A new varsity football team will make its way around Lexington County as American Leadership Academy takes the stage against the big dogs for the first time in school history.

The team competed in a handful of games last season as a JV squad, giving them some experience before jumping right into varsity competition.

“This is one of the hardest working group of kids that I’ve had,” head coach Robin Bacon said. “We’ve got good leadership. I have a really good staff, which makes things a little bit easier. Obviously, there are growing pains of a first varsity year, but I’m really pleased at where we’re at right now.”

The team is also competing in a region for the first time. They will compete in class 2A Region 2 with fellow Lexington County schools Pelion and Batesburg-Leesville. Despite being in the second-lowest classification in the state, Bacon said his team has 1A numbers but the new multiplier rule has them playing up.

“It’s a brutal schedule,” Bacon said.

Even more brutal, the team will have to play its entire schedule on the road since the team does not yet have a home stadium.

Another hurdle the team will have to jump is its youth. As a brand new team, many of the players are only freshmen or sophomores.

“That happens when you start from scratch,” Bacon said. “But their work ethic is really good. They come to work every day, extremely hard. I’m so impressed with the way our coaches work with our kids. And it’s going to be fun. I don’t know what we have in store, but I feel like we’re a hundred miles further along than we were last year.”

Offense

Being a school about developing leadership, ALA has many vocal players who step up and lead when necessary. Players Bacon praised for leadership include Abe Hoffman, Carson Williams and Jackson Sheriff.

Starting quarterback Ian Briggs is returning and will hold the keys on offense. Offensive lineman Jarom Peterson will be the lead man in protection.

Bacon said wide receiver Leonard Presley is the guy to watch out wide. He expects Presley to be a top target for Briggs this season.

Defense

The defense is full of returning players.

Ian Briggs’ brother, Phoenix Briggs, is one of the few seniors on the team. Bacon said he was impressed with what Phoenix has displayed in summer and preseason practice.

Nathaniel Lynch will play linebacker for the team alongside Dominic Pagano, who is in his first season with the team.

Regardless of how this season goes, Bacon said he wants to see his team compete and continue to get better because they are the foundation for this program.

“I don’t think this season has to be anything,” Bacon said. “I think because we’re so young, I think the biggest thing I want to see is a jump in improvement from year to year. Obviously, we’re in a very tough region. We’ve got to be competitive. We’ve got to get after people.”

Schedule

Week 1 - at Calhoun Falls Charter - Aug. 30

Week 3 - at Ridge Spring-Monetta - Sept. 13

Week 6 - at Saluda - Oct. 4

Week 7 - at. Strom Thurmond - Oct. 11

Week 8 - at Batesburg-Leesville - Oct. 18

Week 9 - at Ninety Six- Oct. 25

Week 10 - at Pelion - Nov. 1