Greenwood receives preseason national ranking

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Fullback Kevon Harrison and his teammates at Greenwood High were tabbed at No. 74 in the RivalsHigh 100 preseason poll. The teams is the first in the Palmetto State this season to be featured in the annual countdown.

Greenwood became the first Palmetto State program to be featured in this year’s RivalsHigh100 preseason poll Wednesday, debuting at No. 74.
The rankings, compiled by RivalsHigh senior analyst Dallas Jackson and a host of other experts in the realm of high school football, began Monday. Listing the top 100 teams with high expectations coming into the 2011
The Eagles, last year’s Class AAAA- Division II runner-up, finished last season ranked No. 57 in the poll after a 13-2 season in which the team held nine opponents under 10 points or less. According to Jackson, more of the same could be expected of Greenwood in 2011, returning a speedy, yet physical roster of athletes.
“Physicality is something that is being coached out of football. As more teams go to the spread on offense, and subsequently the opposition putting more defensive backs and undersized linebackers on the field, it is becoming a point of pride to have a strong and physical team,” Jackson said. “Greenwood likes to hit - and it isn't just on defense, as the running backs look for contact and the receivers block. Some teams just are not ready for that.”
Greenwood will have to validate its lofty ranking early on in the 2011 campaign, however, heading to The Reservation to play Gaffney Sept. 2. The Eagles will then host Dorman before traveling to Spartanburg, the Eagles’ last game before entering region play.
Click here to see what RivalsHigh had to say about Greenwood.

Class AA outlook

Little did we know that last December’s state title tilt between Central and Dillon could be the end of one of the more scintillating, highly contested rivalries in recent memory.
Avenging two years of falling a point short to their rivals from the Pee Dee, the Eagles rallied from a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to win their first Class AA championship since 2003 with a heart-stopping 21-17 win.
Unfortunately, with the decision to split the classification into separate divisions, another part will not be added to this saga in 2011, with Central headed for Division II and the Wildcats to compete in the Division I tournament.
But just as they have in previous years, the rival programs are again expected to journey deep into November, and quite possibly find themselves playing Dec. 2 at Charles W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia.
Dillon in particular has high hopes for the year, coming up just short last season with a lineup laden with youth. Sixteen starters return from last season’s Lower State championship squad.
At the head of the Wildcats’ youth movement is running back Jabo Lee, the rising junior racking up 2,325 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
Equally as dangerous this season will be Dillon’s passing game, which will be anchored by wide receiver Kwinton Smith, a South Carolina commitment. He caught 42 passes for 809 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2010.
If there is a question for the Wildcats left to answer, it is who will be at the controls of one of the state’s more prolific offenses? Thomas Grossetti and Malique Gregory will compete for the job, the winner finding themselves surrounded by a talented cast.
Central, however, will begin camp with plenty of holes to fill. Keyed to a state title last year on its strong one-two punch of Mardu Smith and Radford Robinson in the backfield, some new faces will have to pick up the slack if the team has any aspirations of making a return trip to Columbia.
“We’re not going to replace those two guys with just two guys but we feel we have six, seven or even eight players that can fill the void for us,” said Central head coach Joey Mangum to the S.C. High School Sports Report. “… We’ll be young but we have some ability.”
Nevertheless, the Eagles will remain quite nasty on defense, returning able starters such up front like Dedrick Shine, Kendrick Baker and Mark Hatten, and linebackers Tevis Funderburke and Renard Price.
Woodruff came within minutes of ending Central’s pursuit of a state title last year, its comeback bid halted in the final minutes of the 2010 Upper State championship game. The Wolverines renowned high octane offense has residents of the Upstate community excited for the upcoming campaign, which some believe can restore the program back to the glory days of famed coach W.L. Varner, who won 10 titles at the school.
Similar to Dillon, Woodruff will be able to dictate to its opponent how the game will be played, equally comfortable running or passing the pigskin. Clemson commit Javarius Leamon will anchor an offensive line whose duty is to protect quarterback Ryan Tribble and open running lanes for running backs Shun Tribble and Hermundre Rutledge.
The Wolverines are expected to pose the biggest threat to Dillon’s path to a state title in Division I, though talent laden squads such as Timberland, Strom Thurmond and Manning have the potential to give the Wildcats a run for their money. In Division II, Columbia, Silver Bluff and Indian Land will aim to shoot down the defending Class AA champs.

