The Promise Of The Season Brings Out Optimism, Caution In All Of Us
Goose Creek—Football is a social dawrism all of its own. To say that the strategy of putting 11 teenage boys on a football field to rage hand-to-hand combat against 11 other people of similar age, height, weight and demeanor has become an experience that millions of people pay to see is the under statement of the milineum.
In South Carolina football is king. If you are reading this you are no doubt looking forward to the start of high school football in South Carolina. It’s time for you to dig in, put on the colors of your favorite team and be supportive to the kids and coaches who have just survived one red hot summer! It’s time to turn on the Friday night lights!
This is the time of the year that the phone rings into our office from every corner of South Carolina. In recent weeks I have talked to a grand mother from Lake View who called to tell me to “watch out for the Wild Gators” particularly a certain jersey number worn by her loved one. A gentleman from Bowman called to renew his “prescription” and I laughed with this response: “Is high school sports making you sick?”
We all know about those talented well coached Byrnes Rebels but football fever has reached a peak in the communities of Wellford, Duncan and Moore with How about those Byrnes Rebels beign ranked number one by The USA Today! It is highly unlikely that Byrnes will be beat this season so they have a great chance of being the first team from South Carolina to finish as mythical national champions. We say mytical because ghtere is not actually a national championship game but it is probably in the planning stages for the near
Football is addictive in many ways. Is it the aggression we enjoy as fans or the challenge of getting “our boys” from “our town” ready to beat “your boys” from “your town?” That motivate so many people to seek coaching football as a profession.
Columbia rallies late to defeat Hanahan 12-10 in AA football action
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
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"We have a lot of players playing different positions and we knew we were coming down here to play a very good team,," said Columbia head coach Kemper Amick. "We made a lot of mistakes tonight but we found a way to fight through it and win a game. I thought our quarterback Antonio Small had a real good game. He moved in over the summer and we are glad to have him. At times I thought he moved the team real well."
Hanahan head coach Charlie Patterson was making his head coaching debut at Hanahan. "That play (bad snap) shouldn't have mattered because in the third quarter when we were inside the ten three times and didn't score that was the ball game right there. If we get a couple of those scores in that play late in the game doesn't matter. I thought our kids fought their guts out and it's awful disappointing to have lost. We just have to keep plugging."
Columbia star Chris Payne told HSSR after the game, "We just stuck with the game plan of running the ball because they didn't stop us, we stopped ourselves," he said. "At halftime I told my boys to keep their heads up that this was a long game. I told them we were going to work hard and finish the game off and that's what we did."
With Hannah leading 12-6 with just over one minute left in the game the Hawks were forced to punt from their own 30 yard line. The snap sailed over the head of Hawk punter Brian Warner who fell on it at the 10 yard line. Three plays later Columbia quarterback Antonio Marshall scored on a four yard boot leg to give his team a 12-6 lead. On the ensuing kickoff Chris Payne recovered a fumble on the kickoff to seal the win for Columbia who came into the game ranked 6th in the HSSR AA poll.
Hanahan, ranked 15 by HSSR, got the board first on a 21 yard field goal by Warner with 33.5 left in the first period. Then with 8:56 left in the second period when junior quarterback Brice Hines passed eight yards to Nick Carson for a score. Warner's PAT gave the Hawks a 10-0 lead at the half.
Marshall cut the Hawk lead to 10-6 with 8:56 left in the game on a one yard sneak. The PAT failed. The punt sailing over Warner head with around one minute to go ending up being the break Columbia needed to score late and steal a win on the road
Unofficially Columbia running back and USC commitment Chris Payne rushed 29 times for 186 yards including a 53 yard scram per early in the game. Hanahan was led by Jamal Lockwood who gained 76 yards
Next week Hanahan plays at Cane Bay and Columbia will play A.C. Flora at Memorial Stadium in Columbia.
Yellow Jackets having makings of competitive football team
By Rob Gantt
Staff writer
North Augusta – The North Augusta football team improved by five wins on the gridiron last fall and, logically, Yellow Jackets coach Dan Pippin has high expectations for his upcoming third season on Knobcone Avenue.
“I would hope that anybody in the third year of doing anything would know that it’s time to start getting it done,” Pippin said. “Eventually stuff has to start going your way.”
The Yellow Jackets, members of Region 5-AAAA, open the season Aug. 29 against county rival Midland Valley. North Augusta won last year’s meeting 28-20.
“They are a very good football team,” Pippin said. “You can see that they’re getting better. They’ve got some good football players over there and Rick (Knight) knows what he’s doing. We better be ready to play.”
Offensively, the Yellow Jackets bring back a number of key players, including senior quarterback Travis Murphy and senior running back Tidy Johnson.
Murphy threw 19 touchdown passes last fall and Johnson eclipsed the 1,300-yard mark on the ground. Occasionally, Murphy will give way to sophomore Lorenzo Hammond for a series just so the Yellow Jackets will have some experience under center when Murphy graduates.
“Both of those guys are mobile and throw it pretty well,” Pippin said.
Johnson is simply a workhorse, he added.
“He’s a good finisher,” Pippin said. “He’s a chain mover. He’s going to carry it a lot. Our big thing is that we want to control the football, and he falls forward.”
The Yellow Jackets are especially deep at receiver, with at least seven players likely to get involved in the passing game. They are Matt Hazel, Darius Coleman, Cam Alston, Daitrele Dixon, Clay Kincaid and Derell Curry. Big tight end Carson Reed (6-4, 240) is another target.
The offensive front is not overly hefty but can run as well collectively as any line Pippin has coached. Right tackle Tracy Daniels (6-1, 225) brings a little something extra on every play, mainly an attitude.
“He’s a mean dude in a good way,” Pippin said. “He’s going to go after you as hard as he can. He’s fun to be around, and he’s a good leader because he works hard.”
Senior left guard Chris Ramey (6-2, 220) is another one of the anchors up front.
“Chris does a lot of good things because he’s so smart,” Pippin said. “He’s worked at it.”
Junior left tackle Charles Coleman (6-4, 240) has a lot of potential. Center Pace Anderson (6-2, 220) and right guard Raul Cardenas (6-0, 220) are also starters up front.
Kicker Steven Stubberfield will handle PATs and kickoffs.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets bring back senior linebacker Brett Johnson (6-1, 202), who has led the team in total tackles the last two seasons. He will also punt this fall.
The other linebackers are Montell Hughes and LJ Perry, who had two defensive touchdowns in 2007. Lee Houston is another linebacker that will get time.
The defensive front is junior Emeka Okafor, sophomore Ricky Cerventas, junior Jimmy Stallings and junior Brandon Bright.
The secondary is experienced with the return of starters Chris Rouse and Donte Calhoun, a pair of seniors.
Junior Rick Griffin and Cam Alston are the safeties.
Contact Rob Gantt at rggantt@yahoo.com.
Velocity Sports Performance holds first volleyball combine
By Neill Kirkpatrick
Special Writer
Mt. Pleasant – The first low country volleyball combine was held at the Velocity Sports Performance center on Saturday the 16th and while the turnout was small coaches, players and Velocity Sports viewed the day as a success.
Three of the top volleyball programs from the area were in attendance in SCISA AAA champs the Ashley Hall Panthers, AAAA state runner-up the Wando Warriors and SCISA semi-finalist the Porter-Gaud Cyclones.
Skip ReVille of Velocity Sports on what inspired Velocity Sports to hold the event, “I think the need to highlight volleyball here in the low country. You have your flag ship programs at the high school level and the teams that are here have won several state championships. These girls are also involved in club volleyball so they put a lot of time and effort into becoming top-level players…We met with Allen Johnson our sports performance director, he has done plenty of instructional combines like this before and we met with coach Alexis Glover of Wando to determine what type of tests we needed and Nike has the SPARQ testing which we followed.”
“We definitely want to continue to hold this type of combine and we hope to do this multiple times throughout the year, that way we can chart the progress the girls have made and bring more teams in to participate and get this testing into a yearly event for volleyball,” said ReVille.
Coach Glover on the event, “I think it was a great day for volleyball. In my 28 years it is the first media and testing day I have been involved in. Giving our sport a little publicity, saying we are a sport and we are in season and we have some great athletes. I am really excited today. I have girls in my program that come to Velocity and I have seen their improvement. I hope that this can be an annual thing and that more teams will be able participate in this type of combine in the future because it is information that the colleges will want.”
Coach Heidtke of Porter-Gaud, “I think it is a great type of thing trying to get the media involved and in testing the girls so we can see how our girls performed in volleyball type tests. It is a good thing for the community to get excited about volleyball.”
Coach Slay of Ashley Hall, “I have been wanting to come to Velocity Sports to see the facility. I loved the testing, it allows you to see where your athletes are currently and it gives you a lot of information to work and go over. Maybe it will be something that all the teams look at in the pre season. The testing confirmed that the program that we are doing at Ashley Hall is touching on the strong points that Velocity Sports say’s are necessary to become the best athletes.”
The goal of Velocity Sports is to let people know that Velocity can help improve performance of all athletes and that is what they are here to do in the community.
Velocity sports has plans to hold another volleyball testing day in December but be on the look out for other sports testing days at Velocity Sports Performance, next up is Basketball.
Berkeley County football jamboree full of excitement
By C.R. Cumbee
Staff Writer
Goose Creek—High school football season has finally come back around and the excitement level around the state is starting to build. Many schools competed in jamborees Friday night, including six high schools in Berkeley County. There were six quarters that featured some of the Lowcountry’s best teams. Here are the results:
Hanahan 24, Cross 0
Quarterback Brice Hines hit Cardell Lincoln for a 58-yard pass on the second play of the quarter to get things going for the Hawks. Jamal Lockwood finished two straight drives off with touchdown runs, Ryan Warner kicked a 30-yard field goal, and Monte Richardson scored on a 27-yard run to down the Trojans.
