The Chapin football team was under new guidance for the first time in over a decade last season.

Ryan Cole has been with the Chapin program for years as a defensive coach, but last season was his first as the head coach after taking over from Justin Gentry. In his first year, Cole led the Eagles through one of the toughest regions in the state en route to their first playoff victory in three seasons.

“ It was really big for us to, number one, make the playoffs and, number two, to host a playoff game,” Cole said.

Chapin’s team enters this season seeking similar success. Cole said he wants to see his team play competitively in the non-region and region seasons to earn their way back into the playoffs, and hopefully, this time, advance even further.

“I’m just good for our kids to compete,” Cole said. “ Just to compete and go out there and show everybody else around the state what I already know that they’re capable of.”

The Eagles will look a little different this season after an offseason of roster turnover and coaching changes.

Chapin has a new offensive coordinator this season. Cole said the Eagles will look to rely more on their rushing attack this season, playing physical and with more tight ends. The team won’t completely abandon the pass, but it is looking to find a better balance of plays after running an air raid offense in 2024.

With a full year of head coaching under his belt, Cole has become more involved in the offensive decisions after spending years focused solely on defense.

“I continue to learn every day,” he said. “ I’ve gotta make sure that I keep focusing on all sides of the ball and the entire program.”

The Eagles have a tough road ahead of them, playing in one of the deepest regions in the state.

Their non-region slate will be a good test before having to face top teams such as Dutch Fork, Irmo and White Knoll.

“ Everybody knows that our region, it’s the toughest region in the state,” Cole said.  ”If we can be competitive in this region, we know we can play with anybody else.”

Chapin opens the season at home on Aug. 22 against Catawba Ridge.

 ”When it’s all said and done, we control our own destiny,” Cole said.

Offense

Caden Muskus was a 2024 All-State offensive lineman and is returning for his final year of Chapin football. The Appalachian State commit will be the leader on the line as they try to create gaps for the runners and protect the quarterback.

Mason Hetlinger will line up alongside Muskus as the team’s starting center.

Jessup Boulware is being asked to do more at the tight end spot this year. Cole said he needs that position group to play more physically and contribute in the run and pass game.

Connor Finney will be one of the top receiving targets. He came on as a sophomore last year and made noise, giving Cole hope he can blossom into a consistent threat this season.

Luke Cromer is set to be one of the team’s main running backs this season. After he bounced around the defense last year, Cole saw the potential Cromer had as a rushing threat and feels the change will benefit himself and the team.

All of these guys will be playing around new starting quarterback, Brock Smith. He was the backup to Brady Albro last season and got some playing experience when Albro went down with an injury.

Smith made six appearances last season and completed over 60% of his passes in four of them. This season will be his chance to show what he can do in the spotlight.

Defense

Chapin is returning a lot of familiar faces on defense.

Ethan Lorick and Clinton Gentry will lead the defensive line. Both players got plenty of experience last season and will play an even larger role this year.

Palmer Flake, Parker Collins and Caleb Davis will be the team’s main linebacker trio. They will be tasked with closing gaps so opposing rushers can’t break free, as well as matching up in the pass game.

Peyton Griffin, Charlie Todd and Drew Greer will be the main defenders lined up in the secondary.

“It’s going to be a good year for some kids to prove that they’re definitely the players that I know they are,” Cole said. “They’re going to have some opportunities to shine.”

2025 Chapin Schedule

Week 0 - vs. Catawba Ridge - Aug. 22

Week 1 - at A.C. Flora - Aug. 29

Week 2 - vs. Spring Valley - Sept. 5

Week 3 - at Newberry - Sept. 12

Week 4 - vs. Summerville Sept. 19

Week 5 - BYE

Week 6 - at Dutch Fork* - Oct. 3

Week 7 - at Lexington* Oct. 10

Week 8 - vs. River Bluff* - Oct. 17

Week 9 - vs. Irmo* - Oct. 24

Week 10 - at White Knoll* - Oct. 31

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent