OK, so im officially sick of hearing everyone making their predictions for the election---let's just vote and get it done with!  With that being said-I don't endorse any teams, I do not play party lines (or conference or division or classification) and I will not be putting my MONEY where my mouth is with these picks---all I'm goin to do---is pick'em and tell ya why. I'm not saying all of these teams will go on to win the state title---I'm just goin to pick the local team, from each classification that I think will go the furthest in the playoffs.

SCISA--  I'm goin to go with Pinewood Prep.  Bottom line, they're basically a Summerville nucleus playing in the private school ranks.  Bruce Haynes at QB, Laquan Gilliard at receiver---pretty tough to beat---but think about this--could you imagine what Summerville would be like if both were playin for the Wave this year.  I think Pinewood will roll in week 1 of the playoffs over Heathwood Hall--I've seen them a bit and talked to our buddies in Columbia about em, and while they're talented and well coached--they just don't have the athletes that Pinewood has.  Although, its a bit odd that these 2 just jumped over to the SCISA ranks, good for Pinewood- look for a winner in the Panthers.

1A- In the Lowcounty--it'll be tough to top 2 teams from the Pee Dee- Lamar is solid as usual (the same school that has turned out Levon Kirkland, John Abraham, Michael Hamlin)--and figure them to be the team to beat as usual.  Scotts Branch is also a pretty solid squad---but of our local, Lowcountry teams, I'm goin to throw my money on Baptist Hill.  The Bobcats can play--they showed it last Friday night beating then 1-A unbeaten St. Johns.  Baptist Hill can flat out play offense-- the RB Middleton is elusive---he's big enough to run hard---speedy enough to run fast--and shows that he can play in pressure situations like he did last Friday night.  He's a guy that'll do well in the playoffs---the important thing for the Bobcats is to not overuse him---he also plays defense, and does it well--which is fairly common at the 1-A level--but Marion Brown just has to make sure not to tire him out before the season is done.

2-A- One word-Timberland-- Done, over, no question in my mind.  They're my pick as the only Lowcountry team to win a state title---they'll make me take the trip to Clemson for State Final Saturday.  I have no questions that Art Craig has to worry about--great on D and the best in the state on offense---teams like Summerville, Byrnes, Beaufort don't have 3 guys on the team that are viable Division 1 scholarship prospects---Timberland has 3 on the offense alone!  With Washington blocking, Fordham catching and blocking, King running and coach's son Cody Craig calling the shots---I can't see anyone even coming close to Timberland in the playoffs.  Hanahan is good---showed they're not as good as Timberland, same as Manning.  I'd assume they'll meet up with Abbeville in the state finals---which would be very intriguing---because Abbeville is the same type of football crazy town as St. Stephen---and the Panthers have rushed for over 3000 yards in a tough Upstate conference--but my money is on the Wolves- T'Land to win it all.

3-A- I think 3-A is our weakest link as far as the Lowcountry being represented in the State Title games-  North Charleston and Stall are similar teams--very offense oriented--and have done very well at times running their offenses--but against teams like Daniel in the Upstate who is 9-0---I don't think we really stand a chance.  Ken Cribb has turned Stall's culture around--led them to the playoffs (to get hammered) last year--and I wouldn't be surprised if they pull a first round Upset---same with North Charleston---but I can't see either team really moving on to cause any damage in the state playoffs.  If there is one team from the Lower State to go, I'll pick Hilton Head--we don't cover them much as they're close to Savannah, but saw them beat James Island, a 4 A team- so we'll pull for HH.

4-A- This is a tough one---especially with the 2 different 4-A state Title Games--and I'm goin to go out on a whim here---I'm pickin Goose Creek as my team to go the farthest.  Beaufort showed unbelieveable vulnerability against Summerville.  Summerville is good--and playing very well now late in the season, Donny McElveen is really clicking--but I think they're a prime team to get Upset---I hope I'm wrong, but in none of their games against quality competition have they showed a dominant offense---they've been solid on D--but scoring has been a struggle.  Another hot team right now, Fort Dorchester---and I can see them doing some damage--having a running QB like Galen Bennett is clutch--but to me, the hottest team right now is Goose Creek.  They beat Berkeley to win their region---what a mental boost that is, it'll help them as well getting to play at home, and Chuck Reedy is battle tested---he was on the Clemson staff that won the National Title, he's been a college head coach--he knows how to prepare his teams, he knows how to go into this type of situation and he's got talent.  Donta Brown is a sensational QB, is fun to watch, and Reedy says he's one of the top in the state---if he is--time to put your money where your mouth is and take the Gators where they haven't been in a LONG WHILE....My monopoly money is on you guys!

