Class AAAA Update and Region Breakdown

Billy Baker • August 26, 2024

So. Florence Amare Adams in 2023.

HSSR AAAA Ranking

(Prior To Games On 8-23-2024)

1. Westside

2. South Florence

3. Daniel

4.Camden

5. Gray Collegiate

6. South Pointe

7. Hartsville

8. AC Flora

9. York

10. Lancaster

11. Crestwood

12.Beaufort

13.Bluffton

14. Wren

15. Seneca



HSSR quick look at teams in Class AAAA

 

Region 1-AAAA

1. Westside (14-1)

2. Wren (6-6)

3. Laurens (2-9)

4. Emerald (1-10)

5. Southside (0-10)

6. Fountain Inn  

 

Westside Heavy favorite To Dominate Region 1-AAAA


Westside: The Westside High football program led by head coach Brian Lane, in his first year, went 14-1 and won the Class AAAA State Championship.  Now, it’s time to start the 2024 season and see what coach Lane has in mind for an encore in his sophomore season.  With nine key starters returning this season, fans are thinking repeat.


 On offense, Cutter Woods (’25, 6-3, 190) returns to QB after his 4,000-yard, 42 TD junior season and he is a USC commit. Woods can beat you with his arm or his feet as he showed in a fourth quarter drive that led the rams to come from behind and win a title. He gets help from returning seniors Sharode Richardson (’25, 5-10, 183) RB/CB, Chamarryus Bomar (’25, WR/CB), Armoni Weaver (’25, 5-10, 170) WR/CB/SS.


Numerous players transferred into Westside from other schools during the off-season and these new players will help the Rams repeat in the minds of some.


 On defense, key returners include, Dreson Evans (’25, 5-10, 175) FS/WR/RB, RJ Livingston (LB), Ross Brown (’25, 6-3,230) DL, Jaxx Wilson (’26, 6-1, 195) LB, Jameson Wilson (’25, 6-0, 195) SS, WR, OLB.

 Westside plays their season opener at home against Creekside on Saturday, 8/24.



Southside - The 2023 season was brutal for Southside High.  The second time in program history, the Tigers posted a winless season. The last season this happened was 1981, head coach Roy Ravenal, a former Stratford all-state player,  sees 2024 as a turn-around season with nine key starters returning.   

 

On offense, Chance McClure (’26, 6-3, 206) QB, Javier Latimer (’27, WR), Timothy Simmons (’26, RB), Tyrell Bailey (’25, 6-1, 165) WR/SS, Nickyus Black (’26, 5-4, 145) WR, and Omari McMorris (’26, 5-9, 136)

 

On defense, Kristopher Anderson (’27, 6-1, 260) DE/DT, Lavar Gaston (’25, 6-1, 197) T/C/DE/LB, Gianni McMorris (’26, 5-10, 147) OLB/S.

 

Southside opens regular season play at home against Eastside on August, 23rd.

 


Fountain Inn -- This is the third season having a varsity program at Fountain Inn.  Head coach Brett Nichols, who has been with the program since its inaugural season finally has returning seniors.  He also has five key starters returning for 2024.

 

On offense, sophomore Sam Holliday at QB, senior Zach Madden at WR, senior Jackson Njoku on the OL, and sophomore Colby Flood at WR

 

On defense, senior Xavier Gonzales LB, junior Tison Garrett DL.  

Fountain Inn kicks off their regular season at home against Liberty High on Friday, 8/23.

 

Region 2-AAAAA Prediction

1.      Daniel (15-0)

2.      Greer (6-6)

3.      Seneca (5-6)

4.      Blue Ridge (1-10)

5.      Travelers Rest (4-7)

6.      Berea (3-7)

7.      Pickens (1-9)


Daniel Heavily Favored To Take Region Honors in 2-AAAA


Daniel -- Daniel High closed out a perfect 15-0 season in 2023 with their third state title under head coach Jeff Fruster who is 81-18 in 8 previous seasons.at Daniel. The Lions have also won five region titles under Coach Fruster.


  Now, coach Fruster starts his 9th where he coached up titles in 2020, 2021, and 2023.  With ten key returners back this season, a deep run in the playoffs seems like a sure thing. However, this season they are competing in Class AAAA.  Expect Daniel to be good and expect them to step up to the challenge. 

 

On offense, Lee Turnipseed (’25, 5-8, 175) QB, Grayson Clary (’27, 6-3, 210) QB, Kareem Shaw (’27, 5-10, 170) RB/SS, Jason Bish (’26, 6-4, 215) QB/WR.

 

On defense, Dexter Johnson (’27, 6-1, 190) DE, Jamarion Williams (’25, 5-9, 165) CB, Jackson Howell (’26, 5-11, 150) S, Spencer Conn (LB), Tremaine Davis (’25, 5-9, 155) CB.  

Daniel hosts Chapman to kick off their regular season on Friday, 8/23. 

 

Greer: Will Young have been the head coach at Greer a long time. And he tells the HSSR that 4-5 starter return in both lines and this is always a good sign. Eduardo Garcia is at LT, Dallas Williams is at RT and the LG is Kaleb Nelson (6-1, 290) along with RG Namir Lee (6-2, 280). The center is Blake Taylor (6-0,240). Leaders in the DL include Aiden Jones, Isaiah McCoy, Paden Armstrong, and Lewis Bussey, Greer hopes to rebound from a 6-6 season in 2023 with strong line play.

 

Seneca: David Crane is the veteran head coach at Seneca and he hopes his Bobcats can improve on their record of 5-6 in 2023.  Senior LB Rafael Little, DL Avery Butler, and RB Payson Jones are veteran leaders leading the charge. Help will come from junior QB Gavin Thomas and DL Jermaine Miller.   

