Seemingly every year, Whale Branch sends a handful of football players to the next level. Yet every year, the Class 1A school in far-flung Seabrook is back at the top of its class. This year should be no different.
In fact, this has a chance to be one of Jerry Hatcher’s best teams yet. Led by RB/LB Joseph Hicks, one of several talented backs who will run behind Virginia Tech commit OL/DL Xavier Chaplin, the Warriors figure to have a strong ground game, as usual, despite the graduation of star quarterback Jaylen Reeves.
The defense, anchored by a stout linebacking corps led by Hicks, D’Ante Parker, and Mason Griffin, might be even better. Hatcher is concerned about his young, sometimes overzealous defensive ends, who are experiencing a learning curve with regard to knowing their assignments, but an experienced and steady second level should help hide them while they learn on the job. If that fails, free safety Keith Chisolm is a strong last line of defense.
Despite graduating a number of key players, including Reeves, stalwart center Aaron Rhode, and two-way standout Jadon Grant, the Warriors begin the season ranked fourth in Class 1A in the S.C. Prep Media Poll and dreaming of a deep playoff run.
The recent addition of Georgia transfer Darrell Cummings adds depth at running back and linebacker, and several players are suiting up after sitting out last season.
Perhaps an underrated loss is that of kicker Henry Tome, one of the best in Class 1A who is expected to see the field for Savannah State this season. The Warriors are working out kickers and punters in hopes of continuing to hold an edge over opponents on special teams.
Hatcher’s teams always improve as the season goes on, and this year should be no exception. There is enough veteran leadership to carry Whale Branch through the early part of the schedule, and by the time the Warriors hit region play, the young, inexperienced players should be ready to contribute more.
They don’t rebuild in Seabrook, they reload.
WHALE BRANCH WARRIORS FOOTBALL
Coach: Jerry Hatcher
Record at WB: 60-36 (10th season)
2020 record: 8-1 overall, 4-0 region (2nd round of Class 1A playoffs)
Top returners: RB/LB Joseph Hicks, LB D’Ante Parker, OL/DL Xavier Chaplin, DL Ray Pryor, RB/LB Mason Griffin, DB Austin Stephens, WR/DB Keith Chisolm
Notable losses: OL/DL Aaron Rhode, QB/DB Jaylen Reeves, K/P Henry Tome, DL Jaylen Roberts, DB Richard Parker, RB/LB Jadon Grant
Breakout candidates: RB/LB Mason Griffin, QB Kai Jenkins, RB Clifton Major, OL/DL Bradford Thompson, DB Travon Sumpter
BURNING QUESTION
Do the Warriors have enough depth in the trenches?
Virginia Tech commit Xavier Chaplin (6-6, 325) will be one of the top offensive linemen in Class 1A, but the Warriors certainly will miss rock-solid center Aaron Rhode and there are question marks about the rest of the crew that will be asked to open holes for an impressive group of backs. The defensive ends are also a concern and will have to grow up quickly and learn to play disciplined team defense. If the big guys up front come together, Whale Branch has enough talent everywhere else to have a special season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mason Griffin, RB/LB: Griffin was a revelation on defense as a freshman, racking up 34 tackles (four for loss), a sack, and an interception, and he will be asked to do more on the offensive side of the ball this year. At 5-11 and 185 pounds, Griffin will be tough to bring down, and he was clocked running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at Virginia Tech this summer. Expect him to be a major factor on both sides of the ball.
Kai Jenkins, QB: Replacing a four-year starter at quarterback is no easy task, especially one as electric as Jaylen Reeves, but Jenkins has the skills to step into the role. He’s an effective runner and has been in the system for several years, and with some minor corrections to his throwing mechanics, he can also hurt opponents with his arm. Jenkins’ continued development will be a critical factor in determining just how good the Warriors can be.
REGION AND BEYOND
The Warriors are the clear-cut favorite to repeat as Region 7-1A champs, but it won’t come without a fight. The region opener against St. John’s will provide a good measuring stick before the Warriors close out their condensed regular season with key home games against Baptist Hill and Cross. Baptist Hill is likely the strongest challenger, so getting the Bobcats at home is a big advantage for Whale Branch.
SCHEDULE
8/20 — vs. Calhoun County
8/27 — at Bethune-Bowman
9/3 — vs. Allendale-Fairfax
9/10 — at St. John’s*
9/17 — vs. Military Magnet*
9/24 — vs. Baptist Hill*
10/1 — vs. Cross*