HSFB Preview: BA Hopes More Aggressive, Balanced Approach Leads To Improvement

The enthusiasm in Scott Richards’ voice is palpable – the fourth-year coach has high expectations for his Beaufort Academy football team.

Last year’s two-win campaign was a setback in the Eagles’ steady improvement that began with a program-best six wins in 2013, but Richards can reel off a list of reasons he thinks BA’s upward trajectory will resume in 2017.

It begins with the ability to be more balanced on offense, thanks to the addition of Dawson Coleman and Whale Branch transfer Daijion Galloway, both of whom can play quarterback and rejuvenate the passing game. Having that duo in the backfield also allows the flexibility to use returners Jaxon Spratling and Edward McCormick – the Eagles’ most aggressive players, according to Richards – on the line.

Richards also has been encouraged by a more aggressive and physical attitude on defense, noting that for the first time his team has “more tacklers than athletes.”

The biggest concern for the Eagles is the roster size, which currently sits at 14, leaving them thin, even by 8-man football standards. Richards hopes to coax a few more players out when school starts to help provide depth in case of injuries.

BEAUFORT ACADEMY EAGLES FOOTBALL

Coach information: Scott Richards

Record at BA: 10-18 (4th season)

2016 record: 2-7 (1-3 region)

Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense

Top returners: RB/LB Edward McCormick, QB/RB Jaxon Spratling, OL/DL Will Warren

Breakout candidates: QB/DB Dawson Coleman, ATH Daijion Galloway

Outlook: It’s hard not to believe in Richards’ optimism. The Eagles are more physical than in years past, and they have the playmakers to be more dynamic on offense, so if the key players stay healthy, they could make a big leap from last year’s two wins.

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