2018 2-A High School Football Preview

2018 2-A Previews

Region VI

Burke Bulldogs

Head coach: Anthony Sterling (4th season)

2017 Record: 1-9

Top Returners: Victor Goodwin (RB, JR), Fletcher Gibbs (LB, Sr.), JD Powell (QB, So.)

Outlook: Anthony Sterling continues to try and turn the football program around at the downtown Charleston school. The Bulldogs will have their hands full in what's a more competitive Region 6. Burke begins the season at home against Cross on August 17th.

Garrett Academy Tech Falcons

Head coach: Nick Hopp (5th season)

2017 Record: 3-7

Returning Starters: 4

Top Retuners: Dalmonte Gourdine (OL, Sr.), Eric Gathers (QB, Sr.), Raekwon Floyd (WR, Sr.)

Outlook: The Falcons are a little thin in numbers this season but do have a strong group of upperclassmen. "I'm expecting a lot out of the 13 seniors," says head coach Nick Hopp. One of those seniors is Dalmont Gourdine, arguably one of the best linemen in the Lowcountry. Hopp says Gourdine is receiving offers from numerous schools including Nebraska and Coastal Carolina.

North Charleston Cougars

Head coach: Devon Smalls (1st season)

2017 Record: 6-5

Top Returners: Von McNeil (RB, Jr.), Harry Seabrook (WR, Sr.)

Outlook: The Cougars are under new leadership this season. Devon Smalls takes over the reigns of the program after Sam Lesky left following a 6-5 season. Among the holes Smalls will need to fill will be at quarterback. Yancey Washington accounted for more than 2700 all-purpose yards last season in his final year as a Cougar.

Oceanside Collegiate Academy Landsharks

Head coach: Chad Grier (2nd season)

2017 Record: 7-3

Returning Starters: 7 on offense, 8 on defense

Key Newcomers: Zion Coker (CB, Sr.), Dayvon Stuckey (RB, Sr.), Richard Hurteau (QB, Sr.), Sean Cooney (QB, Jr.), Bryce Klinger (QB, So.), Gibson Marsh (TE/WR, Sr.), Beau Singer (WR, Sr.)

Outlook: Numbers and size won't be a problem for the Landsharks under second year head coach Chad Grier this season. "We're gonna look the part getting off the bus. We're really big," said Grier. The challenge for OCA this season will be to replace standout quarterback Sam Hartman who's now at Wake Forest.

Philip Simmons Iron Horses

Head coach: Eric Bendig (1st season)

2017 Record: *this will be the Iron Horses first year at varsity level*

Key Starters: Solly Bess (RB, Jr)., Javier Collins-Smith (LB, Jr.), Tripp Williams (LB, Fr.), Omaro Asby (QB, Jr.)

Outlook: "Last year we got our feet wet with JV," says head coach Eric Bending. "We really have a solid foundation in the community. You can feel the excitement. The kids have worked unbelievably hard. I told them we're gonna play with a big school mentality."

Timberland Wolves

Head coach: Art Craig (18th season)

2017 Record: 10-4

Outlook: The Wolves have been one of the most consistent teams in the Lowcountry. They once again made a run into the playoffs last season before falling to Brookland-Cayce. Art Craig will need to replace his workhorse running back from last year as Kevin Williams graduated. The Wolves will be facing new competition this year with the addition of Philip Simmons and Oceanside Collegiate.

Region V

Woodland Wolverines

Head coach: Cody Craig (1st year)

Outlook: Much like Timberland, Woodland has been a picture of consistency. After a down year in 2015, the Wolverines have strung together back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Cody Criag who takes over this season after serving as an assistant. Woodland will begin their season on August 17th against Ridgeland/Hardeeville.