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Connors takes over as Clarendon Hall athletic director and football coach By David Shelton Staff Writer Summerton – Casey Connors feels he is well-equipped to be Clarendon Hall’s athletic director and head football coach, two positions he assumes at the school this fall. Connors has been at the school for the last 10 years and has been a head basketball coach and assistant football and baseball coach at the school during his tenure. Connors is charged with the task of rebuilding the football program and ushering in a new era of success for the overall athletic department. “We think the athletic department here, overall, is in very good shape and headed in the right direction,” said Connors recently. “We’re in a cycle right now of some really talented young athletes at the school. Some of our best athletes are freshmen and sophomores. I coached girl’s basketball last year and we advanced to the second round of the state playoffs with three sophomores and a freshman. The boy’s basketball team made it to the second round with a young group as well. “I expect us to be successful in all sports and the administration here is committed to that. We already see our kids being very competitive despite our youth and our expectations are to be even better this coming year.” Connors says he will continue his duties as girl’s basketball coach for the coming year but he is looking to fill open positions in volleyball and possibly boy’s basketball and baseball. The coach says Billy Carlisle and Richie Way will assist with the football team this fall. Carlisle has been coaching at Clarendon Hall for the last 10 years and Way has been at the school for a few years. Clarendon Hall competes in eight-man football and Connors says youth and inexperience will be a factor this fall. “We were young last year and struggled some and we’re still pretty young,” said the coach. “I think we only have one senior in football this season. But, again, like in the other sports, as young as we are, we have some kids with experience. We just have to be patient and allow these kids to develop while teaching them how to win along the way. I am confident we can get it done here.”

?They?re a lot like us in that they want to run the football and set up the play action,? Thacker said. ?He?s going to get in that 50 front and then shift into a 4-4.?

Thacker said Hodges is playing good at receiver and also defensive back. He credited Brad Williams and Josh McLeod for playing well most of the time on the offensive and defensive lines.

He praised Cameron Cogdill for making most of the plays that come his way despite typically being outsized in height.

Thacker also hopes Bryant will step up his performance as the season progresses. A year ago, he rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 scores, while making over 100 tackles last fall.