Area Football Snapshot: Thomson travels to Burke County; Greenbrier takes on the region leader; Westside invades Laney's homecoming and more

Beau Shugarts - Greenbrier

Thomson (5-2, 2-1) at Burke County (2-2, 2-1)

Class 3A, Region 4

Thomson stands one game behind Burke County and Richmond (6-1, 3-0) in the region standings. In my opinion, this is usually the area's most exciting game. And there is no better place for football than the Bear Den in Waynesboro. I will be there to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Daveion Henry - Burke County

#10 Clarke Central (5-2, 4-0) at Greenbrier (5-1, 2-1)

Class 5A, Region 8

An upset win at home would propel the Wolfpack into the region's top spot. For a good reason, Greenbrier's passing attack has made headlines all season, with quarterback Brooks Pangle (1342 passing yards, 6 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions), and receivers Brayden Collett (450 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns) and Malik Leverett (337 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns) relentlessly lighting up scoreboards.

But just as eye popping have been the statistics posted on the defensive side by 6-3, 255 pound senior linemen Beau Shugarts, who has logged 75 total tackles (51 solo) and 20 tackles for a loss!

4th Take Films's Seth Wesley will be on the Greenbrier sidelines to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Malik Leverett - Greenbrier

#4 Blackville-Hilda (5-0, 5-0) at Williston-Elko (3-2, 3-1)

(SC) Class 1A, Region 3

The Fighting Hawks will have to earn a win on the road to extend their unbeaten streak and secure a region championship. A win for Williston-Elko would throw the region standings into chaos as #4 Blackville-Hilda, #9 Wagener-Salley and Williston-Elko would all be tied for first place with 1 loss each. And remember, only two teams from each region get an automatic playoff spot in South Carolina this season.

Adonis Davis - Blackville-Hilda

Morgan County (3-3, 1-1) at Richmond (6-1, 3-0)

Class 3A, Region 4

Between this game and the game in Waynesboro, region 4's top four teams will jockey for positioning in the top half of this 7 team league's standings. Four teams from the league will make the playoffs, but only two will start the post season with a home game.

Richmond's rushing attack was dominant in last week's 33-26 win over Hephzibah. The distinguished Musketeer offensive line paved the way for 388 yards on the ground, including 230 for Jontavious Curry and 114 for Rashad Williams.

Jackson Murphy and Rashad Williams (Richmond)

#5 Aquinas (7-0, 0-0) at Savannah Country Day (2-3, 0-0)

Class 1A Private, Region 3

Aquinas will finally open region play Friday. Since the last time we checked in on the Fighting Irish, the offense has continued to pound it on the ground to the tune of 328 yards and 5 touchdowns per game rushing! If the guys handle business on the road tomorrow, all eyes will turn to the following week's matchup at home against #8 Savannah Christian (6-1).

Lee Perry (70) - Aquinas

Evans (4-2, 1-0) at Lakeside (1-5, 0-1)

Class 6A, Region 3

The Knights will try to take the next step on the road to repeating as the region champion when they face arch rival Lakeside, which has struggled so far. But tear up the records when these two teams meet!

Kaleb Jackson (10) and Lleyton Lackey (1) - Evans

Westside (4-3, 3-1) at Laney (3-3, 3-1) - Saturday at 2:00 P.M.

Class 2A, Region 4

Both the Wildcats and the Patriots stand one game behind region leaders Putnam County and Jefferson County in this eight team league. It will be a homecoming game for Laney and I will be there to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Marcellus Brigham - Laney

Pelion (2-0, 2-0) at Silver Bluff (2-2, 1-2)

Class 2A, Region 5

Freshman running back Traevon Dunbar has quietly had one of the best seasons of any area player. Dunbar rushed for 6 touchdowns last week in Silver Bluff’s 52-24 win over Williston-Elko. 4th Take Films's Dangelo Bridges will be on the Silver Bluff sidelines to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Had 6 touchdown this game 🐶💪🏾🐶 pic.twitter.com/4wfQNhle8R

— Traevon Dunbar (@DunbarTraevon) October 24, 2020

Area Football Snapshot: Interview with John Starr II, Josey's Second Year Head Coach

Corey Thomas (8) - Josey

The interview below reminded me that the value of a high school coach cannot always be measured by wins and losses. In his first answer, Coach Starr describes a roster of more than 60 players, which is twice as large as the one he inherited 12 months earlier, practicing diligently for three months in anticipation of Josey's first game, which finally came several weeks after it was originally scheduled to take place. This steadfastness from a group of players who had seen their school's team lose 29 straight games could only be inspired by a strong leader, one whose enthusiasm and devotion to his players is exceptional. Josey's dedication was rewarded on opening night when the Eagles topped Cross Creek 14-8 in overtime.