 

Blue Ridge: John Boggs is a veteran high school football coach in South Carolina and with 17 returning starters back he is hoping blue Ridge can improve on their 1-10 season of a year ago.


On offense the Flames have two players with all-state/all-star potential in RB KB Henderson (5-10, 205) and LG Jackson Lanier (6-2, 255). The QB is junior Gavin Forrester (6-0,170). His top WR targets are returning players Tyson Hicks, Asheton Stokes, and TE Emerson Steenrod.


Joining Lanier in the OL are tackles Jack Blankenship, Colt Johnson along with RG Quincy Turner and center Logan Rainey. Bryson Wyatt is a returning RB.


Joining Forrester as a top junior on the team is DB Jayconors McBee. Other returners DL Ty Wheeler, Haskell Edwards, and Aidan Harris. The LB’s is Cole Hastings, Flint Lowder, Colton Clouse, and Wyatt Flips. Ty’Keylan Campbell, and CJ Dodds add depth in the secondary.       

Blue Ridge will begin the 2024 season hosting Wade Hampton on August, 30.



Travelers Rest: Travelers Rest has a revolving door for head coaches, new head coach Chris Goodman starts his freshman season with the Devil Dogs. Coach Goodman is the third head coach in four seasons.  He does get eight key returners back for 2024, with a QB duel for the starting nod. 

 

On offense, Peyton Burns (’27, QB), Colby Epps (’26, QB), Luke Tankersley (’26, 6-1, 220) RB/MLB, Ji Wiggins(’25, 5-5, 160) RB/CB, Eli Cofield (’25, 6-0, 165) WR/FS, Oliver Rowland (TE/WR),

 

On defense, Dereon Collins (’25, 5-10, 200) DL, Xavier Hagerman (’26, 6-0, 180) LB),

 

Travelers Rest kicks off their season at home against Wade Hampton on Friday, 8/23.

 

 

Berea: Head Coach Drew Chisolm tells the HSSR his top seniors for this season are QB Amazzy Robinson, WR Destin Eichelberger, and RG Miles Oglesby. The juniors will be led by WR Caden Sizemore, DB Jay Williams, and Elijah Gary. The top sophomore candidate is Kane Whittier, a top player up from jayvee. Other potential starters include WR King Brown, RT Andru Ruiz, & LG Uriah Lee.


On defense potential starters include Lee flipping to LB, DB King Brown, Echelberger flipping to DB and Williams flipping to DB. Jaden Flemmings is a LB candidate.

Berea began the 2024 season on August, 30 hosting Landrum.



Pickens -- Pickens High comes off a weak 2023 season in head coach James Reynolds first year with the team.  For his season two, he is starting a new QB to work with the returning WR group. Hints of a new offensive scheme for the Blue Flame.

 

On offense, Brooks Dow (’27, 6-5, 190) is at QB.  Carter McCollum (’25, 5-8, 165) RB/OLB who tallied 1,400 yards last season returns and is joined in the backfield by Landon Pace (’25, 6-0, 187) RB/QB/P and Brett Batson (’25, 6-0, 180) at WR/FS.

 

On defense, Kade Maxey (’25, 6-1, 260) DL and Gavin Mock (’25, 5-9, 160) WR/DB will provide the defensive leadership.   

Pickens hosts Easley for their home opener this season on August, 23rd.

   

Region 3-AAAA Prediction

1. South Pointe (8-4)

2. Camden (11-4)

3. Lancaster (4-9)

4. York (8-4)

5. AC Flora (4-7)

6. Dreher (5-6)

7. Richland Northeast (7-5)


South Pointe, Camden To Battle In Region 3-AAAA This Season


South Pointe: After going 8-4 last year head coach Bobby Collins is ready to see the Stallions return to deep playoff runs.


“We are putting our best athlete at quarterback in J’zavien Currence and he will play both ways for us,” said Coach Collins. “He has 45 major college offers right now. As a free safety he can do it all and play any position in the secondary.”


Talented QB Cameron McMillion (6-2, 187) transferred to SP from Fairfield Central after last season. He is out until at least week 3 due some minor surgery over the summer. McMillion has already passed for 6.713 yards in his first two seasons of varsity.


Also returning for SP are RB prospect Mason Pickett-Hicks along with DB Fred Reese (6-1, 170) and OL prospect Ethan McNutt (6-4, 275). Anthony Baxter, (6-3, 345) who starts at RG for the Stallions recently committed to South Carolina. Myles Wilson (6-1, 305) is also a talented junior DL who returns to the team.


South Pointe begins the season hosting Spartanburg on August, 23rd.



  Camden: One of the more surprised coaches in the state, when the final realignment came out had to be Camden head coach Brian Rimpf (62-26) who is starting his 8th season with the Bulldogs. Coach Rimpf has won three Lower state AAA titles and four region championships.   


This six-year NFL veteran not only saw his Bulldogs realigned to the upper state, but they have to battle South Pointe for the Region 4-AAA title over the next two years. (By the way Camden is 64 miles from Rock Hill).   


Coach Rimpf says the strength of his team is in the secondary, DL, and the linebacking group and  having to replace five starters in the offensive skill group is the challenge starting the 2024 season.


The Bulldogs lost a thrilling down-to-the wire AAA state title game last year with Daniel. They are now up a notch in AAAA. The players receiving the most recruiting interest coming into the season include WR Jo Jo Crim, DB Lavonte Williams, WR Tylin Drakeford, and DL Tanner Bracey. Sr center Jamir Richardson is also a key player.


Other key Camden juniors returning include: DL Dontrelle Wilson, DB Tristian Hollingsworth, LB Evan Prescot, and RB Navi Boykin. Sophomores to watch include RT Worth Thomasson, RG Ryan Lawson, and Wyatt Thompson is the new QB. Treyvon Wrights adds depth at WR.  Soph Grayson Rimpf will also be a back-up QB.   

