South Florence looks to defend AAAA state crown, win third title in four years

Matchups broke down by classifications as well as games against out-of-state competition

Monarchs lose to Crestwood 32-27 in opener before topping Scott's Branch 43-32

Senior Silas Brawner had nearly 1,000 passing yards in the first three weeks of Pinewood Prep’s season.

WA senior running back Grant Small , a 2,000-yard rusher from last season rambled for 155 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries against Trinity Collegiate.

Cross senior RB/LB Jimmy Smith at the 2024 state title game.

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By Billy G. Baker Publisher Cheraw —Four talented senior football players have been playing together, on various teams in the Cheraw community, since they were 8 years old; so finding a way to close their “brotherhood closeness” with a Class A state football championship at the end of the ’26 season would be a dream fulfilled. Cheraw will travel to Dillon this week for a non-region game and head coach Andy Poole, who is starting his 10 th season at Cheraw, said it has been six years, or so, since the Braves played against the Wildcats, who he describes as a very talented football team. Cheraw began the season with a gut wrenching 13-12 loss to Andrew Jackson . They bounced back in week two with an impressive 21-0 win over Lewisville . Now let’s meet the four senior leaders of the team through the eyes of their head coach. Thes four men are wide receiver/DB Nick Gordon (5-10, 178, 4.3), WR/DB Derrick Isaac (5-7, 145 ) , DL Crawford Poole ( 5-10,212 ), and DL Anthony Strong (6-4, 245) and they are all committed Cheraw Braves football players. who have playing on the varsity since the 9th grade. We asked head coach Andy Poole, beginning his 19 th season as the head coach of the Braves, to comment on these committed players and he no problem handling the request. “First of all, these four guys are very competitive and they started playing rec basketball together on the same team when they were 8 years old,” said Coach Poole. “It seems like they have been plying on the football team for 10 years, but time goes buy fast and this will be their final season together, so you hope the stars align and they can all go out with a championship ring on their fingers.” First up is Nick Gordon . “At a skills combine camp put up by the Football Coaches Association since last season, Nick ran a 4.31 laser time in the forty making him the fastest football player on the field in South Carolina every night this season,” said Coach Poole. “He can take it to the house whether he is on offense or defense, on any given play. He is also an all-state baseball player and he runs a 6-4 sixty which is big time for a baseball player.”  Next up in “Mighty Mite” Derrick Isaac . ” Derrick has a quick first step as a slot receiver and on defense he is a lock down corner back who can shorten the field in a hurry,” said Coach Poole. “He is equally impressive on either side of the ball but I feel like he makes some great plays on defense. He is an honor roll student on top of everything else also.” Now we bring Crawford Poole into the conversation. “Right off the top, I will say that Crawford is my son, but I think everyone on the team knows that he is the heart and soul of our defense,” said Coach Poole. “Barring injury, Crawford will likely finish his senior season as the all-time sack leader, and TFL leader, in the history of our football program. When you think of all the great defensive players that have come through Cheraw High that will be quite an accomplishment. “Craford is a hybrid DE and we call it a “jack position,” said Coach Poole. “He is honesty like having a coach on the field. He and Anthony are so competitive and they have a friendly rivalry as to who can have the most tackles or the most sacks in a game every Friday night.” Drum roll for Anthony Strong please. “Anthony is also a four-year starter with a high motor and he has a wing span like I have never seen,” said Coach Poole. “He has some firm offers from smaller schools like Anderson , Newberry and even Miami of Ohio, but I feel like he can play at a power four school. As I was saying he and Crawford feed off each other during a game.” Sophomore QB Kobi McDonald is under center for the Braves this season. Justyn Joint returns for his senior year at RB. Senior Kamari Cue is a WR along with senior George Little . The offensive line is made up of junior LT Winston Davis , RT Charlie Holter , LG Jayden Horne , RG Lemonte Brown and junior center Easton Quick . Sam Phillips is the combo kicker. Senior Jayden Horne and senior Tristen Marquiss join Poole and Strong up-front in the DL. Seniors Brenden Pace and Austin Adams are the two linebackers. Joining Gordon, Isaac, and Little in the secondary, are sophomore Jarmarcus Frazier , and freshman Darryl Hersey.

Abbeville’s tough non-region schedule will continue to test the Panthers as they start the season 1-1.

“I’m a hard worker, and I believe these young men are hungry. Marion has always had athletes. I’m glad I was lucky enough to get it.” exclaimed Aundres Perkins.