On Campus: Green Sea Floyds Trojans

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GREEN SEA |</strong> Green Sea Floyds has managed four wins over the last four seasons, but there is hope in the Trojan ranks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Former Woodmont head coach Ty Sutherland inherits a young and hungry roster in his first season. A recent visit to campus for a rain-soaked practice highlighted the intensity and the optimism surrounding the Trojans as they prepare for the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest reasons for excitement is rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1816380' first='Aaron' last='Fowler']</strong> (pictured). The versatile athlete played wide receiver and defensive back last season but also took reps at quarterback during our visit. With a combination of size and speed, Fowler could be very dangerous in the Trojan offense. Returners <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820559' first='Beven' last='Shelley']</strong> and <strong>Daniel Autrey</strong> will be expected to anchor the offensive line at right tackle and center, respectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fowler says he's comfortable throwing the ball, especially deep passes, but feels he's most dangerous with his feet.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I like being able to run, lay my shoulders down, and run people over,” Fowler said.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fowler should have the ball in his hands plenty, but rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823135' first='Thomas' last='Gunnells']</strong> popped plenty during our visit. The shifty tailback made multiple defenders miss in the open field and bulled his way in for a short-yardage touchdown as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the running backs will certainly see plenty of opportunities to carry the ball in the new scheme, don't be surprised if the guys on the perimeter also get involved in the run game. Sutherland has plenty of playmakers on offense that will allow the Trojans to spread the wealth and prevent defenses from keying on any one player. Wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821842' first='Shakim' last='Deas']</strong> took an option pitch from Fowler and used his speed to race for a long touchdown towards the end of the session, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823132' first='London' last='Mcclellan']</strong> also got plenty of carries on jet sweeps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, the primary weapon for the Trojans should be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821843' first='Judah' last='Lee']</strong> and his sub-4.5 speed. Lee, who won the long jump state title in Class A, is a superb athlete who will undoubtedly make his mark at both wide receiver and safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I'm trying to get bigger and learn the game of football more,” said Lee. “I'm focusing on improving on offense and on my tackling skills.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the defensive line, rising sophomore <strong>Jayden Temoney</strong> stood out thanks to his high motor. The young lineman had a tackle for a loss and was in on multiple stops during the practice, showing some impressive pop.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker corps is noticeably deep. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823133' first='Jackson' last='Morgan']</strong> squats nearly 500 pounds and is a physical force, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823134' first='Trequan' last='Patterson']</strong> brings track speed to the defense as a member of the Trojans' 4x4 relay team. His speed was on full display as the rising senior made plays from sideline to sideline. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823139' first='Gabriel' last='Peer']</strong> showed off his hands and football IQ, jumping a screen pass for an interception that he returned for a touchdown.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824922' first='Jayden' last='Crawford']</strong> provided a turnover for the defensive backfield, picking off a pass late from his safety position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Trojans have a long way to go to get anywhere close to the level of play they experienced during their back-to-back state championship seasons of 2018 and 2019, the 2026 schedule does provide some opportunities for building momentum. A road trip to Loris in their second game of the year will be daunting, but the rest of non-conference schedule is manageable through the end of September. Green Sea Floyds will host Marion, another program coming off a winless year, in mid-October for a great shot at the program's first region win at home in five years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the work to be done, players can feel a change in the program, as evidenced by the number of players that have turned up for spring workouts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Last year, a lot of people didn't come out and this year I can see way more kids out here trying,” said Fowler. “[Coach Sutherland} supports us and that's what we like to see. We can trust him.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our mentality is a lot better,” added Gunnels. “We've got a lot more people trying and putting in effort. The energy has gotten better”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For seniors like Lee, McClellan, Gunnells, Patterson, Morgan, and other, the 2026 season is more than just a chance to put Green Sea Floyds back in the win column. It's a chance to lay the foundation for future Trojans to build on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We want to turn the program around and give [the young guys] confidence in themselves,” Lee said. “We want to show them that we can do it.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->