Camden begins the season on August, 24 hosting White Knoll. 


 

Lancaster: The Bruins are head coached by Marian Surratt. Lancaster entered the AAAA playoffs last season as an at large 1-9 team and won three play-offs’ games with a late surge. Sophomore QB Ricorian “Rico” Brown (5-9, 195) and 24 TD’s. was named all-region and also the Offensive POY in his county after he caught fire in the playoffs for the Bruins. He ended up with 1,900 passing yards. Brown came to the HSSR media Day at USC in late July.


“My junior goal is to play well enough to be named the Region Player of the Year and I also want to help[ lead my team to a state title,” said Brown. “I consider myself very coachable and very knowledgeable about the game. I am a team player.”


Lancaster has one of the top OL in the 2025 class in SC in the person of Kevin Peay (6-4, 315) who has committed to Georgia Tech. Peay has a 385-pound bench and a 540 squat and carries a 3.5 GPA in the class room. “Th only thing on my mind right now is a State Championship,” he said at media day.


Other Bruin team leaders at media day were senior LG Demarlaw Jackson (5-11, 250) and FS/WR Keir Jackson (5-7, 150).

Lancaster opened the 2024 season at Chester on August, 23rd.


   

York: Dean Boyd (241-110) has won state championships and been a success wherever he has head coached so when he returned to his roots at York High School pundits felt like it was just a matter of time before the Cougars would be making state championship runs of their own.


“We have more team speed but we are still young in a lot of spots,” said Coach Boyd at the Coaches clinic. “We have more depth this year, especially in both offensive and defensive lines.”


The top returnees on offense include jr QB Tayshon Freeman (6-2, 219), sr WR Jay McCoy (5-9,15) and TE Jeremiah Ellis (6-1, 190). On defense the key players back are DL sr LB Ryan Carter (5-11), and DB Jonathan Tobias (6-0,178). Tobias is getting looks form numerous colleges.


York began the season on August 23rd at Indian Land.  



AC Flora - Last season was not what Head Coach Ken Floyd expected with injuries and game day struggles. This season, Roper Wentzy (’26, 5-11, 170) returns at QB along with his favorite target Kendall Byrd (’26, 6-0, 180) at WR and Joshua Davis (’27, 6-2, 180) playing WR/CB/FS. In the backfield, Soloman Kelson (’26, 5-8, 175) will be a threat as RB/WR.


Returning on defense, seniors Joshua Edwards-Threatt anchors the DL and Michael Quinn (5-11, 155) covers the field as SS/FS, plus Azel Banag (’26, 5-11, 160) is at CB..

The Falcons go on the road Friday, 8/23 to open their season at Westwood.



Dreher: Corey Jenkins is the veteran head football coach at Dreher, his alma mater. Back in the day Jenkins was a first- round draft pick in baseball and he loves working at his alma mater.


Last year the Blue Devils finished 5-6 but were very competitive in most all of their games.


This year’s team is led by senior RB Willie Smith, TE Luke Cruz, WR Tyler Tisdale, RG Jashaun Broadnux, and P Gustavo Zamora. The top junior is RT Chanson Evans. The top sophomore is DB Joseph Pohlmann. The top freshman is DL Willie Murick.

Dreher started off the 2024 season on the road at Keenan.


Richland Northeast -- Richland Northeast head coach Walt Wilson took over the job in 2021 looking for the same turn around the program success he generated previously.  Now, with the shortened pandemic seasons gone, 2024 may provide that pathway forward.

 

On offense, Will Wilson (’25, 6-1, 220) returns at QB along with Blake Betette (’26. 5-11, 170) WR. Wilson is an NC State commit. 

 

On defense, Jarell Turner (’26, 6-0, 175) DB, the junior is expected to provide leadership on the field.

 

Richland Northeast play at home to open their season against Spring Valley on Friday, 8/23.

 


Region 4-AAAA Prediction

1. Gray Collegiate (14-1)

2. Airport (5-6)

3. Gilbert (11-2)

4. Brookland-Cayce (11-3)

5. North Augusta (7-4)

6. South Aiken (3-8)

7. Midland Valley (12-1)

8. Aiken (0-10)


Gray Collegiate Picked To Win Region 4-AAAA Under New Head Coach De’Angelo Bryant


Gray Collegiate — Former Wake Forest player De’Angelo Bryant has answered the call to leave his alma mater at Silver Bluff and take over the job at Gray Collegiate. ” We have a lot of returners with versatile skills,” said Coach Bryant prior to the season. Top RB BJ Montgomery returns to lead the offense.


Junior QB Tyler Waller, who took most of the snaps last season in passing for 1,618 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushing for 430 yards and a TD, returns to lead the offense.


After Waller, the driving force of the offense will be senior B.J. Montgomery, who rushed for 1,230 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.


“Tyler Waller had a tremendous offseason and another year of maturity,” Bryant said. “B.J. Montgomery is as talented as anyone in the state. We have to continue to find ways to get him some more touches.” See feature on Gray elsewhere in this issue.


 

Airport — Shane Fidler begins his second season at Airport High focused on improvement after going 5-6 last season.


A key starter back on offense is QB Jay Eady who has been offered by Miami of Ohio. WR Avery Jones is sure-handed receiver could see earn post-season honors with his play. WR Richard Hurley is a sophomore already getting college interest. Other starter back include: TE Harry Peterson, and the OL will consist of Ben Humphries, Cooper Langford, Parker Hudson, Chris Crossland, and Daniel Butts.