CLASS AA DIVISION I
FAVORITE: Dillon
CONTENDERS: Woodruff, Timberland, Strom Thurmond, Manning
LOOK OUT FOR: Cheraw -- A perennial power in Class AA, the Braves have recently fallen on hard times. Finally re-stocking the cupboard to levels reminiscent of past glory, it will be interesting to see of Cheraw can return to the top of Class AA.

CLASS AA DIVISION II
FAVORITE: Central
CONTENDERS: Silver Bluff, Columbia, Indian Land
LOOK OUT FOR: Hanahan -- The Hawks boast one of the state’s best athletes in wide receiver Chris Brown -- a true game breaker. Already receiving a number of offers from upper tier schools, Brown may be able to help Hanahan improve on its 8-4 record in 2010 and make it a legitimate player in Class AA Division II.

Class AAA outlook

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Fairfield Central fell twice last season to region rival South Pointe. This season, the Griffins are primed to supplant the Stallions as top dog in the Upper State.


Up until last year, Class AA and Class AAA were the only ones crowning a single champion rather than splitting its championship between two division winners.
A few months into the offseason, however, that all changed -- Class AAA now standing alone in the Palmetto State in crowning one, true champion.
After winning two of the classification’s past three titles -- including last season’s championship with a 27-23 triumph over South Pointe -- Myrtle Beach begins the 2011 campaign in the familiar role as favorite to continue its recent run of success. Different from the past few seasons, however, is the Seahawks will break in a new leader under center, Everett Golson departing for Notre Dame following a legendary career at the school.
Expected to compete for the job are rising juniors C.J. Cooper and Tyler Keane, a transfer from Carolina Forest over the summer. Myrtle Beach will also break in new starters at the skill positions and the offensive line.
An underrated unit last season, the Seahawks return seven starters on a defense now expected to lead the team back to the promised land.
Opponents in the Lower State will have trouble moving the ball against the squad’s fast, aggressive defensive front consisting of seniors Tyler Knox, Trey Vivian, and Kerry Chestnut, each getting looks by colleges. Leading tackler Octavius Thomas also returns.
While it’s hard to imagine anyone supplanting Myrtle Beach in the lower half of the state, a new one is eager to regain its spot atop the Upper State’s food chain.
A prolific offense helped take Fairfield Central to the Upper State’s version of the Turkey Bowl last season, only to be totally overmatched by a superior South Pointe squad led by top prospects Jadeveon Clowney and Gerald Dixon Jr. The Griffins may not be as laden with talent on the offensive side of the ball this season, but the team more than makes up for it on the defensive side, blessed with their own lineup of stars.
Opponents may find it particularly difficult to pass on Fairfield Central this season, returning three key members of its secondary -- Randall Adams, Davontre Parnell, and Shaferrell Jones. The Griffins are also strong on the defensive line, though there is a need at the linebacker position.
To help complement its strength on the defensive side of the ball, expect a heavy dose of running back Jimmy Walker this season, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last year.
Fairfield Central’s region rival, South Pointe, has many questions to answer as well. Graduating a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, the Stallions also lost their head coach Bobby Carroll to York. He was 50-18 during his time at the school, including a state championship in 2008.
It will be interesting to see how the program reshuffles after so many changes in the offseason, but with so much talent at its disposal, South Pointe should again contend this season.
Other squads which could make things interesting are Greenville, Wade Hampton-Greenville, Belton-Honea Path, and Seneca.

FAVORITE: Myrtle Beach
CONTENDERS: Fairfield Central, South Pointe, Belton-Honea Path, Greenville, Wade Hampton-Greenville, Seneca
LOOK OUT FOR: Bluffton-- Following a 12-2 season and a deep run in the state playoffs, the Bobcats return nine starters on offense and quite a wealth of talent on the defensive side of the ball. With a number of questions regarding a number of squads in the Lower State -- in particular reigning state champion Myrtle Beach -- Bluffton might be primed to ascend to the classification’s top rung.

Class AAAA - Division II outlook

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Without 2010 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Justin Worley (left) at the controls of Northwestern's offensive arsenal, first year head coach Kyle Richardson knows his team will have a target on its back this season.

