Published Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:23 AM
Updated Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:10 AM

 

Wolverines eye region championship

Woodland is coming off its best season yet and looking to do even better in 2008.

The Wolverines finished 7-3 last year and tied for second in Region 5-AA before falling to Hanahan in the playoffs. That’s the most wins the team has ever had.

This year, Woodland will play in Region 6-AA and is one of the frontrunners to claim the region crown. Coach Reed Charpia says he has a lot of players returning and the Wolverines’ overall team speed has improved.

“We are a little more ahead of the game than we were the last couple of years because, first of all we have some returning players who have some ability, and secondly we’ve got better numbers,” Charpia said. “Our players and coaches are excited about the upcoming season and the possibility of making a run at a region championship.”

The Wolverines have approximately 50 players this season, compared to around 35 last year. That will allow the coaching staff to substitute more freely. The teams quarterback returns and will be joined by some returning college prospects.

Robert Smith (6-0,180) enters his sophomore year after earning the starting QB position last year. With the experience he gained last season and in spring and summer drills he stands to have a great season.

“He had an excellent year as a freshman and has put on a little height and weight since,” Charpia said. “His arm is also stronger.”

The team lost two quality guards and its center to graduation, but returns its two tackles.  Charpia is looking for third-year starter Paul Daniels (5-10, 270) and second-year starter Malik Heath (6-6, 280) to lead the offense.

The Wolverines have formidable running backs in B.J. Mazyck (6-1, 215) and Naguy Wright (5-11, 170). Wide receiver Marquise Carson (6-1, 195) and tight end Gabriel Brown are experienced targets for Smith.

Many of those players will also see time on the defensive side of the ball. Charpia expects particularly big things from Mazyck, who will fill one of the linebacker spots. Other returners include defensive end Merrick Inabinett (5-8,195), defensive back Martin Connelly (6-0, 155) and free safety Dekendal Carn (6-3, 190).

“Mazyck is definitely a force and the others have played and been in the trenches so we look for them to provide leadership,” Charpia said. “The defense should be improved because the kids have put a lot into it in the off season and we’ve hired a couple of young coaches who have brought some fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the defensive side.”

Jonta Sibert is the team’s new defensive coordinator and Elyz Harrison joins Woodland as its linebacker coach. Both played at Newberry College.

Bishop England, Burke, Garrett, Ashley Ridge and Cain Bay replace schools such as Silver Bluff, Wade Hampton and Barnwell on this year’s schedule. Cain Bay and Ashley Ridge, two brand new schools, have only freshman and sophomore athletes, making Woodland’s chances of competing for a region title even better. However, Charpia points out that BE always fields good teams and that the two new schools will likely improve a lot by the time region play arrives.

In the meantime, Woodland’s pre-region schedule is extremely beefy. The Wolverines will open with Timberland, then face AAA teams Lake Marion, North Charleston and Bluffton before taking on Hanahan in week five.

“Our first five games present a real challenge so we need to keep from being beat up and knocked down before we get to region play,” Charpia said. “But we figure in order to be good, we better play good teams. At least three of those games are at home.”