The defense has two potential all-star players in LB Montrelle Keys and LB Bryant Cherry. Soph LB Justin Conyers is also already getting college interest. Joel Guess and Jeremiah Gilchrist join Amari Lewis and SeanJohn McKray in the secondary.

Airport is at May River on August 23rd to start the season.



Gilbert: Ozzie Exume is the head coach at Gilbert and the Indians had a great 11-2 season in 2023. Six starters return on offense led by TE Connor Goodiug, RB Jaylen Jay, and WR Krew Morris. Top juniors on the team include DB Wyn Meetz, LG Kennedy Harmon. and DB RJ Kearse. Expect Gilbert to keep on keeping on.



North Augusta — After one year as the interim head coach at North Augusta High, Richard Bush is officially the head football coach. In the first season, his Yellow Jackets finished 7-4 and made the playoffs. With 13 starters returning, 2024 shows even more promise. 

 

On offense, Michael Doe at RB, with Ethan Fitzgerald (6-3, 285), and Malcolm Gaston (6-5, 340) anchor the O-Line and create lanes. Corey Tillman (5-11, 170) returns for his senior year at QB. 

 

On defense, seniors Ty Burke, Donte Bell (5-10, 165), and Riley Howell (5-8, 145) have the secondary covered. At LB, senior Alex Powell (5-11, 190) returns to beat his 35 tackles last season. 

 

North Augusta travels to Thomason (GA) to kick off the season on August, 23rd. 

 

 

Midland Valley Mustangs -- The Midland Valley High football team is in transition.  Previously an assistant coach, offensive coordinator, Brent Dorn is tapped for the interim head coach job to lead the Mustangs during the 2024 season. The District indicates they will search for a replacement head coach after this season ends. 

 

On offense, seniors Preston Butler (5-10, 165) returns at QB, plus Wyatt Turner (5-11, 210) LS/T, Christian Fail (6-2, 256) C/T,  and Demarque Ford (6-4, 285) G/T on the offensive line, Preston McNair (5-9, 180) RB, and senior Matthew Grandy (6-0, 170) at TE/OLB.

 

On defense, Andon Hawkins (5-8, 200), is a very athletic defender at MLB/OLB. 

 

Midland Valley opened the season on August, 23rd hosting J.L. Mann.

 

Aiken Hornets: Aiken High School has not recorded a winning season in the last eight schedules and has gone through five head coaches during that span. Now interim head coach Heath Corley is seeking to change that direction. 

 

Two returning players we’re watching this season, sophomore quarterback Tanner Padgett (5-10, 150) and senior Trevron Washington (5-8, 160) at RB. 

 

Aiken plays their home opener against visiting Aynor on Friday, 8/23.

 

 

 

Region 5-AAAA

1. South Florence (14-1)

2. Hartsville (8-4)

3. Crestwood (11-2)  

4. Darlington (3-8)

5. Wilson (3-8)

6. Lower Richland (2-8)

7. Lakewood (2-8)

South Florence Favored To Take Top Honors In Region 5-AAAA



South Florence:  South Florence, ranked number two in AAAA, came away with a 23-16 victory at Bruin Stadium. It was the third straight season in which SFHS has beaten its crosstown rival. The Bruins will be going on the road to take on another AAAAA school on August 30, meeting historic power Summerville. “A team shows its greatest improvement between Game 1 and Game 2,” said South Florence head coach Drew Marlowe. “We need to improve a lot in order to accomplish the goals that we have this season.” South Florence went into the game knowing it was going to be without starting running back Zion Gilbert, who was out with a hamstring issue. On the game’s second play, Raleigh Jett was injured and out for the game.

 

      Tre’ Leonard, who played at Trinity Collegiate two years ago and at West Florence last season, came on and scored the game’s first points. He had a 23-yard touchdown run late in the first half to make it 7-0, a lead the Bruins took into the locker room. Leonard was injured early in the quarter. Sophomore Cameron James, who also plays on the junior varsity, came on and finished the game. He had a 29-yard run that helped eventually set up the game-winning score on a 13-yard run by quarterback Messiah Jackson. DL Amare Adams, pledged to Clemson is the number one prospect in SC. WR Jayden Sellers is committed to SC and he is the Bruins go to WR.



Hartsville – Hartsville head football coach Jeff Calabrese admits to enjoying the annual offseason process of putting together his next Red Fox squad.

Senior EJ Smith takes over at QB. “He’s a versatile kid with a great attitude and a great work ethic. We feel he gives us the best shot going into the season,” the coach said. RB Hakeem Waters returns to lead the running game. Top pass catchers will be TE Dorian Mason and Casey Hawkins and Tristian Spann. Returning linebackers include Coleman Radcliff, last year’s leading tackler, and Web Barnes,

Hartsville will begin the 2024 season at Carolina Forest August, 30. See story on Foxes elsewhere in this issue.


 

Crestwood — Veteran Crestwood head coach Roosevelt Nelson cites the Knights strength will be in the run game led by Ladamien Belton and Ja’Qualylen Dennis-Harriet. Last year the Knights were 11-2 and they are focused at even a better season in 2024. Belton also had 11 picks as a DB last year.


The top seniors on the team include all-state WR Jeremic Richardson who had 960 yards in receptions last year. LT  Aiden Mack returns after recording 20 knockdowns with an 85 per cent grade last year. LG Lorenzo Smallwood had 12 knockdowns. TE Julian Jones is back and he had 200 yards in receptions and four TFD’s a year ago.


On defense, junior prospect Da’Shan Scriven had 50 tackles last season when he earned all-state honors. The DL is anchored by Payton Grant, Jodan Carter, and Mack flips from offense. LB Robert Pugh is back after having 90 tackles last season. Other defensive starters include DB Jaylen Wright, LB Yachin Gamble, LB Ahmandre Ricks, with Dennis-Harrier and Belton flipping to DB’s from offense.


