Everybody Chasing Abbeville Once Again In Class A Football In SC

Billy Baker • August 27, 2025

Lake View's Jalen Clark.

HSSR Class A Football Ranking (As of August, 25)

1. Abbeville

2.Lewisville

3. Cross

4. Bamberg-Ehrhardt

5. Latta

6. Lake View

7. HKT

8. Carvers Bay

9. Johnsonville

10. Lamar

11. Blackville-Hilda

12. Branchville

13. Baptist Hill

14. Hannah-Pamplico

15. Dixie

 

By Billy G. Baker

Publisher

Moncks Corner—Around this time a year ago, the HSSR began the regular season with Abbeville and Cross ranked one-two in our Class A ranking the week before the 2024 season began.


Four months later, these two teams met for the Class A state championship at South Carolina State University.  Abbeville advanced to the finals with a 42-18 win over Trent Usher’s Lewisville Lions while Cross defeated Lake View, 36-7 to punch their ticket to the gold medal round. In the finals Abbeville’s potent ground attack earned a 58-20 win over the Trojans. It was the Panthers 9th state football title in 15 seasons under the outstanding coaching of Jamie Nickles, a proud   graduate of Abbeville High where he learned to compete as an honor graduate of the late Dennis Botts coaching academy in the early 1990’s.


One year later Abbeville will enter the 2025 season ranked number one once again. The next four Class A teams from two to five include second ranked Lewisville, with Cross, Bamberg-Ehrhardt, and Latta rounding out the top five respectively. Johnsonville, under the tutelage of Ken Cribb holds down the number six spot coming into the season, followed by Lake View, HKT, Lamar, and Blackville-Hilda round out the top 10.   


Region 1-A Predicted Order Of Finish:

1. Abbeville

2. Dixie

3. Whitmire

4. Ware Shoals

5. McCormick

6. Calhoun Falls


ABBEVILLE:

In Abbeville, the Panthers rarely rebuild; they reload, and keep pounding you. Last year they defeated teams 703-216 in compiling 13 wins. On offense the “A” bone produced 4,915 yards of rushing offense and 79 touchdowns.


Abbeville was a senior laden team a year ago. They were led by South Carolina signee Demarcus Leach. In the championship game against Cross, he rushed for 118 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Leach also returned an interception 81 yards on a pick six during the game.


The key to Abbeville’s success this season will be finding a replacement for Leach at quarterback. Despite heavy graduation losses a core group of experienced seniors are back to provide leadership. 


Senior RB Darius Riley is back after rushing for 750 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. The brother senior duo of Jaden Baylor at WR and Jaylen Baylor at FS/WR return and these are two impact players. Jaden will convert over to the QB position this season. Kamyon Jones (6-3,275) also returns to provide leadership in the offensive line at left guard.


On defense, Kendall Cole will be counted on to step up as a senior on the defensive front along with Xzavier Walton (6-0,290) wo returns at NG/DT.  (Please see in-depth feature story on Abbeville football elsewhere in this issue).

 

DIXIE:

The Hornets were a vastly improved team in 2024 under head coach Mark Sorrow when they improved to an 8-3 season.

The team’s potential for success in 2025 will focus on the play of quarterback Dallas Dotson and the play of returning RB Brandon Nance who rushed for over 1,100 yards as a junior last season.


Dixie will begin the season with an away game at RSM on August, 22.

 

WHITMIRE:

Head coach Andrew Campbell saw his Wolverines struggle to an 3-8 record a year ago but help may be on the way for improvement.


A core group of experienced seniors return. They include center Jaden Clark, RT Dalton Williams, TE Crue Keller, and DB Brian Steele. Top juniors include: RG Gabe Martin, DL Zakaedon Ruff, QB Kaden Malpass, FB De’Angelo Ruff, and TE Landon Wolf.

Top newcomers include LT Freddie Higgins and LG Jordan Ammons.


Whitmire began the 2025 season by hosting Branchville from the low country.

 

WARE SHOALS:          

Christopher Dodson begins his fourth season as the head coach at Ware Shoals and his team improved to 4-5 in the 2024 season.

The team should have more over-all depth in the 2025 season improving their participation numbers from 23 to around 34 players this season, including 14 linemen.


Senior QB Jayden Johnson returns and he has a chance to become the school’s all-time top passer with a strong finish to his career. His top three receiving targets return in WR Tyrell Cunningham, WR Ry’Keem Robinson, and WR Brayden McDonald. The defense will be led by the return of LB Elijah Brown.


Ware Shoals will begin the 2025 season hosting Blacksburg from Cherokee County.


MCCORMICK:

Leroy Collier begins his third season as the head coach of the Chiefs and with the return of seven starters on offense, and six starters on defense, the team is seeking vast improvement on their 2-9 record of last season.

“We have a solid group of returning linemen which should help us establish a solid running game,” said Coach Collier. “We must be more consistent and intentional in our blocking assignments.”


The senior leaders back are RB Quantrell Hearst and QB Toquan Thompson. Hearst rushed for 986 yards and scored 11 TD’s last season.


The top junior on the team returns in RT Jayden Nelson-McGrier. The top soph is talented LB Zyan Chamberlain. The top newcomer up from the jayvee team is LB Markal Bost. Other returning OL starters include Zechariah Chiles, Ty Clark, Tahahji Kinard and center Mahel Allman.


