Rodney Summers knows how difficult it is to replace the top senior talent on his team. But never has he faced a challenge quite like this. After a spectacular four years, the Ahmad Green era at May River has come to an end. On top of having to replace a once-in-a-generation talent at quarterback, the Sharks will be without the services of more than 20 graduating seniors from last season. It will be a season of retooling for Summers and his squad as they look to keep up with a surging Beaufort High group in 2021.
During his phenomenal May River tenure, Green did it all, elevating a young, fledgling program into a state title contender in just a handful of years. His electric and explosive playmaking abilities ignited a multidimensional offense that was unstoppable against any Lowco foe. Now, Summers will look to a mix of underclassmen and reliable veterans to lead the way in a new-look offense.
Senior Garvin Douglas will step into the void at quarterback and will have some talented weapons at his side to work with. The run game should be a major component of the new offensive system, and the duo of Cam Smith and Jaiden Jones should pick up right where they left off last season.
After a brilliant campaign at Battery Creek in 2020, senior RB/DB Jaeon Allen will bring his blazing speed and stellar agility to the Shark Tank to complete what should be a very dangerous backfield. Expect Summers to implement all three into his gun triple option attack, which should make use of Douglas’ and the three backs’ versatile skills. But with several massive losses on the offensive line, it could be difficult to find the blocking to open up the key running lanes.
There will be even more holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, led by the departure of 2020 All-Lowco Defensive Player of the Year Eli Hall, who anchored a strong and menacing unit. Senior Kade Carpenter will be relied upon to step up at outside linebacker, and Caleb Tkaczyk has the potential to deliver a strong season in the heart of the defensive line. The secondary will also have some question marks with the loss of Steffin Gadson, but Allen should help a young group improve with the skills he showcased across the Broad River.
It will certainly take some time for this new group to find its groove in the early part of the season, especially after playing very few games the year before due to COVID postponements. But Summers knows that these up-and-coming Sharks are rich with talent, and are hungry to take on a full slate of action. The underdog mentality can fuel an entire team, and the Sharks will certainly fit in that category behind favorite Beaufort High. But if this new group learns the system quickly and an unproven defense starts clicking, this team could be a tough one to draw in the postseason.
MAY RIVER SHARKS FOOTBALL
Coach: Rodney Summers
Record at MRHS: 30-22 (6th season)
2020 record: 4-2, 3-1 region (Lost 4A 1st Round)
Top returners: OL Trevor Murdaugh, RB/DB Darrion Perry, LB Kade Carpenter, RB Cam Scott, RB Jaiden Jones
Notable losses: QB Ahmad Green, OL Moxon Zehr, OL Garrett Bonneville, WR/DB Steffin Gadson, LB Eli Hall
Breakout candidates: QB Garvin Douglas, RB/DB Jaeon Allen, WR Colt Beine, DL Caleb Tkaczyk, OL Will Mauro
BURNING QUESTION
Can a young offensive line step up to help out a promising run game?
Losing a star quarterback is a devastating blow to any team, but seeing your standout linemen leave on top of it will make Douglas’ task even more challenging. Four-year starters Moxon Zehr (Wofford) and Garrett Bonneville (The Citadel) both have moved onto the Division I ranks, leaving the Sharks in a less-than-enviable situation in the trenches. With an offense that should heavily rely on a strong run game, solid blocking will be imperative in order to move the chains. Junior Trevor Murdaugh will be relied upon to anchor the line alongside budding sophomore Will Mauro and a tandem of others who will look to follow in the lead of last year’s dynamite duo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jaeon Allen, RB/DB
Allen caught our eye last season as a stellar and versatile playmaker for first-year head coach Terrance Ashe over at Battery Creek. Now, the senior is prepared to take the leap up to a demanding 4A region. Allen could become a prominent piece in Summer’s offense this season with a wide skillset of quickness, excellent hands, and terrific blocking ability. The Sharks will plan a number of ways to give Allen the ball, and we’re expecting to see him take carries out of the backfield with the possibility of sneaking through the defense for a big passing play down the field. He’ll double as a tremendous defensive back who should be a major lift to a secondary in need of a skilled playmaker.
Cam Scott, RB
When Ahmad Green wasn’t scampering down the field last season on his way to the end zone, it was Scott who was racking up yards and continually moving the chains. The senior averaged a remarkable 7.7 yards per carry last season, and should be a major contributor to a loaded backfield once again in 2021. With a new quarterback at the helm of the Shark offense, it will be up to Scott and fellow back Jaiden Jones to continue their strong play from a year ago. It could be difficult to keep up last year’s numbers due to a major shakeup on the line, but Scott has displayed some terrific tackle-breaking ability and knows what it takes to outmaneuver a linebacker or defensive back.
REGION AND BEYOND
It’s looking like a murky middle this time around in Region 7-4A, as the Sharks and others will all be chasing a potent Beaufort High group looking for its third straight title. With tough home games against Orangeburg-Wilkinson and Hartsville to start the season, the Sharks will have an opportunity to improve their craft against solid competition in the non-region slate. If they can get past an always-pesky James Island squad and take down rival Bluffton in the Crosstown Showdown, they’ll have a crack at Beaufort the next week with the hunger to avenge last year’s defeat. With strong talent coming up the depth chart and a fantastic group of coaches, the Sharks should be able to find themselves playing postseason football in November and just maybe steal the region crown.
SCHEDULE
8/20 — vs. Orangeburg-Wilkinson
8/27 — vs. Hartsville
9/10 — vs. Wade Hampton
9/17 — at Ridge View
9/24 — vs. Blythewood
10/1 — vs. James Island*
10/8 — at Bluffton*
10/15 — at Beaufort*
10/22 — vs. Colleton County*
10/29 — at Hilton Head*
By Wes Kerr / Photo by Justin Jarrett