29 straight losses as a program. 14 days no practice/game cancellations. The opportunity to enjoy this win with all of the kids, coaches, parents and supporters. Things money can’t buy. #ForeverGrateful pic.twitter.com/PewQxDWv25

— John Starr II (@jstarr_ii) September 29, 2020

So which coach is more valuable, one who wins 10 games in a season, or one who inspires an additional 30 players to make the investment and sacrifice to participate in a sport they otherwise never would have tried, giving them the chance to learn the lessons sports can teach, and to feel the support of their community, win or lose? Read what Coach Starr says below and you might agree with me when I say that if I had a football playing son, I would be thrilled for him to play for a team like Josey.

Interview with John Starr II, Josey's Second Year Head Coach

Chad:

Josey opened the season with a win, and you noted on social media that it was the program's first victory in 29 games. You also noted the difficult start to the season with games being postponed because of Covid complications. I saw the Hephzibah game and despite the result I was encouraged by the team's effort and spirit. And the following Friday I was also encouraged while I followed the score updates and saw that Josey was hanging with (back-to-back region champion) Jefferson County relatively deep into the game.

Can you describe the difficulty of trying to build winning habits and a positive attitude during these crazy pandemic times, and are you encouraged by your team's progress in doing so?

John Starr II:

Sure. When we were cleared to resume voluntary workouts in June the character of our program was revealed quickly. Despite a lack of success in recent seasons, our kids, coaches, parents and supporters have been all in from the beginning. The players and coaches came out and worked hard for nearly 4 months before even having the opportunity to play. The parents and community have been supportive and flexible in supporting the program. Whether it be getting the kids to practice or providing donations, nutrition and equipment, the Josey family gets the job done. Our players are great kids who have good attitudes. Practicing as long as we had to before competition created a little fatigue, but the kids kept coming and kept working.

Believe it or not the overwhelming majority of our team is comprised of kids who are new to the sport of football. So although we are disappointed to come up short in a few contests, everyone understands that we are gaining invaluable experience and we genuinely love being with one another. We have 10 seniors who hadn’t seen Josey win a game since the first contest their freshman year. Despite all the belittling they have received, they didn’t transfer or look to find an easy way out. They stayed home, worked hard, and that’s true character and toughness. These kids are incredibly resilient and an inspiration to us all. They have played an instrumental part in creating a strong culture at Josey whether we win 15 games or 0.

Chad:

Wow that is a great description. Thank you. When you say "the overwhelming majority of our team is comprised of kids who are new to the sport of football," it reminds me that it seems like your roster is much larger now than it was when you took over (December of 2018). Is that true? How many players do you have now, and how many played for the team right before you got there?

John Starr II

Currently we have 61 kids in our program and the year before I took over it was in the low 30’s. We don’t discriminate against kids who have never played or are undersized. Football is an avenue for personal growth and development and it’s our job as coaches to help these young men whether they are Friday night ready or not.

Chad:

Have you made a special effort to reach out to students to make it clear that you want them to participate even if they didn't play youth football or middle school school ball? Earlier you mentioned the community being supportive. It would be neat to learn about people, either employees of the school or members of the community who care about Josey and its students, who have helped you make the opportunity to play football accessible to more students.

John Starr II

Yes sir. I encourage and reach out to our students about being involved in athletics whether they have experience or not. Football is no different. The employees at Josey go over and beyond to be sure our kids have what they need. They spend extra time assisting athletes as well as notifying coaches when attention may be needed within the classroom. They spend money out of their own pockets supporting fundraisers and donating gift bags for the teams on game days. You can always find our employees at sporting events also which means a lot to everyone. The alumni at Josey does any and everything they can to support our players and school whether it’s donations, buying cleats, jerseys, sweatsuits etc. We never have to worry about small things such as pre game meals because the alumni are always there. The alumni and surrounding community in general play a pivotal role in having successful programs and they certainly are doing their part.

Demarion Calloway (2), Xavier Olds (3) and Jikil Alston (1)

Chad

Reading your words about the community and the alumni makes me happy. Over the years I have seen examples of the pride of the alumni and the Josey community in general, so I believe you.

Help us get to know your players better. I know you are very proud of them.

John Starr II

Let's start with junior quarterback Demarion Calloway, sophomore wide receiver Xavier Olds and a senior leader, Tony Roundtree Jr., who at 6-3 and 240 is a dominant defensive lineman in our area.

