Jimmy Noonan new Laurence Maning football head coach

Dennis Brunson • March 19, 2025

Veteran coach Jimmy Noonan is the Swampcats new football head coach.

       Jimmy Noonan new Laurence Maning football head coach

 

By Dennis Brunson

           hssr.com Associate Editor

 

           Manning Laurence Manning Academy has hired veteran coach Jimmy Noonan as its new football head coach.

 

           Noonan, who has been a head coach for a total of 23 years at four different schools, began working at the Clarendon County school on March 3. He is excited about the new opportunity.

 

           “The LMA folks love their athletics and they love football,” said Noonan, who grew up in Sumter, about 20 miles from Manning. “They are very supportive and the folks here have been absolutely wonderful to me. There are some great people here, and the kids are solid, hard-working young men.

 

           “The school here is certainly a focal point of the parents who have children attending LMA. These are some of the nicest people I have worked around for sure. They are truly invested in the school for sure.”

 

           Noonan was hired to replace interim head coach Patrick Anderson. He led Laurence Manning to a 1-5 record in its final six games after first-year head coach Robbie Briggs resigned after five games in his second tenure at LMA.

 

The Swampcats finished the season with a 3-8 record, closing out the year with a 49-20 loss to Northwood Academy in the first round of the SCISA AAAA state playoffs. 

 

This will not be Noonan’s first foray into SCISA football. He was the head coach at Wilson Hall for one season in 2007. He led the Barons to an 11-1 record, the only loss coming to Augusta Christian School in the AAA state semifinals.

 

Noonan likes what he has seen of the returning talent.

 

Overall, the kids are working hard in the weight room,” he said. “The intangibles are all there. They look you right in the eyes and ask you what they need to be doing to become better players. They have a strong work ethic. Overall the team size might be an issue, but me being in AAAAA ball as the head coach at Wando and also my time at (then AAAA, now AAAAA) Spring Valley, I might be used to being around bigger players, and it can be a numbers game at any level of the game of football.

 

“I have bene looking at film from last season and studying the players who are coming back. We have a good group coming back. One major positive is our quarterback is back (Grainger Powell), and he has experience and the quarterback position is so important to the game of football. He has a lot of tools to work with. He has a quick release of his arm also.”

 

 Powell, a rising junior, completed 145 of 249 passes for 2,242 yards and 18 touchdowns.

 

Noonan’s most recent tenure as a head coach was for three years from 2020 to 2022 at Georgetown He won only two of 27 games.

 

“I was a head football coach and athletic director at Georgetown during the Covid(-19) years,” Noonan said. “That was a tough time. It was tough on the town and tough on football in general.

 

“After that I retired from coaching for a short while. My former defensive coordinator (at Wando), Jamel Smith, had become the head coach at Lucy Beckham so I went and helped him out for a year.”

 

Before going to Georgetown, Noonan was the head coach at Wando from 2009 through 2019. He posted a 60-65 record.

 

Noonan, who was a Shrine Bowl fullback on the 1987 AAAA Division I state championship team at Sumter, began his coaching career at Spring Valley He was an assistant for six seasons before becoming the head coach in 1999. He posted a 58-42 record in eight seasons.

 

Noonan has a career record of 131-133

 

““We are going to start out with structure and discipline,” Noonan said. “The players are going to believe in each other, and they are going to invest in the program and invest in the school.  Football will take care of itself. I am still working on putting together a solid football staff, and that will be important to success also.”

 

           DENNIS BROTHERS BOYS BASKETBALL ALL-REGION PICKS

 

           Brothers Scoop Dennis and Zy Dennis were selected to the All-Region 3-AAAA boys basketball team.

 

           Laurence Manning was led in scoring, rebounding and steals by Scoop Dennis, a freshman. He averaged 15.2 points per game to go with a 5.8 rebounding average and a 2.5 steals average. He also averaged 1.9 assists.

 

Leading the Swampcats in assists was junior Zy Dennis at 3.4. He also averaged 7.0 points to go with 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

 

           Laurence Manning finished with a 13-15 overall record and was 6-4 in region play, tying for third with John Paul II. The Swampcats earned a berth in the AAAA state tournament but lost to Northside Christian Academy 68-54 in the first round.

