Battery Creek football preview

Just about everything is new within the Battery Creek High School football program, from head coach Carlos Cave to its fresh standing in Class 3-A competition.

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But just when this pristine state invigorates a Mr. Clean feeling for the 2008 season, in seeps that pesky odor, that underlying stench created by a 25-game losing streak on the field.

"Man, we're tired of losing," tailback Tavaras Pinckney said. "You can't help but think about it and people keep talking about it, so we know how big it is for us to get a 'W.' "

The last Dolphins win came on Oct. 14, 2005, when they defeated Hilton Head Island High School 41-35 on the road. And while it's a distant memory for most, there's a good chance that thoughts of the Seahawks and victory have crossed the minds of Battery Creek.

In 2006, it was Hilton Head that had gone 1-21 during the past two seasons, having only a win against Battery Creek as its last fond moment before dropping down to Class 3-A football.

Now, the Seahawks are coming off their second playoff appearance in as many years, going 17-6 while twice finishing second in Region 7-AAA.

"Our kids were competing, but it just wasn't showing on the scoreboard, and that's exactly what's been happening with Battery Creek," said Hilton Head coach Tim Singleton, whose team joins the Dolphins in the new Region 8-AAA.

"After moving down to 3-A, we were on a more level playing field, even though there's still plenty of solid competition. We just learned how to win again by working hard and fighting."

Such a turnaround should certainly inspire the Dolphins, but this rebuilding team can also draw hope from several other areas.

Sixteen starters return to a squad that has often stood one turnover or third-down conversion away from tasting victory, making experience a welcome resource in erasing these critical mistakes.

Leading these returning players is Pinckney, who emerged midway through last season to tally 999 all-purpose yards. At 5-9, he embodies the Dolphins' lack of size, but his blazing speed exemplifies what can also makes this squad so dangerous.

"Speed kills and we have a lot of it," Cave said. "We're still working on getting stronger, but I'd say we're in good enough shape to compete for all four quarters of a game."

What will prove critical in the Dolphins' offensive success is the play of their line. Seniors Aljanon Robinson and John Brown will lead a group that must create sizable holes for Pinckney and give scramble-prone quarterback Antonio Wiggs enough time to find the open receiver in the team's spread offense.

"If teams pack the box, we have to be able to throw the ball well so that when the defense pulls out of the box, the field is open for Tavaras to make big plays," Cave said.

In years past, Battery Creek has usually been on the wrong end of such big plays, as poor tackling and missed assignments have plagued the defense.

Cave expects linebacker Nigel Fripp (a team-leading 64 tackles last year) and lineman Freddie Polite to remedy this with pressure near the line, while the speed of safety Chris Thomas will anchor their Cover 3 coverage.

By the sound of things, the tools are there for Battery Creek to end its string of misfortune. But Cave won't settle for one win, as he wants several more to truly knock out the stench of defeat.

"For us, this year is 10 one-game seasons," Cave said, "and if we approach each one with hunger and execute well, we can break that losing streak and get some more wins on top of that."

TEAM BREAKDOWN

Quarterbacks

Antonio Wiggs struggled most of last season, throwing 15 interceptions and never looking comfortable in the pocket. Now, the junior will be looked to for leadership and more production in a spread offense that demands execution from its quarterback.

Wiggs' ability to scramble allows the Dolphins to also run the option.

Running backs

No longer is Tavaras Pinckney's ability a secret after the senior piled up 999 all-purpose yards in nine games last season. In order to continue this success, Pinckney must run behind his blockers more and avoid the type of juke moves that lead to fumbles.

Powerful fullback Josh Fields will be the "Thunder" to Pinckney's "Lightning."

Receivers

Spencer Shine and 6-foot-2 JP Lewis lead a group that is expected to get more looks this season. Most defensive backs will have trouble covering a receiver as tall as Lewis and Shine has been effective reeling in passes dumped over the middle.

Norman Jenkins is a name to watch, as he showed his deep catching ability with a 37-yard catch in last week's Beaufort County football scrimmage against Beaufort High.

Offensive line

This line has a solid anchor on each side, with Aljanon Robinson manning the left side and John Brown on the right. Pass protection was an issue for the Dolphins last season, but the line's increased strength over the summer should alleviate this problem.

Defensive line

Size has never been a strong suit for Battery Creek, as players often get pushed off the line with ease. Coach Carlos Cave's tendency to stack the box should help, but the likes of Freddie Polite and Questell Scott will be expected to use their speed to push through the trenches.