What’s special about these kids is their unique work ethic. Every time Josey is competing those guys are competing. They play sports all year round: football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, track, tennis and soccer (not all of them play every sport, but they all play 3, minimum). All three of these kids show up hours before practice in the summer and lift weights, do drill work on the field and even call team practices and workouts without a coach's involvement. They love the game of football, but what I love the most is they go out year round and represent the green and gold. And that’s rare to see in kids nowadays. Crazy enough Demarion and Xavier are examples of the kids that weren’t football players and are just now learning the game. Both are second year players.

I would also love to note that senior Jikil Alston and sophomore Jacorin Thomas are not only tremendous players, but they're also in the top of their classes academically. They are selfless kids and both started at QB for us last year. Although they are both talented enough to start QB for plenty of teams, they have led the team on special teams and defense, and they both make plays as wide receivers. I'm lucky to coach players like that.

Friday's @AugBball Coverage Schedule

Highlights and updates from Josey's (1-3, 0-2) road game against Laney (2-3, 2-1) will be shared on the @AugBball timeline on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Also featured on the timelines will be another class 2A, region 4 matchup between Westside (3-3, 2-1) and Butler (2-3, 0-3). Get familiar with Westside by reading the "Snapshot" taken of the Patriots at this link:

Area Football Snapshot: Westside's Homecoming Provides Chance to Build Momentum

Area Football Snapshot: Westside's Homecoming Provides Chance to Build Momentum

Treyvon Grandison (Nose Guard) - Westside

Sporting a 3-3 overall record and a 2-1 region mark, Westside will enter Friday's homecoming game against Butler (2-3, 0-3) with a golden opportunity to get one win closer to achieving two things the program hasn't in many years:

1. A winning record for the season, which would be the program's first since 2013
2. A state playoff birth (which goes to the the region's top 4 teams), something the Patriots haven't attained since 2014

But such accomplishments must be earned, starting with Friday's matchup against Butler, who topped Westside 6-3 last season in a pivotal region game also played at Carlton Thompson Field on Patriots Way.

A Dominant Defense

Up to the task will be Westside's defense, a unit that established itself as a force early last season by giving up an average of 5 points per game through the first 8 contests. Returning and continuing to make progress this season is a secondary packed with playmakers, including the safety tandem of brothers CJ (a senior) and Kaleb Hutchinson (a junior), who have each hauled in two interceptions already, and cornerbacks Robert Pulliam and Tyler Evans, both seniors.

Kaleb Hutchinson (DB/WR) - Westside

Second year head coach Jon Wiley said Tuesday in an email interview that his defensive backs are "fun to watch," and he credits assistant coach Chris Crayton, a former Westside star who played defensive back at the Division I and professional level, for helping the unit, saying Crayton "does an excellent job getting them prepared each week."

Both Wiley and Crayton believe Kaleb Hutchinson, at 6-1 and 180 pounds, has the potential to be a division 1 player. Here's Hutchinson intercepting a pass in a game against Laney last season:

Another high impact returnee is junior Treyvon Grandison, a 6-1 and 305 pound nose guard who earned all region honors as a sophomore last year. Coach Wiley thinks Grandison is the best defensive lineman in the area. Watch Grandison as a sophomore as he bullies his way into the backfield to make a tackle for a loss in a game against Richmond last season:

 

Wiley also has good things to say about Grandison's fellow lineman, senior Bo Alford (6-0 and 265). He noted Alford's strength and his ability to play anywhere on the line. Alford leads the team in tackles for loss, sacks and pressures.

Bo Alford (DL) - Westside

Wiley continued with praise for "speedy pass rushers" Rakeem Blount and Charles Dawson, both juniors who measure 6-1 and 240 pounds. Also noted were contributions from linebackers Damarien Lee (2nd on the team in tackles), Dion Wright (14 tackles in Westside's most recent game), Hannibal Simmons, Sean Taylor, Damontae Coleman, and Jack Wise, who also took over at quarterback in week 2 after the original starter TJ Price was injured.

Westside's Improving Offense

Wiley sees reason for optimism when it comes to the offense, which struggled during last season's 3-7 campaign. The ground game has improved dramatically as lead back Xzavier Green, a junior, has piled up 774 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns through 6 games while running behind a beefy offensive line that averages 280 pounds per man. That front is led by Javon Nathan (6-3, 295), Jordan Grissett (6-4, 310) and Treveon Few (6-1, 285), all of whom are juniors. The unit has helped the Patriots pile up 18 total rushing touchdowns for the season.

Treveon Few (OL) - Westside

Westside's passing game has also shown flashes despite early injury problems. Price, who spent time under center last season as a sophomore, threw for 297 yards in the first 5 quarters of action this season before Wise, a baseball star who is playing QB for the first time, was thrust into action. Wiley praised both signal callers, and he looks forward to having the option to use them both at some point during the season. Targets on the outside include Robert Pulliam, Kaleb Hutchinson, Jermichel Ambrose and Cameron Collins.

Robert Pulliam (WR/CB) - Westside

A Special Teams Bonus

Westside also received a boost in its special teams efforts, as Wiley explained in detail:

"We struggled in the first 3 games on special teams. Replacing an all state kicker like Maddox Hankinson is extremely difficult," said Wiley. "Luckily a young man named Sean Metcalf walked into my office and asked if he could try a few extra points. First day he came out he hit from 50. We were all in shock. I’m normally pretty keen on getting reps in practice, but at one point I think the entire team stopped to watch him. It was cool moment. He drilled his first FG attempt from 41 yards and has taken over kick off duty. His father is from across the pond and still refers to the game as American Football, which I get a kick out of. Sean is a good athlete and has great work ethic. We were fortunate Coach John Newton allowed him to come kick in addition to his work on the Cross Country team. He also plays cricket and has a 4.0. He’s only a sophomore. He just started working with Westside legend Obi Egekesi (former place kicker for the University of Maryland). I’m certain that if he continues at this pace he’ll be D1."

Friday's Coverage Schedule

Highlights and updates from Westside's homecoming game against Butler will be shared on the @AugBball timeline on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Also featured on the timelines will be another class 2A, region 4 matchup between Laney (2-3, 2-1) and Josey (1-3, 0-2). Get familiar with Laney, who will host Westside the following week, by reading the "Snapshot" taken of the Wildcats at this link:

Area Football Snapshot: Laney is hitting its stride while learning to overcome adversity

Area Football Snapshot: Laney is hitting its stride while learning to overcome adversity

After committing a turnover and falling behind Butler 8-6 in the fourth quarter on the road Friday, Laney calmly marched 65 yards down the field and scored the game's go-ahead touchdown on a 20 yard completion from freshman Javaris Harris to sophomore Marcellus Brigham.

The pivotal drive, which resulted in a 12-8 region victory for the Wildcats, encapsulated what acting head coach Chris Thomas meant in a post game interview conducted over Facebook Messenger Saturday when he said "this season has had its share of adversity... but we are making the best of the opportunity and seizing the moment." 

The winner of two of its last three games, no area team has been hit harder by Covid-19 complications than Laney (2-3, 2-1), who because of the virus has played all five of its games without head coach Rashad Dunn while also having to make due without starting quarterback Keshaun Sanders for the first two games of the season.

The trials have been many: 

- First, Laney's opener against arch rival Josey was postponed (and moved to this Friday).

- Next Thomas found out two days before its first game against Grovetown (a 6-2 loss on the road) that the sophomore Sanders would be quarantined (because of contact tracing) for two weeks, thrusting the freshman Harris into starting QB duty. 

- Then the team had to cancel practices the Monday and Tuesday after the first game so the entire school could be sanitized, making preparation for its game at Lincoln County that week (a 13-7 loss) that much more difficult. 

Understandably, the offense has encountered problems with penalties and turnovers because of the chaos. Mix in the fact that Troy commit Jordan Stringer, Laney's star running back and linebacker, was unable to play for the better part of two games because of a lower body injury, and you get a recipe for disaster... one would think.

Troy commit Jordan Stringer (14), a four-year Laney starter

Responding to adversity:

But Thomas couldn't be more proud of his players for the way they have responded, particularly Friday night when a group of men made of less would have folded:

"Having to keep these kids' minds sane has been a job within itself, especially with such a young team with limited (36 players) numbers," Thomas explained before concluding with noticeable pride that "...last night we grew up as a team and persevered through all the turnovers and penalties to get a pivotal win in region play."

 

Player Profiles:

Despite the obvious difficulties, Laney has been able to rely on a strong defense that is anchored by Stringer and fellow seniors CJ Madison (nose guard) and Corey Alexander (linebacker). All three players have started for at least three seasons. Led by those veterans, the unit has held opponents to 10 points per game, and on Friday Butler was able to manage only 65 yards of total offense.

