2025 Preview: Fort Dorchester Patriots

The 2024 season at Fort Dorchester for both the players and head coach Shaun Lorenzano was a learning experience.   There was the process of implementing a new system and the first-year coach getting accustomed to South Carolina football after years in Florida. The Patriots ended up finishing 6-6 overall and reaching the second round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs.   As Lorenzano begins Year Two, he and the team appear settled into their routine.   “It's much easier doing it this year,” he said. “Last year was the installation. It was kind of us as coaches feeling the kids out, where they're at. Physically, mentally, where they're at. Can they understand the schematic and all that stuff. And now, we're on to Year Two, they've got the experience. So, it's a lot easier to kind of install and review and go over and execute.”   The quarterback position has three players in position to start. Quarterback Thomas Adamsky is a transfer from Pope John XXIII out of Sparta, NJ and is expected to battle Masiah Rivers and [player_tooltip player_id='1639886' first='Banks' last='Wickersham'] under the eyes of a new offensive coordinator.   A baseball standout, Wickersham is currently recovering from knee surgery.   Rising sophomore wide receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1347537' first='Derrick' last='Simpson'] and Laurez Matthews are two speedsters Lorenzano believes will allow the Patriots to open up the field. Having an effective passing game has become vital with last year's leading rusher [player_tooltip player_id='473024' first='Ryan' last='Campbell'] now at Ashley Ridge.   Rising junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='485450' first='Mykell' last='Warthen'] will look to fill the void as the “next man up”.   Fort Dorchester will have size and depth on its lines. This is especially true on defense with the likes of 6-foot 6, 275-pound rising junior Tyrell Pearson and 6-foot 4, 300-pound rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1026111' first='Reginald' last='Edwards'].   Leading the group will be 3-year starter Thomas Wamer, a player Lorenzano describes as a “mainstay” and who plays with “heart” upfront. Other key leaders on defense include rising senior captain [player_tooltip player_id='1271486' first='Savon' last='Garrett'] at linebacker and rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1639818' first='Jordan' last='Wright'] and rising sophomore Kevin Stanley both at defensive back.   For the Patriots to find success in Region VIII-5A against the likes of Summerville, James Island and Ashley Ridge, Lorenzano said it needs to be about “five hearts and not five stars”.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1271486' first='Savon' last='Garrett'] LB, 2026   The 5-11, 225-pounder was an All-Region selection coming off a sophomore season in which he was the team's Defensive Player of the Year. Blessed with 4.78 speed at his size, Garrett is a relentless tackler who's always looking to unload on the ball carrier. He always has his eyes on the football and covers the middle of the field like a blanket.   [player_tooltip player_id='1347537' first='Derrick' last='Simpson'] WR, 2028   Coach Lorenzano has big expectations for the speedy sole receiver. The 5-foot 10, 155-pound rising sophomore used his apprenticeship to improve his route running and catching skills. It's showing to pay out during the team's 7-on-7 passing competitions.   Thomas Wamer DL, 2026   A 3-year lettermen, Wamer (pictured) is a “mainstay” at defensive end for the Patriots. The 6-foot, 220-pound rising senior is a student of the game. His knowledge allows him to get in the right position to make plays and also win battles upfront against larger offensive linemen. His experience makes him a natural leader for a young group of defensive linemen at Fort Dorchester.   FILM REVIEW   Thomas Adamsky QB, 2027   The 5-foot 9, 135-pound rising junior arrives in North Charleston by way of Sparta, N.J. and Bronson, Fla. as a seasoned veteran. He showed his potential early as a sophomore at Pope John XXIII. The most recent film shows his effectiveness in throwing deep passes, pocket awareness and ability to throw receivers open. Working with a new offensive coordinator, having athletic, speedy wide receivers like Simpson and Matthews and experienced offensive linemen like Zyion Rouse and William Martray upfront could make for a productive senior year.    BIGGEST LOSSES   [player_tooltip player_id='473024' first='Ryan' last='Campbell'] RB   The Patriots now find themselves having to gameplan against their leading rusher last season. He accounted for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns before transferring to region rival Ashley Ridge.   Jaxon King LB   He led the Patriots in tackles (60) and recorded two interceptions last season.   Jalen White DB   A 4-year letterman was the team's second-leading tackler with 58 stops.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Masiah Rivers QB, 2027   The rising sophomore has pushed transfer Thomas Adamsky at the quarterback position. A raw talent, he has displayed a strong arm and mobility at the position.   Tyrell Pearson DL, 2027   The 6-foot 6, 275-pound rising junior is part of an imposing frontline for the Patriots. His agility and speed make him a difficult matchup on Friday nights. With he, Thomas Wamer, 300-pound [player_tooltip player_id='1026111' first='Reginald' last='Edwards'] and fellow rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1816262' first='Kasa' last='Milo'] upfront, Fort Dorchester should win the battle in the trenches on most Friday nights.    "A great skill guy" is how Lorenzano describes his athletic rising sophomore. He shows solid technique and balance for a player with not much varsity experience. Stanley is not intimidated by taller wide receivers and uses his speed to provide solid secondary zone coverage.

The 2024 season at Fort Dorchester for both the players and head coach Shaun Lorenzano was a learning experience.