Berkeley 20, Hanahan 7
The Stags methodically moved the ball down the field on their first possession with Dante Richardson finishing off the 10-play drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. Rakeem White and R.J. Robinson also found their way into the end zone to put Berkeley up 20-0. Hines ended the quarter with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Irim Aiken.
Goose Creek 14, Berkeley 7
Trent Major got Berkeley on the scoreboard first after catching a pass from Purnell Irving out of the backfield and racing 63 yards for the score. The Gators responded with two long drives, capped off by touchdown runs from Ranoy Hines and William Alston.
Timberland 14, Cross 0
Timberland scored on their first drive as Rennis Black took it in for the score from five yards out. On their next possession, Cody Craig found Rockaris King for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Timberland’s defense was suffocating and the Trojans finished the quarter with negative yards.
Timberland 14, Stratford 13
In the most exciting quarter of the night, Timberland jumped out to an early lead after Laron Milford punched it in from a yard out. After a Gordon Williams interception, Knights quarterback Tyler McDonald followed his offensive linemen forward for a two-yard score. The Wolves retook the lead on the very next play as King ran off the right tackle and pulled away from the defense for a 70-yard touchdown run. Stratford scored with 0:07 remaining when McDonald connected with Francis Lloyd. The extra point attempt was blocked and the Wolves sealed the win.
Goose Creek 13, Stratford 0
The Gators did everything right in this quarter and got touchdown runs from Ranoy Hines and William Alston. These city rivals will square off in the Sertoma Classic next Thursday and then again during the regular season.
Cheraw, Dillon likely to decide region at the end
Players to Watch
Travis Small, RB (Cheraw) Don’t let the last name fool you. He’s a big-time player.
L’Twane Thompson, LB/RB (Dillon) Thompson gets to the football and makes big hits
Brian Gilliard, LB/RB (Marion) A cornerstone on both sides of the ball for the Swamp Foxes
Saquan McFarland, WR (Mullins) The most potent weapon in the Auctioneers’ arsenal
Nick Asbury, QB/DB (Aynor) Asbury will have to have a big year for Aynor to be successful
Sammy Merriman, LB (Cheraw) Sophomore that led team in tackles last season. Has a nose for the ball.
Adrian McCollum, OL/DL (Dillon) A productive player in the trenches for the Wildcats
Bennie Anderson, LB (Mullins) Does a lot of damage behind the line of scrimmage
Cheraw
Head Coach: Johnny White
2007 Record: 13-2
Notes: Cheraw is the two-time defending Class AA state champion and has won 53 games over the last four seasons… They return eight starters on offense from a team that scored 542 points a year ago, including workhorse Travis Small… Small has nearly 5,600 career rushing yard and 66 touchdowns… Backfield mate Montrell Evans added just over 1,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns… Four of their bodyguards are back up front too in senior Chad Covington (6-2, 235), junior Dylan Alford (6-2, 225), senior Antonio McPherson (6-0, 260) and senior Seth Parker (5-10, 260) ... Junior tight end Jonathan White (6-2, 225) also returns… Defensively, White and Ridge O’Neal are returning starters up front… White had almost 90 tackles last fall… Leading tackler Sammy Merriman (6-0, 195), only a sophomore, returns at linebacker along with senior Kenyatta Gary (5-11, 195) and Evans… Merriman had just under 130 total tackles in 2007, while Gary finished with 116… Small will provide a voice of experience in the secondary with three new starters.
Bottom Line: The Braves have the makings of a championship team again. Expect Cheraw to practicing around Thanksgiving.
Dillon
Head Coach: Jackie Hayes
2007 Record: 10-2
Notes: The Wildcats outscored opponents 402-111 in 2007, losing only to Class AAA power Myrtle Beach and eventual champion Cheraw… They return four of their top seven ballcarriers from a year ago, including Roderick Jackson… Jackson a third of the year with broken ribs but finished with over 400 yards and six touchdowns… Receiver Scooter Dixon is back for his fourth year … The offensive line of Daniel Johnson, Adrian McCollum, Ira Owens, Chris German and Kendale Carmichael is an experienced group… Owens (6-3, 315), a junior, is the anchor… Seniors Travis Murphy and Zach Hayes are the team’s quarterbacks… Their targets will be Dixon and juniors Antuan Blue, Anquan Blue and Lorenzo Allen… Murphy threw for 848 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago… Back to lead a defensive unit that posted six shutouts a year ago is outside linebacker L’Twane Thompson … He’s led the team in tackles each of the last two seasons … In 2007, he was in on 88 total tackles… McCollum had 65 total tackles from his spot on the defensive line… Tracey Rowell returns after making 61 total tackles along with twin brother Stacey Rowell… Defensive lineman Jermaine Brown was just under 40 tackles last season… Anthony Smith is a returning starter in the secondary … He made two interceptions a year ago.
Bottom Line: The Wildcats will have another good season. Just how good depends on injuries and some postseason fortune.
Mullins
Head Coach: Ron Lanham
2007 Record: 3-7
Notes: The Aucs bring back three all-region selections in senior receiver Qwan McFarland, junior defensive lineman Keyan Rogers and junior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Julian Sharpe… McFarland had 44 catches for 827 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007… He also returned an interception for a score… Rogers had 68 tackles and 11 tackles for loss… Sharpe had 58 tackles, eight tackles for loss and six sacks… Senior inside linebacker Bennie Anderson is back too after leading the team with 97 tackles… Outside linebacker Timmy Johnson is back as well after finishing last season with 74 tackles… Outside linebacker Jamal Young returns after making 57 tackles… Sophomore Avery Grant (6-4,280), the brother of a Clemson lineman, is key fixture up front defensively… Sophomore Bobby Crawford takes over at quarterback… He had 277 yards passing and three touchdown passes after taking over late last season… Jeremy Legette is back after rushing for 465 yards… George Page. a junior, is another running back for the Aucs.
Bottom Line: Mullins is probably not seasoned enough to compete for one of the top two spots right now but is definitely in the running for third place. But on a good night, who knows what might happen.
Marion
Head Coach: Bryan Carfley
2007 Record: 6-6
Notes: The top player returning for Marion is junior linebacker/running back Brian Gilliard, an all-region selection in 2007… He led the team with right at 130 tackles … Senior quarterback Justin Brock is a returning starter too… In addition to Gilliard, the Swamp Foxes have proven skill players coming back in senior Ja’Colgan Rowell and RaRa Hemingway… The anchor of the offensive line at spring was Quentin Washington, while Jeremy Davis and Chris Grover are returning starters. Other players that got work up front were Anthony Grant, Tyquan Perkins and Jonathan Elliott… Many of Marion’s offensive starters will have to play on the other side of the ball too.
Bottom Line: The Swamp Foxes, like Mullins, are just outside the top two. But on a good night, who knows what might happen.
Aynor
Head Coach: Jody Jenerette
2007 Record: 2-8
Notes: Aynor returns some key pieces on offense and will have eight positions filled by experienced players on defense… Junior Nick Asbury takes over full-time at quarterback after combining for over 700 yards passing and rushing in 2007… He’ll also start in the secondary… Josh Moore, a senior, and Will Johnson are the running backs in Aynor’s flexbone attack… David Weiser, a transfer from Socastee, and Cameron Flowers will play wingbacks… The offensive line has three players back in Ricky Wilkinson (formerly a tight end), Taylor Truett and Nick Lilly… Zack Lambert and Trey Capps will play on the line as well… The same five players, plus Fernando Rangel and Casey Poston, will see time on the defensive front… Moore is the leading tackler returning from his linebacker spot… He made over 100 total tackles in 2007.
Bottom Line: The Blue Jackets have to find ways to win close games. Last season, they lost four games by a total of 11 points. If they can do that, they’ll be in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Loris
Head Coach: Jimmy Longerbeam
2007 Record: 2-8
Notes: The Lions enter their second season under Jimmy Longerbeam.
Bottom Line: The Lions will have to rev up the offense this fall after only scoring 107 points all of last year.
Skyhawks favored to capture SCISA 1-AAA crown
Players to Watch
Will Patterson, LB (Hammond) One of the most dominant players in SCISA
Davis Ray, WR (Heathwood Hall) Go-to guy in the passing game for the Highlanders
Michael Bolchoz, LB (Cardinal Newman) Solid anchor on defense for the Cardinals
William Banks, WR (Augusta Christian) For AC, Banks is always open
Mac Whalen, QB (Heathwood) Not quite the passer his brother was but he’s a dynamic runner
Gabe Smith, LB (Ben Lippen) Shaw has to be glad Smith is around for two seasons
Brad Meredith, RB (Hammond) Proved last year he can produce even when injured
Cole Turner, LB (Augusta Christian) Leading tackler returning for Lions
Aaron Walters, WR (Hammond) As reliable a pass-catcher as there is in SCISA
Rush Tompkins, TE (Cardinal Newman) Averaged over 10 yards a grab last season
Hammond
Head Coach: Erik Kimrey
2007 Record: 12-1
Notes: The Skyhawks have won two straight SCISA football titles … They’ve won 42 of 48 games under Kimrey… They return quarterback Cliff Ayers, who completed over 50 percent of his passes in 2007 … He tossed 20 touchdowns on the year … Running back Brad Meredith is back also after rushing for 1,100 yards despite missing five games … Leading receiver Aaron Walters returns… Kyle George, A.D. Briggs, Taylor Smith and Robert Simmons are also targets in the passing game… Chase Loveless (6-4, 250) is the anchor on the offensive front… Defensively, they return the cornerstone player in linebacker Will Patterson (6-0, 230) … He had 13 sacks in 2007, the final two in the championship game… Linebacker Hunter McMaster is back after making over 90 tackles… Kicker Joseph Zemp returns… His last boot was the game-winner with 1:29 left in the 17-14 win over Augusta Christian last fall.
