HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

The Brookland Cayce football team has kicked off spring practice. The Bearcats went 7-5 last year and finished tied for 3rd place with South Aiken in Region 5-4A to archrival Airport followng the 38-27 loss to the Eagles in the regular-season finale.

The Bearcats advanced to the 2nd round of the Class 4A playoffs where they to top-seed Harts-ville.

While they return a good deal of starters, one position with uncertainty is quarterback.

Charpia’s son Reed, who set records for wins as a 3-year starter for Brookland-Cayce and was a All-Chronicle Country 1st team quarterback is graduating.

Head football Coach Rusty Charpia, Reed’s father, is beginning to get an idea about who may replace his son.

“As of right now, the front runner is Malachi Brown, someone who has stepped in when we’ve had injuries at the position and won some games for us,” Charpia said. “He is a very good athlete. And even though he will probably play wide receiver or defensive back at the next level, he has said that he will do whatever is best for the team.

“However, this early, it would be unfair to give the position to anyone.”

Charpia also said, as far as other positions go, he does not see numbers being an issue with the Bearcats.

“We had a good first day, and about 60 kids came out,” he said.

The coach was also asked about some key returners for the upcoming year.

“You have to start with Will Way at tailback, who was all-region last year, and up front we have Brian Mims and Tradd Castles, two standout linemen,” he said.

At wide receiver, Brown will contribute if he isn’t at quarterback.

And Charpia said on the defensive side of the ball Damani Jones is projected as a starter on the line.

Hampton Stutler is expected hold down linebacker spot and Charpia expects Stutler to be a leader.

“In the secondary we have Latrell Jamison, and Keon Middleton, an all region free safety,” he said. “K.J. Blackmon should also standout at linebacker if he can stay healthy.”

Brookland-Cayce will open the 2019 season on Aug. 23 at White Knoll. A week later, the Bearcats will play host to Airport in the 1st of 2 meetings.

The first matchup is a non-region game and the 2 teams will end the regular season against each other Nov. 1.