2024 Preview: Waccamaw Warriors

Waccamaw coach Amondre Johnson knows the Warriors were close last season. They began the year by going 3-3 in non-region games and then lost the final four games to miss out on the playoffs and finish with a 3-7 mark.   In that four-game span, they lost by two points to Aynor, five points to Manning and a respectable 18-point loss to Dillon. Johnson hopes that changes with a more experienced team returning and being able to stay healthy the entire season. The new-look Region V-AAA dropped Manning but added Georgetown and Marlboro County.     “We've focused on leadership, attention to detail and discipline,” Johnson said. “Last year, we had a few games that would have gotten us into the playoffs, but the losses boiled down to those three things. We clean those up and we are a playoff team. We refer to certain points and say if we had done X better, we could have moved forward. We need to be more accountable towards each other. Kids have responded well, and we will be better in those areas this year.”   Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='473025' first='Andre' last='Grate'] (pictured) believes the message has been delivered and heard loud and clear.   “Our intensity has improved, and we are being intense from the gun,” Grate said. “Always going the hardest from the first play to the last. We want to be leaders and encourage and lead by example and not by just talking to the younger guys and showing them what it takes to be a good team.”   The Warriors return 12 starters, six on each side of the ball. Grate will be back under center with his brother, [player_tooltip player_id='473016' first='AJ' last='Grate'] looking to stay healthy and contribute more to the running game. Leading rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1344769' first='Zaireon' last='Skinner'] is back as well as talented sophomore RJ Rogers. Townsend Crosby and Mekhi Sellers will be key on the offensive front since Waccamaw attempted less than 100 passes last season. Colin Behney returns at receiver.   The Warriors strength on defense will come from the linebacker group. [player_tooltip player_id='473016' first='AJ' last='Grate'] will pull double-duty and be a fixture there along with Greg Hall, Bryce Holloway and RJ Rogers. [player_tooltip player_id='1574036' first='Aiden' last='Hastings'] will lead an otherwise untested secondary with Landon Sampson being the lone returner along the defensive front.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='473016' first='AJ' last='Grate'] RB/LB, 2026– The running back/linebacker missed time last season but was a key playmaker when he was there. He ran for 215 yards on 47 attempts and added 43 tackles while playing in just six games. His upside is huge and if he can stay healthy this season, those numbers could easily double in size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1574036' first='Aiden' last='Hastings'] DB, 2025 – The senior was the third leading tackler last year with 41 stops and he added an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery. He will be the most experienced player in the secondary and that leadership will have to pay off.   Greg Hall FB/DE, 2026 – Hall was pressed into action as a sophomore and responded well. He's a punisher despite not being the biggest player on the field. He's turned into one of the offseason leaders and that should translate well to the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1344769' first='Zaireon' last='Skinner'] ATH, 2025– Skinner ran for over 500 yards last season with five touchdowns and added 27 tackles on defense. The Warriors are a ground-orientated attack and they finished with less than 2,000 rushing yards last season. It would be nice if Skinner could get close to 1,000 yards and be the bell cow on offense.     FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='473025' first='Andre' last='Grate'] QB, 2026 – Grate isn't asked to throw a lot in the Wing-T attack but is capable when called upon. He makes good decisions with the ball and can be a threat when he keeps it. He shows a burst of speed when he sees a seam. A big junior season could have the Warriors offense hitting a different gear.      BIGGEST LOSS(es)   Ben Cohen WR/DB – Cohen was the leading receiver with 12 catches for 255 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 38 tackles from his defensive back spot.   Cameron Jackson OL – Jackson was a huge key to the offensive front. He had great size, but his leadership will be missed more than anything.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Kevin Jackson RB/LB, 2027 – Jackson was pressed into action as a freshman but will be better suited for a larger role this season. He can help in the offensive backfield, but his bigger impact might come on defense.   Jhustyn Funnye RB/DB, 2027 – Funnye will be one of the JV players moving up that will be looking to make an impact. He is a big hitter that will likely find a starting spot in the secondary.      Rogers was another player that could have used another season on the JV level but did well in his limited playing time. He recorded 15 tackles in six games and will be a key component at middle linebacker. He plays off instinct well.

Waccamaw coach Amondre Johnson knows the Warriors were close last season. They began the year by going 3-3 in non-region games and then lost the final four games to miss out on the playoffs and finish with a 3-7 mark.