2024 Preview: Hartsville Red Foxes

Hartsville returns two Class 4A All-State players in running back [player_tooltip player_id='1012592' first='Hakeem' last='Watters'] and defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='272699' first='Da'Marion' last='Coe'].   The Red Foxes also return experienced leadership to Kellytown. Head coach Jeff Calabrese enters his 21st season with the school, having gone the last 17 without a losing one.   It's a trend Hartsville wants to continue moving over from Region V to VI with Pee Dee Region rivals defending Lower State champion South Florence, Wilson, and Darlington.   Despite the new challenges, Calabrese believes the team's focus is and should be on themselves.   “I really think it's more about us,” he said. “Us managing ourselves. Us getting better and what we have to do to be the best team that we can be. And if we can control ourselves, then it gives us a chance in every game that we play in."   After three seasons with McKendrie Douglas, former wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1578854' first='EJ' last='Smith'] will take over the quarterback duties. The senior will be backed up by sophomore Kayson Dawson with a young offensive line which returns only three-time All-Region senior tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1360319' first='Deric' last='Brown'] (pictured).   “We have to be all on the same page because if we're all not on the same page…everything goes wrong,” Brown said. “So, each one of us have to be on the same page. We have to know all of our assignments and the coaches do a good job of getting us to know our Ds."   Calabrese looks to use the non-region schedule for his offense to develop synergy. This is especially true for looks like a loaded backfield led by Charleston Southern commit Watters, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1592473' first='Kylif' last='Miller'], a former defensive back, sophomore Reggie Smith and middle linebacker Zayvion Hickmon.   The wide receivers will also be young with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1592487' first='Tristian' last='Spann'] and senior Casey Hawkins, who also plays baseball and will handle the punting duties.   The hub of Hartsville's experience can be found on defense. Defensive end, [player_tooltip player_id='922400' first='Jackson' last='Chavis'], tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1603712' first='Jordan' last='Davis'] and nose guard [player_tooltip player_id='1822986' first='Ezra' last='Brockenberry'] form an intimidating pressure upfront with leading tackler [player_tooltip player_id='1578873' first='Coleman' last='Radcliff'] back to lead a linebacking corps with senior Xavier Robinson and returning from injury [player_tooltip player_id='1012620' first='Web' last='Barnes'].   With Coe, Miller and Antuan Segars, Hartsville has an athletic, fast secondary to contend with passing teams like South Florence and Crestwood in the region. Hartsville's special teams has "All-Nickname" team candidate placekicker Gerardo Segura, who goes by "Goo Goo", and long snapper William Floyd.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1578854' first='EJ' last='Smith'] QB 2025 – The Red Foxes are counting on his versatility and commitment to becoming a quarterback with transition to the new position.   [player_tooltip player_id='272699' first='Da'Marion' last='Coe'] DB 2025 – Since switching to cornerback to safety, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior has developed into an All-State talent with his leadership by example. He's developed into one of team's leading tacklers as he's as valuable stopping the run as defending the pass. In addition, Coe is the team's top kick returner.   [player_tooltip player_id='1360319' first='Deric' last='Brown'] OL 2026 – The 5-foot-11, 283-pounder received an offer from South Carolina State as a freshman. A 4-year starter, he overpowers defenders on running plays, takes game preparation seriously and is a non-stop worker.     [player_tooltip player_id='1578873' first='Coleman' last='Radcliff'] LB 2025 – The team's leading tackler with 130 last season.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1012592' first='Hakeem' last='Watters'] RB 2025 – At 5-foot-6 and 176 pounds, the senior plays bigger than his size. A small opening is more than enough for him to burst through for a long gain or touchdown. He shows durability in bouncing off tackles and can be utilized as an extra receiver. He rushed for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns last season.    BIGGEST LOSS (es)   Carmello McDaniel RB – The Red Foxes' second-leading rusher last season with 1,075 yards and 18 touchdowns.   Slayton Stokes LB – A Class 4A All-State and Shrine Bowl selection, his 6-foot-5, 325-pound frame played a major role in the Red Foxes' ground game success.   McKendrie Douglas QB – A consistent performer at middle linebacker with 148 total tackles in three seasons.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Casey Hawkins WR 2025 – An outfielder for the baseball team who plays guard in basketball, the 6-foot-2, 175 pounds possesses the long wingspan and quickness to thrive in a third sport.   Reggie Smith RB 2027 – The sophomore two-sport athlete is expected to get more carries with Da'Marion Doe's graduation.    After a year at Trinity Collegiate School in SCISA, the 6-0, 150-pound speedster is back with the Red Foxes. He's a threat for the endzone once passed the line of scrimmage. A member of the basketball team, he also possesses a high vertical leap and displays toughness fighting off tacklers.