The first season under a new coach can bring a mix of excitement and trepidation, but if all goes well in year one, the second campaign is pure energy. That’s the case at Ridgeland-Hardeeville, where a late surge in Will Lampkin’s debut season leading the Jaguars has interest and expectations running high going into year two.
The Jags won four games a year ago — their highest win total since 2014 — and they played their best ball late in the season, capping the regular season with wins over Lake Marion and Hilton Head High before losing to powerhouse Dillon in the first round of the playoffs.
“Just to see how we progressed from two years prior to last year, that was a huge jump,” senior Davion Lewis said. “It’s been years since we went to the playoffs, so I think that was a wakeup call to other teams around the area that Ridgeland is here now.”
The Jags are young with only six seniors listed on the preseason roster, which is bolstered by a large sophomore class led by linebacker Brandon Howard. Junior Antonio Chaneyfield takes over at quarterback for graduated speedster Jertaveon Smalls, and the Jags have to replace leading rusher Marquese Grant.
Smalls and Grant combined for 1,940 rushing yards last season, but most of the guys who paved the way are back, including senior Jeremiah Orr, a first-team All-Lowco selection last season.
“We’re still going through a process of rebuilding,” senior Khalil Dupont said. “But we’re gonna win more games this year.”
RHHS JAGUARS FOOTBALL (click for team page)
Coach: Will Lampkin
Record at RHHS: 4-7 (1st season)
2018 record: 4-7 overall, 1-3 region (lost in first round of Class 3A playoffs)
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense
Offensive scheme: Spread Option
Defensive scheme: 4-2-5
Top returners: OL/DL Jeremiah Orr, DL/OL Malik White, LB/WR Brandon Howard
Notable losses: QB/DB Jertaveon Smalls, OL/DL Renae Wright, WR/DL Ronald Zimmerman, RB Marquese Grant
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jeremiah Orr, OL: Lampkin raves about Orr, a massive left tackle who is on the cusp of NCAA Division I scholarship offers. The Jaguars have the luxury not only of being able to run behind the big guy, but they’ll also have him protecting quarterback Antonio Chaneyfield’s blind side in passing situations.
BURNING QUESTION
Can the Jaguars turn the corner?
Ridgeland-Hardeeville hasn’t had a winning season since 2014, but the Jaguars are trending in the right direction in their second year under Lampkin. Getting to six wins won’t be easy, though, with a schedule that includes three Class 4A opponents and a tough region slate. A winning season against this slate would mean the Jaguars have arrived.
REGION AND BEYOND
May River and Wade Hampton were a cut above the rest of Region 8-3A a year ago, but it would seem the next tier of teams has an opportunity to close the gap in 2019. The Jaguars have enough talent to compete with the region’s top teams if they continue to buy into Lampkin’s efforts to instill discipline and improve fundamentals.
SCHEDULE
8/23 — vs. Marlboro County
8/30 — vs. Estill
9/6 — at Bluffton
9/13 — vs. Whale Branch
9/20 — at Hilton Head High
9/27 — vs. Colleton County
10/4 — Open
10/11 — at May River*
10/18 — vs. Battery Creek*
10/25 — at Wade Hampton*
11/1 — vs. Lake Marion*
*region opponent
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