By Roger Lee
Summerville – Pinewood Prep has some holes to fill, but returns some experienced athletes this season.
DeVonte Holloman was named the Panthers’ new head coach in the Spring and is encouraged by what the team showed him during the preseason.
“I really feel good about the players we have,” he said. “We just have to stay healthy through the season.”

In preparing for the season he was able to lean on both some coaches who have been with the program for a while and a couple of new coaches.
“A lot of the guys returned from last year and have kind of helped me learn the kids and the things that worked last year and the things that didn’t,” he said. “I was able to bring in a couple of guys with me. We are all like-minded guys who put the kids first and want to put them into a position to succeed.”
The team is still seeking its first win. Pinewood was edged out in its 2023 football season opener, falling 27-23 at Beaufort Academy.
The Panthers took the lead early in the second quarter and kept it until the final quarter when Beaufort Academy’s Devonte Green picked off a Pinewood pass and returned it into the end zone for a 20-16 Eagles’ lead after the PAT kick. With approximately nine minutes remaining, Pinewood quarterback Asa Windham rushed for a TD to put the Panthers ahead again.
However, Beaufort Academy’s next touchdown went unanswered.
A fumble early in the game was costly for the Panthers. Pinewood marched into the Red Zone before turning the ball over to the Eagles at their own 10-yard line. The Panthers did manage to get a safety a few plays later.
Early in the second quarter, Pinewood QB Will Watson connected with Finley Taylor on a TD pass for an 8-7 Panthers’ lead. After a defensive stand, the duo hooked up again for a second TD pass. The QB then threw to Corley Watson for a two-point conversion and a 16-7 Pinewood lead.
Beaufort Academy cut the lead to 16-13 with its own TD pass with just seconds remaining before halftime.
Will Watson led the Pinewood rushers in the game with 78 yards on five carries. Freshman Grayson Salego had 50 rushing yards on seven carries.
Junior Daniel Wiggins led the Pinewood receivers with two catches for 44 yards. Senior Troy Dandridge had two receptions for 35 yards.
During its home opener Aug. 25, Pinewood suffered a 34-19 loss to Laurence Manning Academy.
The Panthers had a good start, jumping out to a 13-7 lead in the first half. However, the Swampcats outscored Pinewood 27-6 in the second half.
Pinewood kicker Coleman Fulkerson hit field goals of 30 and 33 yards. Will Watson added a 14-yard TD run for the 13-7 Panthers’ lead.
Pinewood’s only score of the second half didn’t come until the final minute when Dandridge made a 68-yard TD catch.
Pinewood Prep has a good mix of senior leaders and younger players this season.
Seniors Ben Smith and Tre Arena are the Panthers’ most experienced offensive linemen. Others expected to make a difference in the trenches include juniors Sami Abuhakema, Jackson Spafford and Tate Arena.
Both of the team’s quarterbacks saw action behind center last season.
“Asa Windham has really stepped up in terms of leadership, his play and the way he carries himself,” Holloman said. “He has made an impression not only on me but on the team. Will Watson played some quarterback as a freshman and he is a good athlete who throws the ball well. He will also help us on defense.”
They have good targets in Dandridge and junior receiver Terrance Stallworth, who are both returning starters. Wiggins, freshman Michael Burnett and sophomores Jack Burnette and Jaden Bellush are also vying for time at the receiver position.
A pair of seniors anchor the Panthers’ defense. Corley Watson is a returning starter at linebacker and Zack Tyler is a returning starter on the defensive line.
“Overall I feel good about our linebackers,” Holloman said. “Corley Watson is kind of like our heart and soul. He is a (great) kid who had more than 100 tackles last season. Zack Tyler has started the last three years.”
Sam Gross, Tate Arena and Abuhakema are among the other players who bring experience to the defensive front. McKinley Bilton, Connor White and Jack Burnette all have experience in the second or third levels of the defense.
The Panthers host Ben Lippen Sept. 1. The Falcons are 2-0 after defeating Asheville Christian Academy Aug. 18 and Heathwood Hall Episcopal Aug. 25.
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