CJ Madison (53) and Corey Alexander (4)

Jordan Stringer -

Jordan Stringer (2) - August, 2019

Thomas gushed about Stringer, a four-year starter who received Augusta Chronicle All Area honors as far back as his freshman season, and who has been a leader on both the football and the basketball team since the day he stepped onto Laney's campus:

"Jordan is one of the most humble kids I have ever been around. But this year one of our coaches talked to him about having to be a different type of leader this year, and having to be more vocal because he is a kid that really leads by example," Thomas said. "Here is a kid that has over a 3.6 GPA and can graduate in December if he likes. He actually was attending classes Augusta Tech last year. He is part of the early college program that Laney used to have. He often gets down on himself when he feels like he does something he knows better than to do, but he’s a kid that also will come back and make up for it."

Marcellus Brigham - 

Marcellus Brigham (5) - August, 2019

Thomas also heaped heavy praise on Brigham. First, let me say that I agree with Chris's assessments (below) and I must also say that at 6-3 and 190, the sophomore wide receiver's appearance and play are striking to the eye in a way that is truly unique. Brigham has four touchdown receptions this season, and he plays all over the field on the other side of the ball. Thomas described Marcellus's versatility:

"He is really like a unicorn. The first 2 games we lined him up at linebacker where he had a few tackles for loss. The last game we asked him to go down and play defensive end to rush the passer and contain him, which he did very well. This week we asked him to play safety to give our secondary a boost. He has played all three at a very high level. Not sure why power 5 schools are not reaching out which I’m sure is all about to change after this season."

Marcellus Brigham makes a tackle against Aquinas in August, 2019

If you are skeptical about Thomas's next statement, I encourage you to go watch Laney play and judge for yourself:

"I truly believe that kid (Brigham) is the number 1 athlete in the class of ‘23," Thomas declared. "And I’m not saying that because he is my player. You ask every opponent we have played so far. I mean offensively he is seeing double teams as a sophomore and still managing to make the play when presented with the chance."

And in case you want it clarified, like I did, Thomas means Marcellus is the best sophomore athlete in the nation!

Marcellus Brigham makes a diving catch against Aquinas.

Javaris Harris -

This season Brigham has been on the receiving end of all four of Laney's touchdown passes, two each from Sanders, the sophomore, and Harris, the freshman. Sanders has impressed Thomas with his accuracy, and Harris with his playmaking ability, his composure (especially for a freshman), and his ability to "take some pretty tough licks."

Harris leads the team in rushing touchdowns (4) to go with his two passing touchdowns. And the freshman showed uncommon composure Friday when during his first series behind center in the game he led the Wildcats on their fourth quarter go-ahead touchdown drive.

"He's a very unique individual. The kid is a threat wherever he is playing at on the field," Thomas explained. "This is a kid the area better get used to hearing about. He just has that “IT” factor. Very dynamic with the ball in his hands."

Javaris Harris (5) - Laney

The road ahead:

Laney's only loss during region play came at the hands of league leader Putnam County (6-0, 3-0). This Friday the Wildcats will their long time rival Josey (1-3, 0-2), who will be trying to build on the progress it has seen recently after winning its first game in 29 tries on its opening night.

From there the road for the Wildcats will get even more difficult as the remaining opponents (Westside, Oconee County and Jefferson County) all currently sport region records at or above .500. Thomas made a point of saying that one of the team's goal is to make the state playoffs, something no player on the current roster has experienced. If the Wildcats keep making progress, and maybe catch a break or two, they could very well deliver on that goal.

Area Football Snapshot: Breaking down the race in the area's most competitive region, which includes top 10 regulars Wagener-Salley, Blackville-Hilda, Ridge Spring-Monetta and Williston-Elko

Remedee Leaphart - Ridge Spring-Monetta

If you, like I, come from the Georgia side of the huge Central Savannah River Area, you might have not yet discovered the treasure that is the South Carolina High School League's class 1A, region 3 scene, which in the two seasons since I happened upon it has been headlined by four teams that seem to do almost weekly battle, while continuously populating the state's top 10 rankings, and figuring into every round of the post season. These are the teams in focus, their current statewide ranking, their finish in the 2019 state playoffs and their school enrollment figures:

Blackville-Hilda

Current Ranking - #5

2019 season playoff finish - Class 1A quarter-finalist

School enrollment - 186

Wagener-Salley

Current Ranking - #8

2019 season playoff finish - Class 1A semi-finalist

School enrollment - 270

Ridge Spring-Monetta

Current Ranking - #9

2019 season playoff finish - Class 1A Runner-up

School enrollment - 249

Williston-Elko

Current Ranking - NR

2019 season playoff finish - Class 1A first round exit

School enrollment - 259

"The Toughest Region in Class A"

Brian Smith, the second year head coach for #9 Ridge Spring-Monetta, took the time during a busy week preparing for this Friday's homecoming showdown against #5 Blackville-Hilda to describe what it's like to play in such a competitive region, and what's unique about small town football:

"We believe that our region is the toughest in 1A football in SC. Last year we finished third in our region but second in the state," Smith explained. "We defeated the first and second place teams in the playoffs. There are no easy victories or cupcakes in our region. Yes, every week feels like a playoff game and has huge playoff implications. These small town environments are what make high school football great. Playing tough games each week in hostile environments adds to the excitement every time we take the field."

