 TDs as a junior. Pilgrim is a speedy defensive back who has pledged to South Carolina as an LHP.

Bamberg Ehrhardt also has 20 starters back off a team that went 10-3 a year ago. The Raiders are led by a solid group of returning seniors. They include senior WR/DB Anthony Williams (6-2, 175), hard-hitting senior LB Jamie Downing. Junior QB Chanston Crosby (6-3, 200) and junior DE Javaris Logan (6-4, 219) are two prospects in the 2025 class for the Raiders. 

Region 1-A Predicted Order Of Finish (& 2022 Record)

1. Christ Church (14-1)

2. St. Joseph’s (11-3)

3. Southside Christian (6-5)

4. McCormick (5-6)

5. Dixie (3-8)

6. Ware Shoals (2-9)

7. Calhoun Falls (0-10)

Christ Church - Despite losing to AA power Gray Collegiate 49-21 in week zero, it is tough competition like this that prepares the Christ Church Cavaliers for another Region 1-A championship. The Cavaliers went undefeated in region play in 2022, compiling a 14-1 over-all record that including winning the Class A state title. The key to Christ Church once again dominating region play is the return of senior RB Dashun Reeder who committed to Northwestern in May. Last season Reeder rushed for 2,212 yards and 42 TD’s. He averaged 9.6 yards a carry and tallied 152 rushing yards and scored three TDs in his teams dominating 43-20 state title win over Johnsonville.

The Cav’s, who are 29-7 under head coach Quin Hatfield, have seven starters back on offense and five return to defense, that gave up only 200 points in 15 games in 2022. Starters back on offense include senior WR’s Jackson Repp and Luke Baumhofer along with LT/DL Lincoln Weldie (6-2, 225), and OL/DL Grant Strohmaier who play both ways. OL Patrick McMaster and Grayson Varnadore are also returning starters. On defense, Will Marguet is back in the DL and Jake Good (6-1, 220) is an all-state LB returning.

St Josephs - won a school record 11 games in 2022 and two of their three losses came in the region which made them Road Warriors for the playoffs. Despite being a three-seed SJC, under head coach Chris Goodman, advanced to the Class A upper state finals, losing to Christ Church, 21-7.

SJC had an impressive 42-0 win over Fox Creek to begin the 2023 on a positive note.

The Knights are led by highly regarded all-region junior RB/DB William Gillespie (5-11, 183) who rushed for 902 yards and scored 13 TD’s in just the playoffs last season. On defense he made 37 tackles and had one pick. Senior RB Harrison Zinkman also returns after earning all-region honors also.

On defense SJC will be led by senior ILB Johnny Jaraczewski (6-0,220) who led the way with 159 tackles, 16 TFL as a junior. Gabe Nelson is another all-region LB returning. Senior Walker Wolfram (6-2, 210) is a leader in the OL. 

 Southside Christian, ranked number six in the latest HSSR Class A ranking,  were 5-1 in the region a year ago. The Sabres lost to Commerce, Ga. (21-19) in week zero and they will play another tough non-region schedule to prepare themselves for the playoffs.

The top four SC senior players getting recruiting interest are OL Guy Hawkins, DL Micah McGowan, DB Ethan Chandler along with QB Paul Cobin. The top transfer is WR Zack Brewster wo will add depth to the receiving corp. Ben Bobo, up from the jayvee, provides depth at LG while highly regarded sophomore Keldin Wrona is a skilled utility player.  The top junior on the team is DT is prospect (6-0,295).

Veteran head coach Mike Sonneborn (167-48) has won Class A state titles at SC in 2015 and 2020 when the Sabre’s dominated Lake View 46-6. If the Sabre’s can find success at RB and in the linebacking corp. SC  could be the spoiler in both the region and in the state finals this season.

McCormick went 3-3 in their region last season. The Chiefs lost on the road at AA power Abbeville, 65-12 in week zero but will more competitive in their own league.  With 14 starters back the Chiefs could pull an upset or two this season.

Head coach Leroy Collier tells the HSSR that “strong leadership” is his team’s strong point coming into the season. LB Cam Durant (6-3, 200), RB KJ Morton, WR Dre’Kevan Thomas (6-1, 210), and LT/DT Demetric Anderson (6-3, 225) make up a core group of senior veterans. QB Markese Stevens is a junior leader while a trio of sophomores provide depth led OL Tarius Tate, DB Quantrell Hearst, and DB Toquan Thompson. Durant is getting interest from North Greenville, while Thomas has an offer from Erskine while Morton is getting interest from Limestone College.

