James Island – As the new head football coach at First Baptist, Jamaal Birch realizes and understands that his program is in a rebuilding stage.
Birch’s first team is quite young and inexperienced overall but the coach feels this year’s team can and will experience success.
In their week zero opener against Northside Christian of Lexington, Birch saw a lot of positive things in a 45-42 loss. He also saw a lot of areas for improvement. Such is the case in the current situation.
“We only have six seniors on the roster and we play a lot of guys both ways due to a lack of depth,” the coach said. “Those are things we are going to have to live with, at least for a little while as we develop some of the younger guys. We made some mistakes. We had three turnovers and we basically allowed Northside to stay in the game. If we play a little more consistent, we win that game.
“I thought our guys showed a lot of heart, a lot of fight. We definitely saw the potential that we have if we just keep working. We have a lot to fix right now.”
The first game was not without highlights, especially offensively. Making his first start at quarterback, junior Zacobi Riley threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns while adding a score on the ground.
“He is going to get better as he gains experience,” Birch said. “He missed some things but he is learning every day. He made some good throws. We just work every day on being consistent with his eyes.”
Junior running back Marik Gibbs tallied 341 all-purpose yards, including 105 yards rushing and a kick return for a touchdown.
“Marik is a talented athlete and he’s our big play threat,” Birch said.
Receiver Russell Lee totaled nearly 100 yards through the air. Lee and Gibbs also start in the defensive secondary.
Working along the front offensively are tackles Nate Karotney and Dawson Troyer, both seniors. Sophomore Caleb Wright starts at center and the guards are seniors Gus Clarke and Will Hutto.
Hutto is a key starter at linebacker as well. Karotney and Troyer work at defensive end. The top defender is senior linebacker Ben Bessinger. Bradley Westbury and William Pope also start at linebacker.
Tyrik Gadsden and Kelly Niday are the starting corners.
All Rights Reserved | The High School Sports Report 1986-2021