Pee Dee Football Off to 6-0 Start
Pee Dee QB Colby Richardson on the keeper.
By Dennis Brunson
hssr.com Associate Editor
Mullins – After winning the SCISA AAA football state title in 2022, Pee Dee Academy struggled to a 3-8 record last season. Well, the Golden Eagles are back in the hunt for a title this season.
PDA was off to a 6-0 start heading into its game against Hilton Head Prep on October 4. Head coach Jonathan King has not been surprised by the fast start.
“I knew we had a chance to get off to a good start with our experienced and talented senior class,” King said. “Those guys have played a lot of football and been in big situations against great opponents.
“Our early-season schedule was filled with great programs and great coaches, so it’s been a start that I’m really proud of, but I’m more concerned about the finish now.”
The Eagles had outscored their foes 232-66. One of those seniors, quarterback Colby Richardson, has led the offense. Richardson completed 62 of his first 82 passes for 1,085 and 14 touchdowns while throwing no interceptions. Richardson has rushed for 294 yards and five scores on 33 carries.
“Colby is a great athlete and competitor,” King said. “This is his second season starting at quarterback, so that experience has definitely helped him grow into the role.
“He’s helped by an offensive line that returns tons of experience from last season and an incredibly talented group of receivers and running backs.”
Richardson’s primary target has been senior wide receiver Miles Trussell. He had 28 catches for 639 yards and eight TDs. Junior running back Tristan Heckman leads the rushing attack with 417 yards and 10 scores on 38 carries while catching six passes for 141 yards and two scores.
The offensive line is made up of seniors Hayden Spivey, Keeton Cribbs, Storm Garris and Ryan Hucks and junior Cole Pursley.
King gives credit to offensive coordinator Kyle Drew.
“The whole offense works very well together as a unit and offensive coordinator Kyle Drew puts them in position to make plays.”
Heckman plays strong safety on defense and was leading the team with 49 tackles to go with two interceptions. Junior safety Ryan Small also had two interceptions to go with 41 tackles, while sophomore Judson Martin and junior Chandler James had 35 and 33 tackles, respectively.
“Our defense, led by defensive coordinator Brian Davis, has been outstanding all season,” King said. “We struggled on that side of the ball last year, so it’s been a huge step in our growth as a team.
“We are flying around the football every game and getting stops when we need them. We’ve also done a better job this season of creating turnovers.”
