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

Robin Bacon, A.C. Flora:

Sept. 2: A.C. Flora 28

Mid-Carolina 14

Said despite losing a tough game to Columbia the week before and having to play on Saturday against Mid-Carolina, his kids played well. Carlos McCoy, Sims Tompkins, and Mo Holler were stand-outs. On playing Keenan next, said they spread the ball all over the place and play hard defensively.

Jeff Scott, Blythewood:

Sept. 1: Blythewood 35

Lamar 13

Said he was glad to get a win against Lamar since his team has the pleasure of facing RNE next. Said Blythewood's only chance was to hope RNE stand-out quarterback Gary Gray takes a spontaneous Friday night recruiting trip.

Brad Coleman, Brookland-Cayce:

Sept. 1: B-C 8, RNE 54

Said he thought his Bearcats had a chance to be competitive after scoring a TD on their opening drive against RNE. After RNE scored four straight, nobody played well and the B-C trainer was active all night. On facing Dreher next, said the Blue Devils are a heck of a football team, and B-C hasn't played particularly well at Memorial Stadium.

Kemper Amick, Columbia:

Sept. 1: Columbia 21

Dreher 14

Said the game with Dreher was typical of the last three years - down to the end and very physical. Joked, Justin Payne threw his first interception and must have liked the feeling so he threw another one. Said the Capitals are dealing with injuries which has not been a problem the last few years. On facing Eau Claire, said the Shamrocks are 2-0 for the first time since 1972, and he expects them to be fired up for Columbia.

John Daye,

Heathwood Hall:

Sept. 1: Heathwood Hall 21 Christ Church 40

Said Highlanders jumped out to a 14-0 lead against Christ Church and were tied 21-21 going into the third quarter, but Christ Church's two returns for touchdowns were demoralizing. Said if it could go wrong, it did. Highlanders have not figured out how to win yet. On facing Lawrence Manning next, said they played Hammond tough, and Hammond may just be the best team in SCISA football right now.

Bob Hanna, Irmo:

Sept. 1: Irmo 21, Dutch Fork 7

Said his Yellow Jackets didn't have the ball as much as Dutch Fork, but they didn't turn it over as much. On facing Spring Valley next, said Coach Noonan has the Vikings playing hard and Irmo is undersized compared to them.

Demond Logan, Keenan:

Sept. 1: Keenan 6

Eau Claire 19

Said he thinks his Raiders got better as a team against Eau Claire, but their passing game still needs improvement. The Raiders were inside the 20 six times and only got six points. He thought his defense played well. On facing A.C. Flora, said they are big on rushing the ball. Their running backs are small, but they can play.

J.W. Montgomery,

Lower Richland:

Sept. 1: LR 0, South Pointe 28

Felt his team took a step backwards on offensive line, but the defense played well, especially in the second half. Said his kids played hard and continue to get better. On facing Northwestern next, "Yeah, they left me with a nice schedule."

Jay Frye,

Richland Northeast:

Sept. 1: RNE 54, B-C 8

Said his team came out ready to play and capitilzed on turnovers. Said fortunately he got to play some young guys. On facing Blythewood next, "They scare me as much as anybody on our schedule. We are really going to have our hands full."

Raymond Jennings,

Ridge View:

Sept. 1: Ridge View 52

White Knoll 40

Said the game with White Knoll was a track meet. Said he felt his kids made a bunch of mistakes in the second half. His defense voluntarily ran wind sprints after the game. On facing Lexington next, said their linemen present a challenge for us.

Jimmy Noonan,

Spring Valley:

Sept. 1: Spring Valley 27 Lexington 10

Said the Vikings' game with Lexington was much closer than the score showed. Said his defense struggled to get off the field as evidenced by the 75 defensive plays to 33 on offense. On playing Irmo next, "I don't have to tell you Irmo is a talented team. Bob's (Hanna) program has been a standard for consistency in Columbia."