Dixie opened up the 2023 season (3-8, 2-4) with a lop—sided lost to Pendleton. One of the Hornet’s key players will be junior TE Thomas Ferguson (6-5, 180) who caught one pass and recovered a fumble for a TD in the season opener. RB’s Brandon Nance and Austin Wilson rushed for 24 and 45 yards respectively in the loss. Tae McDonald added 21 yards.

Dixie is head coached by Andy Stokes. Two players contributing on defense include junior OLB Kaden Sullivan and junior DE Kenneth Mullins. Junior Monterrius Martin is a leader in the offensive line.

Ware Shoals was (2-9,1-5) last season and first-year head coach Christopher Dodson is hoping for improvement this season. Things got started in a positive direction with the Hornets 38-28 win over Whitmire in week zero.  

Sr. RB/DB Justice Lomax is the team’s lone all-region player returning. On defense junior DL/OL DaKeavious Middleton (5-10,290) and senior OL/DL Isaiah Wardlaw (6-3, 315) provide a wall on both sides of the lines. Jace Stewart is a contributing junior RB and junior Jayce Medlin is a WR/DB.

“Our main goal for the season is to change the culture of Ware Shoals football,” said Coach Dodson. “Our other main goal is to win more games than in previous seasons and build up our participation numbers.”

Ware Shoals has 23 hard-working players on the team to start the 2023 season. 

Calhoun Falls , head coached by Zak Theus, started the 2023 season with a 51-6 loss to Blackville-Hilda  The team has 20 returning starters from a team that went winless in 2022.

The team is comprised of many senior veterans and the Flashes are certain to win some games this season. Senior RB Jamarri Norman (6-3,190) scored his team’s only touchdown on a run to start the season. Sophomore OL Quay Tuman is a talented player up-front. All three linebackers are veteran seniors led by Hakeem Lewis, Devon Burden, and Ken Cade.

Region 3-A Prediction Of Order Of Finish

1. Lewisville (11-2)

2. CA Johnson (7-4)

3. Whitmire (6-5)

4. McBee (4-7)

5.  Great Falls (2-8)

Lewisville already had 19 starters returning for the 2023 season, and they won the Region 3-A title under first year head coach Leon Boulware with a cast of juniors. Adding to the 19 starters back was the mid-summer transfers of Clover players Dion Brown and Cade Pilgrim. Brown is currently committed to Clemson for baseball and Pilgrim is a LHP committed to South Carolina.  Brown caught 43 passes for more than 1,000 yards and 11 TD’s, averaging 24.2 yards a catch. Pilgrim is a DB with good cover range who can also double up as a speedy running back if needed.

Lewisville went to AA Oceanside Collegiate to open the season in week zero and they gave the Landsharks a very competitive game before losing 24-7.

The Lions return a core group of senior starters led by LB Jaquan Howze (6-0,180), RB Damien Fee, WR Denari Garcia, and DL KT Davis. Ian Grissom is a strong armed jr. QB who can run and throw while jr. Zach Rogers is a sure-handed DB. Promising sophomores DB Jordan Strong will also provide depth in the team. The OL consists of LT Ethan Shipman, RT Makiel Crane, LG Naterious McCullough, RG Malik Harrison and center Cade Foster.

Several other veterans return on defense in DL Monroe Fletcher, DL Jaquese Buchana, LB JaQuinta Cousar, KB Daquan Evans, LB Elisha Baker, along with DB’s RiQvarius Harris and JDB Jakarri Strong.

CA Johnson made great strides finishing 8-5 a year ago, with a 3-1 record in the region. Head coach Scotty Dean told the HSSR,  “We are very young with only two seniors and five juniors among the starters with a lot of 9^th and 10^th graders having to step up and play,” said Coach Dean. “Offensively, we are really starting to understand the offense and the details of what it takes to be a solid offensive team. We have solid offensive backs returning.

“On defense we return our entire defensive back field but we graduated four linebackers and two defensive linemen,” said Coach Dean. We are looking for the defensive back group to lead the defense.

QB Caleb Pearson returns after being named the Region Player of the Year last season.  Pearson rushed for 1,597 yards and 16 TD’s. He added 463 passing yards and six TD’s. Six juniors return to start and they include: RB-Keivonte Bates, WR Jaylin Miller, WR Tyshon Grimes, Jadaline Harper, DL Emanuel Davis, and Angel Valez-Vann. Bates had 38 tackles, Miller 40, and Valez-Vann 36 with 10 TFL a year ago.

