2024 Preview: Socastee Braves

Socastee found some momentum to build on in the last month of the 2023 season. The Braves won two of their final four games to finish with a 3-8 record after a first-round loss to Fort Dorchester in the Class AAAAA playoffs.   It will be interesting to see how much of that carries over to the start of 2024. The Braves return 11 starters total – six on offense and five on defense.   The offense showed flashes last season but must replace QB Rocco Wojcik. He threw for over 2,000 yards with 19 touchdowns. He was also the leading rusher with 334 yards. The spot is unsettled going into preseason camp with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1158009' first='Jonathan' last='Goswick'] (pictured)and junior Chrisian Royals battling for the starting spot.   Two of the top receivers, [player_tooltip player_id='413888' first='Josh' last='Brown'] and Hayes Hardwick, return. Socastee should be strong up front with four starters returning in Riley Kinsella, Bob Barisoff, Chrisitan Garcia and [player_tooltip player_id='1821040' first='Yoshi' last='Spegal'].   That familiarity will hopefully pay off this season.     “Last year, you kind of felt the locker room was divided,” Brown said. “You had some guys doing something different and not doing what was best for the team. I think this year everyone is sold in and working to get better.”   Defensively, the Braves will rely on two returning starters up front, two in the secondary and a linebacker. [player_tooltip player_id='1158009' first='Jonathan' last='Goswick'] was a standout at safety last season but he's in a battle for the starting quarterback job this season as well. Brayden Bolinger plays the other safety position. Cade Radvansky and Jaiden Thomas return on the defensive line. Daniel DeVaux is back at outside linebacker. Bolinger was second on the team last season with 78 tackles and DeVaux was third with 74 stops.   Goswick, who had four interceptions and is also a solid return guy, echoed the thoughts of Brown.   “We've tried to push guys across the limit,” he said. “If we see guys lacking or not going 100 percent, we try to make sure we're all together and keep it more like a family.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1158009' first='Jonathan' last='Goswick'] FS/WR, 2025 – Goswick is a classic ball-hawking safety. He's aggressive in coverage and can go get the ball at its highest point. It's safe to say he will play a huge role this season. Before it's all said and done, Goswick could play quarterback, wide receiver, safety as well as being a threat in the return game.     [player_tooltip player_id='413888' first='Josh' last='Brown'] WR, 2025 – Brown averaged nearly 16 yards per catch on 52 receptions last season. He scored three touchdowns so that number will have to increase this season. At 6-foot-3, he plays the jump ball well. Brown runs great routes and uses his hands well to catch the ball away from his body.   David Covalli ILB, 2026 – Covalli saw a lot of action as a sophomore and showed the ability to read and react well. He provides great run support and can rush the passer when he's asked too. He also sheds blockers with ease.   Bob Barisoff OL, 2026 – Barisoff was 6-foot, 240 pounds last season and is a little bigger and stronger this year. He's a powerful straight ahead blocker and can pass protect. His footwork is solid but could see some improvement.   FILM REVIEW   Cade Radvansky DT, 2025 – Radvansky can make plays around the edge or use a swim move and beat a blocker on the inside. Even when double-teamed, he has a motor that keeps going to make plays. He's 6-foot-2, 225-pounds and finished with 33 tackles and a sack last season.    BIGGEST LOSS(es)   Rocco Wojcik QB – Wojcik was much of the offense last season. He accounted for over 2,300 yards and 23 total touchdowns. The Braves only scored 29 offensive touchdowns last season.   Will Hall OL – Hall was a mainstay up front and provided leadership and guidance to go along with his 6-foot-3, 270-pounds that paved the way for a lot of yards.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Michael Kegler OLB, 2026 – Kegler is another fresh face that is being asked to step in and make an impact on the defense. He's undersized but not afraid of getting his jersey dirty.   Noah Slade ILB, 2027 – Slade is going to be asked to step into the middle of the defense and not only be a producer but also make sure everyone is in position. Slade only played two games on varsity last season.      Wilder will get his feet wet on the varsity level as a freshman. The size, speed and power are there for him to be a huge part of the offense.

Socastee found some momentum to build on in the last month of the 2023 season. The Braves won two of their final four games to finish with a 3-8 record after a first-round loss to Fort Dorchester in the Class AAAAA playoffs.