 

           First-year head coach Patrick Anderson rates the season as a successful one.

 

           “It was a pretty good first year,” said Anderson, who won a state championship as a player for the Swampcats and had been an assistant coach for the last several years. “We’re losing just two seniors (in Brenston Rembert and Peyton Price). I feel like this year was a good learning experience for us. I think it will pay off for us in the building of the program.”

 

           PRICKLEMYER, HODGE GIRLS BASKETBALL ALL-REGION PICKS

 

           Junior Lyza Pricklemyer and junior Ashley Rae Hodge were selected to the All-Region 3 girls basketball team.

 

           Pricklemyer averaged 10 points, five rebounds four assists and three steals or the Lady ‘Cats, who finished the year with a 14-13 record in their first season under veteran head coach Lisa Ard. Hodge led the team in scoring at 12.0 to go with 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.0 steals.

 

           Ard is hoping to build on what was accomplished this season.

 

           “We started strong this season but between the weather, injuries ad sickness, we did not finish as strong,” she said. “We’re looking to get some summer work in around their softball schedules.”

 

 

 

     

   

 

 

 

 


By From Staff Reports September 13, 2025
South Pointe beats Northwestern 27-23 in Rock Hill showdown
By Roger Lee September 13, 2025
Aiden Manavian runs for a first down during Oceanside Collegiate’s 35-21 win at Ashley Ridge Sept. 12. Photo by Roger Lee.
By Staff Reports September 12, 2025
BHP Senior QB Noah Thomas in the 2024 State Title game.
By David Shelton September 11, 2025
Rock Hill – In what should be an exciting game, undefeated Northwestern will battle city rival and perennial AAAA power South Pointe on Friday night. The game is billed as the “game of the week” by the High School Sports Report. Northwestern is the No. 2 ranked team in Class AAAAA and the defending Division II state champions have been impressive in their first three outings. The Trojans have early wins over Spartanburg (39-7), Ridge View (35-28) and South Florence (55-35). “We feel like the early schedule is helping us improve a lot and will prepare us for the playoffs down the road,” said Northwestern head coach Page Wofford. “We have played three teams that are likely at least third-round playoff teams this season. And, we have a fourth this week in South Pointe. Our kids are getting battle-tested and they are responding very well. We’re fortunate to be 3-0.” Northwestern is propelled offensively by junior quarterback Xavier Means, a first-year starter. Means has passed for 633 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for268 yards and two scores. Quay Mobley is the top running back and Kam Vance has 29 receptions for 325 yards and five touchdowns in three games. “Execution and not turning the ball over,” says Wofford of the early keys to success, Kameron McFadden and Jeremiah Cannon are two of the leaders defensively. Northwestern came into the season with an entirely new defensive front but Wofford sees that unit getting better each week.” South Pointe (2-1) is the top-ranked team in AAAA but has yet to turn it on offensively, scoring 48 points in three games. The Stallions also have played a tough early schedule. The Stallions have allowed just 33 points in three games. “They have athletes and good players all over the field,” Wofford said. “It’s just a matter of time until they figure it out offensively and I hope it’s after Friday night. They’re a really good football team, we know that. They have some weapons and their defense is really good.They are going to be a problem for a lot of teams.” The Stallions have perhaps the state’s top athlete in Jzavien Currence, a USC commit. Currence has passed for 314 yards and has rushed for 196 yards. He also rates highly as a defensive back. RJ Brown is another key player in the backfield while Stallion defensive leaders include KJ Burg and Daquan