Swansea head coach Willie Fox is ready for his team to take that next step. 

The Tigers program has seen a drastic turnaround in the first two seasons under Fox’s guidance. From a winless (0-10) season in 2023 to consecutive winning seasons the past two years, Swansea is looking to get back to the championship ways it experienced decades ago. 

“When we first got here as a staff, we were just trying to rebuild a program on hard times,” Fox said. “First year we were able to put together a winning record and the second year we were able to take another step forward. But the next step we want to take is being able to win in the playoffs.”

To achieve that goal, the team has been working all offseason tirelessly. The team has focused on getting in better physical shape and getting the new faces up to speed. 

Fox and his staff continuously preached their core four foundations of the program: team, accountability, competition and toughness. This year’s group has taken those values to heart.

“I think this is the best offseason we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Fox said. “The buy-in, the attitude, the amount of work they’re putting in, it’s just something I’m really excited about.” 

Swansea’s play style will be fairly similar to last season thanks to a strong group of returning players, but there will be a few notable differences. 

Offensively, the team will still attempt to establish the run first, but will also look to spread things out and get the ball in the hands of their playmakers downfield. Fox has been slowly integrating this into his system since coming on. 

“When I first got here, we needed to be a ground and pound, churning out three yards in a cloud of dust,” he said. “Last year we opened it up a bit more. This year, we have the same system, same terminology, and a lot of skill guys that can score with the ball in their hand.” 

On defense, the team will play out of a 3-3 stack formation, giving them many different pressure opportunities to throw at opposing offenses. 

The Tigers will play aggressively, but also keep a third safety on the field to prevent explosive opportunities. 

Players to watch 

Trace Selfridge is one of Swansea’s most experienced returning players. Fox described him as a do-it-all Swiss Army knife type player. 

He’ll play on offense as the primary wingback and a receiver. On defense, he normally played safety but will also be utilized as a linebacker this year. 

Tarez James is stepping into the starting quarterback role for the first time after playing receiver for most of his career. His dual-threat ability should keep opposing teams on high alert. 

DeAndre Caldwell is expected to step up as the primary running back this season after splitting carries for most of 2025. He will play both sides of the ball as a safety on defense. 

The offensive and defensive line players will also get reps on both sides of the ball. Some of the top guys there include Davis Livingston, Kevin Sightler, Ethan Jeffcoat and Jeremiah Waymyers. 

2026 schedule

Week 0 - vs. Keenan - Aug. 21

Week 1 - vs. Aiken - Aug. 28

Week 2 - vs. Lexington - Sept. 4

Week 3 - at Pelion - Sept. 11

Week 4 - at  Fox Creek - Sept. 18

Week 5 - at Camden* - Sept. 25

Week 6 - at Airport* - Oct. 2

Week 7 - BYE - Oct. 9

Week 8 - vs. Lower Richland* - Oct. 16

Week 9 - at Gilbert* - Oct. 23

Week 10 - vs. Brookland-Cayce* - Oct. 30

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