Playoff Time--This'll be Fun!

Scott

Let me preface this blog entry with the fact that I've never been a coach.  I've never actually played organized football, and nothing I say has any real scientific backing.  I am an avid fan, I love to watch, I love to break it down---so these are just my thoughts.  I certainly can forget guys, or be biased towards others who are overly nice and accomidating to my endless media requests---but here goes---my list of coaches who are ones to keep your eyes on.

I've always thought Jeff Cruce was one of the finest coaches in the Lowcountry-  he's an offensive guy, played on the O-Line for Clemson's National Championship team, and his teams at Hanahan were always the most fun to watch.  He took that program from bottom to top and there was nothing more fun than watching Hanahan games last year with Jon Carnell and Brandon Ford---my favorite story about Coach Cruce was a game I was shooting on his sideline--he walked by me and said, "Scott, you better be rolling your camera on this play--85 yard touchdown."  Low and behold---Carnell airs it out---Ford pulls it down and takes off towards paydirt.  It was unreal--showed the true cockiness of Jeff Cruce, but what makes him a great HS coach.  He's tough, but willing to air it out and have fun, he makes it exciting for fans and doesn't play afraid.  Just watch Cane Bay--they may not be scoring or winning this year, but they're young, they're inexperienced---they'll be the next Hanahan.

The other coach on my elite list is Art Craig at Timberland.  He's will one day be a Berkeley County legend--first for his work at Cross HS and now for what he's doing at Timberland.  He's lucky, he's always coached in an area that is truly football crazy--look at the guys who've made it to the NFL from there--you can't even count them on 2 hands.  But Coach Craig knows how to refine talent--he's a football guy, he goes upon his business, and is unbeliebeably organized.  On the first day of practice, when other teams are doling out equipment and getting guys in position--Timberland is practicing.  They're already in their offensive schemes, they're goin out there to work on making their next State Championship game.  He's put a tiny school in the middle of nowhere on the map, and there is no doubt in my mind he should lead them to a state championship this year.  Craig is the kind of guy who could coach anywhere--his knowledge of the game is unreal, he's a football guy, and if he was willing to leave Berkeley County, I'd assume he could Coach at any 4-A power HS in this state.

When you talk about "legends"--i put 3 in that category.  John McKissick, Ray Stackley and Jerry Brown.  All 3 in their own way, but all 3 certified Lowcountry Legends---2 already have fields or stadiums named after them--Jerry Brown's should come soon, it would have already been if he hadn't gotten many of his career wins at Fairfield Central before coming to Berkeley.  Through ups and downs, all 3 are consumate professionals--all 3 are readily accessable for whatever we ask and all 3 are guys who make true impacts on their kids.  I've never heard a current or former player say a bad word about any of these 3--they know how to Coach, they know how to teach and all 3 are deserved legends--whether they're winning or not this year.

Let's talk about some "Young Gun" coaches.  I'm a big fan of Jimmy Brown at North Charleston--he's first and foremost a fantastic mentor, who really looks out for his kids.  And he's a fun coach to watch-- North Charleston teams run all sorts of misdirections, trick plays, weird alignments and flat out wacky stuff--but they can win.  Jimmy knows his football,  he played in college and brings that toughness to his teams.  The one thing I like about him is he is never satisfied---even after a hard fought win, he finds things his teams need to work on, and I like that.   Another Coach like Jimmy Brown is Jonathan Rose at Burke--this is a team that had 10 guys out there on the first day of practice---as more guys come, the more the Bulldogs win.  Now, they're a certifiable team to watch in the Lowcountry-  his offense is much like Jeff Cruce's offenses---not afraid to go for the big play and have some fun--makes it a bit easier to do when you've got a QB like Del Javon Simmons with an absolute cannon for an arm.  Rose is a former Ray Stackley player, so his kids get that "Coach Stack toughness if you will."