Crestwood began the 2024 season on August, 23rd with a 17-14 hard fought win over Manning, at Manning.   “It was a roller coaster, but the kids fought their tails off until the very, very end,” said CHS head coach Roosevelt Nelson. “They never gave up. The defense played their butts off, special teams did a good job in the kicking game.



Darlington -- Running back Trey Hailey scored twice for Darlington on two short runs to lead his team to a 14-0 win over Latta in game three of the jamboree. 


Comments From Second year Darlington Head Coach Jamie Johnson: “Our defense is pretty good, and they get after it, so if we can continue to play good defense and not turn it over on offense, I think we have a shot at a very good season,” said Coach Johnson. “Our whole back field is back and running back Troy Hailey is back and he is as tough as nails and I would take that kid over anybody.


“Our defensive line is really good led by Treyshawn James, Nydrez Walls, Shadreck Holmes and Dedrion Durant,” said Coach Johnson.  “On defense we have seven starters back and on offense we have seven starters back.”


QB Jaylen Augustus (6-5, 180) is a junior expected to have a good season for the Falcons. NyQuan Williams is a top DB also back.


“We have never hosted a playoff game in our new stadium and that is certainly one of our goals this season,” said Coach Johnson. “Hopefully, we can host one this year and give our fans something special.” Darlington will begin the 2024 season against Lamar.



Wilson - Darryl Page’s return to the Wilson sidelines was successful on August 23. The Tigers traveled to Horry County and beat the Conway Tigers 18-12 Page, who led Wilson to its only football state title in 2007, is back as head coach on an interim basis. Page first coached Wilson from 1993 to 2012, winning three region titles along with the state crown. He was hired after Glenwood Ferebee, who had been hired to replace 3-year head coach Rodney Mooney, left for another job.


           Caleb Collins had a fourth-quarter touchdown for Wilson.  Timonti Emmanuel also rushed for a score and Tamaury Echols connected with Zechariah Butler for a touchdown as well.

         Wilson plays host to Gilbert on August 30.



Lower Richland — Head coach Marlin Taylor will rely on senior leadership from TE Noah Lucas, LB Christian Wilson, QB Ayden Jones, and WR Antonio Adams to help the Diamonds improve on their record of 2-8,


        The top juniors are RB Zoir Yatesd and WR Chad Wilson.


Lower Richland started the season against Lugoff-Elgin on August, 23rd.


Lakewood — Head coached by Willie Offord the team will be led by Senior leaders: Cedric Cisse, Tyler Washington, Donte Boykin, Dakori Butler, Jamarion Brockington, and Richard Johnson, The top junior is David rogers. 


Region 6-AAAA

1.Beaufort

2. Bluffton (6-5)

3. Hilton Head (3-7)

4. May River (4-7)

5. Colleton County (2-9)

6. Bishop England (2-8)

Beaufort Favored To Take Honors In Region 6-AAAA

 

Beaufort — Greenwood High graduate Bryce Lybrand brought his toughness developed as a player at his alma mater to his coaching philosophy.

Beaufort’s offense will go as senior QB Samari Bonds goes. The third-year starter is a quality passer and runner with experience. Bonds will have two reliable threats in the passing game in of Jaemin Odom and sophomore Amare Patterson already a top prospect in the 2027 class.

Kenshon Speaks, s a third-year starter in the OL. Senior LB Will Codding is the top returner on defense. Junior Isaac Smalls also returns at linebacker. Odom is likely to see more time in the secondary. Beaufort lost to Fort D 28-21 to start the 2024 season.

 

Bluffton — Hayden Gregory is hoping the forward pass can help his team improve on their 6-5 record of last season.

 The Bobcats will likely have one of the state’s most productive passing games as Gregory loves to see the ball in the air and has the players to make that happen.

Junior Aidan McCarthy (6-4, 210) will run the offense at quarterback and should be a major prospect. His favorite target will be 6-4 junior receiver Carnell Warren, already getting college interest and offers. Senior Nate Ulmer also returns at receiver.

Senior Gavin Garrick will anchor the offensive line and junior Chris Doyle anchors the defensive front. Senior Jayden Jeffries is a key returner in the secondary. With an offense that carries high-scoring potential, a major emphasis on defensive important was the focus in the offseason.

Bluffton started the 2024 season hosting Whale Branch on August, 23rd.


Hilton Head Island -- Hilton Head Island High has talent, but they need the close games to go their way. In 2023, they dropped four rivalry games by less than a TD. Now, head coach BJ Payne looks to sharpen that edge to put more wins on the board in the close games. With nine returning starters on defense, they are pursuing postseason play.


 On offense, Evan Wilder (’25, 6-4, 290) OL returns to make lanes for Troy Timko (’25, 5-10, 200) RB who averaged 122 yards per game in 2023.

 On defense, Carson Haines (’25) DB, Connor Wiendl (’25, 6-0, 205) LB with 79 tackles, Caleb Spangler (’25) DL had 4.5 sacks, Nathan Apy (’25, 5-10, 170) DB with 66 tackles and 1 INT; these seniors should provide the leadership and mentoring to grow the team.

 Hilton Head Island travels to Stall High for their season opener on Thursday, 8/22.


Bishop England — Logan Hall begins his first season at the head football coach at Bishop England knowing that he has a rebuilding challenge with the Bishops being elevated to the AAAA classification with the 2024 season.


The Bishops have struggled the last few years, suffered a rash of injuries and fought a lack of depth. But there are pieces returning that could bring the program back a bit, though moving from Class AA to AAAA is a significant jump for a program already short on bodies.