Evans. Northwestern has won the last three meetings with their rivals, averaging 34 points per game in those three wins, South Pointe won three of four games between 2018-2021. Fans of both schools, as well as Rock Hill High, put a lot of emphasis on the “city championship.” South Pointe already has beaten Rock Hill and Northwestern will play the Bearcats in region play. Friday’s game will go a long way in determining the city champion. “I guess it’s a cool thing for the fans of each school but we don’t emphasize that too much here,” Wofford said. “The trophy we want is handed out in December.” Other key games around SC on Sept. 12. Bluffton at Hampton County Camden at Ridge View Oceanside Collegiate at Ashley Ridge Carolina Forest at Irmo Crestwood at Sumter Dreher at Bishop England Eastside at Blue Ridge Wren at T.L. Hanna
September 11, 2025
Week 2 High School Honor Roll AAAAA Player of the Week: Greenwood quarterback Tristan Lewis passed for a school-record 423 yards and five touchdowns in Greenwood’s one-point win over Dorman. Lewis also tallied 75 yards on the ground. AAAAA Honor Roll Tyler Meyers, Cane Bay, 146 yards rushing, TD Tyrell Bess, Cane Bay, 15 total tackles Jachin Davis, Stratford, 145 yards passing, 2 TD;140 yards rushing, 2 TD Maliq McGowan, Stratford, 180 all-purpose yards, 2 TD Finn Gunter, Lucy Beckham, 189 yards passing, 2 TD Jaden Gethers, Lucy Beckham, 126 all-purpose yards, 2 TD Connor Dantzler, James Island, 12-of-17 passing, 227 yards, 3 TD Trevor Kalisz, Ashley Ridge, 136 yards passing, 1 TD; 35 yards rushing, TD Ryan Campbell, Ashley Ridge, 250 yards rushing, TD Jagger Spivey, Ashley Ridge, 101 yards receiving LJ Washington, Berkeley, 127 yards rushing, TD Keller Wofford, Berkeley, 165 yards passing, 2 TD Cooper Kafina, Summerville, 239 yards passing, 3 TD Jayven Williams, Summerville, 113 yards rushing, 2 TD Jaiden Kelly-Murray, Summerville, 6 receptions, 180 yards, 2 TD; 36 yards rushing Xavier Means, Northwestern, 250 passing yards, 3 TD; 147 rushing yards, 2 TD Nigel Smith, Northwestern, 114 yards rushing, TD KamVance, Northwestern, 13 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD Nick Means, Dorman, 163 yards rushing, 4 TD Ashton Chapman, Ridge View, 232 yards passing, TD Jaxon Knotts, Dutch Fork, 295 yards passing, 3 TD;47 yards rushing, TD Stone Furrey, Dutch Fork, 6 receptions, 158 tards, TD Jay Duncan, Greenwood, 13 receptions, 167 yards, 3 TD Jaiden Bryant, Irmo, 2 defensive TD, 14 tackles, 3 sacks Tripp Bryant, Greenville, 138 passing yards, 2 TD; 53 rushing yards Trenton Lynch, Spartanburg, 160 yards rushing, 3 TD Matt Kucia, Indian Land, 145 yards passing, 3 TD Jamel Horton, Indian Land, 115 yards rushing, TD Jovan Howard, Westwood, 4 TD rushing Josian Coleman, Easley, 220 yards passing,3 TD Kason Cannupp, Nation Ford, 306 yards passing Hayden Myers, River Bluff, 201 yards rushing, TD Brayden Moore, River Bluff, 193 yards passing, TD Broden Mitcheson, Fort Mill, 134 yards rushing, TD EJ Richardson, Lugoff-Elgin, 143 all-purpose yards, 3 TD Josh Kahl, Boiling Springs, 191 passing yards, 3 TD AAAA Player of the Week: Bluffton QB Aedan McCarthy completed 18-of-28 passes for 459 yards and 4 TD in his team’s win. AAAA Honor Roll Quinn Mahoney, Bishop England, 247 yards passing, 44 yards rus+5hing, 4 TD Messiah Jackson, South Florence, 209 passing yards, 2 TD; 2 TD rushing Cameron James, South Florence, 115 yards rushing, 2 TD Jayuan Perkins, South Florence, 153 receiving yards, 2 TD Amare Patterson, Bluffton, 3 receptions, 161 yards, 2 TD Logan Bragg, Laurens, 150 passing yards, TD Jace Grass, Daniel, 314 passing yards, 4 TD Trey Wimbley, Daniel, 7 receptions, 172 yards, 2 TD Xaver Geter, Midland Valley, 301 passing yards, 2 TD Preston Smith, Midland Valley, 132 yards rushing, TD Jaylen Washington, Midland Valley, 115 yards receiving, 2 TD Bryston Newton, Midland Valley, 12 tackles, 4 TFL Tylin Drakeford, Camden, 136 yards rushing, 2 TD Navier Boykin, Camden, 128 yards rushing, TD Roper Wentsky, AC Flora, 4 TD passes Gavin Thomas, Seneca, 