For Northwestern, the third time was truly the charm.
Two consecutive years of disappointment came to a head last December, the Trojans finally getting over the hump in resounding fashion by way of a 42-10 thumping of Greenwood. It was the first title for the program since 1993, and its first undefeated football season in school history.
The victory provided the perfect swan song for quarterback Justin Worley, who during his time at Northwestern claimed several state passing records.
In April, legendary head coach Jimmy "Moose" Wallace also decided to call it quits after 31 years roaming the sideline, 24 of those at Northwestern. Wallace finished with a 286-62 record and four state titles.
On their way to last year's Class AAAA - Division II championship, the Trojans' perfect campaign clashed with another in the Lowcountry — that of Goose Creek. The Gators ran out to a 20-7 first half lead, only to watch Northwestern's "Air Raid" assault fight back and eventually claim the game.
Goose Creek head coach Chuck Reedy and his players have yet to forget about that game.
Ahead of the curve last season, the Gators come into 2011 as the odds-on favorite to claim the "Little 32" state title. Arguably boasting the Palmetto State's best running game keyed by its big bruiser at fullback Virgil Smalls and an improved passing game, it'll be tough to figure who can put the clamps on this offensive juggernaut.
Defensively, look for the squad to be equally as stout, led by hard hitting linebacker and Clemson commitment T.J. Burrell. However, one must wonder whether Goose Creek can stop the big play, evident in last year's loss to Northwestern.
Do not be surprised if the road to Death Valley in the Class AAAA-Division II ranks passes through "The Swamp."
The Trojans may have a say in how things finish though, returning 12 starters from last season's championship winning squad. Guru of the program's renowned "Air Raid" attack Kyle Richardson has taken the headset once fitting the head of Wallace, but he definitely will not be the only one with big shoes to fill.
Among the gaping holes seeking plugging are those left by Gatorade Football Player of the Year Worley, now at Tennessee, and star defensive tackle Gerald Dixon, a South Carolina signee. Whoever is under center for the Trojans will have plenty of experience at wide receiver to count on though, among them B.J. Boyd and Rontavious McClure.
Also hungry to get the sour taste of defeat out of its mouth is Greenwood. Though Shrine Bowl linebacker Quinn Backus — a key piece of a defense which gave up under 15 points per game last season — is gone, coach Gene Cathcart's cupboard is far from bare, bringing back 11 players from a team which advanced to the state title game.
Speed will be the name of the game for Greenwood, this year expected to stretch teams out by way of weapons like all-purpose back D.J. Goodman, who can line up in the backfield and split out at wide receiver on any given play. The Eagles potentially could be even better than last year on defense, particularly at linebacker where Davon Durant and Marquavious Lewis will roam free.
Easley, North Augusta and Beaufort could also make things interesting this season, each trying to make that next step toward a title.

FAVORITE: Goose Creek
CONTENDERS: Greenwood, Northwestern, Easley, North Augusta, Beaufort, Wren
LOOK OUT FOR: Conway — After three consecutive close calls in the state title game, the Tigers fell on hard times — particularly the last seasons in which head coach Chuck Jordan's teams could not get past the five win plateau, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs each time. This year's team has the talent to break the trend, led by the versatile Mychal Moody. Look for Conway to reassert its dominance in Region VI-AAAA.

Class AAAA-Big 16 outlook

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Dorman's Raymond Smith hopes to again lead the Cavaliers to the promised land in 2011. However, getting past rival Byrnes could be quite the task in Class AAAA's Big 16 ranks, which could be as hotly contested as it has been in recent years.

