It is a new era for the Gray Collegiate football program as the school prepares for its first season of 4A play under the guidance of new head coach De’Angelo Bryant.

The War Eagles finished 15-4 in 2023 and advanced to the 2A state championship game before losing to Oceanside Collegiate 35-28. With the new multiplier rule installed after the competitive balance debate, Gray is set to play two classifications higher than it did in 2023. Bryant said the program is ready to compete at this new level.

“If you look at this place historically, Gray has always been in a position where they play some very challenging games in terms of playing up a couple of different classifications and being able to really show that they can compete,” Bryant said. “Our job is to make sure that we are as prepared as we possibly can.”

Bryant said the team is prepared to face adversity. Going through a coaching transition and at the same time jumping classifications would be difficult for many teams. He is just excited to see them compete.

“Of all the different challenges that are going to be presented to us in every form and fashion, I’m really excited to really see our guys be able to go out there and compete,” Bryant said. 

Offense

Bryant said the team’s offense starts with senior running back BJ Montgomery. He was a crucial part of the team’s success last season as well, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games.

“He is definitely a home run hitter. In my opinion, I think he is one of the most talented running backs in the state this year,” Bryant said. “He’s already received a couple of G5 offers, and he’s definitely kind of the catalyst.”

Also returning for the War Eagles is junior quarterback Tyler Waller, who started the majority of games for the team last season but split the responsibilities in almost every contest. Bryant said another year of experience under his belt allowed him to better develop his skills and leadership.

One of Waller’s top targets this year is expected to be Zion Job. Job is a rising senior, who took more of a backseat role last year behind Zai Offord and Jamarious Lockett. Joining Job on the perimeter is Silver Bluff transfer Hiszari Gantt. He followed Bryant from Silver Bluff and will be one of the guys most familiar with his system.

Defense

On defense, the War Eagles return all four starters from the line. Two guys in particular that Bryant said he is excited to see in action are rising seniors Zeb Taylor and Mo Singleton

Taylor and Singleton combined for 134 total tackles last season and had strong playoff performances to help Gray earn a spot in the championship game. Joining them is L.J. Holly, whom Bryant said is a sleeper this season, and Michael Boulware Jr., whom Bryant said continues to get better.

Bryant also said he is excited to see how the team’s secondary responds after a rough outing in the 2A championship game.

“Our secondary took a lot of criticism in the offseason after the state championship game, but I’m really excited to see those guys kind of learn and grow,” Bryant said.

Leading the defensive backs are juniors Aiden Legger and Caleb Raysor. Both guys are returning after experiencing significant playing time during their sophomore campaign.

The team will have a few players playing both sides of the ball, including Job who will see minutes at safety.

“One thing that’s going to be very noticeable is going to be the depth,” Bryant said. “Moving to 4A, you’re looking at other schools that, even from a traditional standpoint, outweigh us in numbers in the school by a couple of hundred students. So, we’re going to have to be creative.”

Schedule 

Week 0 - vs. James Island - Aug. 23

Week 1 - at Baylor – Aug. 30

Week 3 - at Dutch Fork - Sept. 13

Week 4 - vs. Midland Valley - Sept. 20

Week 5 - at North Augusta - Sept. 27

Week 6 - vs. Brookland-Cayce - Oct. 4

Week 7 - vs. Airport - Oct. 11

Week 8 - at South Aiken - Oct. 18

Week 9 - vs Aiken - Oct. 25

Week 10 - at Gilbert Nov. 1