Linebackers

Leading tackler Nigel Fripp returns as the Dolphins' sparkplug on defense. Joining him are equally able seniors Luke Johnson and Tieler Schabbing, who often make receivers think twice about coming across the middle.

Secondary

An abundance of speed lies in this group, thanks to the presence of track stars Chris Thomas and Ricardo Chaney. This duo, along with junior Leander Mobley, must prove their awareness in the backfield to avoid the big passing plays that hurt the Dolphins last season.

Special teams

Coverage will be the focus, as the Dolphins gave up several touchdowns on kickoffs and punts. But Battery Creek has its own kick return threat in Pinckney.

Marcus Washington will handle kicking duties.

ROSTER

No. Name Pos. Class

2 Cecil Franklin FB/LB Jr.

3 Robert Jenkins

WR/DB Sr.

4 Antonio WiggsQB Jr.

5 Antonio Hills RB Sr.

6 Denzel Davis LB/TE Jr.

7 Ricardo Chaney DB Jr.

8 Chris Thomas DB/RB Sr.

9 Freddie Polite LB/TE Sr.

10 Jeremy Brown WR/DB Sr.

11 Charles Glover QB/DB Sr.

12 Tavaras Pinckney RB Sr.

15 Spencer Shine WR/DB Jr.

20 Damion Miles DB Jr.

21 Leander Mobley DB/RB Jr.

25 Robert Mack WR/DB Sr.

32 Andrew BynumLB/TE Fr.

36 Tieler Schabbing LB/TE Sr.

40 Nigel Fripp LB/TE Sr.

42 Josh Holliday

TE Jr.

43 Richard Washington LB Jr.

44 Luke Johnson LB/TE Jr.

45 Oliver Webb LB/TE Jr.

50 John Brown OL/DL Sr.

52 Spencer Butler OL/DL So.

54 Arthur Fell OL/DL Sr.

56 Tyler Ellis OL/DL Sr.

58 Dominik Lawton OL/DL Jr.

60 Sam McDonnell OL/DL Jr.

62 David Ratliff OL/DL Fr.

65 Keith Polite OL/DL Sr.

68 Niles McCuller OL/DL Sr.

70 Daquan Jamison OL/DL So.

72 Bear Childress OL/DL So.

75 Aljanon Robinson

OL/DL Sr.

80 Jeremy Fields WR/DB Sr.

82 Norman Jenkins WR/DB Jr.

83 Cleon Wright WR/DB Jr.

87 JP Lewis WR/DB Sr.

88 Devon Anthony WR/DB Jr.

90 Questell Scott OL/DL Jr.

99 Henry Wright OL/DL Jr.

2007 RESULTS

Date Opp Results Score

Aug. 24 at James Island L 7-28

Aug. 31 WANDO L 6-18

Sept. 7 at Orangeburg-Wilkinson L 14-26

Sept. 14 at Stratford L 0-58

Sept. 21 GOOSE CREEK

L 12-61

Sept. 28 BERKELEY L 0-36

Oct. 5 COLLETON COUNTY L 6-39

Oct. 12 at West Ashley L 36-39

Oct. 19 SUMMERVILLE L 7-62

Oct. 26 at Beaufort L 13-50

Nov. 2 at Fort Dorchester L 7-41*

*denotes forfeit win since Fort Dorchester fielded an ineligible player

2008 SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 at Wade HamptonWeek zero matchup gives Dolphins early chance to end losing streak