The top rising sophomores at CA Johnson  include CB Monte Jefferies, OL/DL Jaylon Gibbs (6-3, 270), and RT Jeremiah Johnson. The top transfer is RB/LB Sergino Samuels.

CA Johnson defeated Columbia 32-2 in week zero.

Whitmire - Although Whitmire lost to Ware Shoals, 38-28 in week zero, they appear to be a team that will show improvement this season. In week zero jr QB Blake Stribble completed 13-of-21 passes for 125 yards a TD. He also rushed for 27 yards and had two rushing TD’s.

Sr. RB Tre Cromer ran for 124 yards on 11 carries with a TD. Junior Kayshaun Schumpert ran for 50 yards on 15 carries and he caught four passes for 41 yards.

The Whitmire defense was led by sr. CB Ricky Harrison who had six tackles and a sack, Sr. CB Ashton Nelson had six tackles along with Keiston Sanders who chipped in with five stops. Ty Sligh also had a sack.  Zayne Gibson (6-0,220) is a leader along the OL/DL.

Whitmire is coached by Andrew Campbell.

Great Falls began the season with a 42-6 loss to Heathwood Hall. and with seven starters back on offense and 8 back on defense, head coach Brian Kane was certainly hoping for a better result.

Prior to the season Coach Kane told the HSSR, “We are coming back with four or five starters on the offensive line and seniors Keshaun Killian, John” Trey” Wilson and Stephen Caughman will anchor the offensive line. Junior QB Tremaine Caldwell will lead the offense with a year of experience under him. Senior RB Jaylan Sanders and soph wide receiver Tykedron Bell will be lighting up score boards this coming season.

  “Defensively, we are returning most of our DL and LB starters,” said Coach Kane. “The defense will be le led by senior LB’s Sanders and Wilson who flip from offense.  We also will get help on defense from DL Killian and Caughman who flip from offense also.”

Great Falls will be young in the secondary but soph DB’s Bell, Zaquan Talford, and TyDrekus Simpson had solid playing time last season.” 

Region 4-A Prediction of Order Of Finish

1.    Calhoun County (8-4)

2.    Denmark Olar (7-4)

3.    Wagener-Salley (9-4)

4.    Blackville-Hilda (2-8)

5.    Hunter-Kinard-Tyler (5-6)

6.    Ridge Spring-Monetta

7.    Williston-Elko (1-9)

Calhoun County - After 35-20 win over Cross in week zero Calhoun County head football coach Wayne Farmer said the game had a second, or third round playoff game, not a week zero game. “We were fortunate enough to beat Cross last year in a week zero and they have improved 100 per cent over last season so we feel fortunate to have won the game,” said Coach Farmer. “What we have on this year’s team is a core group of seniors who have played together since the Covid year when they were all freshmen.

“We compete in the upper state playoffs against schools like Christ Church, Southside Christian and it is a really tough situation,” said Coach Farmer. “We won the region two years ago, but placed second last year. Our goal is to win the region and make a deep run. We have a hard-working group of seniors focused on going out on top.”

Against Cross QB Tykest Davenport completed 8-of-17 passes for 163 yards and TD’s. Davenport also rushed for 171 yards on 15 carries plus one TD, Senior stud RB Ahmir Smith rushed for 161 yards and 2 TD’s. Top 100 HSSR member and Virginia commitment Chrisitan Zachary (6-3, 190) caught five passes for 1231 yards and 2 TD’s.

Denmark Olar had a 28-16 win over First Baptist to start the season and head coach Jarvis Littlejohn came into the season talking about the depth his team had in both OL/DL. “The strength of our team has to be the OL and the DL because we can 7 or 8 guys have not had a drop at all.”

Coach Littlejohn said “communication” on the field amongst his players had caused break-downs in the past and he and his staff worked hard on improving communications during the off-season.

Denmark-Olar will be led by seniors Jacques Donaldson (RB), Zachary Whetstone (LB), Trevic Whaley (CB), Trevon Hinton (QB/DB, 6-0,183), Jamarion Wise-PK), Kelveon Adams (LG-5-10,240) and Shamarion Palmer (Punter).   

Top junior prospect Tykeem Ross (6-5, 230 TE) is a leader on offense and in the DL and he is drawing interest from numerous colleges. Other junior contributors include Terrence Hinton (QB), Reginald Youmans (DT-5-11,245), and Charleston Brown (OL-C,6-2,245).

Wagener-Salley, head coached by Willie Fox, got the season started off right with a 34-22 win over Allendale-Fairfax in week zero.