On defense Michael Durant, Tarius Tate, and Jermaine Polly return in the DL. Chamberlain returns at LB. The returning DB’s are Treyvon Fuller and Hearst flips from offense to DB.


McCormick will begin the season at Strom Thurmond on August, 22.  


CALHOUN FALLS CHARTER:

After finishing with a 2-9 record in 2024 Calhoun Falls head coach Zak Theus is hoping senior leadership can help the team elevate the program in 2025.


The play of senior trio of OL Quay Turman (6-3,280), WR Derek Jackson (6-1,180), and LT Chase Schmidt is key to the team’s seeking improvement this year. Junior LG CJ Turman is also back also with top sophomores RB Braylon Patterson (6-0,180) along with QB Preston Thomas-Smalls.  The top player up from the jayvee is Kazhian Gray. Senior DL Cam Bryant (6-0,270) brings experience to the defensive front.


Calhoun Falls will begin the season against Greenwood Christian on August, 22.



Region 2-A Prediction Order Of Finish:

1.      Lewisville

2.      Lamar

3.      Lee Central

4.      McBee

5.      CA Johnson

6.      Great Falls

 

LEWISVILLE:

Lewisville went 12-2 and won a region title under first year head coach Trent Usher who stepped up to the head job after serving as the Lion’s defensive coordinator the year before.


The Lions only play three regular season home games in 2025 but once the play-offs start the bracket favors them plying at home if they can keep winning.


Coach Usher and his staff need to find replacements for graduated play makers like receiver De’Adrian Robinson and QB/DB Zach Rogers along with OL Ethan Shipman. 


The team will find help with the return of talented RB Mikel Hutchinson who missed most of last season with an injury. Jordan Strong stepped up and carried a lot of the running load last season and he and Hutchinson should make a strong 1-2 punch.

Matt Cousar is stepping up to play QB and his top target will be senior prospect Jacorreun Howze (5-10,170) who has good speed and great hands. Soph DL Zackary Gillcrese will be a force in the defensive line.


Look for Lewisville to win their region and make a deep run in the play-offs once again.

 

LAMAR: 

Coach Tyler Boyd is back home to his roots at Lamar High having compiling a 22-3 record at Williamsburg Academy). He takes over a team that went 9-4 in 2024.


Top Returners include, QB Zori Pierce, RT DeVaughn Locust, RB Nygel Eaddy, top junior RB DQ Green, DB Kamiil McCoy, LG Roy Vest, LT Messiah Simes, TE/LB Lamont Williams, RB/LB Jaquez Dargan, LB Kenile Johnson, and WR Jaylen Morris. Robert Cooper is a freshman who will share time with Alvin Jenkins in the DL.


Lamae begins the 2025 season on Aug. 22 at Darlington.

 

LEE CENTRAL:

Justin Danner will be starting year 14 as the head coach at Lee Central and the Stallions hope to build on their 7-5 record of last season.


The team’s hopes for continued success are built around the return of a core group of seniors led by RB Shadrach Williams, LG Savion Williams, LB Ezekial Black, WR Javon Jenkins and DB Xavier Reed. Top key returning juniors are LT Antonio Jenkins and RB Nycer Henry. The team is comprised of three talented sophomores in the return of QB Tyquaze Adams, DB Jalen Williams and RT Jacob Montgomery.


Lee Central will begin the 20205 seasons with a game against Timberland High. 

 

MCBEE:

Head Panthers coach Andy Karcher begins his third season and he is 11-11 to date. The Panthers are coming off a tough 2024 season with a 4-6 record. Top returners this season include, RB/DB DJ Harper, RB/LB Harlan McLaurin, OL/DL Brayden Pacheco, TE/DE Hayden Griggs, and WR/DB JJ Melton.    McBee begins the season on Aug. 22 against Cheraw.

 

  

CA JOHNSON:

CA Johnson finished 2-9 last season and new head coach Rodney Barr (48-62) was brought in to get the ship pointed in the right direction.


The team will be built around the senior experience of center Jerimiah Johnson and veteran DB King Smith-Bryant. Junior RB Jerimiah Knightner will provide depth in the back field along with junior OL Tymere Evans. Junior Terrell Golson is a hard-nosed RB Stacey Isaac will be a young sophomore QB who will need to mature early into the position.


CA Johnson will start the season against Columbia High. .

 

GREAT FALLS:

Coach: Syvelle Newton enters his 2nd year at Great Falls and the former Gamecock QB/Athlete experienced a 2-8 year in his rookie season. Some of the players’ Coach Newton will count on to find more wins include: DE/DT Jayden Howze, MLB/G Qamarion Hill (5-8, 210), along with WR Jaxson Brantley and WR Austin McManus. Nesir Stevens will play both ways at MLB/RB and Kyle Sparks will be a CB/WR.    

Great Falls start the season at North Central August 22.

 

 

Region 3-A Predicted Order Of Finish:

1.    HKT

2.    Blackville-Hilda

3.    Calhoun County

4.    Ridge-Spring Monetta

5.    Williston-Elko

6.    Wagener-Salley

 

HKT:

Jermaine Derricott’s HKT football team has compiled a 19-4 record over the past two seasons and you just have a feeling the program is ready to take that next big step as the 2025 season begins. 


