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SPRING FOOTBALL: RHHS'S YOUTH MOVEMENT

Spring football: RHHS's youth movement

ANTHONY GARZILLI

Jasper County Sun Times | 6/7/2016

PHOTO CREDIT: Staff

Moving up to SCHSL Class AAA is an expected challenge, but Ridgeland-Hardeeville football coach Jahmaal Nelson didn’t expect the move to be led predominately by underclassmen.

The Jaguars recently had 12 spring practices that featured 23 players. Four rising seniors (Zion Wilson, Lamonte Scott, Malik Bostick and Devontay Dopson) were outnumbered by about 15 underclassmen.

Nelson, who had 38 players finish the season last season, was disappointed in the low turnout and he recognizes the program faces a future of learning on the job.

“There were a lot of kids in school that should have been out there that weren’t,” Nelson said. “I’m a little disappointed. Spring is a valuable time.”

Rising sophomore Kevin Polite is the frontrunner to be the quarterback because “he’s the one that was there every day,” Nelson said.

RHHS might not field a junior varsity team if the numbers remain low. Many young players who ordinarily would develop at the JV level will likely have to play significant roles on the varsity.

“JV is where they have a chance to learn the basics, of course at our varsity level the game is played on Fridays. The kids are going to have to grow up and learn,” Nelson said.

Nelson said a University of South Carolina coach stopped by practice to look at a player, but the player didn’t show up.

“To be a great program, you’ve got to understand this is something you have to commit to,” said Nelson, who will enter his third season as coach.

RHHS, which last season finished 2-8 overall and 1-4 in Region 5-AA, will compete in Region 8-AAA, which includes Bluffton and Wade Hampton.

Nelson said he’s encouraged by the potential of Polite and Freddie Aiken (LB/DB). He also expects “great things” from Bostick (LB).

“I was happy about all of our kids (who practiced),” Nelson said. “They were respectful and attentive.”

Nelson is also looking to fill his coaching staff. Byron Addison is set to return as offensive coordinator, but the Jaguars have openings at all the defensive positions.

Former defensive coordinator Kyle Williams took a job at another school and Nelson said last week he’s had only one response to the job postings.

Even though he’s short-staffed and was disappointed in the low spring numbers, Nelson said he’s ready to go to work. He said he’s looking forward to Tuesday, June 7, which is the first day of summer workouts. He hopes for a good turnout.

“I tell the kids, ‘I’ll be here every day,’” Nelson said. “I’d love to have a complete staff and add about 60 players and have a spring game, but I’m going to coach the same as if I had 100 players that I would if I only have one.”
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