CNB Pres. Jennings Duncan speaks at the conference
For the 19th straight year, Horry County high school football fans will get their chance to preview the skill of local teams.
The Conway National Bank Kickoff Classic 2008 will be held Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. in Conway. The jamboree will feature 10 teams from the county from varying divisions. They are: Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Green Sea Floyds, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, St. James and Waccamaw.
In preparation of the event, CNB always welcomes local media members and the head coaches of the teams for a press conference. Tuesday Aug. 12 it was held at CNB headquarters in Myrtle Beach.
Here’s a look at what the coaches had to say:
AYNOR
Head coach Jody Jenerette says the Aynor football family is pleased to play in the kickoff classic once again. He cited the 2007 season as highly disappointing, losing four games on the last play.
This year, the coach added, looks promising with returning talents like Nick Asbury, a multi-versatile junior player and Marcus Smith, a returning senior receiver. The Jackets face Latta high school Aug. 22 to kick off the season.
CAROLINA FOREST
The Panthers had a successful 7-3 season last year and hope to repeat the same in 2008 as they move to the 4A ranks. Coach Drew Hummel said the team returns four starters on offense and five on defense.
Hummel mentioned Drew Herring, a 6’3” 320 lb. offensive lineman as being a key player. The Panthers open with Timberland High School Aug. 23.
CONWAY
Undoubtedly the talk of the Classic, Conway High School once again hopes to repeat as region champs. Head coach Chuck Jordan credited region VI-AAAA as being solid from top to bottom.
“We will be young at some key positions, but hope to improve as the season progresses.”
The Conway Tigers open the season against a very solid North Myrtle Beach team Aug. 22.
GREEN SEA FLOYDS
The assistant coach spoke on behalf of Wayne Williamson who could not attend the press conference.
He said the team will return seven starters on both sides of the ball. The Trojans will open the season against East Bladen Aug. 22.
LORIS
Head Coach Jimmy Longerbeam started by saying in Florida, where he is from and formerly coached, no jamboree even came close to the CNB Kickoff Classic. Then it was on to football.
He said sometimes in losing players, it brings a fresh start and rejuvenated spirits. “Probably one of the best to happen to us last season was graduation,” Longerbeam joked.
The Lions open against North Myrtle Beach Aug. 29.
MYRTLE BEACH
After an unbelievable season last year (a finishing record of 12-1) the Seahawks hope to repeat. Head coach Scott Earley said the biggest challenge will be to replace 16 very valuable seniors from last season.
Myrtle Beach’s most talked about player is quarterback Everett Golson. Last year the freshman shined as a starter and this year hopes to prove even better.
Though Earley put the often talked about Golson is proper prospective. “Everybody always asks me about our quarterback. . . well, he was a freshman last year and he’s a sophomore this year.” Laughter was heard.
The Seahawks open against Carolina Forest Aug. 29.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
Head coach Denver Cromer said the team will return four starters on defense. Though he admitted, his Chiefs team might need a little bit more than that to beat Conway High School in the season opener.
The game is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in “The Backyard” at Conway High School.
ST. JAMES
Head coach Billy Hurston said the quantity of players at St. James was always an issue. This year, for whatever reason, that’s just not the case. Approximately 90 players showed up for pre season conditioning.
He said he will dress 60 varsity players and among them are several college prospects. A good balance is the key to St. James’ success as there are 28 seniors and 28 sophomores.
St. James opens the season Aug. 29 against Waccamaw.
SOCASTEE
The Braves’ head coach Tim Renfrow had little concerns for the upcoming season. “My only concerns for this year are offense, defense and kicking.”
He should have some help from his six returning offensive starters and seven defensive starters.
Socastee opens the season with Waccamaw Sept. 5.
WACCAMAW
Head coach Burnie Bourne and his Waccamaw Warriors had a so-so season last year, winning five games and finishing third in region VII-AA. The team also made the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
The senior-rich team looks to build on experience this season.
They open with St. James Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Overall, one theme was evident among all the coaches at Tuesday’s press conference: who knows?
All the coaches admitted to letting the future decide for itself saying if all things remained constant, life would be perfect.