Bottom Line: The Skyhawks have a chance to be as prolific an offense as the unit two years ago. They’ll definitely be fun to watch.
Cardinal Newman
Head Coach: Mike Bolchoz
2007 Record: 3-7
Notes: The Cardinals improved by one win from 2006 to 2007… They could start at least 10 seniors this fall, including linebacker Michael Bolchoz… Bolchoz has been all-region two years in a row… He made 95 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 2007… Senior linebacker Greg Regan made 55 tackles last season, while defensive ends James Williams and Johnnie Hodge made 38 and 41 respectively… Will Rainwater, a returning defensive lineman, had 22 stops last season… The top player back on offense is running Davis Lemon, who rushed for 730 yards … Receivers Rush Tompkins and Luke Allen are back after combining for over 30 catches and 300 yards… John Bolchoz will be a three-year starter on the offensive front.
Bottom Line: The Cardinals will have to improve greatly on both sides of the ball to move up in the region standings.
Ben Lippen
Head Coach: Reggie Shaw, first year
2007 Record: 6-5
Notes: The Falcons begin a new era under Shaw, who takes over for Jake Sawyer… They finished fourth in the region in 2007 and ended last season in the opening round of the playoffs … They have eight returning starters and 12 lettermen returning … The new quarterback is Joey Carter… He takes over for 1,200-yard passer Kyle Williamson … He’ll have an experienced running back behind him in senior Robert Keen, who played injured most of last year … Mitchell Deter (6-3, 180) is a primary target in the passing game… Senior Nathan Parrish (6-3, 273) and senior Chris Mura (6-1, 210) are anchors on the offensive and defensive lines… Defensively, linebackers Mick Shoemaker (6-2, 205), Gabe Smith (6-3,185) and Stavros Chrysto (5-10, 170) are a good group of players… Eddie Gaillard is a returning starter in the secondary.
Bottom Line: The Falcons have the misfortune of being a decent team in a very demanding region. Look for them to scratch and claw for one of the final playoff seeds out of the region.
Heathwood Hall
Head Coach: Rip Blackstone, first year
2007 Record: 8-4
Notes: Blackstone takes over for longtime coach John Daye… Blackstone served the last eight years as an assistant at Heathwood … The Highlanders will have a new quarterback in Mac Whalen, who played receiver last season … He caught 26 passes for 436 yards and six scores… His top receiver figures to be Davis Ray, who hauled in 37 catches for 638 yards and seven scores last season … Senior Melton Bristow is slated to play running back … Left tackle Belton Amaker and center Tyler Rogers are returning starters on the offensive front… Defensively, the Highlanders have to replace their top four tacklers…Morgan Whalen, Ray and Cole Fowble are returning starters in the secondary… Walker Sojourner and Jamey Mears are returning starters at linebacker, while Evan Peterson and Hunter Libscomb started on the defensive front… Heathwood opens up Aug. 29 against Porter-Gaud.
Bottom Line: The Highlanders have enough talent to challenge the top two teams in the region. We’ll just have to see how the ball bounces for the Highlanders.
Augusta Christian
Head Coach: Bruce Lane
2007 Record: 10-3
Notes: The Lions have played for the state championship each of the last three seasons, winning in 2005 and losing to Hammond in 2006 and ’07 … Wide receiver William Banks, wide receiver Evan Wells and tight end Mike Robinson are returning starters on offense, but the Lions have to replace seven players that were selected to SCISA’s two all-star games… Banks may also play some at quarterback and running back … He also returns kicks and punts … Running back Christian Croft and wide receiver Caleb Harmon figure into the mix offensively too… Kicker Steven Bloedel is back after setting the school record for extra points in 2007 … Defensively, the Lions return seven starters, including leading tackler Cole Turner… He was an all-region pick at linebacker … Josh Gibbs is a returning all-region pick up front… Micah Herriman is an anchor in the secondary.
Bottom Line: The Lions will rely on their defense early until the offense comes around.
Velocity Sports Performance to host first ever Champion’s Training Academy for Lowcountry High School Varsity Volleyball Teams
This free, one-day event on Saturday 16 August includes a clinic and SPARQ Testing (the latest performance assessment standard from Nike), skills video analysis, a full media day, a food reception, and guest speakers from around the sport.
Sixteen of the area’s best teams have been invited to show off their athleticism as they undergo a series of performance tests, which will be demonstrated and administered by the certified Performance Coaches at Velocity Sports Performance. Each team will also have some time in Velocity’s full-sized volleyball gym for a skills practice with video analysis. Finally, we will hold a food reception for the athletes, coaches, and media while listening to an impressive panel of speakers.
The agenda in brief: the following teams have been invited to attend the Academy between 9:AM and 1:PM: Porter-Gaud, Ashley Hall, Cane Bay, Wando, Palmetto Christian, Bishop England, First Baptist School of Charleston, and Coastal Christian Preparatory. The afternoon session, running from 12:PM to 5:PM, will presumably include West Ashley, Northwoods Academy, Hanahan, Stratford, Fort Dorchester, Pinewood Preparatory, Berkeley, Ashley Ridge and Summerville. Please note that the schools will not be competing in any way.
Velocity Sports Performance offers scientifically designed programs, taught by highly degreed and certified coaches, to athletes age eight through adult. We are devoted to training athletes in every sport, of all ages and skill levels and we will maximize each athlete’s performance by focusing on speed, agility, mobility, flexibility, and energy systems, while reducing the risk of sports-related injuries.
Notes to Media: You will have the opportunity for photos and interviews with over 150 players, 12 coaches, our speakers, and the Velocity Sports Performance Staff. You are welcome at the food reception and to cover our speaker line-up, who includes Jason Kepner, Head Volleyball Coach for the College of Charleston, Allan Johnson , who is the Sports Performance Director at Velocity, and Dr. Adam Greenman of Longpoint Family Chiropractic.
Eagles, Capitals clearly top teams in Region 4-AA
Players to Watch
Justice Cunningham, TE/DE (Central) South Carolina commitment is a key fixture on both sides of the ball
Chris Payne, RB/S (Columbia) One of the state’s best athletes should get chance to churn out the yards on the ground
Matt Johnson, OL/DL (Keenan) A true tough guy in the trenches for the Raiders
Xavier Murray, RB (Eau Claire) Murray will be the workhorse for the Shamrocks. You can put him down for at least 1,500 rushing/receiving yards
Daniel Wright, RB/DB (Andrew Jackson) Very versatile player for the Volunteers
Shondelvon Joye, QB (Lee Central) He’ll have to have a big year for the Stallions if they’re going to make progress
Taylor Broome, OL (Central) Just one of the reasons Central will have great success on the ground
Chad Lawrence, DL (Central) Clogs holes up front defensively for the Eagles
Damario Jeffrey, OLB (Columbia) A big-time difference-maker on defense
Central
Head Coach: Joey Mangum
2007 Record: 9-4
Notes: Central brings back a very experienced team this fall… Quarterback Steve Smith is back after throwing for 991 yards and 13 touchdowns … Running back Travis Rivers rushed for 865 yards in 2007 and Terrence Thomas has experience in the backfield too… Fullback Willie Clyburn is a big part of the running game as well… Tight end Justice Cunningham is a commitment to South Carolina and makes his mark on defense too… Fellow tight end Kegan Funderburk is one of the top juniors in the region … Clay Sikes, David Unnone, Evan Rivers, Andrew Medlin and Taylor Broome all have starting experience on the offensive line… Matt Ocasio is a returning starter at kicker… Cunningham, Funderburk and Chad Lawrence are adept up front defensively, along with sophomore to watch Josh Covington… Seniors Trent Strickland and Corky Clark and junior Jerel Blakeney are returning starters at linebacker… Seniors Lee Covington, Thomas and Blakeney are members of the secondary.
Bottom Line: The Eagles have the talent and experience to compete for the Class AA crown. Anything less than a deep run in the playoffs would be a disappointment.
Columbia
Head Coach: Kemper Amick
2007 Record: 13-1
Notes: The Capitals have some of the best talent in the state on their team, mainly running back/safety Chris Payne and linebacker Damario Jeffery… Both are big-time Division I prospects… Payne rushed for 800 yards last season and figures to go way past that this fall… He also had 80 tackles and two defensive touchdowns in 2007… Jeffery had 102 tackles and five interceptions… Other returning starters are fullback/defensive tackle Shaq Hilton, offensive lineman Jamie Glover (6-2, 270), offensive lineman Davonte Patrick (5-9, 222), linebacker Lorenzo Boyles (5-11, 185), defensive end Akil Sharperson (6-1, 200), fullback James Wagner and defensive end Mychal Brown (6-3, 220)… New quarterback Antonio Marshall is a senior.
Bottom Line: The Capitals advanced all the way to the Upper State finals last season and figure to be a player again in the run for the big crown.
Keenan
Head Coach: Mitchell Moton, first year
2007 Record: 3-8
Notes: Moton comes to Keenan from Fairfield Central, where he was an assistant under Tommy Brown… The strength of this year’s team should be on the offensive line, where four players return with experience… They are Nate McKelvin (6-2, 235), Sterling Jenkins (6-1, 250), Matthew Johnson (6-2,285) and junior James Barnes (6-2, 280)… Johnson, also a defensive end who made 12 sacks last season, has been offered by Western Carolina and Air Force along with athletic wide receiver Arthur Goforth (6-0, 180)… Antonio Perry is a returning starter at quarterback … Horace Foulks, a returning starter in the secondary, may also play some at quarterback… Greg Brown is a key player returning on offense… He may play running back, slot receiver or split end… Marvin Poole and Phillip George are the team’s receivers… George is a state high jump champion… George will also play outside linebacker… Keith Winston is a returning starter at strong safety.