163 passing yards, 3 TD Amari Verner, Seneca, 179 yards rushing, 3 TD Tyler Waller, Gray Collegiate, 165 yards passing, TD Trevon Williamson, Gray Collegiate, 134 yards rushing, TD Calvin Wofford, Crestwood, 134 yards rushing Carnell Warren, Bluffton, 6 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TD Sean Mitchell, May River, 194 yards rushing, 2TD Jayvin Risher, Hilton Head, 159 yards rushing, 2 TD AAA Player of the Week: Kenton Caldwell, Newberry : Bulldogs QB rushed for 206 yards and passed for 191 yards and two touchdowns as his team improved to 3-0. AAA Honor Roll Aiden Manavian, Oceanside Collegiate, 21-of-24, 297 yards passing, 2 TD Terence Johnson, Oceanside Collegiate, 9 receptions, 154 yards Noah Thomas, BHP, 201 passing yards, TD Cam Robinson, BHP, 91 rush yards, 2 TD T. Watson-Martin, BHP, 117 yards rushing, TD Kenton Caldwell, Newberry, 206 yards rushing, 191 yards passing, 2 TD Hunter O’Neal, Keenan, 426 yards rushing, 5 TD Max Anderson, Mountain View Prep, 269 yards passing, 3 TD Mak Anderson, Mountain View Prep, 153 yards rushing, 4 TD Mack Rambo, St. Joseph’s, 114 yards rushing, 2 TD Sam Patterson, St. Joseph’s, 175 receiving yards, 2 TD Tre Blakeney, Marlboro County, 144 yards passing, TD Judd Windham, Christ Church, 167 yards passing, TD Connor Davis, Woodruff, 243 passing yards, 3 TD Aiden Gibson, Woodruff, 132 yards rushing, 2 TD Kori Moates, Woodruff, 11 receptions, 154 yards, 2 TD Zamire Gerald, Loris, 222 yards passing, 5 TD Khalid Sherman, Loris, 139 yards receiving, 2 TD Tripp Gallus, Hanahan, 155 yards passing Lorenzo Kitching, North Charleston, 205 yards rushing, 2 TD AA Player of the Week: Jamijae Karim, Liberty: rushed for 165 yards and scored four touchdowns as the Red Devils knocked off AAAA Pickens, 42-17. AA Honor Roll Caleb Feaster, Chester, 225 yards rushing, 2 TD Dwayne Louellen, Central, 160 yards passing, 3 TD Aiden Short, Central, 113 yards rushing, TD Jakari Holloman, Central, 107 yards rushing, 2 TD Kamauri Jones, Fairfield Central, 100 passing yards, 55 rushing yards Kenyan Douglas, Fairfield Central, 3 rushing TD Tarell Grant, Hampton County, 159 yards passing, 2 TD Jayden Singletary, Hampton County, 131 yards rushing, 3 TD Ty Foster, Landrum, 235 yards passing Braylon Revis, Landrum, 157 yards rushing, TD Jamijae Karim, Liberty, 165 yards rushing, 4 TD Kendall Jackson, Liberty, 133 yards rushing, 2 TD Tanner Elrod, Liberty, 101 yards rushing Bryce Adams, Chesterfield, 211 passing yards, 3 TD Greg Rushing, Chesterfield, 155 yards rushing, 2 TD Owen George, Academic Magnet, 131 yards rushing, 2 TD; 77 yards passing Class A Player of the Week – Jayden Johnson, Ware Shoals , led his team to a 3-0 start with a 20-12 win over Landrum…rushed for 154 yards and passed for 130 yards Class A Honor Roll Tyler Harris, Cross, 148 yards passing Jordan Strong, Lewisville, 144 yards passing, TD Jacorreun Howze, 113 yards rushing, TD Brandon Nance, Dixie, 3 TD rushing Jayden Martin, Dixie, 88 yards rushing Cordell McLain, Ridgeland, 13 tackles Josh Winbush, Ware Shoals, 11 tackles, 4 TFL SCISA Player of the Week, Silas Brawner, Pinewood Prep , junior quarterback passed for 304 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Trinity Collegiarte. SCISA Honor Roll ELIJAH HUTTO—W W KING PASSED 10/10 248 YDS 5 TDS DALLAS HILL—W W KING RECEIVING 3/95 3 TDS JACOB BUSSEY—W W KING 13 TACKLES ETHAN COLLINS—LAURENS ACADEMY PASSED 14/22 256 YDS 4 TDS MASON COOPER—LAURENS ACADEMY RUSHED 17/155 1 TD CALEB HARDY—LAURENS ACADEMY RECEIVING 8/192 4 TDS 10 TACKLES NATHAN BELL – LAURENS ACADEMY 15 TACKLES ELIAS LITTLETON—LAURENS ACADEMY 11 TACKLES ELI GARRETT---LAURENS ACADEMY 11 TACKLES JORDAN TURNER—BETHESDA PASSED 5/8 185 YDS 3 TDS RALO WESLEY---BETHESDA RECEIVING 4/114 YDS 2 TDS N. JACKSON---BETHESDA 14 TACKLES LUKE SOBEY---PATRICK HENRY ACADEMY 14 TACKLES DRAKE PORTER---BEN LIPPEN 16 TACKLES JORDAN BLACKMON---DILLON CHRISTIAN PASSED 10/18 187 YDS 1 TD RUSHED 7/60 1 TD CADE AMELL---HAMMOND ACADEMY PASSED 9/14 143 YDS 1 TD RUSHED 3/33 YDS PARKER