Coming into the season, Coach Fox told the HSSR, “We have a chance to be good up-front on both sides of the ball with some experience coming back in these areas,” he said. “We also have some good pieces in the skill positions but not a lot of experienced depth.

“We are very young and will start only a few seniors and juniors,” said Coach Fox. “We are mostly freshman and sophomores so we need to grow up fast.”

The top rising senior for W-S is Brandon Pontoon who is a leader in both lines. RB Kentrell Brown TE/LB and RB/LB Aiden Stroman lead the junior group.  The soph contingent is led by TE/ Isaiah Garvin along with OL/DL Rayfield Bell.

Blackville-Hilda, head coached by Kevin Jones, got the season started off in a big way with a 51-6 win over Calhoun Falls Charter in week zero.

Jr. QB Samari Williams had a huge game completing 6-of-11 passing for 95 yards and he added 56 yards rushing a TD also. Jr. RB Jaquet Holman (6-3,200) led the ground game with 106 yards on seven carries with two TD’s. The top WR was sr. Tamari “TD” Daniels (5-7,145,4.3) who caught fiver passes for 96 yards and two TD’s.

On defense B-H was led by the duo of Jamarion Priester and Holman with six tackles each. Jr. LB Jabarius Johnson with five tackles and freshman Kaiden Aiken had four tackles along with sophomore Ricky Richburg. The sr. leaders returning include Daniels, all-region LB Stevie Jones, Priester, and LB Kedrick Sabb who was all-region as a sophomore but was slowed by an injury last year.

Top juniors for B-H include Williams, Holman, DB Namair Anderson, Johnson, Isiah Greggs, Timothy Beard, Darius Jenkins, and Brandon Priester. Jaden Jackson, Jaden Dash, Walker, and Messiah McFadden comprise a talented sophomore group.

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler - HKT exploded for a huge 56-0 win over Scott’s Branch in week zero.  HKT is head coached by 30-plus year coaching veteran Tony Felder. RB Trenten Summers led HKT with 118 yards including a 40-yard punt return for a TD. Some other playmakers on the team include QB/DB Arquan Edwards (6-3, 195) and Jaden Jamison (6-1, 180). DE Karrien Waymyers (6-3, 247) is a prospect at DE. K’ron Long (5-11, 270) and Jakobe Holmon (5-7,264) give support in both lines.

If HKT can continue scoring 56 points every week their fans will be pleased with the 2023 season indeed. 

Ridge Spring Monetta comes into the 2023 season with new head coach Jerry Brannon succeeding Brian Smith who left to become the new head football coach at Barnwell. RSM lost to Augusta Chrisitan 34-18 in week zero.

Some of the RSM team leaders for 2023 will include senior OLB Deante Hopkins (6-0,181) along with junior WR Tavin Rodney (6-3, 185). Jkrayh Taylor (5-10,182) is a senior RB along with OL Aaron Layton (5-10,265). James Bosket (6-1, 170) is a hard-working senior QB/DB. Tykeem Martin is a speedy senior WR.

Williston-Elko, head coached by Kenny Lipsey, started the season with a 40-0 loss to AA power Barnwell.

The Blue Devils should good play from junior RB Jamarion Kirklnad, QB Tyler Parker, OL/DL Deone Holmon, WR Carlos Drayton, and OL/DL Romone Robinson (5-10,240).  

Region 5-A Prediction Of Order Of Finish

1.      Johnsonville (13-1)

2.      Carvers Bay 7-5)

3.      Scott’s Branch (4-7)

4.      East Clarendon (1-9)

5.      Hemingway (0-10)

Johnsonville  - Ken Cribb comes into the season as the head coach in Johnsonville with an impressive 145-67 career record but he will the first to tell you that the Flashes repeating their 13-1 gold medal round season of a year ago (Class A finals) might be a challenge to duplicate. In week zero, North Central defeated the Flashes 28-21 in a very competitive game.

Senior QB Malik Shippy completed six passes for 75 yards and one TD while rushing for 53 yards and a TD. Senior RB Neil Martin rushed for 68 yards and scored a TD. Zaghe Davis added 79 yards on the ground also. Senior WR Travis Wilson caught three passes for 59 yards.

Over the summer North Greenville showed next level interest in Martin and Furman is involved with Shippy. The OL line is held down at the start of the season by soph TE Dylan Smith, jr. LT Bubba Tapla, soph RT Jason Brigham, jr LG Will Grubbs, soph RG Braden Baxley, and senior center Taylor Davis. The WR’s include Wilson, jr Jordan Burgress, and jr Quandrell Woodberry.

