Andrews has veteran group looking to challenge for the region title

Neill Kirkpatrick • August 27, 2024

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By Neill Kirkpatrick

Special to the HSSR

Andrews – The Andrews Yellowjackets have established themselves as one of the top-class AA football programs in the lower state over that last 11 years under the tutelage of Scott Durham and after back-to-back second round playoff exit’s the Yellowjackets are looking to make a deeper playoff run in 2024.

“We feel good about this group if we can get a few young players to step up and play well we will be fine. We have a very difficult schedule, so staying healthy will be a key us as the season goes along,” said Durham.

The Yellowjackets will be moving into a new region (Region 6 AA) but they will renew some old rivalries with Timberland and Woodland. They will also do battle with Philip Simmons, who has gone 28-8 over the past three years with Burke and Academic Magnet also joining the region.

Fortunately for the Yellowjackets they return seven starters on offense including one of the top athletes in AA in quarterback senior Brandon Cumbee (5-11, 180)He has been named to the AA all-state team the past years as a Defensive back (22) and as an athlete (23). Last season he accounted for over 1700 yards of offense and 22 touchdowns while playing with a torn ligament in his throwing shoulder. To take advantage of his skill set coach Durham has put him in the shot gun to run the Yellowjackets option offense, ala Liberty University. To date Newberry, Charleston Southern and SC State have shown the most interest in him.

“Brandon is one of the best people and players I have ever coached. He is a smaller version of Jaquan Marsh who I coached at Goose Creek. In 2011,” said Durham. “Our switch to the gun is definitely going to fit Brandon’s strengths as a runner.”

Also, back after a sensational sophomore campaign is tailback AJ Lee (5-11, 185). He ran for 1303 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Coach says the new offensive scheme fits AJ’s skill set very well. He was an All-region selection last season.

“ AJ is a good kid and the new offense fits him really well. He is a guy we want to touch the ball 20+ times a game,” Durham said.

Of course, all the numbers that offense puts will be a direct result of the Yellowjackets veteran offensive line. The line returns four starters from a year ago led by junior Da’Viyon McNair. The 6-3, 315 right tackle was All-State as a sophomore and is already getting serious attention.

Also, back along the O-line are senior left guard Jacolby Sanders (6-0, 235) and juniors left tackle Madison Smith (5-11, 245) and center Riley Jordan (5-11, 250). Jordan missed time last season when he tore his ACL.

Perhaps the Yellowjackets best player is tight end/ defensive end is returning All-State performer Khalil Dorsey (6-2, 215). He has tremendous athletic ability and can make plays in the passing game but he excels on defense where he had 32 tackles with 10 tackles for loss.

The wide outs are senior Maddux Cooper (5-11,180) and junior Kayden Dorsey (5-9, 160).

Along with Dorsey the D-line returns two other starters in senior Roshaun Scott (5-10, 250) and All region selection junior Chris Stewart. The 6-3, 220 defensive end led the team in tackles for loss with 12.5 and he forced five fumbles. He is also garnering some attention from the college coaches.

The linebackers and secondary are still a work in progress for the Yellowjackets with only three returning starters. Senior Aden Cooper (5-11, 230) is back at linebacker while Kayden Dorsey and Maddux Cooper will be in the secondary. Dorsey had a team high five interceptions and six pass break ups.

“Depth is always an issue with us so if we can stay healthy, this group has a chance to be special. We have some missing pieces we are still trying to find but I like where we are as a team,” said Durham.

The Yellowjackets open at home against county rival Georgetown. The Yellowjackets have won the last five games between the rivals.

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By David Shelton • July 30, 2025

By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.