Hall says the Bishops enter the season with a good quarterback battle between sophomore Will Donato and junior Quinn Mahoney. Developing at receiver are Zach Balog and Nick Brunetti with both possibly seeing action in the secondary as well.


Seniors Jack Lavelle and Jacob Mackara will work at tight end while senior Nate Anderson looks to be the lead running back.


Linemen expected to see time on one or both sides include Austin Dao, Griffin Buss, Shep Hulen and Matthew Ponkow.


The top returners on defense include linebacker Fletcher Ethington-Carl and defensive backs Hunter Alex and Ean Kitchin.

 

 

 

First Baptist athletes competing well this spring

By David Shelton • April 19, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer James Island – With the SCISA state playoffs just around the corner, now is the time for athletes and teams to hit their peak level of performance. That’s the goal for the spring sports athletes at First Baptist School as several teams look forward to a postseason opportunity. Both of the First Baptist varsity soccer teams have posted winning seasons to date. The regular season will conclude in less than two weeks. The boys team is in position to claim a region championship if they can finish strong. As of April 13, the Hurricanes were 8-2 overall with a 3-1 record in region play. That lone defeat came to rival Porter-Gaud, 2-1, and the Hurricanes get a rematch on April 22. First Baptist also has two key region contests remaining with Pinewood Prep on April 15 and April 24. Most of the 2025 roster is comprised of underclassmen. In fact, 10 of the rostered players are either sophomores or freshmen. The team has solid senior leadership, however, and those seniors are key factors. The seniors include goalkeeper Thomas Sanders , defenders Parker Thomas and Joshua McClain , and midfielders MacLain Luke and Camp Oliver . The girls soccer team won seven of their first 12 matches and appear headed for a third-place finish in the very competitive region that is controlled by Porter-Gaud and three-time defending state champion Pinewood Prep. Senior Fynn Domrese is the team’s leading goal scorer with 12 tallies, including a hat trick in a win over Northwood Academy. Sophomore Reese Tipton has seven goals and six assists while sophomore Britton Lempesis has a pair of goals. Like the boys team, the girls roster is very young with Domrese the only senior. She and junior midfielder Wells Griffin are the team captains. First Baptist recently restarted the softball program. The program was a dominant winner in the 1990’s but faded as the game changed to fast pitch. The program has a rebirth under coach Katelyn Powell , a former all-state player at Northwood Academy. There were teams dating to 2000-01 but not every season. Interest appears high as the school is fielding a b-team and a junior varsity team this spring. First Baptist has experienced some success with four victories early on. Some of the key players this season include Trissa Medlin, Addison Townsend, Bailey Millemad, Lulu Mayo and Izzie Tracy. The boys golf team is preparing for the SCISA state tournament in late April. Members of that team include sophomore Graham Edwards , junior Bates Walpole , freshmen Jack Finuca n, Slate Shope , William Askins , Elijah Crawford and Banks Cordray ; eighth-grader Tucker Mappus and sixth-grader Will Mappus . The baseball team sits in second-place in the region standings, posting a 12-6-1 overall record as of April 14. The Hurricanes have three region losses, all to Pinewood Prep, with a key three-game series with Porter-Gaud at the end of the regular season.

Laurence Manning baseball, softballt teams having trremedous seasons

By Dennis Brunison hssr.com Associate Editor • April 18, 2025
Lady 'Cats gearing up for another run at SCISA AAAA state title

Emerald Baseball Focused On Strong Finish In Pursuit Of play-off Berth

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
By Billy G. Baker Publisher Greenwood — Emerald head baseball coach Mack Hite knew if he could ever get talented freshman Beau Hite back on the mound that his confidence would be restored and positive things would emerge. Hite has been able to bat all season, but an injury prevented him from pitching until recently. “Beau has been able to throw an inning here and there recently, and he had a big strike out against a highly regarded prospect at Laurens who is going to Georgia. Big moments like that have helped him get his confidence back,” said Coach Hite. “It has also helped him increase his hitting average at the plate also.” Hite is now batting .438 with 9 RBI’s, including five doubles and a triple. Hite also has 8 stolen bases. He is a three-sport athlete at Emerald where excels in football and basketball also. One bit of recent bad news for the team was losing the pitching services of LHP and PC commitment Tucker Meredith . “He is still able to play a position and bat, so not all is loss,” said Coach Hite. Other top hitters to date for the Vikings include freshman Ethan Metts at .375 along with sophomore Eli Swancey who is at .400 with five TBI’s including an excellent .978 fielding percentage. Finn Howard is at ,367 with four RBI’s while junior Aaron Polly is hitting .351 with 9 RBI’s. Freshman Coleman Marino is at .360 with six RBI’s. With Meredith off the rubber, Hite, Howard, Marino, and Swancey have all stepped up to share pitching duties. Howard has become the work horse and he is 2-1 with 32 K’s in 28.2 innings of work. As of April, 11 the Vikings were in 5 th place in the region. “I think as competitive as our region has been this season, with so many good teams, that we should have a good case to possibly qualify for an at-large play-off berth,” said Coach Hite. “In the mean time we just need to keep playing with grit and toughness and win as many games as we can. “We have been hitting well is spurts, but we can’t seem to get a timely hit with runners in scoring position,” said Coach Hite. “Hopefully our luck will change as we enter a crucial part of our schedule.” The team had seven games left as of April, 14 when they played at Ware Shoals . Hey have region games against Westside on April 15 and 17. They next play region games against Laurens on April 22 and 24 before hosting Abbeville on the 30 th . They close out the season at home against Ware Shoals on May, 1. Emerald Softball Very Young This Season  Tiaria Agnew is in her fourth season as the Emerald High girls’ softball coach and her team is very young and rebuilding this season. The Lady Vikings are made up of one 7 th grader, three 8 th graders, two freshmen, one sophomore, three juniors and just two seniors so a youth movement has certainly hit the program. The team was 5-3, 2-6 entering the final two weeks of the season. They recently had two confidence wins over Southside (16-1, 20-0). The young team is being led by senior LHP Bria Jones, sophomore Paydyn Stafford and freshman utility athlete Caitlyn Hackett.

