Fairfield Central lineman DeAndre Anderson shows just how low he can go during Griffin practices last week.
After missing all of 2012 with a blown knee, Westwood quarterback Chris Patterson, sporting knee brace, is ready to prove it was all worth the wait.
Workouts begin as preseason looms . . .
Richard Winn Academy kicks off its 2013 football campaign Aug. 23. Fairfield Central, Blythewood and Westwood high schools on Aug. 30. But if you can’t wait until then to wet your football whistle, Fairfield Central hosts a four-team controlled scrimmage tonight (Aug. 9). The Bengals of Blythewood will be there, as will Rock Hill and Airport high schools, with action to begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $5.
There will be no live kicking Friday night, apart from the possibility of a late PAT or field goal attempt, Griffins head coach Demetrius Davis said, with teams lining up on the 40 and driving toward the goal line. Each team will get six plays in which to score. If they score on the first play, they still have five plays left and begin again at the 40, Davis said. After their six plays, teams will then line up on the 40 once more for a drive series. Get a first down and keep snapping the ball. Otherwise, turn it over.
Things will get a little more lifelike next week as the Griffins host Nation Ford Aug. 13 in a game-style scrimmage at 6 p.m. The RWA Eagles, meanwhile, travel to Mullins that night in a controlled match against Pee Dee Academy. The Eagles get into game-style action Aug. 16 at Laurens Academy. Both contests begin at 6 p.m.
Westwood will get some early morning licks in as they host Keenan Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. The Redhawks travel to Chester Monday for a 6 p.m. dry run and to Batesburg-Leesville Aug. 17 for a 9 a.m. trial.
But the highlight of the preseason is this year’s Fairfield County Jamboree, sponsored by Midlands Honda, on Aug. 16. The night begins at 6 p.m. with Timmonsville taking on Ben Lippen, followed by Keenan vs. South Pointe, Ridge View vs. Sumter (a preseason homecoming for former Griffins head coach Reggie Kennedy) and in the nightcap, at approximately 9 p.m., Fairfield Central lines up against Lakewood. Each team will play one half of football. Admission is $6.
The Griffins and the ‘Hawks will get their final tune-up before opening night in the Lugoff-Elgin Jamboree, Aug. 23. The Griffins go at 7 p.m. while Westwood closes things out at 9 p.m.