The list of former assistants making their mark as head coaches now--  Steve LaPrad at Fort Dorchester, Bob Hayes at Wando and Bobby Marion at West Ashley.  These 3 to me are the ones that are at their schools for the long haul.  These three know their football inside and out, know how to run a program inside and out, know how to get kids recruited, know how to win, know how to teach---they'll be the next "McKissick, Stackley, Brown" in my opinion.  LaPrad and Hayes are already proven- both know exactly what they're doing with their huge high schools-- Wando looks good this year--they made a coupla turnovers against Berkeley, but for the most part, really held in there in the 2nd half, down to the last play of the game. 

Finally, the top assistant to watch for a head coaching job.  First one, is Bob Hayes' offensive coordinator at Wando- Jimmy Noonan.  A former Citadel football player, he was on the track to be a coaching legend at Spring Valley in Columbia.  He moved to Sumter to be closer to his family and coach SCISA ball, but when his wife got a job in Charleston--the Noonan's ended up here, and Jimmy is an assistant at Wando.  A fantastic offensive coach--came in to Wando this year, and the changes are obvious already-  He is a career head coach, and any school that has an opening would be flat out dumb not to take Jimmy Noonan as their next head coach- Spring Valley is a HUGE HS in the Midlands, so he knows how to handle a program, knows how to win--he's done it.  He won't be an assistant for long. 

I've Rambled Long Enough!

til next time-

Scott

Let's just start with it, get it out of the way, and then talk about other business.  People make fun of me, and my obsession with Georgia's AJ Green....But why should I be ashamed of it--he's the greatest player ever.  There is no more talented wide receiver in the country...and he's from the Lowcountry....and he played for Summerville....did I mention he's the man!  Are you kidding me, 150 yards, in the 1st HALF, against a Top 25 team, after a cross country trip on National TV---Enough Said!  My point is proved.  I write about him every week, but he amazes me every single week. Just think of the amazing receivers that have come out of this state in the NFL- Sidney Rice (didn't do anything as a true freshman), Troy Williamson (didn't really make a big impact til his junior year), Roddy White (up until his senior year at UAB-WHO is Roddy White??), Jerome Simpson (a solid career--but at Coastal---not against the competition AJ is doing it against.)  Bottom line, call it overused, call it cliche already, call it played out---we are witnessing something special, and will be for a long time to come---I'll stop talking about AJ now....although he is the greatest.

My new team that I like to watch is Colleton Country- Victor Bright is running all over the field---they may be young, but LeRoy Riley has talent on his hands--his QB can run, and his RB certainly can run.  They beat James Island fairly well, and really played Goose Creek tough on Friday night.  Colleton County is one of those teams to keep your eye on---they won't make it far in the playoffs, but they're the kind of team that can certainly ruin someone else's day--- I know it doesn't sound like the "sexy matchup" of the week, but Colleton County and Wando will be a fun game to watch on Friday.  I like to call it the "spoiler matchup".  I know Wando's wins aren't against the cream of the crop, but wins over West Ashley and James Island are a starting point- Lee Oree is one of the best running backs in the Lowcountry--and coupled with a kicker who nailed a 40 + yarder to win a game, Wando is another spoiler in 4A--and they're only getting better.  Their offensive coordinator is Jimmy Noonan--I got to cover him when I worked in Columbia, he was the Head Coach at Spring Valley-- a midlands power (not this year), but when he was there, he coached studs like Leon Hart (Auburn), Quentin Richardson (USC) and Andre Roberts (All American at Citadel).  Wando will thrive under him, and Bob Hayes who is already a proven Coach in my mind--the two of them will bring discipline and look for changes from Wando within this season. 

Other Random Thoughts...

Timberland is Awesome---I think they could beat the Kansas City Chiefs or St. Louis Rams

I walked into the Citadel game the other day with Beaufort Coach Mark Clifford and his brother---i dont get to cover them much, being so far away --but what a great guy---Did you know every brother in that family either played for Clemson, Florida or the Citadel.

Boy was I right about John Gadson at Stall--he's awesome, his kick return for a TD last week was off the charts.

Why did Hanahan play Broome??  Thats a long drive to Spartanburg, gas prices are really high--and they lost 9-7 and Broome's mascot is the Centurions--email in and let me know what a Centurion is!