Dorchester softball team having a great season

By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • April 18, 2025
Raiders off to an 11-4 start as SCISA AA state playoffs draw near

Spring sports hitting the final stretch of regular season play

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
Spring sports hitting the final stretch of regular season play By David Shelton Senior Writer Lake City – Don’t look now but the 2025 spring sports season is nearly over and the athletes at Carolina Academy are prepping for the stretch drive. The spring has been a mixed bag of success to date but all of the teams are looking to finish strong. The baseball team has had a tough go, winning four of their first 15 games. Several losses were close games so the team has been competitive at times. On the mound, getting work are Walker McCutcheon, Bennett Mathews, Hampton Kirby Ryker Rhodes and Ryan Cox . McCutcheon, Rhodes and Matthews have seen time behind the plate as well. Kirby has seen time at short, along with Matthews, while Parker Miles , Carson Hanna and Holden Carsten are seeing time at the corner infield positions. Cox, Tanner Floyd and Kingston Cox are working in the outfield. The boys golf team has had some success this spring and will be playing in the SCISA state tournament on April 26 th in Conway. The Bobcats played in the region tournament on April 10.  The team has a bevy of seniors who are playing in the top group. Seniors include Thomas McDaniel, Cam Porter, Mason Huggins, Michael Wyatt, Blanding Franks, Jamison Andrews and Drake Morri s . Also playing are Landon Crosby , eighth-grader Grady Long , and seventh-graders Braeden Morris and Kohl Elmore . The Carolina Academy softball team has had better luck so far this season, winning nine of their first 12 games to put them in contention for a region title. Coach Scotty Philips felt his team had what it takes to challenge for a state championship if things continue to progress. “I see a lot of potential with this team but they have to focus and continue to work,” Phillips said. The strength of the 2025 team is inside the pitching circle. Junior Raylee Frye is a third-year performer who is as good as any hurler in SCISA when she brings her “A” game. Freshman Ella Ham will log innings at pitcher as well while also playing centerfield and first base. Lauren Sims also will pitch and share third base duties with Frye. “We have three good pitchers, dependable,” Phillips said. “I feel good giving the ball to any of them.” Handling the catching duties is returning starter Carlie Ann Smith , a junior who has been impressive behind the dish early on. Sophomore Jaylyn Davis will play most of the innings at first base while eighth-grader Natalie Braveboy will move from left to second base to replace McCutcheon. Three eighth-graders, Paisley Coker, Kayley Lyerly and Emma Amos are working in rightfield, with Ham also getting reps. Rounding out the varsity roster this season are Katherine Holiday, Lexi McCutcheon, Sarah Emma Garris, Savannah McCUtcheon, Jennifer Vargas and Hannah Grace Matthews.

Panthers enter HIT as region champs

By Roger Lee • April 18, 2025
Max Poulakis has been key to Pinewood’s success this season as a pitcher, infielder and batter.

Baseball, softball struggling this spring

By David Shelton • April 18, 2025
By David Shelton Senior Writer Bennettsville - The 2025 season has been a rough ride for the baseball and softball teams at Marlboro County High . With the top four teams in each region of Class AAA qualifying for the Lower State playoffs, both of Marlboro County’s teams are in jeopardy of not making the cut. Both need a strong finish in the remaining region 6-AAA games to earn their postseason opportunity.  The baseball team has been a regular in the postseason and was expected to be a top four team in the region this spring. As of April 7, the Bulldogs were 2-8 overall with three of those early losses by two runs or less. Coach Ryan Pierce has mixed and matched his lineup this season, searching for the right combination of players that can yield success. Senior Cam Hunt is arguably the top overall player on the roster as a shortstop and pitcher. Tristan Quick plays mostly third base and is another arm on the mound. Others who have seen time on the mound include Zach Hardee and J ameson Bradshaw . Hardee also does work defensively as a corner infielder. Patrick Stubbs mans centerfield in most games while Layton Chavis handles most of the catching duties. Jayden Chavis plays second base while Ty Kickery , Tim Sloan and Landon Sweatt are working primarily in the outfield. Justin Haithcock and Khalil Sloan have seen time as the designated hitter, and Greir Norris has spot time at first base. Rounding out the roster are RJ Hale, Coy Preston and Jake Sloan . Entering the first full week of April, the Marlboro County softball team was 0-7 in region play and 3-13 overall. In recent years the Bulldogs have been region title contenders but have not been able the get it going this spring. One player who is playing at a high level is sophomore shortstop Addison Skipper , who is hitting .618 with five homeruns and 15 runs batted in through 15 games. Sophomore Ruthie Grooms hit .344 with nine RBI in the first 15 games while junior centerfielder Amir Bridges is hitting ,316 on the season. Eighth-grader Kaylee Sweatt is hitting ,296 and senior Abby Quick is hitting .286.