October's "Region Tournament"

Because of this season's coronavirus induced 7 game SCHSL regular season schedule, and because only two teams (it's usually four) from each region will qualify for the state playoffs, when this month is over every Friday night in October will have featured essentially a must-win game between two of the four teams mentioned above. That six game slate, which is currently half-completed, reminds me of the region tournaments that exist in the Georgia high school basketball scene. Here's a run down of the league's standings, a look at where things are headed, and a review of what has already transpired:

Class 1A, Region 4 Standings

Blackville-Hilda (3-0)

Wagener-Salley (2-1)

Williston-Elko (2-1)

Ridge Spring-Monetta (1-1)

Hunter-Kinard Tyler (1-2); Denmark-Olar (0-2); Calhoun County (0-2); North (0-0)

In addition to this Friday's showdown between Blackville-Hilda and Ridge Spring Monetta, which will be played at RSM, we can look forward to RSM hosting Wagener-Salley (a rematch of last season's state playoff semifinal game) on October 23rd, and a game between Blackville-Hilda and Williston-Elko, in Williston, on October 30.

Video: Ridge Spring Monetta's dynamic junior quarterback Remedee Leaphart and receiver Bret Smith:

If the first three games in this "tournament" taught us anything, it should be that there is no way to predict how the next three will go. Here's a review of what has happened so far, along with a sampling of the exciting players and action this region can be counted on to display:

From October 2nd -

#5 Blackville-Hilda 42, #8 Wagener-Salley 0

This result was a shocker when it was posted. Wagener-Salley dominated the regular season last year. The surprise was one of three unexpected results in the first half of the October round robin.

Also from October 2nd

Williston Elko 32, #9 Ridge Spring-Monetta 6

AJ Chandler - Williston-Elko

The Blue Devils, led by first year head coach Richard Bush, made their presence known with a beat down on the road of last season's state playoff runner up. Williston-Elko was led in the statistical categories by a quartet of playmakers, three of whom excelled on both sides of the ball, which is the rule, not the exception, in class 1A ball:

AJ Chandler

(Senior) WR/DB - 4 receptions, 111 yards and 2 touchdowns; 1 interception

Javier Rudolph

(Sr) QB/FS - 10-11 passing for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns; 18 carries for 72 yards and 2 TDs; 1 pass break up

DeShawn Singleton

(Jr) RB - 20 carries for 106 yards; 3 receptions for 31 yards

Bryce Washington

(Jr) WR/CB - 2 interceptions; 3 receptions for 22 yards

Along with a pair of Wagener-Salley stalwarts whom I'll detail further down, Chandler, who has committed to Howard University, would deserve to be featured on anybody's "All CSRA Team." Here he is skying high for a catch before pulling it down and sprinting to the end zone in Williston-Elko's win at RSM:

From October 9th

Wagener-Salley 50, Williston-Elko 33

Wagener-Salley's road win was only surprising because of the prior week's region results. In an email interview Tuesday, fifth year head coach Willie Fox provided feedback for what led to the resurgence of the War Eagles in last week's win:

"The biggest factor in us being able to get a win over Williston-Elko after getting beaten so badly against Blackville-Hilda was the resiliency of our kids," Fox explained. "A lot of things went badly in the Blackville-Hilda game, and honestly, we did not respond well as a team. We talked all week at practice after the game about how we needed to be prepared for a dog fight against Williston-Elko and that is exactly what happened. Our kids responded well and were able to show the fight needed all night to get a victory over a good football team."