Some of the head-hunters on defense includes DL Luke Altman, Payne Alford, and Zyi’kel Cooper with Wilson flipping from offense. The LB’s consists of Martin and Woodberry flipping from offense along with Landon Cribb and Tashawn Brown. The DB’s are Quandrell and CJ Woodberry along with Burgress and sophomore Bryson Howell.

Coach Cribb said coming into the season the strength of the team was at QB and the core group of linebackers. “We are a very young football team that needs experience,” he said.

Carvers Bay should not be too down about an opening season 41-0 to a very talented AAA team in Fairfield Central that has a QB with a live major college arm.  In this region not many teams pass the ball at all.

A bright note to share from head coach Matthew Richard is that sophomore RT Zyon Guiles (6-4, 240) already has offers from The Citadel and SC State this early in his career. The five returning Bears on offense include sr. QB Kenneth Bateman (6-0, 175), WR Jasaia Young (5-10, 170), Guiles, RG Bakari Rice, and center Isaiah Wright. Guiles handles all kicking duties also.

The Bears defense returns six starters. DL Elijah Singletary, DL-Wright, DL-Guiles, LB Dominque Brown (6-0,185), LB Kimon Winns, DB AJ Jenkins, and DB-Young. The top player up form jayvee is Kenard Howard. 

Scott’s Branch, head coached by Randall State, got a wake-up call with a 56-0 loss to HKT in week zero. 

The senior leader on the team is LB/SS Zion Thompson while athlete Nigel Lawson heads up the junior class. The top sophomore is LeAnder Smith (6-1, 185) at RB/LB. A few other players include QB Johnquell Jackson, RB Jamari Calloway (5-8, 220) along with 9^th grade RB Nyren Brown (6-0, 180).

A few other players include Danny Ragin-DL, and LB Jordan Kind. See feature story on team in section A of this issue.   

East Clarendon begins their first season under former Lakewood coach Larry Cornelius. The Wolverines are starting the season on 8-25 with a road game at Latta.

“We have depth at most positions, considering we are in Class A ball,” said coach Cornelius. “The effort and attitude have been good. We are still learning the complicated schemes and gaining football I-Q.”

The top seniors coming into the season are X receiver Jyre Fulton, TE Ryan Sullivan, and RB Rod Shaw. The juniors are led by FS Whit Nisbit, QB Bennett Matthews, and Hunter Mixon. Soph Takoda Mixon will start at one WR slot. Some starting OL include center Colton Carraway, LT Kyle McCutcheon, along with RG Xavier Smith.

On defense Jaylon Brown, Xavier Smith, and Kollin Brown hold down the three-man defensive front. Sullivan flips to LB and plays beside Tucker Owens and Rod Shaw. The DB’s are Darius McCray, Braylon Brown, Picasso Brown and Nesbit. (See in-depth article on EC football in Section A of this issue).

Hemingway head coach Byron Abram is working hard to get the participation numbers up at his school. The Tigers had depth issues for sure in their 43-0 loss to Latta in week zero.

The Tigers have only had two seniors Isaiah Charley (5-7, 147) and Tyron Palmer. Charley starts at defensive end and tight end while is one of teams play makers.

The Tigers are junior heavy with Quentin Samuel (6-3, 280) leading the linemen. He plays on both sides of the ball. According to coach Abram he is starting to get looks from schools.

“Quentin is one of our team leaders. He is a high motor guy, and he pushes everyone,” said coach Abram.

Tristen Stuckey, Nicholas Singletary, Xavier Washington, Amari White, center Joshua Eaddy (5-10, 176), Samuel Cooper (6-3, 250) and Tre'Shawn Pressley make up the rest of the linemen for the Tigers.

One of the basketball players that coach Abram is very high and feels he could have a future in football is Jhamauri Greene (6, 145). He brings an athletic presence on both sides of the ball.

Romance Hanna, Lyri Bell, Reed Pressley, Kyron Thompkins, Kamari White, Nigel Flowers, Jamar Canty, Marque Scott (5' 8", 149) and Jalyrious Bell make up the rest of the junior class. Several will play both ways.

Sophomore quarterback Jabari Pearson (5-6, 130) is first time playing, as is linebacker Alexander Timmons.

Region 6-A Predicted Order Of Finish

1.      Lamar (9-4)

2.     Latta (6-5)

3.     Lake View (8-4)

4.     Hannah-Pamplico (4-7)

5.     Green Sea Floyds (1-9)

Lamar is favored to once again win Region 6-A under first year head coach Stephen Burris. Lamar has played in nine Class A state championship games, winning five since 2001.