KNIGHTS BASEBALL GROWING STRONGER

By Gerald Doolittle • April 18, 2025
BY: GERALD DOOLITTLE Contributing Writer Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. – The W.W. King Academy Knights coached by Brian Kneece heads into Spring break with an 5-4 overall record. The Knights still have regular season games left with Greenwood Christian, Ridge Spring-Monetta and Wardlaw Academy. After the regular season games SCISA Region 3-A will have a Region tournament at Richard Winn on 4/21 and at W.W. King on 4/22. With a win over Wardlaw Academy to close the regular season the Knights will have a 4-2 region record which will give them second place behind Richard Winn Academy. The Knights offense has been sparked by Casen Buzhardt (so), Elijah Hutto (so), Joshua Oswald (fr) and Greyson Rikard (fr). These four are followed by Colton Buzhardt (sr) and Zed Watkins (jr). Casen leads with a batting average of .393 and 8 RBIs. And 10 runs scored. Hutto has a batting average of .375, 4 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Oswald has a batting average of .375, 4 RBIs and 8 runs scored. Rikard has a batting average of .375, 8 RBIs and 5 runs scored. Rikard also has 2 home runs. Landen Anderson (so) has four hits that has resulted in 9 RBIs. One of those hits was a home run. Leading the base running stats is Hutto with 14 stolen bases followed by Colton Buzhardt with 6 stolen bases. Oswald follows with 5 and Casen with 4.  Hutto leads the pitching staff with 28 Ks followed by Colton and Casen Buzhardt with 17 each.

With Spring Break Over Gaffney Softball Focused On AS Winning Streak

By Billy Baker • April 18, 2025
By Billy G. baker Publisher Gaffney —The Gaffney Lady Indians softball team went into Spring break at 10-7, and in sixth place in a very competitive AAAAA region, and head coach Maddie Pruitt is very focused on the team having a strong finish to the 2025 season over the next two weeks. “We are coming off Spring break well rested and we are ready to go to work and we are looking forward to finishing the regular season on a high note so we can ride into the playoffs the first week of May with a lot of momentum,” said Coach Pruitt. “We play all the region teams we faced in the first half of the season over the next two weeks. It will be a busy time and our focus is to work hard and have success.” One setback to the team was an injury to talented 8 th grade infielder Maysen Byars who was hitting .514 at the time of her injury. Maysen played second and third base for me and she is a solid infielder and we will miss her so much,” said Coach Pruitt. Over the Spring break Brooklyn Jennings committed to play softball at USC Union . Senior Dacy Phillips has signed with North Greenville and Korbyn Lydia is headed to USC Upstate. Both Phillips and Lydia have been a key part of the Gaffney softball program for five seasons including junior varsity. The team’s ace pitcher this season has been sophomore Ashley Caraway who has a record of 5-2 with an ERA of 2.70. caraway has worked 46 innings in the circle with 41 strike-outs. The leading hitters for Gaffney have been junior Kourtney Caraway who is batting .442. Sophomore Ashley Caraway is batting .405. Lydia is batting .378 and Jennings is at .333. Dacy Phillips is batting .250 and playing solid defense “Dacy has been barreling balls up and good during her at bats, but it’s been right at the defense,” said Coach Pruitt. “Hopefully, she will have a strong finish to the season.” Gaffney has played a very competitive schedule this season and they have defeated some talented teams among their 10 victories. They have wins over: ALA (15-5), Legion Collegiate (7-3), Seneca (4-3), Oceanside Collegiate (6-1), Greenville (14-1 & 5-2), Riverside (7-3), and Wade Hampton (9-2).  Gaffney will play at Spartanburg on April,15 then travel to Eastside the next day before hosting Byrnes on April, 18. The Indians host Boiling Springs on April, 21 and Riverside on April 22. Gaffney is at Dorman on April, 25 before hosting Wade Hampton on April, 29. Chapman comes to Gaffney on April, 30 and then the Indians close out the regular season at home against Eastside on May, 2.

James Island spring sports racking up the wins in 2025

By David Shelton • April 18, 2025
James Island spring sports racking up the wins in 2025 By David Shelton Senior Writer James Island – There has been winning aplenty for the James Island Charter spring sports teams through the first two weeks of April. The move from Class AAAA to AAAAA has not been as difficult as some predicted as several James Island teams are contending for region 8-AAAAA championships. The girls and boys soccer teams are in the thick of the race as the regular season winds down. The girls soccer team won their first six region contests and won 11 of their first 13 matches overall. The boys soccer team is off to a 5-1 start in region play, winning 10 of their first 14 contests overall. Lacrosse continues to grow and gather strength as a relatively new sport at the school. The boys team sits at 9-6 as of April 12 with just a few games remaining. The girls team went 5-10 in their first six weeks of the season. Leading the effort on the girls team is senior Mary Katherine Williams , who has scored 48 goals with six assists. Senior Emma McFall has tallied 20 goals while sophomore Lane Hobey has added 11 goals. Senior Reece Bertschy has nine assists to go with her 10 goals. The softball team is in a little rebuild this spring but has still competed well overall. The Trojans split their first six region games, losing to the top three teams in the region – Summerville, Fort Dorchester and West Ashley. Senior first baseman/pitcher Mary Davis Hancock leads the team in hitting with a .405 batting average. She has eight runs batted in as well while logging 54 innings inside the circle. Senior outfielder Rachel Manchester is hitting .350 and sophomore Caroline Jaruzel is hitting .300 while also working 32 innings as a pitcher. The team’s top returning hurler, sophomore Gracie Sue Billings , has not pitched this season after winning nine games last season.  The baseball team is one of the state’s top five teams in AAAAA and will enter the playoffs seeking a second consecutive state championship. They won the AAAA state title in 2024. The Trojans are 9-0 in region play and 14-3 overall entering spring break (April 13). A devastating and productive top of the lineup has been as advertised. Senior catcher Stow Rogers , junior shortstop Taj Marchand , senior third baseman Jake Amman and sophomore second baseman Trip Ostergard have blistered opponents with each hitting near or better than .400. First baseman Finn Pratt , a first-year starter, also is off to a solid start offensively as is junior outfielder Connor Dantzler . Marchand and Ostergard also have been key performers on the mound, along with senior Collin Anderson and sophomores Dawson Belder and Cooper Jones.
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