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

Robin Bacon, A.C. Flora:

Sept. 29: A.C. Flora 13

Lugoff-Elgin 25

Said the loss was a crushing defeat. The last five games the Falcons have out gained their opponents, but have found a way to lose. A murderous row of games is next with Fairfield Central, Camden, and Blythewood. Said it was good to have young players, because they don't know to be upset. On playing Fairfield Central next, said hopefully the Griffins' homecoming will be a distraction for them. F-C is an extremely scary team and the Falcons will have to play keep away to have a chance.

Jeff Scott, Blythewood:

Sept. 29: Blythewood 59

Camden 19

Said Camden had the ball nearly 19 minutes to Blythewood's five minutes and Blythewood was up 42-6 at halftime, so time of possession may be a bit overrated. Camden had five turnovers giving the Bengals a short field all night. On playing Chester next, said the Cyclones have a lot of momentum with the region's number one scoring offense and defense. The Bengals have been talking about this one for three weeks.

Brad Coleman, Brookland-Cayce:

Sept. 29: Brookland-Cayce 27

Swansea 14

Said if you wait six games to win one, then this (a region game) is the one you want to win. Thought the Bearcats should play homecoming again. Said Chris Montgomery had a very good game rushing 23 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns. "He'll three- yard you to death." On facing Strom Thurmond next, said the Bearcats don't have much to lose and the Rebels are as good offensively as they were last year when they won the Class 3A State Championship.

Marco Thompson (Assistant Coach), Columbia:

Sept. 29: Columbia 39

Gilbert 14

Said this was the first time this season the offense started well in the first half. On facing McCallie High (in Chattanooga, TN) next, the Tornados are 5-1 and their QB is a UT commitment. Also said hopefully the Capitals can represent SC well, keep the game close, and pull it out in the fourth quarter.

John Daye,

Heathwood Hall:

Sept. 29: Heathwood Hall 30Ben Lippen 6

Said this was the Highlanders strongest defensive effort of the year. The offense sputtered at first, but got on track later. On facing Hilton Head Prep next, said the game will be played at four o'clock, because the City of Hilton Head does not allow light pole expressions. Also said the Highlanders have no film on Hilton Head and all they know is the Dolphins imported a 6'6", 200 lb. quarterback.

J.W. Montgomery,

Lower Richland:

Sept. 29: Lower Richland 6

White Knoll 34

Said the defense played well in the first half, but the Diamond Hornets found a way to self destruct in the second half. Also said the kids continue to work hard and that is all you can ask. The offensive line played well. On facing RNE next, said RNE is definitely a well respected program. All the Diamond Hornets can do is prepare and work hard.

Jay Frye,

Richland Northeast:

Sept. 29: RNE 13

T.L. Hanna 20

Said it's the same old story, the Cavaliers beat themselves with five turnovers, three of which were in the red zone. Also said RB Brian Maddox was as good as advertised. On facing Lower Richland next, said the Diamond Hornets are a much, much improved team and will play the entire game.

Raymond Jennings,

Ridge View:

Sept. 29: Ridge View 23

Irmo 21

Said this was a pretty good game and very, very important to the seniors. Senior WR/DB Jeremy Cole was "all over the place." Down 14-0 with a minute left in the half, he returned an interception 75 yards for a Ridge View touchdown. Said tenth grade kicker Jordan Stovall had a bad game, but he hit the game winner. On facing Dutch Fork next, said it's the Blazers' first region game and there will be no real surprises. The Silver Foxes are big and solid, and the Blazers just have to be ready to play.