The Coaches' Corner
Weekly thoughts from area coaches.
By Mike
Maddock

Jeff Scott, Blythewood:

Jokingly says his request for one more JV season was denied. Big game for entire community against Ridge View. None of his players have played in this atmosphere.

Brad Coleman, Brookland-Cayce:

Says his team is still inconsistent and he would like another week to prepare. Believes this week's game with Airport may come down to who has the ball last.

John Daye, Heathwood

Hall: Remarked that Hammond took it to his team at the Jamboree. The 16 seniors departed from last year's squad means this year's group will have to grow up fast. The Highlanders open with Porter-Gaud, a team Daye says they seem to play every time he turns around.

Bob Hanna, Irmo:

Remarked the last time his team scored was August 14. O-line should be pretty good. Irmo's outstanding corners, Rahmell Lewis and Yari King, will allow them to do a lot with their defense. Open with South Pointe who has no seniors but plenty of speed and size.

J.W. Montgomery,

Lower Richland: Joked, "Pray for me." He is excited to be at LR, and the kids have welcomed his rules and discipline. They'll run a spread offense with one returning starter on the O-Line and young skill players. D-Line is the most experienced group on the team.

Jay Frye,

Richland Northeast: Says his team stayed relatively healthy during pre-season. Gary Gray will run a flexbone-look offense. Gray running the option could be scary. Cavs open with Lexington. Frye hoped for a hot night to negate the size and strength of the Lexington linemen.

Raymond Jennings,

Ridge View: Says his "contact" players need to get a lot better. Only three returning starters-two on offense, one on defense. Impressed with linebacker Apollo Stretch. Says his offense can't get much done when he's in there. Opener with Blythewood is important for a lot of different reasons.

Jimmy Noonan,

Spring Valley: Academic, disciplinary, and lightning issues have made this the most adverse pre-season in recent history. Had twelve returning starters, now down to five. Lightning has forced the Vikings to spend more time in the gym than on the field. Strength of the team is Kyle Fischer and the rest of the O-Line. Open with Fairfield-Central. Says the Vikings don't match-up speed wise.