Doodles Nails Week 7 at 83.6% Accuracy at 102-20

Blazers offense playing its best against better teams on schedule

Brothers Luke and Kai Sobey key performers for Patriots on both sides of football

Reed Almers having strong season in first year as feature back

Barons offense is being led by quarterback Nolan Gooch

Colleton Prep senior QB Cale Owens threw 10/13 for 129 yards and 2 TDs plus 22 Rushes for 181 yards. (Photo Courtesy Katelyn Barwick)

By David Shelton Senior Writer Walterboro – Now in his third season as head coach, Colleton County volleyball coach Samuel Mwangi is slowly developing the competitive level of his program. The program is still a ways off from competing for a region title but Mwangi is noticing that his team is able to compete better against the top teams on the schedule. While the team is off to an 0-7 start against region foes, the Cougars have posted eight wins overall this season. The coach feels enhanced off-season competition on the club level would aid in the development of each player, thus improving the team’s performance. “The varsity volleyball team has proven it can compete with strong teams, but it needs more consistency against stronger opponents and further skill development,” says Mwangi. “Club volleyball would provide valuable training and competitive experience, helping players strengthen their skills, improve consistency, and elevate the team’s overall performance.” Most of the roster this season is comprised of underclassmen. In fact, there are no starting seniors in the lineup. Junior Tiera Wilkins is one of the starting outside hitters, and junior Lilly Christopher is the starting setter. The other outside hitter is junior Nikki Gabriel and junior Kyla Aiken is starting in the middle, along with junior Olivia Arnold . Junior Madison Hand is the Right Side. Two liberos who substitute for the middle hitters are junior Natalie French and Bryleigh Johnson. “The strength of the team is setting, outside attack, and blocks from the middle,” Mwangi said. Hand is the team captain who knows the positions and rotations, and coordinates the team well, according to Mwangi. Christopher is the assistant captain. Rounding out the team are senior Macyla Shaffer , and juniors Ashlynne Bernardi , Lillyanne Kooy, Emily Villela, and Alleigh Shaffer . “My expectations are high as they continue practicing and applying various skills. I look forward to having most players join high-level clubs in the USA,” Mwangi said.

Emerald junior QB Beau Hite led his team to produce 274 points in just five games during this season.

Bamberg-Ehrhardt's Chaz Breeland in action about to split the uprights again.

Nothing but region contests in SCHSL this week with 7 Thursday games, including Indian Land at South Pointe