“I’m very excited about our team. We return a lot of players that have a lot of experience from last year’s 9-4 team,” said head coach Burris. “The expectations in Lamar do not change. We expect to be playing late into November with a chance to contend for a state championship. 

The Silver Foxes return 8 starters on a defense that gave up only 13 points per game last season and they return seven players that played a significant amount of time on offense last season.

Leading defense is led by returning Class A All-state selection senior end Nazir Stevenson (6 240). This Top 100 senior pursues the ball down the line really well and is very strong at the point of attack. He also sees time at fullback.

Joining Stevenson on the D-line are senior nose tackle Otis Samuel (6-0, 200) and junior end Nyshaun Quillen (6-2, 200).

The linebacking unit may be small but don’t let that fool you as they arrive at the ball with bad intentions. Seniors Freddy Cruz (5-6, 176) and Michael McFadden (5-9, 160) are joined by freshmen DQ Green (5-9, 145). McFadden was All-Region last season.

Senior Tavis Dolford (6-1, 175) is the leader of the secondary. He is a returning All-State selection at wide out and an All-Region selection at defensive back. He is a playmaker on both sides of the ball and is drawing some interest from schools.

The rest of the secondary is made up of juniors Vernon Ervin (5-9, 150), Alvion Ward (5-10, 160), Kamon Miller (5-10, 165), and Zoom Jackson (5-7, 135). Jackson and Miller also start at wide outs alongside Dolford.

The offensive line is made up of under classmen three juniors and two sophomores. The leader of the group is left tackle Kendall Walton (6-5, 285). The All-Region selection is currently being looked at by Clemson, Georgia State, Duke, North Carolina, and Yale among other schools. (See feature story on Lamar in front section of this issue) 

Latta head coach Brandon Iseman was very upbeat about his team’s play in the Dillon Jamboree before the season.

“This game was a good bounce-back for us after we struggled on Tuesday,” said Coach Iseman. “I felt like the kids responded well tonight and I feel good about what they did.

“We have a big senior group and a strong junior group also so we are looking forward to the season. We start the season off against Mullins this upcoming week.”

Notes: Linebacker Amir Rogers had the pick-six for the Vikings. The top returning seniors include Kartrell Townsend, Labron Cobb, Jamarion Jones, Dorian Griffin, and Eli Jones. Latta should improve on their 6-5 season from last year. They got the season off to a positive start with a 49-12 win over Mullins in week zero.

The Vikings will be led by seniors Kartrell Townsend (WR), Labron Cobb (QB), Jamarion Jones (RB) Dorian Griffin (LB), and Eli Jones (LB). The talented junior group consists of Amir Rogers and McKinley Wallace. (Please see feature story on Latta in Section A of this issue).

          Lake View has gone back to a traditional wish-bone offensive look after being somewhat more open the last five seasons. At the recent Dillon jamboree veteran head coach Daryl King shared his thoughts with the HSSR, “We lost around 14 seniors from last year’s team and we have returned 100 per cent to a wish bone offense, for the first time in five or six seasons, so we are still learning our timing assignments and we are young in a lot of places.   

       “We only have a couple practices to get better before we open up the season at Marion on Thursday night of this week.” (8-17)

The Wild gators return all-region performers Tamil Bellmon at RB and junion LB Tyrell Foxworth. Junior Kason Herlong is the starting QB and late in the scrimmage he completed several nice passes to junior TE prospect Daniel Ray (6-5, 200). 

(Please see feature story on lake View football in Section A of this issue)

Hannah-Pamplico opened the season in week zero with a thrilling 57-52 win over McBee as highly regarded RB Jamacrus Williams ran for312 yards on 21 carries to pace the raider offense that produced 536 yards of total offense. 

“We have a long way to go defensively and we knew that coming in,” said head coach Trey Woodberry. “We had some good moments but we got some cramps with our starters and we just don’t have the depth right now. We’re young and we’re small so we have limitations. We have to play more physical and tackle better. We’ll keep working at it and we will get better. We have to get better.”

Quarterback Wade Poston is a returning starter and added 148 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the opener.

Expected to see carries in the run game behind Williams are defensive starters Chris Eldridge and Logan Bass, who play linebacker on defense. Sophomore Kei’Monti Wilson saw action in the opener, as did sophomore Darius Williams.

Senior JT Thompkins is the team’s top receiving threat, with junior Demarian Sparks being a solid option in the passing game as well.