Key returning senior players for HKT include RB/OLB Darian Stroman and OL/DT Pierre Fogle (6-4, 295). The junior class has a lot of depth led by OL/DT De’Nyrion Cave, RB Trenton Summers, DE Taizon Sprinkle. Summers (6-1,175) has college interest.

Soph Jaleel Way provides great depth at the TE/OLB positions.


HKT will begin the 2025 season on the road at Allendale-Fairfax.

 

BLACKVILLE HILDA:

After the Hawks went 9-3 in the 2024 season head coach Geremy Saitz is focused on winning a region title and making a deep run in the playoffs.


“We are a very athletic team with a much larger offensive line this season,” said Coach Saitz. “Our back field has several skill players that give us multiple weapons on offense. We do lack numbers and depth at several positions and that could give us some challenges.”

The team has a solid core group of talented seniors back. Senior LT Jayden Dash (6-1,280) is an all-state candidate and speedy WR Messiah McFadden ran a 11.08 100 meters this past track season. Ricky Richburg is back at WR and Tony Bryant is back to lead the linebacking group.


The team’s top juniors include RB Kaiden Aiken along with RB Kaiden Davis. Sophomores Kaleb Brooks (DB), QB Trevor Kinard, and WR Bralen Coleman (6-4, 170) will provide depth to the team.


The Hawks will start the 2025 season on Thursday August, 21st against county rival Barnwell.

 

CALHOUN COUNTY:

Calhoun Couty finished 3-8 last year and as head coach Wayne Farmer (160—143) enters his 28th year in coaching you just know he hopes for improvement with his team that includes son Wayne Farmer, Jr., a WR for the Saints. Seven players from CC attended the HSSR annual media day at USC in late July. Farmer had 300 yards in receptions in ’24.


The other players from CC at media day included: Senior OL/DT Jamani Canty (6-2,260), junior LT/DT Markest Davenport (6-3,330), senior WR/CB Shaun Rivers (5-10,160) with four picks last season, soph LB/RB Peyton Kinley (5-11,185) who had 70 tackles with 6 TFL in ’24, soph QB/FS Darren Ben (5-11,170) who passed for 1,000 yards and rushed for 300 in ’24, along with junior DE/WR Eddie Coleman (6-1,185).

 Also attending were soph RB/FS/KR Rashawn Aiken (5-10,171) along with senior WR/SS Ke’mari Martin (5-11,175).    

 

RIDGE SPRING MONETTA:

Head RSM coach Jay Brannon starts his third season with the team. In ’24 RSM posted a record of 6-6 and they are looking for an even better season in 2025. Some key returning players are Jaiden Holloway QB/RB/WR, Jabarius Brunson LB, and D’toris Lott LB.


RSM begins the season on August 22 against Dixie.

 

WILLISTON-ELKO:

Head coach Kenny Lipsey looks for improvement after the 2024 record of 4-7. They are confident in key returning players: RB Corey Newman, Darrell Newman, Kelsey Knowles, WR Demorey Davenport, CB Kameron Brown, and LB Kadin Wright. 


The Blue Devils open the season at Pelion on Thursday, August 21.

 

WAGENER-SALLEY:

Head coach Blaze Gillespie is in his 2nd year with Wagener-Salley. In ’24 his team was 2-7 and building towards improvement. Several key returners are seniors: QB Rayvon Chandler and WR Quintin Sims Jr., DE Rayfield Bell Jr., DL Isaiah Garvin, and DL Timmothy Bell.


They open the season at Denmark-Olar on August 22.

 

Region 4-A Predicted Order of Finish:

1.        Bamberg-Ehrhardt

2.        Denmark-Olar

3.        Ridgeland

4.        Hardeeville

5.        Allendale Fairfax

 

BAMBERG EHRHARDT:

The Raiders went 10-3 in 2024 losing out to Lake View in the third round of the play-offs. Head coach Corey Crosby (41-11) has seven starters back on offense and 8 starters back on defense. He put a double ** by seven returning players indicting they had all-state potential. There are certainly high expectations for this team in Raider country for the ’25 season.


Senior leadership will come from Top 100 RB/CB Marcus Cann (6-2,295), along with OLB Jalen McGraw (6-2,210) and OLB Darius Walker (5-11,205). Top juniors include WR Anthony Williams (5-11,175), QB Brian McMillian (6-2, 185), and WR Jason Youmans (6-1,180). Among sophomores, RG Aaden McCormick (6-1,255) and RT Saveon Bamberg (5-11,295) are key players. Top performers up from the jayvee include: MLB Rakeem Walker (6-2,195), LT Pierre Fuller (6-3,275) and DE Keegan Daff (6-0,245). Top transfers include: Jordan Bovain and Chris Washington.     


The Raiders will start the season against Edisto. (See feature story on B-E in this issue)

 

DENMARK OLAR:

William Raysor’s troops finished third in the region last year and 4-6 over-all, so this team is looking to move up the pecking order for sure in ’25. The team will count on senior leadership from DL Nick Sapp (6-0,300), RG Rahjaner Singleton (6-2,288) and DB Geontae Staley (6-0,163). RT Mari Moody (6-4,230) is considered the team’s top junior. The top soph’s include Ath. Nyheem Brimfield (6-4, 230) and RB Trevine Felder (5-5,150). The top player up from jayvee is DB Lamar Griggs.


