Welcome to the inaugural feature of 80:00 - A Moment with the Media.
SCSoccer.com is planning on running this segment several times during each month of the season, so check back often for updates. This initial column will be available to all website visitors, but other additions will be limited to Subscribers only.
A special thanks to Todd Blomdahl, Jack Rozier, and Michael Young for their contributions to this article.
#6 Laurens
Establishing a winning program has been difficult for Coach Jim Iacoune in Laurens, but he’s mastered the first step –
sticking around. The man is working on both the girls and boys sides, but unfortunately the results have not followed as only
two wins in two seasons will show. Despite the lack of depth and skill, enthusiasm runs high and the team have a full roster to rely on. Region 1 sits at about the mid-table when compared to the rest in AAAA, but even that will not allow the Lady Raiders to be competitive. The other five teams are too skilled and too advanced in comparison to offer any hope for mid March to the end of April. If there will be any wins this year, Laurens will have to grab them early as the home stretch will prove to be too much.
#5 Easley
Easley returned to playoffs last year after a year off and look to keep the streak in tact. Close loses to Westside in ’06 were replaced by close wins in ’07 as well as improved results against Greenwood. However, the loss of key personnel will affect their depth this year and possibly slip the Lady Wave out of the playoff picture. Early results against Seneca (0-2 loss) show concern, but
Coach Jonathon Scrivner works the team as hard as any and will have them in form when the important match ups arrive.
#4 Westside
The Lady Rams have achieved 32 wins in the last three years after several seasons in which a goose egg lay in the first column. With the establishment of a JV program and more involvement in club, the program has left behind the days where scoring
three goals in a season was reason for celebration. Despite all the positives, the program took a step backwards last year and lost the playoff spot it tore away from Easley in ’06. Add to that the loss of All-State player
Sydney Lewis and things get sketchy. Fortunately the JV program sent up several young players that worked on the challenge level and look to add an overall increase in skill level from the bottom to the top. That should give the team an extra boost to start the game and the extra legs needed to finish.
#3 Greenwood
For the last three years, Coach George Sugden has improved the quality and the record of the Greenwood Lady Eagles. The gap between them and the top two still remains, but is carefully being closed down inch by inch. The non-region schedule has increased in difficulty and has prepared them for their tough region match ups and playoff dates, but the results have not been favorable. 2008 ushers in hopes of continuing improvement and even a chance at cracking the top two region spots if lady luck takes a seat on the Greenwood sideline. The Lady Eagles have a chance to be 5-0 before they square off against a favored T.L. Hanna squad on April 1st. That result could set the tone for the rest of the season.
#2 Wren
The Hurricanes out of Piedmont clawed their way to a top 15 finish in the final poll of the season after an impressive season that saw them cut four losses and add a couple of wins from the previous year.
Hannah Gmerek returns for the final season of her decorated career to lead the team in hopes of at least share of the region title for the
second year in a row. Wren split games with T.L. Hanna last year, but lost the tie breaker for the number one seed and was ousted in the first round by #11 Spartanburg. 2008, of course, will bring vacancies to fill but a highly successful JV program (12-1-1 splitting with Hanna, notice the pattern) looks to help them reload instead of rebuild.
Coach Michael Burriss brings a highly disciplined and organized squad to the table and has organized some difficult matches against teams such as Parkview
(Georgia power), Eastside (3A Champions), and a host of others at the Viking Cup. On paper there is a hair’s difference between Hanna and Wren, with the tie breaker going to returning All-State players (TLH 2 Wren 1). Playing the games, however, is whole another ball game (pun intended).
#1 T.L. Hanna
The Lady Yellow Jackets of T.L. Hanna come into 2008 with a preseason ranking of 13th, 53 wins in the last three years, and two straight region titles in their trophy case. New Head
Coach Craig Joyner comes up from the JV program and brings solidarity to the team having previously coached almost all the players currently on the varsity squad. T.L. Hanna returns All-State players
Caitlin Robinson (USC Upstate) and Kendall Maxwell (Ohio State) as well as Erskine signee
Emily Wentsky to lead the team in the new season. While those seniors are the names you hear most, the junior class may be every bit as talented. This top heavy team hopes to offset the loss of a very talented senior class, which saw a player in each of the all star games (North/South and Clash of the Carolinas), with a very talented freshmen group. The names from the roster can be found all over premier and ODP rosters, but the early part of the year may be tough. While the talent is there, replacing the vacancies left open and leadership lost may take a few games. Joyner has wisely front loaded the schedule to ensure the girls face the absolute best competition and cut their teeth early. The Wren matches will be crucial, but a preseason scrimmage against Riverside (1-2 loss) looks promising. They may start out slow, but when April and May rolls around this may be one of the hottest teams in the state!