Bottom Line: The Raiders have a good first line of starters that will enable them to be competitive for a playoff spot. They can’t afford any major injuries, though.
Eau Claire
Head Coach: Burton Able
2007 Record: 2-8
Notes: The Shamrocks have several good skill players returning, including senior running back Xavier Murray… Murray rushed for 1,247 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007… He also caught 15 passes… Speedy receiver Thomas Gillie caught 36 passes for nearly 500 yards and seven touchdowns… New quarterback Ronald Weeks, a junior, started at defensive back last season… Seniors Jarrell Boyan (5-11, 250) and Jeremy Watkins (6-0, 250) are returning starters up front along with Charles Lawhorn (6-1, 190)… Defensively, the Shamrocks bring back two of their top three tacklers in junior linebacker Richard Castellano and Tracy Houston …Castellano had 86 total stops and Houston 92 total tackles… On the defensive front, seniors Jayquez Hollins (6-1, 190) and Marquise Brown (5-10, 215) are returning starters at the end spots… Dominik Taylor (5-10, 175) returns at outside linebacker… Ronald Weeks is an anchor in the secondary at safety… Sophomore linemen Jared Etheridge and Bruce Taylor are players to watch.
Bottom Line: The Shamrocks have the makings of a playoff team but they have questions on the offensive and defensive lines.
Lee Central
Head Coach: Johnny Martin, first year
2007 Record: 1-9
Notes: The Stallions begin a new era this fall under Martin, who takes over for Dwayne Howell… They opened 2007 with a win over Timmonsville but fell in nine straight games to miss the playoffs… The Stallions figure to be strongest on defense, with a number of returning starters… Seniors Shondelvon Joye (QB/DB), Dominique Graham (LB) and Derrell Jenkins (DB) are the team’s cornerstones… Senior wide receiver Karleef Jefferson is also a returning starter… The lone returning starters along the offensive front are Robert Boone and Anwon Henry… Dimitry Spann (6-4, 260) and Thomas Sumter (6-3, 240) are also key pieces up front… Defensively, Jaleel Albert and Dominique Graham are key players at linebacker.
Bottom Line: The Stallions have a long ways to go to compete for a top spot in the region, mostly because they just don’t have a lot of depth. They’ll have to improve drastically on offense after scoring just over 100 points last fall.
Andrew Jackson
Head Coach: Louis Clyburn, first year
2007 Record: 3-8
Notes: Clyburn was at Elon last year as an assistant and takes over for Ernie Hughes, now an assistant at Northwestern HS… The Volunteers bring back an experienced quarterback in Daniel Pardue, who threw for around 1,500 yards last season… His backup is sophomore Darrien Henderson… Running back Daniel Wright tacked on 800 yards rushing to lead in that category in 2007 … The fullback types are junior Trent Flowers and Dylan McKittrick … Leading receiver Ryan Miller, a junior, returns after making over 40 catches… Justin Sellers and sophomore Tremaine Jackson figure into the passing game too… Junior Julius Cato, Ryan Sims and senior Dylan Wright are returning starters up front… The top players defensively are tackle Corey Henderson and McKittrick at linebacker... Clyburn has also made coaching stops as an assistant at Duke, Appalachian State and Lenoir Rhyne.
Bottom Line: The first year of the Clyburn era will be about the basics so the Volunteers will have to have great execution on both sides of the ball.
Seahawks favored with several teams close behind
Region 8-AAA
Projected Order of Finish
1. Hilton Head
2. Bluffton
3. Battery Creek
4. Stall
5. North Charleston
6. Lake Marion
Players to Watch
John Gadson, RB/LB (Stall) Super athlete with Shrine Bowl potential that never comes off the field
Denzel Myers, QB/DB (North Charleston) Had 11 interceptions as a sophomore last season
Marcus Green, RB (Hilton Head) All-region performer averaged over seven yards per carry last year
Jerome Miller, DL (Hilton Head) Has great size, quickness, and agility for his 6’4, 265 pound frame
Ahmad Aiken, FS (Hilton Head) Four-year starter that can defend the pass and stop the run
Nick Williams, RB (Lake Marion) Had over 1,000 all-purpose yards a season ago
Aljanon Robinson, OT (Battery Creek) Beefy lineman drawing interest from several Division I schools
Tavaras Pinckney, RB (Battery Creek) Team’s top rusher should benefit from not having to play Class AAAA foes
Ethan Green, LB (Bluffton) Had over 100 total tackles and 10.5 sacks in 2007
Region Analysis
Hilton Head will be favored to win the region title, but there are several other teams who could prevent that from happening. Bluffton, Battery Creek, Stall, and North Charleston all have the majority of their starters coming back so everyone has a shot to win on Friday night.
Did you Know
Bluffton head coach Jeremy West led the South Aiken golf team to a state championship in 2004.
Game to Watch
Battery Creek at Hilton Head, Oct. 24 – These cross-county rivals and former Class AAAA schools will finally go head-to-head again now that the Dolphins have dropped down to AAA.
By the Numbers
25, number of games in a row Battery Creek has lost
11, number of years since Hilton Head won its last region title
222, number of yards Bluffton’s Timmy Smith rushed for in last year’s win over North Charleston
Hilton Head
Head Coach: Tim Singleton
2007 Record: 8-3
Notes: Singleton enters his sixth year with the program and looks to take advantage of a region that lost Timberland due to realignment…The Seahawks have 17 returning starters from a team that has gone 4-1 in region play each of the last two seasons…Running back Marcus Green (6’0, 185) is the team’s top player, who rushed for 16 touchdowns and over 114 yards per game last year…Quarterback Niko Driessen (6’2, 175) threw for 796 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago…Anchoring the offensive line is all-region performer Dylan Hannon (6’2, 280), who was a state finalist in wrestling…On the defensive front, tackle Jerome Miller (6’4, 265) had 19 tackles for loss as a junior…Linebacker Kenny Anderson was the team’s second leading tackler with 98 total stops…Safety Ahmad Aiken has eight interceptions the past two seasons.
Bottom Line: Hilton Head appears to be the favorite to win the region, but games are not played on paper. All of their opponents look improved so they must stay motivated each week and avoid the letdowns. The Seahawks have several top-notch prospects so as long as they can remain healthy the season outlook is very bright.
Bluffton
Head Coach: Jeremy West
2007 Record: 4-6
Notes: Bluffton head coach Jeremy West is entering his second season with the Bobcats after finishing 4-6 last year…He continues to try to build the program and is starting with a very intense strength and conditioning program…The players have responded well and the numbers have been pretty solid through spring drills and summer workouts…Sophomore quarterback Ryan Combs returns along with running backs Timmy Smith and Zach Frazier…Smith finished the season with just under 900 yards and 11 touchdowns…Defensively, outside linebacker Ethan Green is back after recording over 100 tackles a season ago…Green also had almost have the team’s total sacks…Joining him at the second level is Jordan Bryan, who collected 72 tackles and six sacks…Defensive lineman Akil Brown had over 40 tackles and has benched over 300 pounds while squatting over 450.
Bottom Line: This team appears to be making great strides under West, especially in the toughness department. They will look to out-condition teams and wear them down late in games. That strategy, mixed with a good balance on both offense and defense, make Bluffton a strong contender in this region.
Battery Creek
Head Coach: Carlos Cave
2007 Record: 0-11
Notes: The Dolphins have 16 starters returning in 2008, eight on offense and eight on defense…Cave comes to Battery Creek after coaching at North High, where he was 3-8 with a playoff appearance last season…He has been pleased through the spring and summer with how hard the players have been working to overcome their losing streak…The offensive backfield is loaded with playmakers, including quarterback Antonio Wiggs and running backs Tavaras Pinckney and Antonio Hills…The entire left side of the offensive line returns in tackle Aljanon Robinson, guard Auther Fells, and center Spencer Butler… The defensive front is a little undersized but they play with a lot of heart…The secondary is almost completely the same as a year ago with David Dinkins, Christopher Thomas, and Ricky Chaney roaming the defensive backfield.
Bottom Line: Battery Creek will be a better team by just moving down to the Class AAA level. Cave has a talented mixture of skill guys and linemen and should have them competitive very quickly. If they can win some games early and gain confidence, they will be very dangerous when the region schedule arrives.
Stall
Head Coach: Ken Cribb
2007 Record: 4-7
Notes: Although they had a losing record, Stall managed to put up points all season, averaging over 26 points per game…They just need to find a way to buckle down on defense…Quarterback Brian Brown returns after throwing for over 900 yards last year…Also returning is running back John Gadson, who Cribb says is good as he has ever seen…Gadson had over 800 rushing yards, 400 receiving yards, and 1,000 return yards…Lining up in the trenches is right tackle/defensive end Corey Rogers (6’4, 265), who was the team’s leading tackler in 2007…All four defensive linemen are back as well as two members of the secondary.
Bottom Line: Cribb has gotten the team to buy into the system and continues to change the mentality of his players into a winning one. The Warriors should be competitive and Gadson’s big-play ability makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. If Gadson stays healthy he makes everyone around him better, which translates into better success in 2008.
North Charleston
Head Coach: Jimmy Brown
2007 Record: 6-5
Notes: North Charleston lost only five seniors from a year ago and should be better than their 6-5 record a year ago…They didn’t lose any offensive linemen and have several skill players back…Quarterback/defensive back Denzel Myers had 11 interceptions last season and also caught several touchdown passes…Running back Kyron Smith led the Cougars in rushing with over 800 yards last year…Reggie Edwards (Stall) and Denzell White (Garrett) are two transfers that will help out at wide receiver…Left tackle Zack Taylor (6’1, 295) is the anchor of the offensive line and is a four-year starter…Bernard Seabrook will also play both ways and has been named the team’s lineman of the year twice.