Denmark-Olar brought 11 players to the annual HSSR media day in late July. Staley is a returning all-region player and Felder has a goal of 1,000 rushing yards this season. Brimfield looks like a D-1 prospect with 4.5 speed, a 265 bench and a squat of 505. He has been invited to games at Clemson and USC this fall. Sapp reports he has a 220 bench and a 525 squat.


Denmark will open up the 2025 season against Class A rival Wagener-Salley.  (See feature story on Denmark-Olar in this issue)

 

RIDGELAND:

Reginald Alexander is the new head football coach at Ridgeland High School. Last year the team finished 5-5 to finish in second place in the region behind Bamberg-Ehrhardt. Some of the players working hard to keep the success going in 2025 include: OL/DL Adam Rivers (6-3,335), OL/DL Ivan Brown (6-3,260), OL/DL, Jayeon Howard (6-2,240), along with DL/T Deonte West (6-3, 215). The QB is soph Tarshaun Smith and Devin Fields is listed as an athlete. A senior leader is DE/HB Denardo Henry (5-9,210).


Ridgeland began the season on August, 22 against Eau Claire.

 

HARDEEVILLE:

Arthur Gardner is in his first year as the head football coach at Hardeeville and the Hurricanes went 2-8 a year ago. They are led on both sides of the football by TE/DE Marvin Clarke (6-2, 205) and he is a pass rushing machine. Other players working hard to help the team improve include: QB Emillano Santiago (5-11,185), WR/CB Camari Brown (5-11, 150), and K/P Efain Tinoco.


Hardeeville began the 2025 season on August, 22 with a game against Bethune Bowman.   

 

ALLENDALE-FAIRFAX:

Travis Lewis takes over the Tigers program after the team went 0-9 in ‘24 and they only produced 18 points all season. That should certainly change in ’25 with RB Trequan Jenkins back along with FB Cranerius Nickens (6-1,230). Jenkins joins fellow seniors LB Luther Smoaks, and WR Tyquavion Tilley as leaders on the team. Nickens is the top junior on the team. WR Damien Creech is the top returning sophomore.


A-F will start the season against highly regarded HKT on August, 22.

 

Region 5-A Predicted Order of Finish:

1. Cross

2. Baptist Hill

3. Branchville

3. Baptist Hill

4. Bethune Bowman

6 Military Magnet

 

CROSS:

This writer could throw a rock from his house to Shaun Wright’s house in Moncks Corner, so the HSSR is in frequent direct communication with the head coach of the team that challenged Abbeville for the Class A state title a year ago. There is a feature story on the Trojans elsewhere in this issue so we will not get too carried away with space being limited in this issue.


We love TE prospect CADEN RAMSEY! We love the way he catches passes (44-749-13 TD’s) and we really love the way he intercepts passes as a FS (14 in ’24 to lead the state). Ramsey, (6-5,205) is committing to a major college on September, 8th and he is down to a final list of SC, ECU, Va. Tech, and Syracuse.


Cross has welcomed 14 starters back off a team that went 12-3 in ’24 wen they outscored teams 584-147.


Junior QB Tyler Harris returns along with RB Mah’Ky Green who rushed for 749 yards in ’24. Three OL return also: RG Michael Bennett (6-0,234), LG Dakari President (6-3, 250) and RT Jailyn Broughton. On defense, Ramsey is joined by key returners DE Kerji Polite (6-1,205) along with Bennett who flips to nose. Broughton flips to DE and senior OLB William Grant is back along with junior LB Khalil Levine (5-10, 205).

 

BAPTIST HILL:

Marion Brown (108-94) begins his 24th season as the coach of the Bobcats. Last year B-H finished 7-4 and third in Region 5-A.

Numerous key players return to the team. The top prospect on the team is junior RB/QB KI’Lyn Gordon (6-1, 185) listed as an athlete and he will play WR on offense and FS on defense. The top senior prospect on the team is WR Martrell Wright (6-4,180) who is getting serious interest from The Citadel & Elon among others. Kevin Smalls (6-2, 227) returns to lead the linebacking group and he also starts at RT on offense. Junior QB Braylin Franklin is also back. Senior RG Marquis Frasier (6-4,337) provides depth in the OL also. 


Baptist Hill will begin the 2025 season on August 22 at home against Cleardot Academy out of Columbia.

 

BRANCHVILLE:

The Jackets were 8-3 a year ago under veteran head coach Sandy Dukes. Although the team suffered heavy graduation losses a lot of young talent still abounds in the program. Two key seniors give great support in the OL in Miguel Chay (5-9,230) and Dargan Cooper. Junior Luke Shaw is a candidate to take over at quarterback while senior Johnathan Delk returns in the defensive secondary and he also plays some TE. Depth could also come from junior DT/G Khasean Saldano (6-0,310) and junior FB/OLB Caleb Smith (5-11, 165).


Branchville will begin the 2025 season at Whitmire.

 

BAPTIST HILL:

Marion Brown (108-94) begins his 24th season as the coach of the Bobcats. Last year B-H finished 7-4 and third in Region 5-A.