The battle for supremacy in Region 4-4A is as fierce and wide open as any in the state. Not only are Irmo, Lexington, and South Aiken competing for the local crown, but one could easily argue their legitimacies for a spot at Stone Stadium. Without further delay, lets rundown I-20 and see what we turn up!
#6 North Augusta
The Yellow Jackets finished in the bottom spot for region 4-A and have nowhere to go but up. Other than a
penalty kick loss to Aiken and a one goal defeat to South Aiken, the region schedule was brutal for North Augusta in 2007. No information was returned upon request to suggest a turnaround in this year’s campaign. However, 2005 saw a run into the
Quarterfinals followed by a First Round appearance in 2006 that makes some believe we experienced an exception instead of the norm this past season. I’m temped to think last year was a fluke and that a return to top
four glory is around the corner…but not that tempted. Notching a conference win will be a struggle this year as the Jackets seemed doomed to the basement yet again.
#5 Aiken
Listening to Coach Roger Carpenter (see below) it becomes clear how much he believes in this team. Unfortunately that faith is going to be tested early and often as five starters and
10 seniors depart from last years sub .500 squad. Four freshmen will be expected to contribute immediately showing how crucial new blood will be for the Hornets, yet the
10 returning lettermen will help maturate the group as soon as possible. It’s hard to tell what impact the upcoming junior varsity members will offer after wins over White Knoll and
Irmo, yet only finishing the season with a 5-6 record. Carpenter is used to winning more than losing as evident
by his 38-36-1 record, but that could take a few blows as the schedule will be a daunting one. A #4 seed is possible, but not probable. Should Aiken and their work ethic acquire that final playoff spot it would truly be the effort of a “special group” that got it
done.
Coach Roger Carpenter
“This is a fun group to coach with a strong work ethic. It could be a special group if they continue to work."
#4 White Knoll
If there ever was a “wild card” team in this region it would be the boys of White Knoll. Graduation was kind to the
Timberwolves as only two seniors were lost from the 2007 squad that made it to the playoffs after years of disappointment (and rocked the state with an upset of
Irmo!). Add to that the 13 returnees and a couple of kids from a 5-11 JV team and things are looking up. The final intangible that could aid the potential breakout season is the completion of a brand new stadium to host the squad’s home matches. Knocking off any of the top 3 teams in the region would be a serious chore, but a feasible one if the preseason and non-region games build up important momentum. The man running the program,
Coach Tim Green, seems to understand it all and sums it up plain and simple saying:
“2008 has great things in store for White Knoll.” I’m a believer, Coach. Where do I sign
up?
#3 South Aiken
After finishing the season one game off of the region title, the Thoroughbreds of South Aiken fall to
third in my preseason picks. Before I’m fired and banned from the Stomping Grounds, let me explain the reasoning. Four seniors, three of which were starters, depart the squad and leave massive vacancies in their wake in more ways than one. Over half of the team (12/22) can be found in the 10th and 11th grade so their best days may be a year away. With natural finishers and leadership being in question, it’s going to take some difficult competition early in the year to baptize this group and have them ready for Lexington and
Irmo. Coach Paul Waters wouldn’t go to war with any other group and takes a lot of pride in the fact that he’s got a
“great group of men who enjoy playing and working together.” With a career spanning 172 wins (92 at South Aiken as well as a 2005
State Championship) fans can rest assured that their T-Breds are in the best hands possible. It’s a good thing these boys do enjoy working together because they’ll be plenty of it if they hope to host a match in the
First Round.
