By Thomas Grant Jr.
Despite still seeking the first win of the season, Chapin football is seeing more positives.
Rather than harp on the 0-4 record, head coach Ryan Cole is focused on the vast improvement of the offense. While Eagles fell to Newberry 45-22 for the first time in four years, it was their best showing both from a points and yardage standpoint.
“Our offense played pretty well Friday night,” he said. “We made some changes on the (offensive) line. We still need to take care of the football. We made several changes that helped us have some success. We still have not played to our full potential.”
Helping to end Chapin’s streak of quarters without a touchdown this season was new starting quarterback Tyler Black. In the sophomore’s second game of the season, he was 15-27 passing for 271 yards and two touchdowns to senior wide receivers Luke Cromer and Jessup Boulware.
On the ground, he displayed a dual threat in rushing for 61 yards and a score.
“Tyler is a competitive young man,” Cole said. “He gives us the ability to stretch defenses. He is a pretty mobile quarterback who gives us some options as well. Tyler is growing in his leadership role in the program.”
While the offense rounds itself into form, the defense looks to rebound from last week’s showing. This came after it held Spring Valley to seven points in a one-point loss.
It gets no easier this week as the Eagles invite a well-rested Summerville to Cecil Woolbright Field. Last year’s Class 5A Division I Lower State champion and state runner-up defeated Berkeley 36-20 on Sept. 5.
The Green Wave (2-1) return All-State selections running back Jayven Williams and wide receiver Jaiden Kelly-Murray on offense with Matt Stafford and Cooper Kafina sharing the quarterback duties.
Among the faces to watch on defense are linebackers Tyree Patton and J.T. Williams and Silver Bluff transfer Dexter Chavous.
“Summerville is a good football team and program,” Cole said. “They are well-balanced on both sides of the football. It is another great opportunity to see how we match up against another good team. We will have to play well in all phases of the game.”
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Friday and can be streamed by visiting chapinsports.com and clicking CSPN Live for Boxcast.
(Photos by Ed Walker)