Bottom Line: Brown feels that with the amount of experience returning this season the Cougars have a chance of finishing in the top two of the region and earning a home playoff game. However, the lack of depth on the offensive and defensive lines may end up hurting them late in the season. This team should compete well with the rest of the schools in the region because the talent level is so close. If they can catch a few breaks, they have a chance to contend for the region crown.
Lake Marion
Head Coach: Corey Wright
2007 Record: 1-9
Notes: Lake Marion goes into the 2008 campaign trying to improve on a losing record a year ago…Leading the way on offense will be tailback Nick Williams, who rushed for 745 yards last season…He also had 302 receiving yards and scored five touchdowns…Receivers Taiwan Elmore and Sheldon Bradshaw combined for five TDs last season as well…The offensive line has a lot of size, averaging 6’2, 275 pounds up front…The two anchors there are tackles Thomas Montgomery and Mike Green…Jeremy Bookhart will lead the defensive line while Marsellus Tilly heads up the linebackers…Tilly had 165 total tackles last year while fellow LB Tyshawn Washington recorded 80…The Gators also have some size in the secondary as twins Devin and Kevin Clark stand at least 6’4.
Bottom Line: The Gators need to build some consistency in a program that hasn’t had a winning season in school history. They have some athletes that can lay the foundation, but the challenge will be getting them to perform at a high level week in and week out.
Bulldogs will have sharp bite again this season
Players to Watch
Sean Davis, RB (Pelion) Experienced running back that can carry the load for Panthers
Kendrick Garnett, LB (Silver Bluff) Like many great Bulldogs linebackers from the past, Garnett can sniff out the ballcarrier. He can also smell the end zone
James Wooden, OL (Barnwell) In short-yardage situations, there should be no doubt who the Warhorses plan to run behind
Kamrie Connell, QB (Edisto) Experienced quarterback looking for a big season before he graduates
Anthony Orr, OL (Wade Hampton) Senior anchor of the Red Devils’ offensive line knows how to open paths to run through
Dominique Nelson, RB/LB (Ridgeland) Jaguars will need Nelson’s leadership on both sides of the ball. He’s aiming to top the 1,000-yard mark on the ground
Kyle Mackey, K (Silver Bluff) In close games, Mackey has the leg strength and accuracy to come up big
Jared Williams, TE (Barnwell) Threat in the passing game and as a pass rusher for the Warhorses
O.D. Kearse, WR (Pelion) One of the top juniors in the region. Gives the Panthers a reliable pass-catcher on the outside
Region Capsules
Barnwell
Head Coach: Joey Still
2007 Record: 5-6
Notes: The Warhorses will be looking to bounce back from consecutive losing seasons… Barnwell improved by one win from four to five last season… Its top players are tight end/defensive end Jared Williams and defensive lineman/offensive lineman Justin Ferguson (6-2, 265)… Williams had almost 900 yards receiving last fall and made 11 sacks… Both figure to get opportunities to play at small colleges after they graduate… Junior offensive lineman James Wooden (6-6, 315) has drawn interest from Tennessee among other schools… The new quarterback will be either Ty Carroll or Antoine Heirs … Willie Williamson is a returner at running back… Kwame Dunbar and Cleveland Abrams are a pair of senior receivers… Linebackers Kinard Williams, P.J. Hammond and Dakota Priester will be looked to to make plays at the second level… Outside linebacker Xavier Carter made nine sacks last season.
Bottom Line: The Warhorses have never had three straight losing seasons. They’ll need to stay away from injuries and make the most of what other team’s give them.
Edisto
Head Coach: Andy Palmer
2007 Record: 5-7
Notes: The Cougars enter their eighth season under Palmer… They return quarterback Kamrie Connell, who threw for over 800 yards last season… He’ll also play some defensive back… Running back Johnny Moorer is a returning starter as well… Ruben Thomas and Daquan Frazier are the team’s top receivers… Caleb Dunning, Rodney Fisk, Ryan Merritt, Brandon Jennings and Jay Hamp exited spring as the top offensive lineman… Corey Pitts is the placekicker and punter… Thomas and Jennings are also key pieces of the defensive front…. Laurence Buck and Moorer are anchors of the linebacker corps... Palmer enters the season with 43 career wins.
Bottom Line: Edisto will have to be more consistent this season and stay away from turnovers. They Cougars have got a proven quarterback and running back.
Pelion
Head Coach: Ben Freeman
2007 Record: 8-4
Notes: The Panthers return starters at 13 positions, including running back Sean Davis… Davis, a senior, torched opposing defenses for over 2,100 yards and scored 27 touchdowns…O.D. Kearse, a junior wide receiver, finished with 36 catches and 507 yards and five touchdowns in 2007… Catlin Craft, a senior, added 19 catches for 256 yards and a score… The Panthers were hit hard by graduation on the offensive line… Only senior Martin Mascio (5-10, 245) returns as a starter… Senior John McCormick (6-3, 245) is another key blocker up front… He’s also a returning starter on the defensive front with junior Nick Johnson … Nick Gerity and Josh Skipper, a pair of juniors, anchor the linebacking corps… Craft, Kearse and senior Marcus Hendrix are returning starters in a veteran secondary… Davis is the kicker and Skipper the punter for the Panthers.
Bottom Line: The Panthers will be as experienced a defensive group as there is in the region. The big question, though, is how the offensive line will perform without four starters. How fast they mature will be the key.
Silver Bluff
Head Coach: Al Lown
2007 Record: 8-4
Notes: The Bullldogs enter their 16th season under Lown, who has 140 career wins… They’re coming off another region championship last season … They return starters at 14 positions, including most of the defense and two running backs… Fred Garnett, a senior, rushed for 607 yards and nine touchdowns, while brother Kendrick Garnett rushed for 642 yards and seven touchdowns… Split end Chris Harris and offensive linemen Blake Stikeleather (Sr., 5-10, 232) and Jesse Thompson (Jr., 5-10, 210) are also returning starters on offense… Kyle Mackey is back to handle kicks and punts… The team’s new quarterback is junior Austin Pollock… He had a long of 43 yards and made all but one of 37 extra points… Kendrick Garnett is back at linebacker after making 81 tackles and Fred Garnett returns at defensive back… Junior linebacker Tavaughn Gaines (5-10, 187) is the leading tackler returning with 108 total stops in 2007… Senior Bradley Allen returns at linebacker after making 82 tackles… Senior Jamal Beal made four interceptions last fall.
Bottom Line: The Bulldogs are better than they were a year ago so it stands to reason they’ll be able to repeat as region champions. How much of a player they are in the state scene remains to be seen. The other top teams seem to be faster and bigger.
Wade Hampton
Head Coach: Jim Shuman
2007 Record: 2-8
Notes: The Red Devils enter their second season under Jim Shuman a much stronger team, Shuman said… The strength of the football team will lie on the offensive line where four starters return … They are senior Anthony Orr (6-2, 285), senior Emmanuel Wilcox (6-3, 345), junior Curtis Lawson (5-8, 260), junior center Austin Jarrell (6-2, 285)… Orr and Wilcox were among a group that got attention from college coaches during the spring… Quarterback Randall Long got some experience a year ago when the starter was injured… He’s a former running back so he’s got decent wheels… Senior Athon Badger and junior Devonte Smith will be the running backs… Seniors Lorenzo Myers and Jarvis Holmes are the top receivers… Defensively, Dustin Harriott and Chris Wimberly, a pair of seniors, are players with experience up front… Badger, Hilmes and Kendrick Scott are leaders of a veteran secondary group… Henry Callis gives the Red Devils experience in the kicking game.
Bottom Line: The Red Devils should have the offensive line to move the football this fall, but they don’t have the proven guys in the box defensively. How well that group comes along with determine how far Wade Hampton goes.
Ridgeland
Head Coach: Richard Kirkland
2007 Record: 2-8
Notes: Kirkland is in his first year with the Jaguars, taking over for Walter Davis… He was the defensive coordinator a year ago… They do return some players with experience this fall, including fullback Dominique Nelson… Nelson, a tough runner, had close to 1,000 yards to lead the Ridgeland offense last season… Quarterback Octavian Handley has some experience… Junior Walter Nix is also a candidate to play quarterback… Kirkland said its possible both would get substantial minutes… Levi Gadson returns as a running back after rushing for over 400 yards… His biggest impact was on defense in 2007, when he was in on about 100 total tackles from his linebacker spot… Alton Shepherd is a key figure on both the offensive front and defensive fronts… Freshman Wesley Scott is a young player to watch for the Jaguars.
Bottom Line: The Jaguars are definitely a longshot to contend for the region title but they should have a chance to compete for a playoff spot. Last year’s win over Barnwell proved they can beat an established program.
Gamecocks, Tigers to battle it out for region crown
Players to Watch
Roderick McDowell, RB (Sumter) Big-play back for the Gamecocks with ability to score from anywhere on the field
Michael Frazier, LB (Conway) Tigers defensive leader plays with great intensity and effort
Malliciah Goodman, DE (West Florence) Clemson commitment has been described as a beast by fellow teammates
Dre Scott, RB (Hartsville) Could be a 1,000-yard rusher by season’s end with double digits in touchdowns
Troy Jones, QB (South Florence) Jones is bound for college as an athlete. He’s got good speed and threw it well during the summer.
Kyle Kowalski, LB (Carolina Forest) The junior is looking to lead the Panthers in tackles for the second straight season
Quinn McClendon, LB (Sumter) Four-year starter for the Gamecocks has a nose for the ball.