Numerous key players return to the team. The top prospect on the team is junior RB/QB KI’Lyn Gordon (6-1, 185) listed as an athlete and he will play WR on offense and FS on defense. The top senior prospect on the team is WR Martrell Wright (6-4,180) who is getting serious interest from The Citadel & Elon among others. Kevin Smalls (6-2, 227) returns to lead the linebacking group and he also starts at RT on offense. Junior QB Braylin Franklin is also back. Senior RG Marquis Frasier (6-4,337) provides depth in the OL also.  


Baptist Hill will begin the 2025 season on August 22 at home against Cleardot Academy out of Columbia.

 

SCOTT’S BRANCH:

Former star Manning high player Patrick Fleming begins his second season at Scott’s Branch after his team went 4-7 in ’24 and finished 4th in the region a year ago. Eight players from Scott’s Branch attended the HSSR’s annual media day at USC in late July. A core group of senior leaders return led by QB Javien Conyers (6-1, 185), WR Christian Green who had 9 TD catches with four picks as a DB last season, along with RT Tyquan Williams (5-11,270) and LB Nazaiah Richardson (5-7,175) also returns.


,Among the top juniors are WR Nyren Bowman (6-1,190) who earned all-state honors in ’24 with 100 tackles as an OLB and he had 417 reception yards and 11 TD’s as a WR. Other juniors include WR Quinton Jackson, an all-region performer who had 375 yards in receptions last year along with TE Danny Ragin (6-2,245). Top soph back include DB Fra’Jon Bennett (6-2, 165) and LG Sa’nye Hilton (5-10,250).

“Coming into the season our biggest goal is to improve our football I-Q,” said Coach Fleming.     

 

 Scott’s Branch will start the 2025 season at East Clarendon.

 

BETHUNE BOWMAN:

Head coach Rolando Shuler is working hard to improve Bethune Bowman’s 2-9 record in ’24. The defense will be led by senior DB Kevin Zeigler. WR Maurice Johnson (6-0,185) is the top junior on the team. Soph QB Jordan Bell (6-2,285) returns to help direct the offense. The OL will be a strength of the team with the return of senior LT Justin Holmes (6-4,260) and senior LG Hayden Berry (6-2,300).


Bethune-Bowman will begin the 2025 season at Hardeeville..

 

MILITARY MAGNET: 

Derrell Pringle’s Military Magnet team are focused on improving their 2-7 record of the ’24 season.

Team leaders are led by OL Maurice Ray and Preston Gallman. Jamar Alston returns at linebacker and Jayden Hunter will factor at defensive end and tight end. Jaden Evans may end up at quarterback and he also plays linebacker.

 

Region 6-A Predicted Order Of Finish:

1.        Latta

2.        Lake View

3.        Carvers Bay

4.        Johnsonville

5.        Hannah Pamplico

6.        Green Sea Floyds

   

LATTA:

Latta finished in third place in Region 6-A last season with a 4-2 record but their over-all 5-6 record was not very pleasing to head coach Brandon Iseman (54-50) and the Vikings appeared a step quicker, and a lot stronger in their recent play in the Dillon County Jamboree of Champions.


The Vikings lost to Baptist Hill (16-0) in the first round of the play-offs in ’24 and you sense this team has been hard at work seeking redemption this season.


 The top two returning seniors for the Vikings are RB/LB Xy Bethea (6-1,205) and RB Fischer Richardson (5-11,160). Bethea had around 80 tackles and 11 TFL in ’24. Richardson had 55 carries for around 300 rushing yards in ’24. Last year’s starting QB Jayden Alford (6-1, 160) will start the season as a WR/DB but he could still see action under center when needed. Freshman Luke Huggins is the newcomer QB. 

Latta has three big OL up-front in junior LT Logan Byrd (6-2, 240), junior RT Javonte Kollock (6-0,250) and senior Zack Page (6-2,310). Page will flip to the DL. LB Gavin Austin is back after recording 60 tackles and 7 TFL in ’24.

Latta will start the season against East Columbus, NC.  

 

CARVERS BAY

The Bears went 4-7 a year ago and finished 4th in Region 6-A. Veteran head coach Matthew Richard (30-31) will be a Shrine Bowl assistant this season also. At the HSSR media day in late July Coach Richards brought 15 players. This team seems focused on improvement this season.


Senior leadership from SC commitment OL Zyon Guiles (6-5,290) who will also play in the DL. Guiles has a 345 bench and a 575 squat and you can read more about him in our Ol feature elsewhere in this issue.

 

HANNAH PAMPLICO:

Trey Woodberry (46-47) begins his 10th season as a head football coach. Last year the Raiders went 9-3 and placed second in the region. The team graduated talented RB Jamarcus Williams and talented QB Wade Poston. This could be a rebuilding season when you lose two good ones like Williams and Poston. RB Chris Eldridge played a lot last year when Williams got hurt and her is the go-to RB this season. Former WR De’Auje Bacchus je steps up to play QB. FS Clovell Woodberry will be a leader at FS. Khi Brown and Jonah Poston will also have key roles on the team.


The Raiders will start the season against Heathwood Hall from Columbia on August, 22.  

