By Thomas Grant Jr.
The Chapin Kickoff Classic not only marks the close of preseason high school football for Chapin High School.
The event’s return Friday to Cecil Woolbright Field Stadium highlights a “new era” for the school. A year ago, renovations to the seating and press box resulting in the Classic moving to Fairfield Central High School.
With renovations virtually close to completion, the Eagles will close out the Classic against Class 5A newcomer Ridge View. get to suit up before their fans with new head coach Ryan Cole. He replaced longtime head coach Justin Gentry, the school’s second-winningest head coach.
After 14 seasons and close to 90 victories, Justin Gentry retired as the school’s second-longest tenured head coach. Now taking the head perch is Cole, who was promoted from defensive coordinator.
“I am honored and humbled to be in this position and so excited to continue to represent Chapin High School and School District Five,” Cole said in the press release. “I plan to continue the legacy of putting a winning team on the field and producing great young men who will have a positive impact on society.”
He takes over an Eagles’ program coming off a 6-5 season in which they lost four games by eight or less points. They’ve also seen Region 4-5A grow even more competitive with the addition of Lexington/Richland District Five rival Irmo.
Realignment by the S.C. High School has also reestablished two divisions for Class 5A. A total of 26 teams, including Dutch Fork, Lexington, and River Bluff, will compete in Division I with Irmo, Chapin and White Knoll among the 28 teams in Division II.
A formula using place of finish in region and Maxpreps.com ratings will determine the playoff seedings.
Chapin returns All-Region quarterback Brady Albro, who threw for over 2,600 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.
He’ll be protected by an experienced offensive line with returning tackles Nathan Gilley, a Lenoir-Rhyne commit, and Caden Muskus, guards Evan Creel and Sam Hetlinger and center Mason Hetlinger.
The wide receiving corps also brings back last year’s receptions leader Khalen Bostick, Jonathon Sheppard, Anthony Turnbow, Gaffney transfer Sonny Furrey and tight end Cooper Canady. Chapin looks to get a boost in the running game with the return of Cole Martin. He missed most of last season due to injury.
Look for the Eagles to play more “relentless” and aggressive on defense with Cal Sayger as coordinator. Max Miller, Nolan Mayer, Kristopher Carver, Caleb Davis, and Ethan Lorick make up the defensive line and leading tacklers Gavin Stam and Tanner Short return at linebacker. The secondary adds Furrey at safety to go with cornerbacks corners Turnbow, Luke Becker and Giancarlo Pinelli.
Chapin opens the season Aug. 23 at Catawba Ridge.
CHAPIN KICKOFF CLASSIC SCHEDULE
Gray Collegiate vs. American Leadership 6 p.m.
Spring Valley vs. Midland Valley 6:45 p.m.
Clinton vs. Blythewood 7:30 p.m.
Chapin vs. Ridge View 8:15 p.m.
LEXINGTON SPORTSARAMA
(At Lexington High School)
Fox Creek vs. Pelion 6 p.m.
River Bluff vs. North Augusta 7 p.m.
Gilbert vs. White Knoll 8 p.m.
Lexington vs. Airport 9 p.m.
Photo by Thomas Grant Jr. – Chapin quarterback Brady Albro at last year’s Kickoff Classic
