By Thomas Grant Jr.
Taking over Chapin football has an air of déjà vu’ for new head coach Corey Helms.
He’s looking to lead a program to success while competing in the same region as the reigning athletic association’s high school football dynasty.
This was exactly the scenario Helms faced during his tenure at Cardinal Newman. In three seasons, he led the Cardinals to a 16-15 record and two SCISA semifinal appearances.
The 2023 season was notable for a 9-3 record which was the second most wins in program history.
Following a brief at Pelion where Helms guided the Panthers to their most victories since 2014, he now looks to revive the Eagles.
Chapin is coming off a 0-10 season and have dropped 11 straight games dating back to 2024. The Eagles are also in the same region as the S.C. High School League’s current dynasty in fellow Lexington/Richland School District Five member Dutch Fork.
“That’s kind of been the M.O.,” Helms said. “As a competitor, that’s what you want. You want to play against the best. You want to coach against the best. So, if you’re a competitor, that’s what you look forward to.”
Through summer workouts, Helms has looked to create a competitive culture throughout the team. This is especially true on the offensive line where Helms started 46 games for the University of South Carolina and was position coach for the 2021 Class 2A champion Gray Collegiate Academy.
He believes the young group has “potential” to be special in the coming years. Juniors Kemp Tisdale and Grady Meetze are returning starters and varsity newcomers Hank Olds, Thomas Griffin and Anthony Nunez average over six feet and 300 pounds who show promise.
They will look to create openings for their “two-headed monster” in running backs Charlie Howell and Harper Ellerbe. Former defensive lineman Kingston Bower will serve as a power back to change pace.
Junior quarterback Tyler Black will take the full-time reins. He’s shown an ability to make plays in their multiple set offense Helms plans to utilize in the fall.
Black is also motivated by last year’s winless record.
“Play with a chip on your shoulder and remember the record last year,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a good year and we all want to ball.”
Black will benefit from a deep wide receiving corps. Ziggy Mack is an explosive threat who will also play in the secondary along with Nyshawn Palmore, Beckham Diimler, Connor Finney and Jack Coleman.
Anderson Stutts and Riley Ashton have been sidelined due to injury, but Helms said they have been the most consistent performers. Another prime target is 6-foot-3, 183-pound senior tight end Dalton Gravelle.
On the defensive line, senior Clinton Gentry is an active playmaker. He’s joined by well-sized defensive end Jacob Keisler, Tyson Waters, James Goss and Garrick Graham.
“I think everything’s been a lot more competitive base,” Gentry said. “Literally, everything we do is based on just competing and being the best you can and I think the culture in the locker room, I think the team’s a lost closer than they have been the years before I’ve been here.”
CHAPIN 2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
(All Games Start at 7:30 p.m.)
Chapin will open play Aug.21 at Lugoff- Elgin
AUG. 28 – BROOKLAND-CAYCE
SEPT. 4 – at Aiken
SEPT. 11 – AIRPORT
SEPT. 18 – SPRING VALLEY
SEPT. 25 – at Gilbert
OCT. 2 – at River Bluff
OCT. 9 – DUTCH FORK
OCT. 16 – at White Knoll
OCT. 23 – LEXINGTON
