Denmark-Olar Looking To Get Back To The Playoffs

By Neill Kirkpatrick

Special to the HSSR

Denmark – Head coach William Raysor begins his third year at the helm of the Denmark-Olar Viking football program and he and his players are looking to make strides this season to get the program on the right footing.

“We have 16 returning starters with all 9 off our defensive unit back but we are still young in many areas, in fact the entire defense are underclassmen and we only have two returning seniors on offense,” said coach Raysor. “Despite our youth we have some talented players who need to keep improving and maturing on the field. They have a high ceiling

The Vikings missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2020 as they finished 1-9/0-4. Their biggest issue last season was putting points on the board and leaving the defense on the field to long.

The Vikings have gotten off to 1-1 start to the season after beating Burke 50-0 Friday night. The defense had another strong outing and the offense showed it had life. It their opening game against Blackville-Hilda the defense played well and gave the offense a short field by causing two turnovers but the offense could not move the football and the defense eventually wore out in the 36-0 loss.

The defense is the strength of the team with returning starters on defense are junior defensive linemen Saheem Edwards, Dilan Hammonds (6-3,215) and Nyheem Brimfield (6-3,250) and linebacker Markell Rivera (6,205), sophomores linebackers Jamarion Johnson, and  Nykeem McClain (5-8,209), defensive backs Courtney Anderson (5-6,125), Lamar Greggs (5-7,150), and Antinio Williams (5-8,145). Two freshmen that round out the starting defense are defensive end Dylan Willis (6-1,225) and defensive back Ashton Williams (5-111,138)

Leading the offense is Brimfield at quarterback who I back for his third year. He has a big arm but needs to be more consistent in his decision making. Joining him in the backfield are junior running backs Travine Felder (5-5,155) and Armani McMillian (5-7,190).

The receiving group is made up of Greggs, freshman Jamari McMillian (5-8152), and senior tight end Tyshawn Moore (5-10,152).

Senior Mari Moody (6-2, 240) is at right tackle and is the leader of the offensive line. Junors on the offensive line are left guard Cornelius Hammond (5-10,275), right guard Blake Brown (5-10, 270) and center Materius Rumph (6-2, 330). Left Tackle is sophomore Kenneth Shuler.

Brimfield is also the teams punter.

The Vikings will travel to John’s Island to take on the St. John’s. the Islander’s won their opener beating St. John’s Christian Academy 30-28.