Patriots are Locked in and Ready

By Roger Lee

Special to the HSSR 

North Charleston – Fort Dorchester coach Shaun Lorenzano is still getting to know his players so adjustments may be needed this season, but he says he likes their intensity.

Lorenzano is preparing for his first season at the helm of the Patriots Football program. His team has talent, but has to put all the pieces together and execute in order to have the season coaches and players want. Outside linebacker Romaum Parson says the team is making strides toward that goal.

“This summer we came together as a brotherhood,” Parson said. “We are locked in and ready. We are focused on being aggressive and want to remain aggressive. We have great chemistry and we have each other’s backs.”

The intensity has paid off so far. The team won its scrimmage with Oceanside Collegiate during the Dorchester County Showdown jamboree by a 14-0 margin. Sophomore quarterback Kevin Johnson connected with junior running back Ryan Campbell for a 53-yard TD catch to open the scoring. Later in the matchup, Campbell broke free for an 89-yard TD run for the 14-0 margin.

The Patriots claimed a 28-21 victory over Beaufort in their season opener. Fort Dorchester scored with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to sophomore Anthony Williams, a 3-yard run by Senior Kameron Maxwell and on two runs from inside the 10 by Campbell, who finished with 20 carries for 119 rushing yards.

Cornerback Jordan Wright intercepted two passes during the game.

Senior Marquis Wilson and junior Lamareon (Bronco) Thompson are returning starters who anchor the offensive line. Both are drawing college interest. Juniors Zyion Rouse and Tristian Tucker and senior Kendrick Burroughs also bring good size and experience.

“They are all like 6-3, 300 pound guys,” Lorenzano said. “We have some good size.”

They will look to open holes for three promising running backs. Campbell has seen a lot of varsity action and recorded a 4.3 time in the 40-yard dash. He is also elusive. Maxwell and sophomore Kiyrome Durant should complement Campbell nicely.

“Colleges are noticing Ryan, but we have a staple of backs,” Lorenzano said. “Kiyrome is like a thick version of him who is probably a 4.5 kid who has good size. Kameron is more of a fullback type.”

Johnson has moved up from the Patriots’ JV program and earned the starting QB positon. Seniors Banks Wickersham, a starter for the Patriots Baseball team, and Christian Krueger are also working out at the position.

The Fort lost its top three receivers to graduation so several players are competing to earn time at that position. Williams, sophomore Mykell Warthen and junior Frank Ham led the way in the preseason for the group.

“We are real young there, but have some promising receivers,” Lorenzano said.

In addition to anchoring the linebackers’ corps, junior Malquan Pimentel Jr. will play as a tight end and flex receiver.  “He probably won’t come off the field much,” Lorenzano said. “He is already getting college offers and will probably be recruited as a linebacker but he will also help us on offense.”

Parson and senior Jaxon King are also starters returning to the Patriots’ second line of defense. Wickersham, Stall transfer Savon Garrett and junior Miguel Pearson will also see time at linebacker.

“Linebacker is probably our strongest group on the defensive side as far as talent and depth,” Lorenzano said.

Senior Malachi Watson (6-1, 230) is a three-year starter for the Patriots who is considered one of the area’s best defensive ends. Helping him anchor the line will be senior end Darrien McQueen (5-9, 230) and senior noseguard Nasir Speights (5-7, 230), who are both returners.

Senior Jalen White and Wright bring experience to the cornerback positons while junior Chaz Mitchell and sophomore Duke Williams bring experience to the safety positions.

Senior Mason Rock returns as the team’s long snapper. Sophomore Zach Woods will be the team’s kicker though other athletes may handle punts.