#2 Irmo
When Coach Phil Savitz told me “With the right leadership, commitment, and team character…I feel this group has A LOT of potential.” I believed him. Ok, the all caps were added for emphasis, but hey, when Savitz speaks – you listen. Period! Half the coaches in the state don’t have
“I wanna be like Phil” pajamas for no reason here folks. You don’t doubt a man with 502 wins under his belt and you don’t underestimate a program with 15 state championships. Dealing with
five graduated seniors might make some flinch, but having 16 lettermen returning has given the Yellow Jackets confidence and high expectations. No one would doubt the late round potential of this group or be amazed at an appearance in Stone Stadium (it’s rumored Savitz has his own personal bathroom he’s been there so much). People around the state seem to agree this could be yet another special year and have given Irmo a preseason ranking of 4th following 2007’s strong finish and final ranking of 7th. Games against Lexington and South Aiken will
be circled as “must win” matches in hopes of obtaining the #1 seed. Special warning goes out to White Knoll as the
Timberwolves victory, one of the biggest upsets of the year, forced the Jackets to take to the road in the
First Round last year. Be afraid. Be veeeeeeery afraid…
#1 Lexington
Normally losing 11 seniors might cripple a lot of programs, especially when only 10 letter winners return from 2007’s #5 squad…but not a wrinkle of concern can be found on
Coach Will Gettys' face. When your JV squad goes 13-1-1, one doesn’t have to look far to find exceptional replacements.
Gettys (79-42-6 at Lexington) is counting on the performance of some solid
returnees, as well as a shot of youth from a few newcomers, to help the team maintain their upper echelon status. The state has taken enough notice of what is brewing to anoint the Wildcats with the #3 ranking in preseason. The head coach stays humble and modest only saying
“Hopefully we can continue to build on the success we’ve had the past two seasons.” If they do, put another region title in the trophy case and block off May 17th on your calendar. These
Cats are locked and loaded and ready to do battle with the best of any team in the
Upper or Lower State regardless of classification. Hide the women and children folks. Lexington is for real.
#6 White Knoll
The Lady Timberwolves endured a miserable season in 2007 when you look at the results from their schedule. With their closest region match being decided by
three goals, much improvement is needed…and expected from Coach David
Lloyd. With 11 letter winners returning along with seven players being pulled up from the JV program, help is on the way. The schedule is every bit as difficult as the previous year, but reason for optimism exist for 2008.
“Even though we are a very young squad, the quality of play and interest in soccer at White Knoll is on the rise, and we are very excited as we look to the future.” The program is in a rebuilding mode and it will take time and patience to get these kids playoff ready. The hope is that a few wins, in or out of the region, can be achieved along the way as the maturation process takes place.
#5 North Augusta
Every region has a breakout team, a wild card, a team with the potential to do great things. The Yellow Jackets are that team on the girls side in 2008. With one goal losses to Aiken and South Aiken (twice) that could have moved them from 5th to 3rd and into the playoffs, these ladies were on the verge all year long.
Coach Hank Deer (best name among South Carolina coaches today!) should be licking his chops at what the new season could bring.
Three seniors graduated (one starter at keeper) while leaving the bulk of the team in tact. 14 kids return off of last year’s squad ready to make that move back into the playoffs after a years hiatus. Coach Deer remains humble and conservative in his evaluation of their chances saying
“We have a chance to be really good, but in our region really good is not always good enough.”
I haven’t sold the farm to put all my money on the black and gold for playoffs…but I’m considering it. This is the team to watch this year for Region 4-A.
#4 Aiken
Coach Ron Johnson’s Lady Hornets are one of the great mysteries of the state. On paper one would be hesitant to predict a lot of wins or a respectable playoff run, but year in and year out these girls play above and beyond their abilities. This team never backs down and generally has one of the hardest schedules in the state. However, it’s hard to tell which team will show up on game day – the group that toppled #12 Daniel, #8
Brookland-Cayce, and #4 Irmo or the one that lost to unranked North Augusta and Greenwood. Without a doubt, no one can take this team lightly as they have the ability to finish as low as
fifth, but as high as second in the region. Enthusiasm will be high as the season begins thanks to the amount of experience in which Johnson can draw from. Losing
two seniors and having another 14 players return would make many a coach smile. The man has been around a few years and is weary of getting too excited at what might be.
“The team is competing hard in practice, and I have high hopes for them but know that our region and schedule are tough enough that even with an excellent effort like last season that good things don’t always happen to good teams.” Ron, stay away from black cats and we’ll be seeing you in the
Top 15, if only briefly, soon enough.
#3 South Aiken
Four years, four coaches. Once again the Lady Thoroughbreds are adapting to yet another face running the program.
Coach Michael Young (a guy many people claim to be much more handsome than Northwestern
Coach Cesar Robles) takes the helm after six years at T.L. Hanna. South Aiken has the luxury of 18 returning players after losing a senior class of only
four. Exceptional leadership and commitment have been shown during the large numbers at preseason conditioning. With
eight wins in 2006 followed by nine wins in 2007, 10 wins would seem to be in order…but the
T-Breds are aiming much higher. 16 of the 19 players on the roster are in the 10th or 11th grade and saw significant playing time last year. A slow start might be in the cards as the adjustment period takes place, but a strong finish is to be expected once the dust settles. It’s likely South Aiken will hit the road for playoffs, but
anything is possible in Region 4.
