2024 Preview: Atlantic Collegiate Armada

There is a new school in Horry County and after a year in which they only played three varsity games; Atlantic Collegiate is ready for Class AA with the vigor you would expect from the new kids on the block.   They went 1-2 in that limited schedule last season and have a small senior class but that hasn't stopped them from believing and being eager for what awaits ahead.   “Everybody has looked at us as the underdogs but personally I love that,” senior quarterback Gavin Dufour said. “Everyone is against us. It gives us the drive every single day to keep working and get better each day.”   Senior kicker Jack Garatka echoed those thoughts.   “Being the new kids, it gives us something to build off,” Garatka said. “We're taking people from all over the county, from different cultures, and bringing them together to build a foundation. The biggest thing this first year is to get that set and let it be the building block for the future.”   The Armada is coached by former South Carolina standout Antoine Rivens. They will be young and inexperienced but do have eight starters returning on offense and five one defense. Those numbers don't include Garstka, one of the better kickers and punters in the area.   Dufour is back at quarterback with [player_tooltip player_id='1683096' first='Brennan' last='Moore'] scheduled to be the backup while also playing wide receiver. Jaylen Bellamy is a jack of all trades, and he will play wide receiver, defense back and be the primary kick returner. Justin Bellamy is back at tight end and will also play linebacker.   The offensive line returns Noah Bell, Jeffery Williams, CJ Heckel and Jake Runfolo.   “We've been doing everything possible to get ready as far as weights and conditioning,” Bell said. “Last year, we were a little bit stuck on the conditioning side because we didn't have many guys but this year, we have a lot more guys but getting in shape has been the biggest focus.”   Bell (defensive line), Jaylen Bellamy (defensive back) and Justin Bellamy (linebacker) will also see time on defense. Michael Livingston returns in the secondary with Jeffery Williams joining Bell up front.   “We're excited to be in a region and get things going fully this season.” Rivens said. “We are still very inexperienced and there is some uncertainty. We need to understand that each week we need to be playing at our highest level. I think we might be a work in progress, but this group is working hard so that is half the battle.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   Jack Garstka K, 2025 – Garstka has shown a big-time leg in his limited experience. He's going to handle place-kicking as well as punting for the Armada. He's athletic so he could be an extra defender on some special teams. He has a solid follow-through and that should help him be a weapon in several aspects.   Jeffery Williams DL/OL, 2027 – The first look at Williams and no way you think he's just a sophomore in high school. He's a solid 6-foot-4, 280 pounds and looks the part on either the offensive or defensive lines.   Jaylen Bellamy WR/DB, 2025 – Jaylen Bellamy is explosive and will be used as a receiver, on jet sweeps, in the secondary and as a kick and punt returner. He's 6-foot-3, 170 pounds and brings a physical presence to each of those spots. He's smooth when defending and his size makes him a candidate to win most jump ball situations.   Michael Livingston DB, 2025 – Livingston is a solid defender that will also see time at running back. He shows good hips and can keep up with the better receivers he will face.     FILM REVIEW   Justin Bellamy TE/DB, 2025 – Justin Bellamy is 6-foot-3, 180 pounds with soft hands that can turn a short pass into a big gain. He can improvise and make something out of a busted play as well. He's quick to read and react on defense and brings a punch when he needs a ball-carrier.    BIGGEST LOSS(es)   Jayden Johnson DB/WR – Johnson played a major role in that abbreviated season. He totaled 63 tackles that included junior varsity games. He also saw reps at wide receiver and running back.     Christian McGee QB/DB – McGee saw plenty of snaps at quarterback and he helped at defensive back as well.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1683096' first='Brennan' last='Moore'] QB/WR, 2027 – Moore will see the field in some form. His Hudl highlights show a quarterback that stands tall in the pocket, can make throws on the run or get out on the edge. But with a senior in front of him, he might see more time as a wide receiver this season.      Dufour (pictured) saw plenty of action last year and showed off a strong arm and good decision-making. He's more of a pass first, run second option but he brings a strong leadership style to the position. If teams forget about him in the running game, he can tuck it and go if necessary.

There is a new school in Horry County and after a year in which they only played three varsity games; Atlantic Collegiate is ready for Class AA with the vigor you would expect from the new kids on the block.