By Thomas Grant Jr.
For the first time in three seasons, a Collins will not start at quarterback for Blythewood.
Thursday’s 4-team scrimmage at Bengal Stadium was an opportunity for potential starters Jordan Greaves and James Veasey to see action.
Facing defending Class 5A Division I champion Dutch Fork, Class 4A Lower State runner-up North Augusta, and Catawba Ridge allowed head coach James Martin to evaluate his team.
“Right now, we’re just trying to see if we can execute and get our calls in and play within ourselves,” he said. “That’s what today is about.”
Despite leading receiver Chase Coleman returning to archrival Blythewood, the Bengals still have a productive tandem at the position with Ben Hendrix and Chance Johnson. Junior center Reed Paolucci anchors the offensive line with Tyler Hoshauer, guard Todd Cole, and tackles Julian Pinkney and Javeon Hubbard.
Ben Lippen transfer Braden Marye and Landyn Strong will anchor the ground game.
Martin is optimistic about his defense’s overall team speed. Johnny Young and Daniel Hutcherson are among the returning leading tacklers at linebacker.
James Willis, Tyler Johnson, and Christian Sanders will bring speed and size up front on the defensive line. Marion Glover and Robert Rowe will man the cornerback position.
Blythewood looks to snap a 4-game losing streak that ended last season. By the time Aug. 22 hits for the season-opener at Nation Ford, Martin hopes to have a well-executing, cohesive team.
BLYTHEWOOD 2025 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUG. 22 – at Nation Ford
AUG. 29 – at Midland Valley
SEPT. 5 – FORT MILL
SEPT. 12 – W.J. KEENAN
SEPT. 19 – WESTWOOD
SEPT. 26 – at Spring Valley
OCT. 3 – LUGOFF-ELGIN
OCT. 10 – WEST FLORENCE
OCT. 17 – SUMTER
OCT. 24 – Bye
OCT. 31 – at Ridge View
(Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.)