Elijah Davis (7) - Wagener-Salley

Three War Eagles posted eye popping statistics in the process:

Cameron Davis

(So) RB - 15 Carries for 220 Yards, 3 TDs and a 2 Point Conversion

AJ Swedenburg

(Sr) WR/CB - 3 receptions for 110 Yards and 2 touchdowns; 2 carries for 43 yards and a TD:

Because of plays like these, Swedenburg was probably the most exciting player I watched last season:

Elijah Davis

(Sr) LB/DE - 12 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble; also played every play on offense to help pave the way for 427 yards rushing

Davis, listed by 247 Sports as a 6-4 and 259 pound defensive end, might be the CSRA's most highly recruited player. That site reports he has received scholarship offers from 9 Division I schools, including South Carolina and West Virginia. Coach Fox confirmed to me that last Friday was Davis's first game at the middle linebacker position. I was particularly impressed by his footwork in being able to keep smaller and faster rushers in front of him before moving in for a sure handed tackle:

Area Football Snapshot: Richmond and Thomson will Clash for the Region's Top Spot

Rashad Williams - Richmond

"We know it's a fourth quarter game... it's a marathon, not a sprint." 

That's what running back Rashad Williams told me minutes after Richmond's 20-10 victory over Harlem last Friday when I asked him how he and and the blockers who helped spring him loose for a game sealing fourth quarter touchdown seemed to get fresher as the game wore on. The 10 play, 80 yard scoring drive that ended with Williams scampering into the end zone from 10 yards out showed another example of Richmond's endurance, something that's unexpected from a roster with only 42 players.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chad Cook (@augbball) on Oct 9, 2020 at 7:05pm PDT

 

The Musketeers, 4-1 overall and 1-0 in region play, also overcame a 9 point second half deficit in a recent win over Evans. Fourth year head coach Lyle Burns explained Tuesday in an email interview some of the measures his staff has implemented to help his players be at their best when it matters most:

"We have made a strong effort to peak and have plenty of gas in the tank on Fridays," Burns explained. "We have a hydration and nutrition plan in place and several other recovery activities that we use... Our practice schedule has been manipulated a lot over the last couple of years to increase efficiency. A lot of this has been done to curb some disadvantages that we have."

Stamina wasn't the only factor displayed when Richmond clinched its first league win Friday on the road. Impressive execution, creative play calling and the use of several playmakers (including a pair of quarterbacks who regularly alternate behind center) who all possess different and complimentary abilities were also factors in the team's success, as Burns explained: 

"First we have 2 running backs, Rashad Williams (Senior) and Jontavius Curry (So), that run very hard and a mobile QB in Maurice Freeman (So) along with Jackson Murphy's (So) improvement throwing the ball. They all do something different very well. I think that keeps defenses honest and having to play more predictable alignments, which helps offensive linemen determine their assignment much easier. I think on both of those drives [including the game opening 68 yard drive that ended in an 11 yard touchdown toss from Murphy to Chris Murray (Sr)] we had some good play calls with advantageous formations and our linemen did a great job of executing."

 

Richmond's offense takes the field
(14) Maurice Freeman, (55) Donovan Stevens-Craig,
(50) Travon Heard, (2) Rashad Williams and
(16) Jackson Murphy

Thomson will pose a stiffer test this Friday

Class 3A, region 4 action will heat up considerably when Thomson (also 4-1 and 1-0), will visit the historic Frank Inman Field at ARC Stadium*, home of the Musketeers, in a game that will be televised live on MeTV. In addition to a rich tradition of winning, the Bulldogs might have the most complete team in the area. Much like Richmond, opponents have trouble from series to series, and even from play to play, figuring out which of Thomson's playmakers will attack from what position.

Third year head coach Michael Youngblood summarized nicely Thomson's dizzying array of weapons in an email exchange:

"Tay Martin (Junior) is the catalyst of our offense. He is a playmaker whether at QB or WR and can be dynamic," Youngblood started. "Jahkious Jones (Fr) being brought along at the QB position allows Tay and Ashton Perry (Jr) to be threats on the outside in the passing game while opening running lanes for Snoop Williams (Jr), Lilvasco Winfrey (Sr) and Kindarius Green (Jr) at the RB position."

Snoop Williams - Thomson

A couple clips from Thomson's only loss of the season, suffered at the hands of Ware County, which might be the best team in class 5A, illustrate the exciting plays Youngblood's offensive weapons are capable of displaying:

Coach Youngblood also noted impact made by senior linebacker Skyler Lewis as well as the play in the trenches by defensive tackle Cam Wells (Sr) and offensive tackle DaiJuan Kendrick (Jr), adding that Kendrick (6-4, 284 lbs) "can be dominating." After throwing in the fact that Winfrey led the state in kickoff return production (677 yards and 4 touchdowns in 28 returns), it's easy to see the home team will have its most difficult challenge of the season so far when two programs meet up at a storied site with the top spot in the region standings on the line.

