March On Campus: Gray Collegiate Academy War Eagles
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It’s a combination of old and new developments in West Columbia at Gray Collegiate. Adam Holmes has served as head coach and athletics director since Gray Collegiate Academy’s inception in 2014. He enters his 10th season at the helm with…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a combination of old and new developments in West Columbia at Gray Collegiate.
Adam Holmes has served as head coach and athletics director since Gray Collegiate Academy’s inception in 2014. He enters his 10th season at the helm with 15 seniors seeking their second Class 2A title in three years.
“The good part of it is we’ve got a big senior class,” Holmes said. “We’ve got about 15 seniors. They’re all part of our program last year. They got beat in the second round (by Saluda) and some of them were here for our state championship run so they understand what it takes to get back to that level.”
Holmes and school officials are also overseeing the final stages of construction of on-campus athletic facilities. This includes a 3,000-seat football stadium, an upgraded weight room, a 1,500-seat basketball arena called The War Zone and baseball and softball fields expected to be ready for the 2024 season.
“It’s going to be huge,,” said Holmes about the home improvements. “People always said we don’t have facilities here on campus. We had to play out at Midlands (Sports Complex), stuff like that. But now, we”ve got a brand new turf field. Seats over 3,000 people. We have a brand new gymnasium. Our weight facility is second to none. Baseball, softball, everything is here on campus. So, I see nothing but good things coming for Gray as we move forward in athletics.”
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B.J. Montgomery
B.J. Montgomery
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- Faced with the task of succeeding record-setting running back K.Z. Adams, the 185-pounder led the War Eagles with 800 rushing yards and seven touchdowns sharing the backfield with Caleb Ford
- He averaged 8.5 yards a carry and while less elusive than Adams, has exhibited greater breakaway speed. He’s also a stickler for ball protection.
- His lower body strength (has squatted 435 lbs.) makes Montgomery difficult for one defender to tackle.
- Has no problem getting vocal on the field to encourage teammates
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- At 5’11 and 220 pounds, Williams brings a combination of size, aggressiveness and toughness on the defensive side of the football.
- Finished the regular-season with a team-high 145 tackles.
- Has benefited greatly from the expanded weight room at Gray Collegiate with a bench press of 295 lbs. and squat of 455 lbs.
- Sees himself as a “coach” on the field at middle linebacker in getting teammates in the right position as well as leading the way on tackles.
- Believes he can increase his total tackles with improved technique, especially in bringing down offensive players in the open field.
- Visited Coastal Carolina, was invited to Junior Day at Mercer College and hopes to visit Furman and Wofford this spring
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- With his 6’1 height and 76-inch wingspan, Pauling is a difficult matchup for wide receivers in his classification
- Had a breakout game early against Camden with 3 interceptions in the road victory
- Possesses a high football IQ from studying game tapes to evaluate his performance level
- Has 4.45 speed and has gained motivation to improve his on-field strength from the expanded weight room
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- At 6’0 and 190 lbs., Lockett is another “dual threat” player for the War Eagles as a physical safety and a fearless wide receiver
- A “go-getter” with good hands who will make the difficult catch
- Takes pride in serving as the “last line of defense”. Exhibits leadership skills through his play.
- Has demonstrated a greater commitment to the weight room and looks to improve on his 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash
Blaine Redmond
Blaine Redmond
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- A two-sport athlete (he’s currently a pitcher and outfielder for the defending Class 2A Upper State champions), Redmond saw significant time on both sides of the football as a quarterback and linebacker.
- Pressed into a starting role during the season for an injured Riley Staton Riley Staton 6’3″ | 185 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2024 State SC . Showed a strong arm and is a physical runner out of the backfield.
- With Staton transferring to Greenville, he’s expected to compete with sophomores Dre’Von Dopson and Tyler Waller for the starting job