#2 Irmo
Irmo was able to do what few teams did in 2007 and that was to beat Lexington. An upset loss to Aiken doomed any chances for a region title, but the point was made: Irmo can play with anyone. Unfortunately the
third match up of the year put a sour taste in the Yellow Jacket faithful’s season, but they proved the region title isn’t a one horse race. Irmo may have been hit the hardest by graduation, not in quantity but quality, of all the region teams.
Three All-State players graduated and left gaping holes in the starting line up that 10
returnees are going to try and fill. The JV team had a successful campaign last year and should be able to offer some support.
Coach Mike Mauldin has put his effort into preaching teamwork and unifying the team under a common theme.
“Together We’ll Win” he says and we have little reason to doubt him. The struggle during the season won’t be to have a winning season, make playoffs, or host a
First Round game – but to prove to Lexington and the rest of the state that April 24th was no fluke.
#1 Lexington
Lexington represented region 4-4A well by winning the Upper State
Championship. They played the very best the state had to offer and came out on top more times than not.
Seven quality seniors graduated and left 11 players from that championship team to carry the torch. The JV team only lost one game and have that same dynamic ability on the soccer field that will be needed to help fill the vacant spots on the roster.
Coach Chris Fryland realizes the potential his team has, but fears what injuries might do to his depth. This team looks poised to reload and make another long run into May with only Irmo standing in their way of region title aspirations. The Cats finished 2007 and started 2008 with the #2 ranking and rightfully so. With a schedule that offers no breaks for rest, Lexington can repeat the success of 2007 and more provided the injury bug stays out of sight. Should bad luck strike, expect Irmo to be right behind to pick up the slack.
Dutch Fork – Preseason #9
Dutch Fork will have their work cutout this year after the preseason resignation of
Coach Wayne Quinlan. Since 1992, Coach Quinlan tallied a record of 213-75-10, five region titles, and four Final Four appearances with the Silver Foxes. Participating in the Lake Murray Challenge and Palmetto Cup will supplement an already challenging schedule that includes: Spring Valley (#1), Lexington (#3), Irmo (#4), and Dorman (#5).
Richland Northeast
After finishing last season with four wins and graduating six seniors, Coach
Jay A'Hern has the focus of the 2008 squad directed towards the long-term. Leading the effort for the Cavaliers are goalkeeper
Kyle O'Grady, Amir Abdulaziz, Manuel Leon, and 2007 assist leader
Thomas Tafel.
Coach A'Hern:
"At the end of this season I am less concerned about our win/ loss record and more concerned with whether we have put in place the foundation to be competitive down the road. Also, after a disappointing shootout loss in the first round last year, a playoff win would be nice."
The Cavaliers have eleven matches to find top form before region action begins April 1st at Ridge View.
Ridge View
Coach John Donohue will aim to improve upon last
year's 11-10 record that saw the Blazers exit the playoffs in the second round
against Beaufort. Non-conference matches at perennial 3A powers Socastee and
Myrtle Beach could serve to build momentum for the Blazers into the conference
portion of the schedule.
Spring Valley – Preseason #1
Touted as perpetual underachievers, Spring Valley enters the 2008 season as Class 4A State Champions and
Coach Dave Clark has the Vikings poised for another playoff run. The Vikings have welcomed all challengers in their title defense, as they will participate in the Carolina Soccer Classic, Palmetto Cup, and a championship rematch at Northwestern. The void left by the graduation of goalkeeper
Davis Jenkins could be a point of weakness, but the Vikings return much of their outfield players from the championship squad.
Dutch Fork – Preseason #4
In his second year at the helm, Dutch Fork Coach Hayne Painter looks to improve upon an 18-8 record that saw the Lady Silver Foxes all the way to the
Lower State Championship. Despite the loss of six seniors, including Clash of the Carolinas all-star
Anna Dilworth and North/South selection Laura Kellem, Dutch Fork is poised to reload. Coach Painter returns seven of eleven starters from last year's team, including keeper
Katie Wallace, Kyle Maguire, Emily Kellem, Sarah
Morabito, and leading scorer Sam Vickers.