Aug. 29 at West AshleyGave up 18-point lead in last year's loss to Wildcats

Sept. 5 BEAUFORTLost last four meetings with crosstown rivals

Sept. 19 at RidgelandArguably best shot for Dolphins to get first win

Sept. 26 AIRPORTClass A team won 10 games in '07

Oct. 3 R.B STALL•Dolphins have homefield edge in first Region 8-AAA matchup

Oct. 10 NORTH CHARLESTON•Lost only five seniors from '07 squad

Oct. 17 BLUFFTON•Game could determine final playoff spot

Oct. 24 at Hilton Head•Battery Creek's last win came against Seahawks

Oct. 31 LAKE MARION•Gators won just one game last season

All games at 7:30 p.m.; Home games in ALL CAPS

• denotes Region 8-AAA gam

PROBABLE STARTERS

QB 4 Antonio WiggsHas quick legs to go with strong arm

RB 12 Tavaras PinckneyLed Dolphins with 999 all-purpose yards in '07

RB 5 Antonio HillsBrusier hits holes hard

WR 15 Spencer ShineExpected to spread field with size and speed

WR 87 JP LewisHas size advantage on most defensive backs

TE 80 Jeremy FieldsGood possession receiver

LT 75 Aljanon RobinsonVeteran leads push in opening holes for Pinckney

LG 54 Arthur FellBrings needed size to line

C 52 Spencer ButlerOnly new starter on experienced line

RG 50 Jonathan BrownTwo-way starter anchors right side

RT 65 Keith PoliteImproved strength over summer

DL 50 Jonathan BrownHard worker on both sides of ball

DL 9 Freddie PoliteImproved tackling ability over summer

DL

Keith MoorePenetration key to team's defensive push

DL 90 Questell ScottUndersized lineman uses speed for success

LB 40 Nigel FrippLed team with 64 tackles in '07

LB 44 Luke JohnsonNose for finding football

LB 35 Tieler SchabbingHas hard-hitting ability

DB 83 Cleon WrightWill aid focus on stopping big pass plays

DB 8 Chris ThomasCaptain and leader of secondary

DB 7 Ricky ChaneySpeedy defender with lockdown ability

DB 21 Leander MobleyHas knack for getting hands on passes

K/P 43 Richard WashingtonWill also see time at linebacker

MEET THE TEAM

Stadium name: Dolphin Field

Region: 8-AAA

Coach: Carlos Cave (first year)

Coach's record: 0-0 at Battery Creek (4-17 during two-year stint at North High School)

2007 record: 1-10 (1-4 in Region 8-AAAA); missed playoffs*

Coaching staff: Tyrone Pierce, Wilbert Bryant, Dan Tooman, Eddie Isham, Larry Brister, Dave Singleton, Dan Tibbals, Jeff Baker, Spencer Bobian, Josh Brister

Notable personnel losses from 2007: Tommy Bing, DL/TE; Anthony Chaplin, DB/WR.

Returning starters: 16 starters (8 offense, 8 defense)

Top returning starters: Tavaras Pinckney, RB; Aljanon Robinson, OL; Freddie Polite, DL; Nigel Fripp, LB; Jonathan Brown, OL/DL.

Coach's prognosis for 2008: "The players have been working hard in the summer on their strength and conditioning. They are determined to end the current 25-game losing streak and have a winning season in 2008."

*one win came by forfeit against Fort Dorchester, which fielded an inelgible player.

FIVE BURNING QUESTIONS

1. Can the Dolphins finally break their 25-game losing streak on the field? The task should be made a little easier by Battery Creek's move down to Class AAA ball, and a week 4 matchup against Ridgeland High School of Class AA looks favorable. Poor tackling and turnovers have been Battery Creek's downfall the last two years, and both must stop in order for the Dolphins to start winning.

2. How will Battery Creek fare in Region 8-AAA? Although the Dolphins won't have to worry about defending region champ Timberland, which moved down to Class AA, Hilton Head Island and North Charleston will serve as formidable opponents. Battery Creek will be aided by a schedule that pits four of its five region games at home. Matchups against Bluffton and Stall will prove critical in determining which four teams make the playoffs.

3. How can the Dolphins cut down on last year's 41.7 allowed points per game average? Tackling, tackling and more tackling. Returning linebacker Nigel Fripp was the only player to tally more than 50 tackles last season, as the Dolphins often overpursued and used bad form in trying to bring down opponents. The team will use man-to-man and cover 3 defenses to bring pressure and cut down on big plays, which often deflated the Dolphins in the early stages of games.

4. What changes will new coach Carlos Cave bring to the Dolphins? Obviously, Cave hopes to create a winning culture within the program, but he admits that his spread offense is similar to that of former coach Doc Davis. The difference is that Cave will make more of a concerted effort to establish the pass. On defense, Cave will use formations that capitalize on the Dolphins' speed and help hide their lack of size.

5. What is Battery Creek's biggest weakness and strength? Ironically, the Dolphins' weakest area is its strength, as opponents constantly broke tackles and overpowered their linemen during the past two seasons. Cave hopes that an offseason spent in the weight room will couple muscle with speed, which is the team's strong suit. Battery Creek will look for Pinckney's quickness to mesh with Wiggs' scrambling ability to open up the field for Cave's spread offense.