Spring Valley, Westwood open season with new coaches

By Thomas Grant Jr.

The Northeast area has two new head football coaches this fall.

Both Norman Washington and Stephen Burriss look to bring success for their respective schools. They will also compete against each other in Region 5-5A with includes rivals Blythewood and Ridge View.

Each team kicks off play Friday for Week 0.

SPRING VALLEY

Norman Washington is proud of his past with Spring Valley football.

He returns to his alma mater with a mindset of “Forging Forward” a winning path once again for the Vikings.

“I told my guys I’m owning everything that’s happened in the past,” he said. “I’m a Viking for life. But, at the end of the day, we’ve got to move forward. We can’t just keep dwelling on the past. I know what’s been said in the past, but right now, we have things going in the right direction.”

The recent past hopes to put behind Spring Valley is the state’s longest active losing streak. The Vikings have not won a football game since Oct. 21, 2022 against Fort Mill, a span of 24 games.

After two straight losing seasons, Spring Valley has turned to a 2009 graduate taking his first head coaching job. He most recently served as a linebackers’ coach in Cummings, Ga.

Since Washington’s arrival, he’s sought to reenergize the program with a focus on getting stronger in the weight room. The improved size upfront with offensive linemen like guard Jayden Jefferson is evidence of that commitment.

“The kids are starting to buy into the culture, buy in to the standards that we’re setting,” he said. “We have small details. Just even today, I had someone tell me I can tell football players that are the building how they carry themselves. We focus on off-the-field stuff, that’s going to lead us to on field success. Just having guys holding themselves accountable.”

Offensively, Washington has put his trust in senior quarterback Dylan Redden. Leading the defense are linebackers Brent Mills and Sawyer Sheffield and defensive lineman Symiek Reid.

Spring Valley looks to end the losing streak Friday against Richland Northeast which begins the post-Will Wilson era.

SPRING VALLEY SCHEDULE

(Games start at 7:30 p.m.)

AUG. 22 – RICHLAND NORTHEAST

AUG. 29 – at Lower Richland

SEPT. 5 – at Chapin

SEPT. 11 – CATAWBA RIDGE

SEPT. 19 – at Sumter

SEPT. 26 – BLYTHEWOOD

OCT. 3 – at Ridge View

OCT. 9 – WESTWOOD

OCT. 17 – Bye

OCT. 24 – at Lugoff-Elgin

OCT. 31 – WEST FLORENCE

WESTWOOD

While Washington looks to revive one Northeast program, Stephen Burris looks to build upon another’s success last year.

The Redhawks won six games last season. This included defeating Blythewood in the “Battle of the Axe” and their first-ever postseason victory.

“Our first rule is to show up,” Burris said. “They’re doing that and we’re getting better daily. I really feel like now that we’re three months in, the kids can begin to see some of that work paying off. They’re stronger and getting in better shape, but it’s a different ball game when the lights are on.”

Bad weather last Friday cancelled Westwood’s final preseason scrimmage. It did not have to wait long to begin regular season play as it faces A.C. Flora at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

The game was moved up a day to avoid a scheduling conflict with co-home team Dreher. Nevertheless, Burris is encouraged by the team’s enthusiasm.

“Practices have been good,” Burris said. “We’re averaging right at 100 kids a day. Ninety-nine percent show up on time and are on the field ready to go on the first whistle.”

Burris has been impressed with the senior leadership. Running back Angelo Rios has run hard in camp and “led by example”, according to Burris. The Redhawks also return quarterback Carrington Carter and wide receiver Khameron Cunningham for their senior seasons.

On defense, linebacker Micheal Hunt and defensive end Prince Morgan have stood out during preseason scrimmages. The Redhawks also return defensive lineman Darryl Jones.

WESTWOOD 2025 SCHEDULE

(All Games Start at 7:30 p.m.)

AUG 22 – A.C. Flora

AUG. 29 – at Lakewood

SEPT. 5 – RICHLAND NORTHEAST

SEPT. 12 – AIRPORT

SEPT. 19 – at Blythewood

SEPT. 26 – RIDGE VIEW

OCT. 3 – Bye

OCT. 9 – at Spring Valley

OCT. 17 – LUGOFF-ELGIN

OCT. 24 – at West Florence

OCT. 31 – SUMTER

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

(All Games Start at 7:30 p.m.)

Blythewood at Nation Ford

Cardinal Newman at St. Joseph’s Catholic

Richland Northeast at Spring Valley

Fairfield Central at Ridge View