 

LAKE VIEW:

Daryl King (150-63) will field one of his youngest teams he has had at Lake View as he begins his 19th year as the head coach of the Wild Gators. Last year LV was 11-2 and they won the region with a perfect 6-0 record. The QB position will feature Chase Price, and he is a very good pitching prospect in baseball. Other key returners include OL Farrison Seymore along with RB Kiwi Jackson. Athlete Landon King, LB Seth Deese, DB Jalen Clarke, and DL Tyree Fore will work hard to keep the Wild Gator winning tradition alive. (Please feature story on the team elsewhere in this issue).


Lake View began the season on August, 21 against Marion. 

 

JOHNSONVILLE:

After competing for two Class A state titles in recent years, the Johnsonville Flashes had a rare 5-7 losing season in ’24. Ken Cribb begins his 24th season as a head football coach with a 169—98 career record.

The senior leadership will come from WR Takhari Ross, LT Jason Brigham, and RB Jay McFadden this season. The junior group will be led by QB Larkin Powell and RB Zaghe Davis along with DB Jamere Ross. (See feature story on the Johnsonville team elsewhere in this issue)


Johnsonville will open up the 2025 season against Chesterfield.

 

GREEN SEA FLOYDS:

The Trojans come into the season having won just four games in the past three seasons and team depth will continue to be an issue for head coach Patrick Martin. Numerous players will go both ways. They include FB/SS Thomas Gunnells who is scheduled to be the work horse running back on the team. Sophomore Jack Shelley is the QB. Dylon White (6-3,308) is a two-way performer at OL/DL. Gabriel Peer is an upcoming sophomore who will play at OLB/WR. London McCellan is a junior WR/DB.


GSF will start the 2025 season against Loris. 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHSL Release 2026-2028 Realignment Final

By Staff Reports • December 22, 2025
SCHSL Release 2026-2028 Realignment Final Columbia, SC (12-19-25) -- The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) has finalized the classification placement of all schools beginning with the 2026-27 school year. This classification placement will be in effect for two years. The guidelines established by the Reclassification/Realignment Guidelines Committee served as the blueprint for schools’ placements. Schools were assigned based on their enrollment count, to include district additions and the 3.0 multiplier. Flexibility, as approved by the Reclassification/Realignment Guidelines Committee, was also used with consideration given to geographics and travel. “Appreciation is expressed to those who served on the Reclassification/Realignment Guidelines Committee,” said Dr. Jerome Singleton, Commissioner of the SCHSL. “Classification placement of schools is the initial phase of the process. The next step for the League staff is to place the schools into regions in their respective classifications.” The SCHSL’s Executive Committee will meet January 13-14, 2026, to hear appeals regarding the classification placements. The final reclassifications are attached.

Stratford’s Davis Leads South Carolina to 17-7 Win in 89th Shrine Bowl

By David Shelton • December 21, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Spartanburg – Stratford quarterback Jachin Davis threw a pair of touchdown passes and South Carolina defeated North Carolina, 17-7, in the 89 th Shrine Bowl all-star game in Spartanburg on December 20. Davis , named the offensive most valuable player for the Sandlappers, completed 10 of 15 passes for 184 yards in the game. He is headed to Liberty University as an early enrollee. “Great experience and great to get a win,” Davis said. “Playing with all of these great players was something I will never forget.” South Carolina dominated the game defensively, allowing only 136 total yards. The Tarheels completed just five of 19 passes. Stratford running back Maliq McGowan , a late addition to the roster, finished as the leading rusher for South Carolina with 42 yards on nine carries. West Ashley’s Bristol Biegenzahn played on the defensive front for the Sandlappers while Berkeley’s Zion Britt started on the offensive line. Cross safety, and South Carolina signee Caden Ramsey , Berkeley linebacker Gehad Sneed , and Timberland offensive lineman Desmond Green, who is headed to Florida, also played for the Sandlappers. “You win all-star games with defense and our defense was outstanding,” said SC head coach Paul Sutherland , who retired as the head coach at Liberty High after the season. “Glad to get the win for South Carolina. The kids were great. I am very blessed to have had this opportunity.” It took less than 10 seconds for the Sandlappers to score the game’s first touchdown as Davis combined with Dillon receiver Zay Robertson , heading to North Carolina , on an 80-yard bomb on the first play of the game for a quick 7-0 lead. Robertson finished the game with four catches for 131 yards. “He’s a great player,” said Davis of Robertson. “Getting that first touchdown was a tone setter.” South Carolina lost fumbles on their next two possessions, the second miscue leading to North Carolina’s game-tying touchdown after a 23-yard drive. Spartanburg’s Will Love , heading to Virginia Tech , kicked a 35-yard field goal late in the second quarter for a 10-7 halftime lead for the Sandlappers. South Carolina’s last play offensive snap in the game was Davis’s nine-yard touchdown pass to Jude Hall of Christ Church with :59 seconds left on the game clock. Chester linebacker Terry Rayford , who had 11 tackles, was the defensive most valuable player for the Sandlappers. Dorman's Kentavion Anderson and Ridge View's Jordan Best recorded interceptions The win gives South Carolina a 48-34 lead in the series. There have been seven ties.