KIZER---HOLLY HILL ACADEMY RUSHED 39/264 YDS 5 TDS Lavoris Lucas, Pinewood Prep, 116 all-purpose yards, 2 TD Kevin Johnson, Northwood Academy, 19-of-31 passing, 207 yards, TD Aydan Hogan, Northwood Academy, 7 receptions, 100 yards John Whetsell, Dorchester Academy, 123 yards rushing, 2 TD; 25 yards receiving John Quattlebaum, Dorchester Academy, 184 yards passing, 3 TD Chelly Williams, Orangeburg Prep, 275 yards passing, 2 TD Tilden Riley, Orangeburg Prep, 7 receptions, 202 yards, 2 TD Christian Williams, Thomas Sumter, 12 receptions, 226 yards, 2 TD Cael Parler, Calhoun Academy, 117 yards rushing, 3 TD Colt Layton, Calhoun Academy, 117 yards rushing, TD Jace Williams, Thomas Sumter, 218 yards passing, TD Andrew Miller, Florence Christian, 118 yards rushing, TD Cale Owens, Colleton Prep, 97 yards passing, TD; 88 yards rushing, TD Tanner Wolf, Colleton Prep, 101 yards rushing, 3 TD Devin Fripp, Beaufort Academy,115 yards rushing 2 TD Nyeh Underwood, Beaufort, 206 yards rushing, 3 TD Nic Shuford, Beaufort Academy, 133 yards passing, 2 TD;102 yards rushing, TD Ben McLaurin, Wilson Hall, 97 yards rushing, TD Grant Small, Williamsburg,215 yards rushing, 2 TD Michael Ard, Williamsburg, 11 tackles
By David Shelton September 9, 2025
Cross - .Cross High safety/wide receiver Caden Ramsey made his college destination known on Monday, announcing that he would be signing with the University of South Carolina. Ramsey (6-5, 200) is a top 10 prospect in the state and chose the Gamecocks over a final list that included Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Ramsey was offered by USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott on June 27 and the Gamecocks quickly jumped to the top of the list. “It feels good to get it over with,” said Ramsey, who attended Saturday’s game against South Carolina State. “I felt pretty good about USC all along. Coach Elliott and coach Beamer made it feel like home. I know I made the right decision.” Ramsey is expected to play tight end in college and will likely be used primarily as a hybrid or h-back. He has only played receiver and safety at Cross. Last season, Ramsey’s 13 interceptions led the state. He has two interceptions in the first three games of this season, along with three offensive touchdowns. Last season, as a receiver, Ramsey had 38 receptions for 673 yards and eight touchdowns. Ramsey is not concerned with the move to a new position, saying that he expects to add 25 to 30 pounds once he arrives in a college setting. “I will definitely add some weight if I change positions,” he said. “It’s no big deal for me. I’ll play anywhere they tell me to play. I just want to be on the field helping us win games.” Cross head coach Shaun Wright s ays Ramsey should have no trouble switching positions. “He’s a versatile, athletic kid who can do just about anything on the field,” Wright said. “He’s our safety, a receiver, he’s our long snapper and our backup quarterback. He can punt too. He really is a once in a lifetime player for me as a coach. Generational talent.” Ramsey also is one of the state’s top basketball players and also excels in the 400 meter dash in track. Ramsey is the second Berkeley County product to commit to an SEC school, joining Timberland offensive lineman Desmond Green , who is pledged to Florida. He also is the second Cross High player ever to commit to USC, joining former defensive back Rod Wilson.
By Staff Reports September 8, 2025
