By Thomas Grant Jr.
Lightning storms prevented two things last Friday at Cecil Woolbright Field for Chapin football.
It not only cancelled an anticipated scrimmage with longtime archrival Mid-Carolina, but also marked the end of the preseason.
Now, the Eagles can turn their attention to the regular season. They are back at home Friday for the season-opener against Catawba Ridge.
This is the start of Year Two for head football coach Ryan Cole. Last season saw Chapin start 4-0 before finishing 6-6 and reaching the second round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs.
Graduation resulted in the departure of record-setting quarterback Brady Albro. The newly active transport portal in the S.C. High School League saw both running back Cole Martin and defensive back Stone Furrey leave for defending Class 5A Division I champion and region and District Five rival Dutch Fork.
At the same time, the Eagles have brought in three new players expected to have an impact. Easley transfer quarterback Joe Stoker, former Northside Christian Academy running back J.R. Kinard and A.C. Flora transfer linebacker Palmer Flake.
They will run behind a well-sized, experienced offensive line. Center Mason Hetlinger at 6-foot 2 and 275 pounds has recovered from labrum surgery and 6-foot 3, 240-pound senior tackle Caden Muskus is an Appalachian State commit.
Kemp Tisdale and Christopher Majchrzak are listed at guard and Jessup Boulware and Kaedyn Harris will share the tight end duties.
WEEK 0 SCHEDULE
(All Game Start at 7:30 p.m.)
Mid-Carolina at Swansea
Catawba Ridge at Chapin
Newberry at Union County