Boy could Summerville use AJ Green this year!

I have mastered the police officer hand wave at Summerville games to where I can go live at 6:20, leave to get a sandwich, and schmooze my way back into the exact same sweet parking spot right next to the stadium just before kickoff.  It's a great system, I love it!

Til next time- would love to hear your random comments about whatever!!!

Scott

Here’s how my Friday night goes----I usually head out to the top game of the night and cover it before coming back to co-anchor the Frenzy.  I think I’m pretty well versed in Lowcountry HS football, I know the coaches, know the star players, know the good teams---so I thought it was a pretty obvious choice to cover the Fort Dorchester vs. Beaufort game.  The Fort is traditionally a well coached, high speed, offensive program.  They’ve got a returning star QB, Galen Bennett, and several other studs---that program, going up against Beaufort, a team just flat out loaded on defense.  I saw them in the state championship game last year in Columbia—and they’re flat out good.  Their Coach, Mark Clifford (who very well can be 7 feet tall—every time I interview him, it looks like the shot is looking right up his nostrils) has a solid QB in Blake Gruell—but more notably, Duane Chisolm, a 6-4, 2 hundred something pound full of muscle DL who has every college coach in this region salivating.  A long convoluted setup to my story---but the game plays out the way it probably should---Fort holds it tight, fumbles a coupla times in the 2^nd half leading to Beaufort easy touchdowns.  Beaufort’s D is fantastic—Eagles win 28-14.  Post game, Phil Bowman from the Post and Courier and I interview Fort D Head Coach Steve LaPrad.  In his first comment, LaPrad says something to the effect of, after losing 2 QB’s—I’d say we held in there pretty well.  I think Phil and I both thought to ourselves… “2 QB’s…hmmm..thats odd---Galen Bennett, #12 was in there at the end…made 2 big fumbles.”.  Both of us kinda let it slide until LaPrad brings it up again.  I ask “Coach, but what about Galen’s 2 fumbles there at the end??”  LaPrad answers, “yea, that wasn’t Galen Bennett…That was our 14 year old freshman scout team QB Devron Glenn”….HUH???  So Phil and I, who have both seem our fair share of HS football, have certainly both seen Galen Bennett play many times,  have no idea whatsoever, that we were actually NOT watching him.  Granted, this all could have been made much easier if the Patriots equipment guy had possibly given him ANY OF THE OTHER 98 JERSEY NUMBERS in the bin to key us in—it wasn’t Galen Bennett!  But the moral of this story is Fort Dorchester very well may have a stud on their hands.  Devron Glenn is 14 years old. He’s a freshman in high school….He was in MIDDLE SCHOOL last year---and he gave everything he had, played his heart out, didn’t play scared and held his team in it  until the very last buzzer against Beaufort, and a defense that features one of the top defensive prospects in the nation.  Plus, he had 2 of us reporter types convinced that he actually was Galen Bennett—one of the best QB’s in our area. 

 

Coupla other notes this week---stay with the Fort Dorchester theme- I am so psyched for former Patriot Robert Quinn.  Less than a year ago, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and we were very concerned he may have brain cancer.  Luckily, he doesn’t. Now, he’s playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and on Thursday night, delivered the hit of the week, against Rutgers on ESPN-national TV.  Awesome!

 

Another Fort D product, Durrell Barry will see his time to shine.  With Brian Linthicum transferring from Clemson—Barry, set to get plenty of balls thrown his way from Cullen Harper this year---aleady has a coupla nice grabs. Look for him in the coming weeks.

 

Kudos to AJ Green from Summerville---you’ve proved yourself…again!  Coming back to the Palmetto State, playing for Georgia—you lead the Bulldogs in receiving with 61 yards against USC, the team who wanted you so bad.  Oh by the way, it’s your first win at Williams-Brice Stadium, after that terrible state championship game against Byrnes last year. 

 

Finally—my player to watch this week is John Gadson from Stall.  240 yards on the ground this past week.  He’s a fantastic runner, and look for him at the next level—he’s big enough, fast enough, and has unreal vision.  I’ve also seen him run kicks, and he’s got elusive, breakaway speed.  Watch for him.

 

Til next time

 

Scott