St. John’s Christian Academy Announces Dr. Jerry Brown as Head Football Coach and Bruce Ellington-Player Development Coach Moncks Corner, SC – September 8, 2025 – St. John’s Christian Academy (SJCA) is proud to announce the addition of two remarkable leaders to its football program: Dr. Jerry Brown as Head Football Coach and Bruce Ellington as the Player Development Coach . Together, they join SJCA’s dedicated coaching staff in shaping the next generation of Cavalier athletes. Dr. Jerry Brown enters his 55th year of coaching, including 36 years as a head coach. His legendary career is marked by an unmatched record of success: 8 State Championships (3 as assistant, 5 as head coach) – never losing a title game. Three State Titles at Berkeley High School (1994, 1996, 2009). One of only three coaches in South Carolina history to win state titles at three different schools: Batesburg-Leesville, Spring Valley, and Berkeley. Served as both Head Coach and Assistant in the Shrine Bowl and North-South All-Star Games , winning all four. Inducted into the South Carolina Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2018) and the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2021). Beyond the gridiron, Dr. Brown has faithfully served as a deacon at Santee Community Church in Moncks Corner and Christ Church in Columbia. He is a devoted husband to Mary Ames Brown and proud father of three children, Lucia, Paul, and Larry, and grandfather to Ames, Edye, Hardy, and great-granddaughter Elle. Raised in Moncks Corner, Bruce Ellington is a former professional athlete known for his extraordinary accomplishments as a two-sport standout at the University of South Carolina and for his five-year career in the National Football League (NFL). High School Achievements: Led Berkeley High School to the 2009 Division II-AAAA state football championship as quarterback; finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football Award. On the basketball court, he earned South Carolina 4A Player of the Year with senior averages of 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Collegiate Career: Excelled as both the starting point guard for USC’s men’s basketball team and a wide receiver for the Gamecocks football program. Graduated with a degree in sociology. NFL Career: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2014 and played five seasons with the 49ers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots. Ellington’s versatility, leadership, and determination are hallmarks of his athletic career and will be a source of inspiration for SJCA student-athletes. Dr. Brown and Coach Ellington embrace core values that align deeply with the mission of St. John’s Christian Academy: faith in Christ, a dedicated work ethic, determination, accountability, brotherly love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Together with the existing Cavalier coaching staff, they are committed to building a program that develops not only strong athletes but also strong Christian men who will serve others with integrity. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brown and Coach Ellington to the Cavalier Family,” said Becky Ellison, Head of School. “Their combined experience, passion for the game, and dedication to developing young men both on and off the field will strengthen our football program and inspire our school community.” Upcoming Home Game We invite our SJCA family to come out this Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. for our home football game against Carolina Academy . Let’s pack the stands, show our Cavalier spirit, and give Coach Brown, Coach Ellington, and our Cavaliers a true SJCA welcome. Swords Up and Go Cavs!  Media Contact: Becky Ellison, Head of School St. John’s Christian Academy 843-761-8539 becky.ellison@sjcacavaliers.com
By Billy Baker September 8, 2025
St. Johns Christian Academy To Name Dr. Jerry Brown As head Football Coach On Monday Afternoon, Former Berkeley High & SC Star Athlete Bruce Ellington Will Also Be Named A Top Assistant Also By Billy G. Baker Publisher Moncks Cormer — Dr. Jerry Brown, who coached up five state championship football teams in coaching stints at Spring Valley , Berkeley , and Batesville - Leesville between 1985 and 2022 ; becoming only of three coaches to ever accomplish such a feat in state history, will be introduced as the new head football coach at St. Johns Christian Academy at the football stadium at the school at 4 p.m. Monday. At the same event, former Berkeley High two-sport star Bruce Ellington , who went on to play basketball and football at South Carolina , will be introduced as a top assistant coach with Coach Brown at the school. In a late Sunday night call to the HSSR from St. Johns Christian Academy Head of School Becky Ellison, was elated that both Coach Brown and Ellington would be reuniting with each other, and the plan is to have them meet with the team at 9 a. m on Monday morning.  “We are beyond excited, and very appreciative to have Dr. Jerry Brown and Bruce Ellington to come on board to help rebuild our football program,” said Ellison, a three-time former HSSR all-state softball player from Stall High School, where she helped lead a team to a state title. “We are inviting the media to attend a 4 p.m. press conference on our football field on Monday afternoon to introduce both Coach Brown and Bruce Elvington.” Dr. Jerry Brown's Career Coaching record (as verified with intense research from HSSR historian Gerald Doolittle on Sunday night) reveals a 296-149 record at the conclusion of Brown’s last season at Berkeley in 2022. Here is a break-down of Coach Brown’s 37-year journey in coaching: Spring Valley 1985-1989 Record 48-14 State title in 1988 finishing 12-2; Fairfield Central 1990 1992 12-23 record, Berkeley 1992-2010- Record was 176-64with State Titles in 1994 (15-0), 1996 (14-1) & 2009 (9-3). Bateburg - Leesville -2012 & 2013-17-8, with AA State title in 2013 with 12-2 record; Spring Valley -One season in 2014-with 6-5 record, Northside Christian in 2016 with 3-6 record; Wade Hampton between 2017-2020 with 29-14 record, and back at Berkeley- 2021 & 2022 with a 5-15 record (missed some time coaching dealing with health issues of his wife, Mary Ames Brown.) Coach Brown is a member of the SC Football Coaches Hall of Fame. In his coaching career he has been named Statewide Football Coach of the Year Five Times by The High School Sports Repor t & other news organizations. Coach Brown played in the 1967 Shrine Bowl as a player from Winnsboro, SC. He was an assistant Shrine bowl coach in 2000 and in 2022 he was the head Shrine bowl coach as the Sandlappers won the game 17-13. Coach Brown also served as both an assistant and head coach in the annual North-South all-star football game at Myrtle Beach. Coach Brown was 4-0 in the four all-star games he served in.
By Worthy Evans September 8, 2025
With 3-0 start, Fort Mill football quickly forgetting about the past seven years By WORTHY EVANS Contributing Writer Columbia - Consider the Fort Mill football team revived. With a 33-7 victory over Blythewood Friday night at Richland District Two Stadium, the Yellow Jackets are off to their best start since 2017 (when they started 4-1 and finished 4-8). At 3-0 with the win over the Bengals, Fort Mill has surpassed their yearly win total dating back to 2018. In getting their third victory the Yellow Jackets made plays in all facets of the game, including two blocked punts, one of which was returned for a touchdown, a defense that snagged two interecptions, and an offense that grinded it out and scored when it needed to. “Damn I’m proud of this team,” eighth-year head coach Rob McNeely said. “Defense was hell tonight, Special teams, I knew we could get to a kick, we practice it every freaking Wednesday, and the dudes, they executed.” Junior running back Broden Mitcheson powered the Fort Mill offense with 134 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. The Blythewood defense sacked senior quarterback Quinn Kelly six times, but Kelly stayed on his feet enough to complete 13 of 20 passes for 170 yards with one interception. The Bengals defense also forced two fumbles. Fort Mill took the opening kickoff and drove 52 yards down the field before the Blythewood defense held on fourth and four. Noah Hardy’s first field goal of the game, a 45-yarder, went through with room to spare and put the Yellow Jackets on the scoreboard. After that score, Blythewood clamped down on the Fort Mill offense, sacking Kelly four times and forcing two fumbles. The Bengals offense had its own struggles. Blythewood put together an 11-play, 61-yard drive