Coach Painter:
"We have high expectations this year coming off an appearance in the Lower State Championship and a region championship. We will continue to work hard and make ourselves better as a team. The team is more important to the girls than the individual and we approach every practice and game with that mentality."
Dutch Fork opened preseason play with a 4-1 win over A.C. Flora and will scrimmage Summerville on the 15th.
Richland Northeast
The Lady Cavaliers allowed 37 goals, while only netting 21. Coach Jackie Welch will need to reverse this statistic to be competitive in a tough region and advance beyond the second round of the playoffs.
Ridge View
Coach Meredith Orland will test her squad with an opening match of the Viking Cup against Summerville (#9) and an early match against Class 4A State Championship Runner-up Lexington (#2). In addition, non-conference matches against Irmo (#5) and 3A Region IV heavyweights
Brookland-Cayce and Airport will prepare the Lady Blazers for stiff postseason competition.
Spring Valley – Preseason #11
Coach Steve Lea and the Lady Vikings have some big shoes to fill after losing six starters to graduation, including
Molly Wittig (Alabama). In addition, the injury bug has given Spring Valley's depth an early test and standout
Kitty Tryon's hardship appeal for a fourth year of eligibility after studying in Germany for a year was denied by the SCHSL. However, Coach Lea is optimistic about returning eleven letter winners, including seniors
Hannah Chillag, Emily Niehaus, junior Janna Komorowski, and sophomore
Danielle Shaw.
Coach Lea:
"Danielle (Shaw) can be a very a special player if she will work for it and many others are very capable. Senior transfer Jamie Shaw (currently playing basketball) should give us a lift as well."
Spring Valley kicked off the season with exhibition wins over Brookland-Cayce (1-0) and Chapin (2-1). The Lady Vikings face Dreher on the 15th in a final exhibition before hosting the Taco Bell Viking Cup.
Blythewood
Veteran Coach Peter Wittig takes over a Blythewood program in its
third year of existence. Last year's squad saw the Bengals finish with a 4-6 region record and a first round loss to Traveler's
Rest. Coach Wittig has not lowered expectations. Non-conference matches against Dutch Fork and Spring Valley will provide the upstart program with valuable
perspective. BHS will join Class 4A next year.
Camden
Last season the Bulldogs dropped seven matches by a total of six goals, three losses being decided in overtime or penalty kicks.
Coach Jeffery Graham will hope for a change in luck and possibly a third consecutive playoff berth.
Chester
The Cyclones could be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Coach Ben Brown will need to reduce their goals allowed and aim to pick-up region victories when able.
Dreher – Preseason #6
After a narrow defeat in last year's Upper State Quarterfinals the Blue Devils can be optimistic about their chances in 2008. Coach Matt Hornsby lost one senior, but returns ten starters from a squad that posted a thirteen game winning streak last season.
Coach Hornsby:
"All ten players will contribute. Leading scorer and region MVP Byron Quinatoa is expected to have a good year."
The Blue Devils will need the experience of their eleven seniors to navigate a stout non-conference schedule that features notable programs Chapin, Lexington, Ben Lippen, Spring Valley, and Brookland-Cayce.
Eau Claire
In 2008, Coach Daniel Taraskiewicz has high expectations for Eau Claire's fledgling program. In the Shamrocks first season with separate boy's and girl's programs there are a lot of new faces in the squad. However, Taraskiewicz returns six players from last year's team including seniors
Andrew Bolton, Dominic Robinson-Neal, Ivan Charley, and Roland
Washington. The Shamrocks will also look for big contributions from juniors Christian Duran and
Lemario Gillie, as well as freshmen Xavius Camps.
Coach Taraskiewicz:
"We hope our returning players will form a good nucleus to build around with our new players complimenting them nicely. Also, we hope to build on last season's experiences in order to be competitive in our matches."
Eau Claire's non-conference schedule bodes well for Coach Taraskiewicz and the Shamrocks to enjoy perhaps more than moral victories.
A.C. Flora – Preseason #14
Coach Jamie McClendon has offered his Falcons another tough regular season schedule in preparation for the gauntlet that is Class 3A
Upper State playoffs. Non-region action away at Dutch Fork, Cardinal Newman, and West Ashley will benefit the 2008 squad in their postseason aspirations.
Lugoff-Elgin
First year coach John Hyde-Volpe steps into a buoyant program as the Demons lost much of their core to graduation. Lugoff-Elgin finished last season 7-7 overall and 5-5 in region play, despite losing their coach mid-season. Coach Hyde-Volpe and the Demons will need to find consistent form to secure a playoff seed.