SCHSL releases proposed reclassification for 2026-27, '27-28 school years

By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • December 20, 2025
Proposal has AAAAA going from 54 schools to 40 and not being split into divisions

Hilton Head Christian Overcomes Adversity

By Dennis Brunson • December 19, 2025
By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor Bluffton – The 2025 football season was an unusual one for the Hilton Head Christian Academy football team. The Eagles, who had won three SCISA state titles in the five previous seasons, got off to a 2-5 start. On top of that, starting quarterback Reid McCollum left the school in the middle of the season. With the reshuffling, Hilton Head Christian lost its first game. However, the Eagles responded with four consecutive wins, including a 42-20 win over Trinity Collegiate in the first round of the AAA state playoffs. The season came to an end the next week with a 50-29 semifinal loss to Wilson Hall . Eagles head coach Ron Peduzzi is happy with the way his players rebounded to finish with a 6-6 record. “I was really proud of our guys, the way they rallied around the team and each other,” Peduzzi said. “They literally battled the second half of the year every play. “It was a very tough season. A lot of guys stood up and elevated their games. They had to stand up and become leaders also, so I was really happy with that.” HHCA had four players selected to the All-Region 1-AAA offensive first team in junior wide receivers Joey Houpt and Jackson Richardson , sophomore wide receiver Sam Strom and senior kick returner Tommy Gehm . Those on the first-team defense were sophomore defensive lineman Hayne Burden , junior linebacker Kres Langhals , sophomore linebacker Chase White and senior linebacker Finn Ussery . Houpt, who was named HHCA’s outstanding offensive contributor, was the leading pass catcher with 69 receptions for 1,313 yards and 13 touchdowns. Richardson had 45 catches for 645 yards and five scores, while Strum had 31 catches for 415 yards and five scores. Gehm returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 21.1 yards per return on 24 attempts. He returned six punts for 46 yards. Burden, who was named Hilton Head Christian’s outstanding defensive contributor, led the team in tackles with 105, tackles for loss with 13, quarterback sacks with four and quarterback hurries with 21. Langhals, who was the quarterback in the second half of the season, had 39 tackles, five TFLs, 2 ½ sacks, two interceptions, two caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries. White, who received HHCA’s Sledgehammer Award, had 82 tackles, five TFLs, one sack and one interception. Ussery, who received the team’s Captains Award, had 87 tackles, five TFLs, one sack and one interception.. Ussery and Gehm played in the SCISA North-South Seniors All-Star Game, while Houpt, Richardson, Strom, Burden and Langhals played in the Futures contest. Senior running back Hudson Baker , sophomore offensive linemen Caleb Altizer and Josh Koepke and sophomore cornerback Keyvon Aiken were selected second-team All-Region. Baker received the team’s Coaches Award and Burleson Award, and freshman Max Zwilsky earned the Lunchpail Award. Peduzzi believes good things await the Eagles in 2026. “We have a very large sophomore class that will be juniors next year, so I look forward for to next season,” he said. “We do need to elevate the number of players in our program playing, so that’s something we’ll be working on.”

OCA Wins Third Consecutive State Title with 28-7 Win Over BHP

By David Shelton • December 19, 2025
Oceanside senior WR, Terence Johnson, a Shrine Bowl all-star game selection, had 57 catches for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns plus 9 rushing touchdowns this season.

Panthers aim to remain a contender

By Roger Lee • December 19, 2025
Running back Grayson Salego is one of several starters who should return to the Panthers’ football team next season. Photo by Roger Lee. 

Timberland girls basketball team off to torrid start

By Rob Gantt • December 19, 2025
Timberland's Zion Prioleau, named on of Class AA's top seniors by the SC Basketball Coaches Association, averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.8 steals per game in 2024-20225.

Wilson Hall senior class 32-7 last 3 years

By Dennis Brunson • December 19, 2025
 By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor Sumter – The Wilson Hall football team played in its third straight SCISA AAA state championship game in November. And for the third straight year, the Barons came out on the short end of the stick. WH lost to Pinewood Prep for the second consecutive year, falling by a score of 55-13. That being said, Wilson Hall head coach Adam Jarecki could only praise his team, especially the 17-man senior class. “This group of seniors graduates with three trips to the state championship and not many people can say that,” Jarecki said of the Class of 2026, which went 32-7 over that 3-year stretch. “I’m extremely proud of them. They’re our leaders at the school. They’re the influential people at our school. We’d love to see them go out with success in the end, but what they accomplished is pretty special, and they’ve got to take pride in that. “They had a great year (finishing with an 11-2 record for the second straight year) and they’ve had a great career. It’s tough not to come out on top, but they know what it takes to get here and they bought into it.” Six of those seniors were among the eight Barons named to the All-Region 2-AAA team. Leading the way was quarterback Ford Wilder , who was selected as the Region Offensive Player of the Year. Wilder completed 41 of 79 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 483 yards and 12 TDs on 87 carries. Senior running backs Ben McLaurin and Milling Galloway were selected. McLaurin rushed for 1,234 yars and 16 scores on 121 carries. Galloway rushed for 585 yards and 11 touchdowns 62 carries despite missing three games and the majority of a fourth due to injury. The other senior All-Region picks were free safety Harris Naylor and defensive linemen Walker Wilson and Andrew Howle . Naylor had 35 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions and three pass deflections. Wilson had 39 tackles, seven TFLs, two quarterback sacks and one PD. Howle had 28 tackles, a team high nine TFLs and two sacks. The other two All-Region selections were junior defensive lineman Reese Wilson and junior linebacker Peyton Gilley . Reese Wilson shared the team lead in sacks with four to go with 21 tackles, eight TFLs, one PD and one fumble recovery. Gilley had a team high 61 tackles and shared the team lead in interceptions with three, returning one for a touchdown, to go with three sacks and six TFLs. Along with being All-Region picks, each of the eight were All-State selections and were chosen to play in the SCISA North-South All-Star Games.