before failing to convert on a third-and-10 at the Fort Mill 20. Ashton Davis came in for a 37-yard field goal attempt to tie it at the end of the first quarter, but the holder muffed the snap and the resulting kick sailed lazily to the right, well short of the goal posts. Blythewood went three-and-out on a possession halfway through the second quarter and Davis came on to punt. Fort Mill defender Brett Scales shot through the line and slapped Davis’s kick to the ground. Scales then scooped up the football around the 30-yard line and ran it in easily to put the Yellow Jackets up 10-0. “Brett Scales is the heart and soul of our team,” McNeely said. “He’s a coach out on the field. He comes hard every day. He runs defensive scout team for us to get a look. That’s the kind of kid he is, and those kids are better players (because of him). They’re great kids and I love them.” After Blythewood quarterback James Veasey threw an interception, Fort Mill drove to the Bengals’ 7-yard line. The Blythewood defense held, but Hardy knocked in a chip shot from 24 yards out with 12 seconds left in the half to give the Yellow Jackets a 13-0 lead at the half. Mitcheson capped a mid-third quarter drive with a one-yard touchdown run that put Fort Mill up 20-0. The Yellow Jackets added two more 1-yard touchdown runs from Terrell Robinson and Andrew Kowalski in the fourth quarter to take a 33-0 lead. Veasey’s 33-yard touchdown pass to Chance Johnson with 1:32 left in the game enabled Blythewood to avoid a home-opening shutout. The Bengals (1-2) scored 70 points in their first two games, a 34-27 season-opening victory at Nation Ford Aug. 22 and a last-minute 38-36 loss at Midland Valley Aug. 29. Against the Yellow Jackets, Blythewood came up empty for more than three quarters. “We didn’t take care of our jobs tonight,” third-year Blythewood head coach James Martin said. “First half special teams really hurt us but we still fought the whole time. I’m proud for that. We had ourselves in good positions defensively, but we also put ourselves in bad positions defensively just by some field position issues. We have to keep playing and keep fighting. We have nonregion games for a reason, and we’ve got one more to get it right.” Veasey finished the night 12-for-29 in passing for 111 yards, with two interceptions. Blythewood rushers had 86 net yards on 22 carries. Fort Mill plays host to Lancaster (0-3) and Blythewood plays host to Keenan (2-1) Friday. The Yellow Jackets have seven more games this season, but McNeely said the team’s success is grounded on his players’ belief in themselves. “None of the previous years should affect this year’s outcome. End of story,” he said. “These kids believe in themselves and each other, and I’m just proud of them.” Fort Mill 3 10 7 13 – 33 Blythewood 0 0 0 7 – 7 First Quarter F - Noah Hardy 45 field goal 7:24 Second Quarter F - Brett Scales 30 blocked punt return (Hardy kick) 5:56 F - Hardy 24 field goal :12 Third Quarter F - Broden Mitcheson 1 run (Hardy kick) 6:32 Fourth Quarter F - Terrell Robinson 1 run (Hardy Kick) 10:10 F - Andrew Kowalski 1 run (kick failed) 4:49 B - Chance Johnson 33 pass from James Veasey (Ashton Davis kick) 1:32 FM BHS First downs 17 12 Rushes-yds 38-87 22-86 Passing yds 170 111 Att-Com-Int 20-13-1 29-12-2 Fumbles-lost 2-2 0-0 Penalties-yds 8-65 5-60 Punts-avg 3-46.0. 4-29.5 Individual Statistics RUSHING F - Broden Mitcheson 22-134, Quinn Kelly 11-(-50), Andrew Kowalski 2-2, Terrell Robinson 1-1, Team 2-5. B - Landon Strong 9-60, James Veasey 9-8, Brandon Mayre 4-18. PASSING F - Quinn Kelly 13-20-1. B - James Veasey 12-29-2. RECEIVING F - Jameson Terrell 5-64, Henry Crocker 3-35, Deveian Southward 2-32, Keenan McCormack 1-22, Joseph Duey 1-20, Broden Mitcheson 1-7. B - Chance Johnson 5-62, Ryan Hall 2-29, Tay’Shon Johnson 2-13, Ben Hendrix 1-10, Team 2-(-3).
By Billy Baker September 8, 2025
Northwestern senior CB/WR Jonathan (5-10, 160) in the Div II Class AAAAA Championship Game in 2024.
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