Arguably, no other title is more coveted in South Carolina high school athletics than the Big 16 football championship.
Three out of the past four years, however, the hardware has found a home in Duncan on the Byrnes High School campus, including last season when the Rebels disposed of cross-county rival Dorman 34-14 in the state championship game. It was the program’s 10th state title overall.
Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Byrnes, replacing several Division I talents such as South Carolina star running back Marcus Lattimore and Rutgers signal caller Chas Dodd. At least through the end of the regular season another championship seemed in doubt, head coach Chris Miller’s squad losing three games -- the most it had lost since 2007-- equaling its total from the preceding two seasons.
Keyed by the hard running of Shakeem Wharton and a steady defense which gathered itself at the right time, Byrnes easily defeated Mauldin before impressive wins at Dutch Fork and against Lexington en route to the final.
Wanting to gain a measure of revenge from its loss to Dorman in the 2009 final, the Rebels jumped quickly on their rivals and seized control of the game and the crown, winning 34-14.
Byrnes is again in a familiar role to begin the 2011 season, favored to repeat as Class AAAA Big 16 champion. Returning the likes of Wharton, speedy wide receiver Akia Booker and many pieces of a quick, disciplined defense including “Doc“ Dillard and Jamal Johnson, one should expect the squad to make another deep run in the playoffs.
Inexperience at quarterback could derail such aspirations however, the high octane offense of the Rebels expected to start sophomore signal caller Shuler Bentley. Byrnes last great quarterback, Dodd, first led the squad as a sophomore, part of a unit which won two state titles.
Bentley, his half brother, could become the next to be fitted for a ring.
Among those at the head of the line hoping to dethrone Byrnes again is Dorman, returning running back Raymond Smith, who rushed for 2,000+ yards last season, in addition to Patrick DeStefano, the state’s top offensive lineman. One has to wonder whether the squad can overcome the amount of talent it lost last year, including Clemson signee wide receiver Charone Peake.
Gaffney is also expected to make a run this year at adding to its state record total of 16 championships. Though losing veteran signal caller DeEdward Burris, a talented core returns, including highly sought after wideout Quinshad Davis. The Indians are expected to be as stout as they have been in several years on defense, keyed in the middle by linebacker Savon Dukes.
Dutch Fork, which lost to the Rebels 31-14 last November in the Class AAAA Big 16 quarterfinals, should make strides in head coach Tom Knotts’ second season on the job. The Region IV-AAAA champions return quite a talent at running back in Brandon Quattlebaum, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season, and is expected to shoulder the load again in 2011 for the Silver Foxes.
No one needs to be introduced to Lexington’s Shaq Roland. However, the X-Factor in the Wildcats’ potential to make a run at a state title lies with Kevin Miller, whose tough running was instrumental in the squad to the Region V-AAAA title last season.
Lexington made its deepest run in the state playoffs in 2010 since Demetrius Summers roamed the gridiron at the school, and is looking to take that final step this year.
Don't be surprised if Summerville rebounds and contends for a title this season following a disappointing 2010 according to its lofty standards.

FAVORITE: Byrnes
CONTENDERS: Dorman, Gaffney, Dutch Fork, Lexington, Summerville
LOOK OUT FOR: Spartanburg - The Vikings come into 2011 with its most talented squad in years, particularly at the quarterback position. Look for the squad to make quite a bit of noise in Region III-AAAA this season.

It will be here before you know it...

Byrnes' running back Shakeem Wharton, a key cog in the Rebels' state championship run a year ago, leads a talented attack that has aspirations of a repeat.

It’s almost as if you can sniff it in the air… football days are near.
As the NFL and NBA divvy through paperwork in an effort to avoid work stoppages, the Friday night lights are guaranteed to shine in 2011.
Few states shone more brightly than the Palmetto State last year, sporting the nation’s top prospect in South Carolina signee defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney (South Pointe) and the Gatorade National Player of the Year in Northwestern quarterback Justin Worley, bound for Tennessee.
Bricks are being laid for the upcoming season, seen through various offseason camps and drills at the crack of dawn. Camps open at the end of the month, and with every passing day a new beginning draws closer.
Several teams will begin their respective campaigns in familiar territory; Byrnes, after dispatching rival Dorman in the state title game, again is considered an odd’s on favorite in Class 4A’s Big 16 ranks. Scott’s Branch enters a new season winners of two consecutive Class A- Division II titles, while Abbeville won its first state title since 1996.
Deep in talent, Class 2A king Central (Pageland) despite losing quite a number of players key in its title run to graduation, believe it has more than enough left in the cupboard to defend its crown in 2011.
Two other state titlists open summer camp with questions.
Gone for Northwestern, the Class 4A-Division II champion which finished ranked No. 4 nationally in the RivalsHigh 100 poll, is not only Worley --but also legendary head coach Jimmy “Moose” Wallace. Taking his headset is Kyle Richardson, whose play calling has helped turn the Trojans’ “Air Raid” attack, which in recent years has set the bar in terms of offensive production.
Two of the past three Class 3A championship trophies reside in Myrtle Beach, both having much to do with the heroics of its quarterback. A new era begins under center for the Seahawks, with inexperienced C.J. Cooper and Carolina Forest transfer Tyler Keane to vie for the job.
For the rest, hope springs anew; last year’s inadequacies meaning nothing, potential is all that matters.
The heart of the summer may be just over the horizon, but in that same location is football.