Seth Moreland, RB (Conway) Moreland is ready for a big year for the Gamecocks after scoring seven touchdowns in ’07
Conway
Head Coach: Chuck Jordan
2007 Record: 9-3
Notes: The Tigers have been coached by Jordan since 1983 and haven’t had a losing season since going 5-7 in 1993… They return 14 players with a substantial amount of experience, including senior linebacker Michael Frazier (5-10, 205)… Frazier had 118 total tackles in 2007…Senior linebacker Steven Davis and senior defensive backs Tariq Person, Tyler Butler and Adren Fugate are also experienced players on defense … Junior defensive lineman Willie Bedell is a strong force up front … Offensively, wide receiver Jason Livingston is the top player returning statistically… He caught 40 passes for 593 yards and nine touchdowns last season … Running back Seth Moreland rushed for 318 yards and seven touchdowns in 2007… He also had 47 total tackles on defense… Four offensive linemen have experience in left tackle Tim Fowler (6-2, 268), right tackle Cody Hayes (6-5, 270), left guard Erskine Johnson (6-3, 270) and right guard L.B. Neer (6-2, 275).
Bottom Line: The Tigers experienced offensive line should give new quarterback Ryne Hardwick a chance to grow into his role. Though the Tigers were hit hard on defense to graduation, they always have plenty of fight in them.
Carolina Forest
Head Coach: Drew Hummel
2007 Record: 7-4 (In Class AAA)
Notes: The Panthers enter the season as a huge underdog in a very tough region… Junior linebacker Kyle Kowalski returns after leading the team in tackles last fall along with fellow linebacker and second-leading tackler B.J. Washington… Kowalski had 12 sacks a year ago… Washington is also a power back on offense… He and Brian Bellamy, a former cornerback, will get the lion’s share of the carries… Bellamy, a state strength champion, averaged almost eight yards a carry in 2007… Junior Marlon Horton, senior Robert Jackson and junior Nick Recklaw are returning starters at receiver… Senior center Drew Herring (6-4, 320), an all-region pick last season, and senior guard Sam Unsworth are returning starters up front… Kicker Noah Lascell is one of the better kickers in the region.
Bottom Line: The Panthers have their work cut out for them and Hummel knows they won’t receive any sympathy from the other teams in the region. They’ll have to come out and play almost perfect every week to give themselves a chance to win.
Hartsville
Head Coach: Jeff Calabrese
2007 Record: 9-4
Notes: The Red Foxes are coming off their best season since 1997… They have to replace record-setting performers at quarterback and receiver, though… Dylan Usher, the 2007 backup, takes over for 2,000-yard passer Wil Newsome… Standout Jordan Lyles, a Shrine Bowl pick last season, moved on after catching 23 touchdowns … The top player returning on offense statistically is running back Dre Scott, who rushed for 983 yards and nine touchdowns… Shawn Smith rushed for 748 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2007 but has moved over to linebacker… New fullback Ronnie Jackson figures to pick up those yards this season… Right tackle Marcus Lund (5-11, 264) and left tackle Joe Hudson (6-3, 218) are returning starters up front… Defensively, leading tackler Adam Peterson, a junior, returns after making 92 total tackles from his safety spot… Defensive end Damian Blakeney had 55 tackles in 2007 and senior linebacker Donovan Malloy made 52 stops… Junior cornerback Jamie Davis will be in his third year starting in the secondary… Kicker Craig Anderson is back after booting 58 extra points and four field goals last season.
South Florence
Head Coach: Lynn Fleming
2007 Record: 2-9
Notes: The Bruins enter their first season under Fleming, who came back to the program from West-Oak… He replaces Brian Lane, who left after one season to take the Woodruff job… Fleming previously assisted Ken Cribb at South Florence… South Florence graduated over 20 seniors off last year’s team… Quarterback Troy Jones is a dual-threat for the Bruins and figures to make his mark on the ground too… Junior Terrion Brown and sophomore Vincent Johnson are the running backs… Seniors Eric Gardner (6-1, 277) and Dustin Revel (6-0, 245) are returning starters along the offensive front… Linebackers Brandon Gordon and Marcus McClean are the anchors of the defense… Free safety Eric Mace and strong safety Jeremiah Reaves will hold down the secondary.
Bottom Line: The Bruins will have a ways to go before competing with the top teams in the region. To compete this season they’ll have to improve on both sides of the ball. A year ago, they were outscored by opponents 385-165.
Sumter
Head Coach: Paul Sorrells
2007 Record: 10-3
Notes: The Gamecocks enter their 10th season under Sorrells and are coming off their best season since 2003, when they went 14-1 and played for the state championship… Clemson commitment Roderick McDowell is back to lead the offense… He had nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and scored 28 touchdowns, rushing for 1,399 yards and 21 scores… Junior Marquis Pair (6-7) and seniors Michael Miller and Justin Simmons are the anchors on the offensive front… Junior quarterback Stephen Curtis returns too after throwing for 1,781 yards and 18 touchdowns… Wide receiver Tyler Smith, a junior, hauled in six touchdown catches last fall… The Gamecocks also bring back stalwart Quinn McClendon, a senior, at linebacker… He made 157 total tackles in 2007 … Senior defensive back Kevin Sinkler leads a veteran defensive backfield... Senior Carrison Oxendine and junior Ricardo Mullins are key pieces of the defensive front.
Bottom Line: The Gamecocks have the makings of a region champion, which would give them 14 region crowns since 1970. McDowell and McClendon are must-see players.
West Florence
Head Coach: Trey Woodberry
2007 Record: 7-5
Notes: The Knights bring back 17 starters, including most of a defensive unit that was pretty stout a year ago… Included in that group is defensive end Malliciah Goodman (6-4, 259), a Clemson commitment, and outside linebacker Avery Murray (6-1, 220), a Maryland lean… Goodman was in on 64 tackles in 2007 while Murray made 98 stops and scored three defensive touchdowns… Justin Bostick, another inside linebacker, returns as well after making 93 total tackles… Sydney Sarmiento (6-4, 255) is a good defensive end opposite Goodman… Darius Bethea is a returning starter at noseguard and Landis Lane a returning starter in the secondary… Offensively, the Knights return quarterback Paul Pizzuti… Pizzuti threw for over 1,000 yards and ran for 600 more … Running back Josh McFadden is back after rushing for nearly 800 yards … Offensive linemen Trey Green (6-5, 300) and John Coleman (6-5, 280) are college prospects up front… Safety/wide receiver Broderick Jones is among the top juniors in the region.
Bottom Line: To compete for the top spot in the region, the Knights will have to generate more offense this season. The defense should be able to do its part.
Great expectations in store for Timberland
Region 7-AA
Players to Watch
Quinton Washington, OG (Timberland) Top offensive line prospect in the state has great feet for his size
Rockaris King, RB (Timberland) Three-year starter who plays bigger than 5’8 frame
Aldrick Fordham, TE/DE (Timberland) South Carolina commit should be huge in Wolves’ passing game
Marcus Lloyd, WR (Manning) Big-play threat who averaged 24.9 yards per reception in 2007
Dexter Morant, DE (Manning) Imposing junior has great potential at the next level
Jason Witherspoon, RB (Manning) Rushed for over 1,400 yards a year ago
Nick Carson, DB (Hanahan) Ten interceptions last season tied for most in the state
Jamal Lockwood, LB (Hanahan) Was team’s second leading tackler last season with 130 total stops
Renoldo Grate, QB (Kingstree) Dual-threat quarterback who can hurt opposing defenses with his legs as well as his arm
Akeem Point, RB (Waccamaw) One of the strongest players on the team
Thomas Lance, QB (Andrews) Versatile player who may see time at running back as well
Andrews
Head Coach: Steve Hart
2007 Record: 3-8
Notes: Andrews will change their offensive and defensive schemes this fall…No longer will they run the wing-T and they will revert back to the 4-4 defense they had a few years ago…Hart likes the attitudes and the work ethic the players have shown during the spring and summer…The Yellow Jackets biggest strength is the offensive line, where right guard Walt Poston has stepped up and become a leader…Quarterback Thomas Lance is a versatile player that can line up as the signal caller or be used as a running back…Defensive back Reggie Posey could also see time under center…Nelson Frazier is the top defensive lineman on the depth chart with Trae Williams heading up the linebackers…Other players that could be difference-makers are running back Clarence Penny and defensive backs Ken Funnye and Devarnty Graham.
Bottom Line: Andrews has a few playmakers, but just lacks overall size and depth to challenge for the region crown. Hart has some solid athletes from the junior varsity team last year so the team will continue to develop during the 2008 season.
Hanahan
Head Coach: Charlie Patterson
2007 Record: 9-3
Notes: Patterson takes over for long-time coach Jeff Cruce, who left to start the football program at Cane Bay…Patterson has head coaching experience at West Florence, where he was 3-19 in two seasons there…The strength of this team will be its defense as eight of 11 starters return…All four members of the secondary are back (Nick Carson, Elijah Broughton, Cardell Lincoln and Irim Aiken) and will make it tough for teams to throw on them…The defensive line will be key as well with Cloyd Gaffney, Jelani Ellington and Kyle Casey all back up front…Jamal Lockwood had 130 tackles at linebacker last season and will see time with Lincoln at running back in 2008…Carson and Al Little are at the receiver positions again and will be joined by Jaron Denmark, an up-and-coming sophomore…Back to anchor the offensive line is center Nick Pye and left guard Sidney Clark.
Bottom Line: Hanahan’s defense will keep them in games, but the offense will have to prove itself early and often. With nobody returning in the backfield, someone will have to step up at quarterback (Brice Hines/Jeremy Green/Derrick Coblentz) and take over for departed signal caller John Carnell.
Kingstree
Head Coach: Will Lampkin
2007 Record: 5-6
Notes: Lampkin continues his turnaround of the Kingstree program in 2008 after leading them to a 5-6 record and a berth in the playoffs last year…This will be his third year at the helm and feels confident that the players have finally bought into his system…The Jaguars return 13 starters this season…Quarterback Renoldo Grate has the potential to play major college football and won the MVP award for his position at an underclassman combine this summer…Also returning in the backfield are running backs Eric Alston and Wilson Johnson… Returning up front on offense are guards Ingram Fulmore and Sam Graham…Jerry Gainey leads the defense after registering 13 sacks last season…The secondary is a veteran group led by Jeffrey Swinton and Brian Brown…The biggest worry for Lampkin is the lack of depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
Bottom Line: Kingstree has gotten better every season under Lampkin and should continue that trend this year. They probably won’t be a contender for a region championship in 2008, but they are well on their way and could spring a couple of upsets this fall.