Blythewood – Preseason #15
The 2008 Lady Bengals, led by Coach Tony King look to challenge for the region title and possibly more in their second season. Blythewood will hope for a better start to this season, but consecutive road games at South Aiken, North Myrtle Beach, and Carolina Forest will be a big test for Coach King's squad. In addition, participation in the Viking Cup, as well as non-conference matches against Spring Valley, Chapin, and
Brookland-Cayce will assure that the Lady Bengals are battle tested come playoffs.
Camden
The Lady Bulldogs enter the 2008 season with first year Coach Stephen Sutusky and a clean slate. After giving up an average of nearly six goals a game last year Camden must shore up the defense to maintain any hope of a postseason appearance.
Chester
Last year the Lady Cyclones got off to a shaky start alternating wins and losses. In 2008, Chester will need to find steady form early as there are few preparatory matches for the Lady Cyclones to find their stride.
Dreher – Preseason #8
Coach David Kleinfelder and the Lady Blue Devils have unfinished business in 2008. After defeating Blythewood by an aggregate score of 10-2 in region play last season; Dreher suffered an overtime defeat by the Lady Bengals in the second round of the Class 3A
Upper State playoffs. The Lady Blue Devils will also be aiming to better last season's stretch of
14 wins in 15 matches. Participation in the Viking Cup and non-conference matches against
Brookland-Cayce and Airport will put Dreher's resolve to the test.
Eau Claire
Coach Jorge Cassanovas is excited to begin the first year of girl's soccer at Eau Claire with a solid group of athletes. The Lady Shamrocks will no doubt suffer some growing pains, but coach Cassanovas is optimistic about the potential for the girls to become quality players. Eau Claire will look for striker
Shakera Griffin, midfielders Kayla Smith and Tabatha Smith, defenders
Quinteria Ramey and Whitney Craig, and goalkeeper Genesis Fulmore to lead the Shamrocks through their inaugural season.
Coach Cassanovas:
"After scrimmaging Dreher, perhaps the most important aspect of the night was that everyone had fun; there was excellent sportsmanship on and off the field from both teams and it was a great start and experience for our team. We will work towards enhancing these and all our players' skills and techniques on and off the field as well as doing the best they can do to represent Eau Claire academically."
A.C. Flora – Preseason #9
Coach Ben Triana looks to improve on a 16-8 season that saw the Lady Falcons score a three to one goal ratio, as well as a disappointing second round playoff exit. Last year the Lady Falcons won nine of their last eleven matches, but participation in the Fort Mill NC/SC Challenge and a strong non-conference schedule could jeopardize attaining that feat in 2008. Look for the Lady Falcons to challenge for the region title again.
Lugoff-Elgin
Coach Andy Bean graduated five seniors from last season's squad including goalkeeper
Brandi Ross, forward Kelly May, and captain/defender Kelli Accardi. Overall, the Lady Demons return the majority of their 2007 squad. Captains
Kaitlyn Gold and April Hawkins return to provide leadership for the team. In addition, the Demons also return offensive threat
Sy Garrison and up-and-comers in the defensive third Kaitlyn
O'Gorman, and Heather Farmer.
Coach Bean:
"This year we have a total of 48 participating in the program, which is an additional 14 players from what we carried in the program last year. We are excited about this growth and are looking forward to the depth that we now have in our lineups. This season brings in new players who are bringing some new talents to the team as well. We are looking forward to this season, and are hoping to begin earning some respect for our program."
Carolina Forest
The Carolina Forest Panthers went 9-10 last year and the combined W-L-T record of their opponents was 119-98-2. Second year
Coach Jason Schipper has to find a way to improve the defense which allowed 66
goals if this team wants to be successful. Carolina Forest played Conway in their first preseason match on February 11th, no report on the game.
Georgetown
Unfortunately, the Georgetown Bulldogs went 0-12 last year and only scored four goals while the defense gave away 80. The combined W-L-T record of their opponents was 88-58-0. Their only win in 2007 was a scrimmage against Loris. This has been the theme over the past few years and second year
Coach Mike Morgan has his work cut out for him. Georgetown plays Loris in their first preseason match on February 20th.