*I highly recommend this Augusta Chronicle article by Will Cheney for anybody wanting to learn about the historical significance of Frank Inman Field at ARC Stadium:

Exploring 90 years of Richmond Academy Stadium, Augusta’s cherished football venue

Area Football Snapshot: Private Powers Augusta Christian and Aquinas extend perfect start to the season; details about Augusta Christian's resurgence

Augusta Christian and Aquinas Continued their Rampage Friday Night

Zack Blackwell - Augusta Christian

On each team's homecoming night, the Lions and the Fighting Irish both turned in blowout wins Friday, with Aquinas blitzing Tattnall Square 47-7, and Augusta Christian thumping Pinewood Prep 45-6. Both teams reached 6-0 for the season, and both have compiled an impressive margin of victory, with Augusta Christian topping opponents by an average of 37 points, and Aquinas by 26.

Aquinas benefitted from a 392 yard and 6 touchdown rushing effort, continuing a dominant ground game that has yielded an average of 312 yards per game this season. Three players who are all averaging greater than 100 yards rushing per game this season led the way again Friday: 

RJ Edwards (170 yards and 2 touchdowns)

Darius Stone (85 yards and 3 touchdowns)

James Schlegel (115 yards and 1 touchdown)

James Schlegel - Aquinas

Augusta Christian's stat sheet was stuffed by what is quickly becoming a familiar list of standout Lion names:

Zack Blackwell (163 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception)

Jeb Bradford (17-26 passing for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns; 1 rushing TD)

Jacob Walker (7 receptions for 101 yards and 1 touchdown; 97 yard kickoff return for a TD; 227 all purpose yards)

Terrence Vandiver (1 interception; 4 receptions for 32 yards)

Andrew Thompson jars the ball loose form a receiver for Augusta Christian Friday.

While they compete in completely different leagues, both of these proud programs have earned the distinction of winning a state championship this decade. But the path since Augusta Christian's crowning moment in 2012, when the Lions captured a South Carolina Independent Schools Association title, until now couldn't be more different than the one Aquinas has followed since winning a Georgia High School Association championship in 2013. Since its championship run, Aquinas has compiled a winning record every year and won 75% of its games. But Augusta Christian only just this past Friday assured itself that 2020 will be its first winning season since being crowned in 2012.

Behind Augusta Christian's Resurgence

In his attempt to "#RestoreTheRoar" in the heart of his Lions, first year coach Andrew Stickel, who coached AC's middle school team the prior six seasons, couldn't be more pleased with the response he and his staff have gotten from the players:

"The kids have completely bought in and trust the coaching staff," Stickel said in an interview conducted over direct message Sunday. "They are flying around, playing fast, and playing for each other. That has been since noticeable since we were allowed to be back together, starting in June."

Stickel's first task as the new head coach was to navigate an off season full of coronavirus fueled uncertainty about whether or not a football season would even be played.

"There was so much unknown through the the Spring and early Summer. So many questions. During that time, we continued to communicate as much as possible." The coach added, "Clear communication provides clear vision."

But Stickel's vision was never limited only to getting the Lions safely onto the field of play. He wants badly for the school to experience again what it's like to have an area and statewide powerhouse, and he credits a strong group of veteran players and their families for the program's apparent turnaround:

For the past 7 years, we have been a 3 win football team. 20 wins in the last 7 years. One playoff appearance. Being at the school for the last 6 years as the middle school coach, I was able to closely watch what our varsity program was doing - Spring football, weight room, practices, mindset, etc.

 

So I shared my vision with these players and their parents that what we have been doing and where we have been gets us the bare minimum results, while other programs in our league and our area continue to run right past us. So we needed to change EVERYTHING.

 

Fortunately, I have been in this place before when I took over the middle school program. Being the doormat of the league, and understanding that we needed to create a new standard, a new normal, to raise our expectations, our work ethic, and our commitment level on and off the field. The roster I inherited... was heavy with upperclassman who were willing to lead the way. They just wanted to be pointed in the right direction, and given a plan of how to get there.

Augusta Christian's players are benefitting from their willingness to follow Coach Stickel's plan, and it will be exciting to see how close to the program's former glory this new look Lions squad gets in this unique, and, so far for Augusta Christian and Aquinas at least, perfect season.

Highlights from Augusta Christian's 45-6 win over Pinewood Prep:

Augusta Christian 45 ,Pinewood 6

Final

Augusta Christian keep its undefeated streak alive on homecoming night as they improve to (6-0)

Coverage provided by @4thtakefilms pic.twitter.com/x69pPaQVBy

— AugBball (@AugBball) October 10, 2020