The offensive line is a veteran unit with all five starters returning from last season. Avery Stone and Mason Hanna are the tackles while Al Foxworth and Will Faulkenberry are the guards, Brandon Cox starts at center. Stone and Foxworth are the only seniors in the unit. Freshman Dewey Kimbrough will rotate in often as well. (See story on H-P football elsewhere in Section A of this issue).

Green Sea Floyds begins their second year under head coach Patrick Martin. After going 1-9 last season the GSF fell in week zero to Loris 41-0.

The Trojans are eld by seniors Dylan McDowell (RB), Dunkin Lay (H), Issac Shelley (RT), Ben Thompson (MLB), Terrell Sanders (WR), and Shamar Jordan (FS). The junior group is led by Sebastain Alvarado (CB), and Issac Hewitt (LG). Rising soph’s contributing include Hayes Clark (TE), and Ryder Buffin (R-LB).

“Our strength will come from the trenches on b both sides as we mix in more playmakers on the outside in a more up-tempo attack,” said Coach martin.

Region 7-A Predicted Order Of Finish

1.  Bamberg Ehrhardt (9-3)

2. Whale Branch (6-5)

3. Branchville (2-6)

4. Allendale-Fairfax (2-8)

5. Bethune-Bowman (1-9)

With 19 starters back, from a 9-3 season Bamberg-Ehrhardt enters the 2023 season ranked number one by the HSSR. Losing by a wide margin to Estill last season cost the raiders a shot at the region title and it will be a loss long in the memory of Raider nation for sure.

Head B-E coach Corey Crosby is 18-6 after his first two seasons as the Raiders head coach. Last year the Raiders advanced to the Class a Lower State finals before losing to Johnsonville by seven points. The Raiders appear ready to take care of some unfinished business from last season.

B-E got the season started with a 41-6 won over Edisto in week zero.

The offense will be built around senior running back Nick Folk (5-11, 200) who earned all-state honors as a junior, after rushing for 1,413 yards on 135 carries and 14 TD’s. Junior QB/WR Chanston Crosby (6-3, 190) has looked very sharp in 7-on-7 drills this summer, and he has dual threat capabilities as the Raiders lean more on a running offense. Last year, Crosby, an all-region performer who was named to the HSSR statewide all-rookie team, completed 98-of-131 passes for 1,530 yards and 12 TD’s. He also rushed for two scores.

Big play receiver Anthony Williams returns (6-2,190) after catching 54 passes for 814 yards and three TD’s last season. As a DB Williams had 49 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass break-ups in earning all-state honors. Senior Isiah Johnson is described as an “athlete” who had good numbers last year as both a WR and an RB. Johnson caught 48 passes for 618 yards and two TD’s while rushing for 624 yards on 34 carries and four TD; s. He will also see action in the secondary.

Senior MLB Jamie Downing returns (5-9, 202) after leading the team with 117 tackles, 25 TFL, and three interceptions last season. Downing, who can also be used as RB, HB, and TE, on offense rushed for 252 yards on 27 carries. Senior nose guard Y’Zorian Washington (6-2, 288)   is back after contributing 68 tackles, 23 TFL, and seven sacks in earning all-state honors as a junior.   DE Aiden Bunch, who can also play TE, returns after compiling 59 tackles, 8 sacks and 14 TFL last season. (See B-E) story in Section A of this Issue)

Whale Branch has been head coached by veteran Jerry Hatcher has been coaching at WB for several years now and in the very near future one senses his program is going to take that next step towards a Class A state title.

His team will start the season against North Charleston on August, 25. Coach hatcher feels like he has five players who could well enough this season to earn all-state honors. They are senior QB KJ Chisholm (6-0, 175) who has numerous offers with Appalachian State, Wofford, and The Citadel the top three right now. Senior RB Bradford Thompson (6-0,215) is a tough out.

On defense all-state candidates are freshman DL Raheim Saunders (6-1,305), Thompson on the DL and Chisolm playing a lock down corner.

Coming into the season Coach Hatcher feels W-B is very inexperienced in the OL and he feels like the team’s strength is their defensive speed. Two other seniors who will factor in the team’s success are Daryl Cummings (RB) and Dorien Alston (TE). The top rising junior is Isaiah Evans (6-7, 345) who could lend support on either line.

Branchville is once again under the direction of head coach Sandy Dukes.  The jackets got off to a great start on the season with a 45-12 win over Dorchester Academy.