Myrtle Beach
The #11 ranked Myrtle Beach Seahawks went 13-8 last year and advanced to the
Second Round of the state playoffs. Coach Jason Himmelsbach has to be a little disappointed with 2007 considering the talent that
was on this team. The Seahawks defense did a very good job last year by only allowing 29 goals, but the offense could only put 72 goals into their opponents net. However, I believe that almost the entire team returns for Myrtle Beach and they are loaded with some very talented seniors. This year will be pivotal for the Seahawks because reloading for 2009 will be difficult due to the loss of so many seniors. Myrtle Beach played two preseason matches on February 9th and won against James Island (5-2), but lost to #7 ranked (4A) Wando (2-5).
North Myrtle Beach
The #7 ranked North Myrtle Beach Chiefs ended 2007 with a 19-5 record and the combined W-L-T record of their opponents was 162-122-3. The Chiefs lost to Socastee in the 3A
Quarterfinals last year and lost in the Quarterfinals in 2006 to Dreher. Coach Newt Merricks graduated two outstanding all-state players
(Justin Horns and Michael Gambrell) last year and lost a key midfielder who transferred to Brazil. Those key losses could have a dramatic effect upon the team makeup, but the Chiefs have been in this situation before and they simply reloaded with some talented athletes. North Myrtle plays Nation Ford on February 29th in their first preseason match.
St. James
The St. James Sharks had another disappointing season last year with a 7-12 record. However, the Sharks have acquired
Robert Bramble as their new coach and I expect he will be able to take advantage of the talented players he has available. The biggest struggle for Coach Bramble will be to increase scoring opportunities for an offense that only posted 49 goals last year. At the same time, he must improve a defense that allowed 54 goals. St. James plays their first preseason match on February 21st against West Florence.
Socastee
The #2 ranked Socastee Braves have been to the state championship two out of the last three years and with a reloaded squad,
Coach Memo Suarez hopes to return in 2008. The Braves went 22-3 last year and the combined W-L-T record of their opponents was 221-159-3. Socastee graduated a key defender and some quality midfielders, but the bulk of their team remains intact including their two all-state and four all-region players. The Braves potent offense anchored by
Justin Watson and Orlando Clark posted 112 goals last year while their defense only allowed 29 goals. Still, the Braves have to get out of a tough region which includes NMBHS and
MBHS. Socastee plays their first preseason match against Westminster (GA) on February 22nd.
Aynor
The Aynor Blue Jackets posted a 6-12 record last year with a combined opponent W-L-T record of 86-87-2. The Blue Jackets scored only 26 Goals for the season and allowed 53 to cross their end line, into the net.
Coach Altman will need to try and find talent in this small school in order to be competitive in the region. Aynor's first preseason match is on February 21st vs. Carolina Forest.
Loris
The Loris Lions had a disappointing 3-13 record in 2007 against teams with a combined W-L-T record of 86-89-1.
Coach Will Todd has his work cut out for him if he hopes to improve his offense which only posted 16 goals, and he must also improve a defense which allowed 62 goals. The Lions play Georgetown on February 20th for their first preseason match.
Marion
The Marion Swamp Foxes had a 3-13 record in 2007 and their opponents had a combined W-L-T record of 84-71-3. The Swamp Foxes moved from 3A to 2A in 2007 and unfortunately, their record was disturbingly low considering they were ranked 14th in 3A in 2006. The Swamp Foxes allowed 64 goals and only put 37 into their opponent's nets.
Coach Joel Kovitch will have to rebuild the squad if he hopes to have a winning season. Marion's only preseason match is against Dillon on March 4th.
Mullins
The Mullins Auctioneers continue their run of losing seasons with a 0-6 outing last year against opponents with a combined W-L-T record of 27-44-1. In addition, the Auctioneers continued to be scoreless and allowed 40 goals.
Coach Candace Daigneault should be praised for continuing a program despite the losses and hopefully the Auctioneers will post their first win in a long time. Many programs would have given up by now and their will and determination is great stuff. Mullins does not have any preseason matches and their first season game is against #3 ranked Waccamaw on March 4th.
Waccamaw
The #3 ranked Waccamaw Warriors went 15–6–1 in 2007 and has lost to the eventual state champion (Bishop England) the past two seasons in the
Lower State Championship. Without question, Waccamaw is the top team in Region 7-2A and
perhaps Coach Ben Schoen can find some additional worthy opponents in 2008 to sharpen his team. Although Waccamaw plays in a weaker region, the combined W-L-T record of their opponents last year was 162-132-2. Waccamaw graduated some key seniors, but return two all-state and four all-region players. The defense allowed only 25 goals last year and their offense scored 102, and these key players return for a run in 2008. Waccamaw played a
preseason match against #1 ranked Pinewood Prep on February 8th to a 1-1 draw. Waccamaw's all-state forward
Justin Blomdahl and all-state midfielder Rhyne Garrity were both injured in the game and will most likely sit for the Myrtle Beach scrimmage.