Lee Academy basketball teams start slow

By Dennis Brunson • December 19, 2025
By Dennis Brunson Hssr.com Associate Editor Bishopville – Both the boys and girls basketball teams for Lee Academy got off to 1-3 starts, but neither of the head coaches are close to making a determination on what the season holds for their squads. “I am really excited about the team we have for this season,” said boys head coach Kemp DeWitt , who is in his second season at Lee. “We return four players that gave us crucial minutes last season. Brayden Davis , Cain June , Gavin Makela and Paxton Greene give me a solid base surrounded by the new faces we have this season. “We look to find our identity as a team before we head into Christmas break, so we can come out strong when region play starts.” Davis, a sophomore point guard, and June, a senior small forward, are the two returning starters. Davis was averaging 9.3 points per game, while June was scoring at a 9.0 clip. Makela is a junior center while Greene is a senior shooting guard. The other starter is junior power forward Aiden Fitzgerald . Greene was averaging 6.3 points, Fitzgerald 3.5 and Makela 1.6. Other members of the boys team are senior Collins Drayton , junior Cannon Hopkins , who was averaging 5.0, junior Tucker Rodgers , junior James Watson , junior Matthew Inabinet and junior Keegan Gainey . Girls head coach Kim Langston , a decades-long veteran of the SCISA wars, said she hadn’t seen enough of her team to form an opinion. The Lady Cavaliers are young with just one senior starter in Mazie Tomlinson . The other starters are junior Mallori Frye , sophomore Karagan Melton , freshman Kaisley Melton and eighth-grader Beth Whiteside . Karagan Melton was the leading scorer with a 9.5 average to go with 3.8 rebounds. Tomlinson was averaging 6.3 points, 3.3 steals, 4.3 assists and 9.5 boards, Whiteside was at 5.0 points, 1.0 blocked shots and 6.8 rebounds, Frye was averaging 2.0 points and 3.3 rebounds, and Kaisley Melton was averaging 2.3 steals, 2.3 points and 2.5 rebounds. The rest of the roster includes sophomore Emma Beasley , senior Sara Bell , senior Zana Brazell , senior Raylee Catoe and junior Addie Grace Wilkes . 4 CAVALIERS FOOTBALL ALL REGION The Lee football team had four players selected to the All-Region 1-Class A team. The selections were wide receiver/linebacker Cain June, senior quarterback/defensive back Andrew Bowers , senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Hampton Layton and senior linebacker/running back Tucker Boyce .

Hartsville Boys Basketball Looks To Be Improved This Season

By David Shelton • December 18, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Hartsville – Now in his third season, Hartsville High boys basketball coach Jason Earle feels his rebuilding project is starting to see positive results. The Red Foxes won four games in Earle’s first season and improved to six wins last season. The 2025-26 season saw Hartsville win their first three games, giving Earle a reason to be optimistic about the chances of improvement. “Most of these guys have been playing for me now for three years,” reports the coach. “We have continued to get better each year. The expectation that I have for this team is to play really hard and make the playoffs.” Most of the heavy lifting this season comes from seniors and juniors who have gained experience while taking their lumps. Junior guard Kayson Dawson and junior forward Derion Gattison are setting the early pace as scoring leaders. Dawson is averaging 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game early on while Gattison is at 13.5 points and nearly five boards per game. Dawson averaged 11 points per game a season ago while Gattison scored 5.1 points per game. Senior Zaries Huggins is a starting guard, averaging 7.5 points early on. Senior Tristian Spann also starts as a wing and senior Dorian Mason starts at forward and contributes 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in the early going. Earle says the leadership this season comes primarily from Dawson, Gattison and Mason. Sophomore CJ Hickmon is first off the bench and can play guard or forward. Remaining players include junior Kelly Price , junior Zi’yon Mason , junior Karmelo Pooler , junior Jamyari Scipio-Bishop , junior Justin Hines and junior Eli Lynch . Hartsville competes in region 6-AAAA, a highly competitive basketball league. Earle sees Crestwood and Wilson as two of the top teams and is hopeful his team can join in the mix for the region title. “The region should be a real battle every night,” the coach said. The girls team opened the season at 1-1 and also looks to contend for a playoff berth this season. The top returning player this season is junior guard Nay Gibson , who is averaging 17.4 points per game early on. Senior Sha’Niyah Richardson contributes offensively as well, along with junior Ariel Leatch , each better than six points per game.  The only other senior on the girls roster is Kamori Williams . Juniors are Aniyah Robinson, Zariyah Spann, Makayla Chapman, Brianna Watson and Chaniyah Thompson . Rounding out this year’s team are sophomores Zanaya Blakney and Trinity Thomas , and freshman Chassidy Johnson.
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