The team has several veteran players mixed with newcomers. One key player is power back Philijuan Saldano (6-0, 200). Jacob Watkins (5-10, 180) is an OLB to spear the defense. The OL is anchored by senior Cade Elliott (6-0,265) and the DL is anchored by Khasean Saldano (6-0,310).

Bethune-Bowman has hired Cody McNeal as the new head football coach, succeeding Glyn Darby.  In his head coaching debut in week zero his team played a competitive game before losing 22-8 to Pelion.

In the loss QB Derrick Simmons showed a lot of promise completing five passes for 61 yards and rushing for 65 yards on 13 carries and one TD. Senior RB Travon Miller gained 74 yards on 9 carries and soph RB Jordan Avinger finished with 49 yards on 11 carries.  The majority of these players flip to defense as well.   

Region 8-A Predicted Order Of Finish

         1.  Cross (11-3) 

        2.  Baptist Hill (8-3)

3.  Military Magnet (1-10)

4.  St. Johns (2-8)

5.  Burke (1-9)

Cross played a very competitive game to start the season against Calhoun County in week zero losing 35-21 against a team with several playmakers. Head coach Shaun Wright understands that the game is not always a sprint but a marathon. Last year his Trojans kept improving and they it all the way to the Lower State finals before losing at Johnsonville.

“We come into the season with a veteran offensive line, a veteran QB, and some skill guys,” said Coach Wright. “We still to improve our linebacking play and getting some players to step at linebacker will be the key improvement on defense.”

Against Calhoun County QB Tyler Mungin completed four passes for 94 yards and the senior added 62 yards on the ground and scored a TD. RB Da’Laron Huge added 32 yards on six carries and junior RB Karmello Jones led rushers with 95 net yards and two TD’s. Soph WR Caden Ramsey hauled in three passes for 75 yards.

The tackle index was led by senior DB Tyshawn Gavens and LB David Wigfall with six tackles each. DB Cobey Coleman had four tackles. (See story on Cross football in the A section of this issue).

Baptist Hill head coach Marion Brown preaches high school football on Friday night and literally preaches the gospel as a minister on Sunday so you there is no doubt, he is a great mentor to his players.

The Bobcats lost a hard-fought game to Denmark-Olar, 28-16 to start the season but you can expect this team to keep improving every week just in time for a run in the playoffs.

Against the Vikings QB Harold Gathers had a great game as he completed 14-of-19 passes for 229 yards and a TD. He also ran for 83 yards on six carries and a TD. Sophomore RB Ricky Middleton rushed for 87 yards and added 57 yards in pass receptions. WR’s Romaine Grant and Jalen Douglas tallied 101 and 62 yards in pass receptions.

On defense Jalen Gadsen led the way with 10 tackles and Lamar Singleton chipped in with 9. Klyn Gordan had 8 tackles and Romine Grant had seven stops.

It appears Baptist Hill has a potent offense and enough defense for a deep run in the playoffs this year. The region title is going to come down between them and Cross.

Military Magnet lost to North Charleston, 20-0 in week zero but you can expect Derrell Pringle’s tam to improve from the 2-10 record of 2022.

“We will be a very young team after graduating 14 seniors, but we have some very talented skill kids moving up from jayvee,” said coach Pringle. “Our OL and DL will need to prove themselves this year.”

The team will be led by seniors Robert Perrineau (QB), Dillian Mclaughlin (LT), and Jamile Ancrum (RB) who gained 276 yds last season with 8 TD’s. The top RB returns in Jaylin Waters who rushed for 551 yards and scored 8 TD’s last year.

The defense is led by Tegan Evans who had 22 tackles and three TFL along with DL Dillian Mclaughlin who returns after having 22 tackles and two TFL a year ago, Waters, who flipped to DB, led the team in tackles with 57 including five TFL and one sack.

St. Johns lost to AA Ridgeland -Hardeeville 27-12 in week zero but head coach Mike Howard is focused on the Islanders improving their record of 2-7 last season.

For that to happen the team will need  great senior leadership from RB Josh Brown (5-11, 195) and WR/FS Trenton Rivers. Junior LB TraSan White (6-2, 220) is a force on defense. Sinclair Wright is a developing sophomore at RG.

“Our rising junior class is the strong point of our returning experience,” said Coach Howard. “To improve as a team, we must develop ways to improve our offensive out-put.”

The DL is led by Zaire LaBoard, Xander Arano, and Wright. Devin Mack, White, and DeVonta Green lead the linebacking group. Kamaurri Washington, Jerrod Duncan, Roderick Waring, and CJ Drayton patrol the secondary.