Manning
Head Coach: Robbie Briggs
2007 Record: 11-2
Notes: Manning is coming off a great season after winning a region title and finishing 11-2 overall…Losing quarterback Chris Hammett to graduation is a big loss, but bringing back several skill players will lessen the blow…Wide receiver Marcus Lloyd caught 41 passes for 1,021 yards and 11 touchdowns…Running back Jason Witherspoon will also return after rushing for 1,406 yards and 20 touchdowns on 142 carries…Dexter Morant and Philip Dukes will anchor the defensive front and will also see some snaps on the offensive line…Linebacker Sayyid Davies was second on the team last year in tackles after recording 126 total stops…Defensive back/wide receiver John Fulton will lead the secondary after picking off five passes and breaking up several others last season…Coming out of the spring, Briggs was impressed with new quarterback Brandon Miller and linebackers Carter Elms and Shawn Hardy.
Bottom Line: Manning has the athletes to compete with Timberland, but there are also several players that are unproven. Briggs always has his team prepared, and it will be no surprise to see them playing into the third round of the playoffs again.
Timberland
Head Coach: Art Craig
2007 Record: 9-3
Notes: Timberland is a team picked by many not only to win the region championship, but the state title as well…The Wolves were 9-3 last season playing at the AAA level and should have even more success in AA…Rockaris King will pace the offense after rushing for 1,706 yards and 20 touchdowns last year…Taking some of the load off King will be Rennis Black and Paul Jefferson, who both got a decent share of carries in 2007…Although right guard Quinton Washington gets all the press, Craig says left tackle Storm Moore is a great player that nobody really knows about…Quarterback Cody Craig played sparingly last season but knows the offense and can handle the responsibility…The lefty has a strong arm and also runs well…Having King and tight end Aldrick Fordham will take much of the pressure off Craig…The linebacker tandem of Oscar Moultrie and Laron Milford will be a strong point for the defense.
Bottom Line: Timberland is talented on both sides of the ball and has a great coaching staff. If they don’t win a region championship or make a deep run in the playoffs, many people will see the season as a disappointment.
Waccamaw
Head Coach: Burney Bourne
2007 Record: 5-6
Notes: Bourne enters his fourth season as head coach of the Warriors and looks to build on a 5-6 record from a season ago…Although they had a losing record, Waccamaw was 4-2 in conference play…This summer Bourne was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame…The Warriors have good team speed and a lot of experience, as 17 starters return in 2008…Running back Akeem Point had several big games last year and will look to be a consistent performer this fall…The offensive line will be anchored by three-year starter Dennis Lee Smith and sophomore Jerome Maybank (6’5, 285), who will be a major player by the time he graduates…Junior center Ali Robinson is another lineman who should open up holes for Point…Smith was the team’s leading tackler last year, averaging 8.5 per game.
Bottom Line: Bourne feels that this may be his best team since he’s been at Waccamaw. They will be competitive, but they need to develop some more depth. The biggest concern is their lack of size on defense.
“MY WAY”
“And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve travelled each and every highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few too mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exception.
I planned each chartered course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way. .----
From the Elvis Pressley version of “My Way”
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
It’s hard to imagine that the couple who have won six state football titles at three high schools—Ninety-Six,
It was the Dula’s third season at Ninety-Six in 1979 and they had just benched several starters for discipline problems resulting in a lopsided loss to Strom Thurmond. They were 2-8 in 1977 and 3-7 in 1978 and now at 0-2 in the young 1979 season. Coach Dula told his wife that they just might not make it through the season without getting fired.
“It was a Friday morning and we were getting ready to play Whitmire in the third game and I sat down with Mary and told her that they might fire us but that we were going to do it our way,” said Coach Dula. “We are going to have rules and we are going to discipline our players. We sat down and listened to Elvis singing his version of the song “My Way” and it was so comforting to us under the circumstances. I told Mary if they are going to fire us they are going to fire me with me coaching kids My Way.
“We beat Whitmire that night and for the rest of the 1979 season we listened to the song “My Way” every morning. It became a ritual for us. We were convinced that we had to do what we believed in and what we thought was best for the kids in our program. I am not trying to be hogget about it but we are going to do it our way and if that is not good enough so be it.”
The Dula’s have been married for 36 years and anyone who is around them can sense that they are still deeply in love and devoted to one another. “The spark is still there,” beams Coach Dula. They are true partners in their new roles at the SCACA working closely together. Mary is a retired educator and the couple met on a blind date set up by Coach Varner’s son when the two worked together at Woodruff.
Just what advice does she have for a woman about to marry a coach, or to a young person of either gender who is married to a coach? “Even though you have to be independent of each other it’s not his profession or her profession,” said Mrs. Dula. “It’s needs to be “our” profession and you have to work together. You have to communicate as well.”
In these times of 50 per cent divorce rates and in this world of hate crimes, war, and poverty just what has sustained the Dula’s over the years? “When your marriage is built around Christ and your faith in him you can survive being 0-4 and you can overcome problems much easier,” said Coach Dula. “We do live in an unstable world and the most stable aspect of this world is Christ.
“Mary has been a very positive influence on me There are going to be defeats and heartaches but hopefully if you have Christ at the center of your relationship you should be able to deal with issues much better. Our faith has been at the center of our marriage.”
One amusing story from early in their marriage involves what happened to Coach Dula on the first morning of varsity practice at Woodruff. “Mary grew up on a hog farm in southern
“Well on the first day of practice he takes off on vacation and my job is to go very early and slop the hogs before practice,” said Coach Dula. “Well, I got there and the hogs were loose and I was not having much luck catching any of them. I went into the house and called Mary and told her she had two choices. She could go over to Woodruff and coach the line for me while I spent all day chasing hogs or she could come round up the hogs so I could keep my paying job with Coach Varner. Thank goodness she came and tended to the hogs and I went on to the practice field.”
The Dula’s will officially take over the reins of the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA) at the end of the year. However, during a recent visit to their world within the
They will inherit one of the top coaching associations in the nation from retiring Keith and Tallulah Richardson who helped steer the organization to outstanding growth during their tenure of the past 18 years.
A typical day for the Dula’s this summer has been to get in the office early and stay to “supper time.” Coach Dula calls office manager Debbie Miller the “referee” and credits her role as quite significant. Mrs. Miller works during the year as the athletic secretary at Greenwood High. Her daughter Bailey, who will attend Erskine this fall on a soccer scholarship, has helped out on a part time basis this summer.
“The
“We feel very honored to have been asked if we were interested in taking over the Coaches Association because we saw what positive role models Keith and Tallulah have been and what strong advocates they have been for coaching families throughout South Carolina, Coaching has been a blessing to us and we hope to also help sustain what they have built.”
“The main thing that we have thought all about is just how did the
While Coach Dula didn’t know the percentage of all high school coaches in
“Our desire is to get everyone involved mainly because of this $1 million insurance liability that we have for coaches,” said Dula. “Anybody in coaching needs to be a member of the SCACA because you never know when you are going to be sued. Hopefully we can continue spreading the word of the many benefits that coaches receive by being a member. Our goal is to get everyone involved. We have a lot of individual members when the school doesn’t join. Our goal is to get every coach involved.”
Some immediate concerns to the Dulas are the economy and how it relates to athletics particularly travel expenses. “You are always looking at ways you can upgrade and improve your all-star games,” said Dula. “You always want your all-star games to continue to be first class events.”
One important meeting at this year’s clinic will be a joint meeting between Dula and South Carolina High School League Commissioner Jerome Singleton. “The purpose of our meeting with the membership is to discuss and explain the differences between the Coaches Association and the High School League and the benefits and services that both organizations provide. So many people do not understand the different roles that each organization plays in high school athletics. We are hoping to have great attendance at this meeting.”
Coach Dula also said the state football association, after several years of polling the football coaches around the state, voted to allow full pads in the spring. In addition, schools were allowed to have a spring scrimmage game amongst themselves. Coach Dula was asked if the Blythewood probation for working out in full pads in the spring of 2007 affected the change?
“I don’t think so at all even though the Blythewood incident did make the front page for awhile,” said Dula. “Our football association has been moving towards this for quite some time. There were many coaches involved and they really did their home work. Coaches like Ted Luckadoo at Westside, Bob Hanna at Irmo and Ray Stackley at
Coach Dula gives a lot of credit for his coaching success to Varner, his early mentor. “Working for Coach Varner for my first six years in coaching (1970-76) was a very positive and a good learning experience for me,” said Coach Dula.
He and Mary visited Varner in a nursing home this past June. “Coach Varner was very demanding and very organized,” said Coach Dula. “One important thing about Coach Varner was that he never demanded from anyone what he was not willing to do himself. He coached by example.”
In the 1980’s and early 90’s Dula often carried his coaching staffs to watch the great teams of
“We have remained basically an “I” formation with a tight end and two wide-outs over my coaching career. We have been blessed with good players as well.”
Dula describes athletics as an avenue that allows young people to build self-esteem and it gives them a chance to feel good about themselves. “Athletics allows young athletes to be surrounded by positive role models,” said Coach Dula. “Without athletics there is no telling what some kids might get involved with in the afternoons.
“You have to focus and get everyone pulling in the same direction because in athletics you have a community pulling for you and you as an athlete must realize that you have a responsibility to give back to that community by being a good role model and giving your best efforts. We all need each other.
