Fordham feels Goose Creek will be improved in 2026

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Goose Creek – It did not take long for Goose Creek’s first-year head coach Jamie Fordham to earn his first win as a head coach.



Fordham and the Gators opened the 2026 season with a 53-7 win over Stall on Aug. 21. The former Goose Creek tailback waited for his opportunity and is excited about rebuilding the program. Goose Creek was winless last season.

“I feel great for these kids. This win is for them,” said Fordham. “It’s great, after what many of these guys went through last year, to see the success and see the smiles on their faces. But this is just the first step. We have to learn from the mistakes we made in game one and try to be even better in game two. We’re going to enjoy this for a day or two and get right back to it.”

Fordham’s first team is quite young with numerous underclassmen seeing extensive playing time early on. One of those is junior running back Sincere Lewis, who burst on the scene last season with some solid outings. Lewis rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener.

Sophomore Tyler Holmes is starting at quarterback and added 83 yards rushing and a touchdown in the early win. Junior Bryson Ford also will factor into the ground game as the seasn progresses.

Freshman receiver Jo Jo Randolph will be an impact player on special teams. He caught a touchdown pass and returned a kick for a touchdown in the win over Stall.

Three up and coming receivers include Josh Bing, Reggie Dozier and Troy Smalls. Up front are leaders Blaine Beulanger and Jadon Pringle-Jackson.

Defensive leaders will include end Donovan Brown, backs Chris Brown, Guy Simmons, and Teandre Burgess. Linebacker Sukari Wright tallied 11 tackles in the opener. Freshman Tre Simmons is a solid player on the line, and Josiah McNeil, a sophomore, is working at free safety.

Fordham realizes his team is a long way from where they will eventually be, but with each success comes more confidence.

“Trust me, I know what type of teams we have to face this season,” the coach said. “This is a good region and our non-region schedule has some tough teams on it. It’s important that we learn each week and work hard every day in practice to correct the mistakes. I’m looking forward to watching us grow each week.”