PREP FOOTBALL

The past two seasons have seen River Bluff experience its share of on-field struggles.

After winning 22 games in the first three seasons of existence, the Gators have managed only three total wins in 2016 and 2017.

Entering the second season at the helm, head coach C. Blair Hardin finds himself faced with the challenge of continuing to mentor and guide a youthful squad.

“The areas we’ve focused on are increasing players football knowledge, toughness, and improving at the fundamentals of football. We are still an extremely young team, but our team speed has improved and this group is closer and expects to win.”

River Bluff returns some experience in quarterback Braden Walker and running back Antonio Gantt on offense and linebackers Noah Johnson, Lawson Danley and Camden Gray on defense. At the same time, Hardin said the team is young upfront and our working hard to become a solid unit.

The Gators will also have a change on the sidelines. Defensive backs coach Andre Cook will now serve as defensive coordinator, replacing Brookland-Cayce grad and new Union County head football coach Brian Thompson.

“Andre Cook is our new defensive coordinator and brings a lot of energy and passion to our program each day,” Hardin said.

The Gators open the season Aug. 17 in “The Swamp” against Fort Mill. A week later, they play their lone game outside of Chronicle Country against Richland Northeast.

Gray Collegiate win 7-on-7 tournament

Gray Collegiate Academy went 3-0 to claim the BSN Sports 7-on-7 tournament at Irmo High School.

The War Eagles defeated Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Chester and Irmo in the final.