“Young men and young ladies gain so much from being a part of something that is athletics. Goals and objectives are something everyone can relate to. It’s when you don’t have direction and purpose in your daily life where there is potential for negativity and bad outcomes. Athletics is such a positive cause that we are all working for. Young people are looking for the companionship and the togetherness that athletics creates.”
When asked how the role of coaches has changed over the past 30 years Mary jumps right in and offers her thoughts on the subject. “The role of the coach is more important now because of the decline of the family unit,” she said. “ Now you have many one parent families. The male or female coach of today has greater influences on the athletes they mentor. Not only are you a coach but often times you are a parent figure to those you mentor. In many ways the coach has to be better prepared to deal with things outside of athletics.”
Coach Dula (247-137-1) has stepped down as the athletic director at
“My Way”
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way. –lyrics from “My Way”
Dula was a defensive lineman at Presbryterian College between 1965-69 after graduating from Laurens High in 1965. “Both Coach Gault and my line coach Billy Tiller had great influences on me going into coaching,” said Dula. “I could see the influence they had on the young people they worked with. It was an opportunity to try to make a difference. They would chew you out one minute and hug you the next. They were very instrumental in our going into coaching. Then starting my career under Coach Varner was very important because he taught me things that we still use today.”
In state championship games Dula’s teams are 6-0. They have played in 12 upper state finals and own a 6-6 record in that category. In 1982 Ninety-Six defeated Barnwell 14-7 for his first title. In 1990 at
“I think in championship games you have to get your kids to focus just on the game and not all the side issues,” said Dula. “In the 2006 game we were aware that we had been the home team in our two title wins at
“We had to do something really quick to get that out of our players mind. We had a new pair of gold pants we had never worn. We came back from the press conference on Monday afternoon and told our kids that we were the visitors and you could sense they were a little down about that. Then we held up the gold pants and told them that we were going to be able to wear them with our white shirts. The emphasis then went to the pants over who was the home team.
“When you advance that far in the playoffs we change very little. We practice like we did all year and we try to stay as much in the same routine as possible. At this point both teams are very good and it becomes more of a mental thing. You don’t want your kids to get too emotionally high. We have been fortunate to have won all six times.”
“My Way”
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried..
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing,
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.—
Lyrics From Dula favorite “My Way”
Daughter Mary Kate married Josh Skinner last October 12. The couple live in
Coach Dula has a much cherished memory of daughter Mary Kate growing in
Through the years Dula has coached numerous outstanding players at the three schools. When pressed for a few names that could comprise the All-Dula team of the past 30-plus years Coach Dula looks amused and after a few seconds’ starts talking about a few players he has fond memories of.
“You have to be impressed with what Armanti Edwards has accomplished at Appalachian State and we are very proud of him,” said Coach Dula. “We have had so many fine athletes and we’ve been fortunate to have many fine and dedicated assistant coaches.”
A few other players who came to mid included former
Coach Dula also talked about former Eagle linebackers Ricardo Hurley and Ricky Grant as if they were his sons. He took us back to Ninety-Six and talked fondly of Samuel Jeter, Eric Rice, and McKenzie Thorp. He mentioned that D.J. Swearinger of his current team is “the smartest kid we’ve coached.”
The names of players and coaches went on and on as Coach Dula smiles talking about so many people who have been a part of the Dula coaching family over the years. The man really does have a love for the coaching profession. You can feel it in his voice and hear his inner soul connect with you as you are asking questions.
Other memories include riding to various coaching clinics with Eddie Muldrow and his wife. “Jimmy Towe and Dan Dickerson are coaches with us now who worked with us on other staffs,” said Coach Dula. “Kevin Addis played for us at
Coaches like Towe, Muldrow, and David Henderson will always remain close friends to Dula. He called Billy Jack Moore “as loyal as the day is long.”
The Dula’s know that they are stepping into a very demanding job especially with Shell continuing on as the head football coach at
“This job gives us an opportunity to try and continue from a personal point of view that same thing but now more so with coaches. We certainly hope to take the baton from Keith and Tallulah and keep moving forward. This job now gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of coaches particularly young coaches. This job gives us a chance to give back to something that has been so good to us.”
“My Way”
To think I did all that;
And may I say—not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me.
I did it my way.
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels,
The record shows I took the blows—
And did it my way!—Lyrics From the song
“My Way” as sang by Elvis
These are fitting words that have inspired the life and the coaching world of Shell and Mary Dula starting their 40th year. They have been consistent and winning has followed them wherever they have gone. Success will also follow them into the challenges of their new roles with the SCACA. They are the “golden rule” couple who accept responsibility for doing things “My Way!”
The Shell Dula Personal File
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Entrée: Steak or Seafood
Favorite Place To Visit:
Least favorite Place To Visit:
Bad Habit: Clucks His Throat.
Favorite car: Lexus
Favorite Actor: Harrison Ford
Personal Pet Peeve: Not Being On Time
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate cake
Mountains,
Best Way To Relax: Sitting on back porch with dog “Barney” or “Golden Doodle”
Favorite Pet: “Champ” (golden retriever who dies in 1995)
Number One Thing A Team Needs To Win: “Total Team Chemistry & A Few Good Players”
Annual SCACA clinic is about much more than teaching
Goose Creek—The SCACA Coaching Clinic is always a chance for the HSSR to make new friends and to say hello to those coaches we have known for the majority of the 21 years that we have been in business in
We would like to invite everyone to stop by our booth during the clinic. It’s always educational to talk to so many coaches from throughout
At this time the HSSR would like to salute Keith and Talluah Richardson for 18 growth years in the SCACA. I first met Coach Richardson on a bitter cold night in
The SCACA baton has now been passed to Shell and Mary Dula and we hope everyone enjoys our cover story on the coaching family from
We would also encourage those prep football coaches who have not returned football information forms to please stop by our booth and pick up a form and leave it with us before you leave the clinic. We will also have several reporters seeking those coaches who have not already turned into the questionnaires to us. Your co-operation in this important matter is greatly appreciated. This will be very helpful as we publish a 160 page football tabloid on Friday, August 22 covering literally every school in
Elsewhere in this special coaches issue (page 72) please find a valuable coupon page that you can use at nine area food establishments all located within a few miles of the
There is no better fraternity in the world then the coach’s fraternity. Coaches know each other from the spirit of competition and the camaraderie from fellowship after the whistles are put down and the fans go home. The annual clinic is the ideal time to chill a bit before the real work of building teams begin. Other than becoming a minister is their a higher calling in life than that of a coach? I think it is a profession right up there with any profession. Isn’t the opportunity to mentor young people and making a difference in their lives a high honor for all coaches? The opportunity to mold young people into productive citizens is quite rewarding.
Coaches certainly don’t go into the profession thinking they are going to get rich. You usually desire to become a coach because you had good experiences with the very coaches who once coached you.
The clinic is as much a social event as it is a learning opportunity for coaches. It’s an ideal time for 5,000 coaches to get together, exchange ideas and tell and share a story or two before the battles of the new school year begin. In just a few days the sports of cross country, cheerleading, volleyball, football, tennis, and swimming will kick-off. Once again a sea of humanity will dot the landscapes after school at nearly 240 public and independent schools throughout
Coaching is a process that never ends. The seniors move on and here come new faces and new challenges to coach up and mold into a team. The faces change from year to year but the challenges of molding so many kids from so many circumstances into a working unit are quite remarkable when you really stop and think about it.
Before closing I would like to state my opinion once again that coaches should never be fired solely on the basis of a won loss record. If I were a high school principal I would come closer to firing a coach with poor participation, who also had a losing record, before I would terminate any coach, regardless of their record, who had huge participation numbers. At this level of sports we are trying to save the world one kid at the time. At this level of sports it is all about getting kids off the sofa and into the arena of participation.
Shell Dula tells me that the kids of 2008 know when a coach truly cares about them. He feels that kids will not buy into your system if they don’t feel that you care about them as human beings. Caring is so very important when you deal with the fragile lives of young people. Be mindful of this as you leave the clinic and move on to the practice fields in a few days.
(Example: Even something as simple as filling out a football form and turning it in at the HSSR booth shows your players that you care about them.)
Richardsons stepping away from SCACA
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Charleston—After 18 years Keith and Tallulah Richardson are bowing out as the two central figures of the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA) as they hand off the baton to Shell and Mary Dula at the 61st annual coaches clinic held at the North Charleston Convention Center July 27-30.
“The biggest thing I am proud of is just how valuable the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association has become to our member schools,” said Coach Richardson. “We are much more than a once a year coaches clinic. The schools realize that we support high school athletics and coaches and student athletes.”
When asked what he hopes his legacy might be for his 18 years of hard work on behalf of the coaching association Coach Richardson responded, “I hope that I can make it until January 1st without getting fired. I can truthfully say that I have never been fired from any job and I have always been able to go back and work for whomever I left.”
Coach Richardson thanked his wife Tallulah for being a great partner in the job and he also praised the potential of Shell and Mary Dula as they assume the role of director of the SCACA. He praised the character and integrity of Coach Dula and said he would follow along in the footsteps of former SCACA leaders Harry Hedgepath and Bettis Herlong.
“The SCACA was a full time job for me and a full time job for my wife,” said Coach Richardson. “It was much more than a 40 hour work week. I am sure there might be better ways to do things but I think the services that we are offering our membership and just how much we’ve grown has made this a very big job. I can’t imagine a coach not wanting to be a member of the SCACA.”
Coach
When asked his age Coach Richardson quipped, “I am 67 and don’t I look good for my age? That’s my standard answer!”
Coach Richardson said that he has had a paying job since he was 10 years old and he will continue to look for employment opportunities should the right job come along. “My father had a gas station and I went to work for him for $2 a day. He made me take care of my lunch money out of my pay and I gave some to the church and he said whatever is left you can just keep.”
The