Andrew Jackson – Preseason #4
Last season the Volunteers were 13-2 , netting 51 goals while only allowing 19, but were denied postseason play for violating SCHSL sanctions.
Coach Randy Jordan will be eager to vindicate his squad with similar success in 2008 and possibly a playoff run. Closing out the regular season away at Wilson and Lugoff-Elgin will be a quality test for the Volunteers who have a lot to prove in Kershaw.
Buford – Preseason #8
First year head coach Leland Summers will aim to simulate last season's 17-5 record. Coach Summers will also try to get the Yellow Jackets of Lancaster, back to the Class 2A Quaterfinals and beyond. With all the players graduated from the 2004 1A State Championship Runner-up squad, Coach Summers is faced with starting a new legacy in a more competitive classification.
Cheraw
Coach Norma Grant is back with the Braves and hoping to bring legitimacy to the program. After allowing three goals for every one scored, Coach Grant will try to close the margin and possibly snatch a playoff seed.
Andrew Jackson
Coach Ronnie Wall will look for more consistent play from the Lady Volunteers in 2008. Last season Andrew Jackson finished with a record of 7-13, capped by a first round playoff defeat to Indian Land. This season Coach Wall takes the Lady Volunteers to the inaugural Wateree Kickoff Classic that will pit his squad against North Augusta (4A), Lugoff-Elgin (3A), and Blue Ridge (3A).
Brookland-Cayce - Preseason #8
Team strengths: The 2008 edition of Bearcats Soccer promises
to be an exciting season for Coach Kevin Heise who is in his 18th year at the helm of the program.. Brookland-Cayce returns 12 lettermen
and along with the influx of four foreign exchange students (three of which will start),
the Bearcats have their sights on the Class 3A State Championship. Goalkeeper Chris Duzan has big shoes to fill after the graduation of All-State keeper
JC Gypin, but the sophomore has the all-around skills to mature into one of the Bearcats top net-minders of all time. The Bearcats will have a veteran defense headlined by senior team captains
Tim Duzan and Robby Setzler. The midfield is anchored by another pair of senior team captains
Chris Pinner and Brodie Wall who will play on the outside wings. The forward position is headlined by sophomore
Taylor Lewis who led the Bearcats in scoring in 2007 as a freshman with 14 goals. The Bearcats will once again face one of the state’s most demanding schedules in 2008 and this will help prepare the team for the playoffs in May.
Team weaknesses: No proven central midfielders and must find a way to be more prolific scoring in the run of play this year. This will be a point of emphasis in the preseason.
Regional players to watch: Sophomore trio of Chris Duzan, Taylor Lewis and
Greg Stone are of all-state quality for their class. The three exchange students –
Eduardo Adam (Brazil), Christoph Holzwarth (Germany) and Tyll Weyer (Germany) will certainly fill holes in the Bearcats lineup. B-C’s bevy of seniors will likely have one or two raise their level to merit all-area/all-region recognition this spring.
Other Notes: Brookland-Cayce has played three scrimmages vs. Class 4A teams: @ #1 Spring Valley, 2-1 W; #3 Lexington, 0-1 L; and @ White Knoll, 5-1 W.
B-C will conclude its preseason on February 16 vs. their Alumni squad. These results, albeit exhibitions, have certainly helped fuel the confidence of the players that they can compete with anyone in the state this spring.
Dorman – Preseason #5
After suffering a disappointing second round loss to Lexington last season, Coach
Carlos Osorio will need to reload, rather than regroup. The Cavaliers will
face Class 3A power Greenville in the Byrnes Invitational and then a rigorous
non-conference road schedule against Lexington (#3), Northwestern (#2), and
Dutch Fork (#6).
Mauldin – Preseason #6
Coach Ben Lailson has arranged a tough schedule for the Mavericks in hopes
that it will pay dividends in the postseason. Three out of the last four years
Mauldin has been defeated in the playoffs by Northwestern. Traveling
to Peachtree City, GA for the McIntosh Tournament, as well as hosting the
Mauldin Cup, and non-conference matches against Parkview (GA) and Eastside (3A)
should test Mauldin's depth and determination. The Mavs lost only two seniors,
but will need a bona fide playmaker to step-up and lead the team.