2026 Preview: Lugoff-Elgin Demons

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions throughout July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/subscribe">Simply head to our subscription page</a> and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.   The whispers for Lugoff-Elgin football began toward the end of last season, thanks to a cast of skill players that matched a lot of programs across the state.   A lot of that talent is returning, giving them high hopes as they head into the 2026 campaign. Defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1705036' first='Oliver' last='Coleman'] has seen that progression and feels like the Demons are ready to have a statement season in making the move to Class 4A after being in Class 5A the past few years.   “Coming from playing in 5A down to 4A doesn't really make a difference. The competition is going to be about the same,” Coleman said at the recent Prep RedZone Media Day held at Gilbert. “We feel like everybody is good, but our mission is to try and dominate as much as possible.”   This will be the second season with coach Jarvis Littlejohn leading the program. Lugoff-Elgin went 6-6 a season ago and they hope that will see a major improvement with 15 total starters returning and one high profile transfer coming in.   Littlejohn feels like the competition is the same in Class 4A but the Demons will be better equipped to compete from a depth chart perspective.   “We didn't really have the depth to contend in Class 5A but in Class 4A I think we're in the perfect spot to be one of the top teams that has a chance to play deep into the playoffs,” he said.   Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1603854' first='Eric' last='Richardson'] is going to be a player that rarely comes off the field. Richardson was named MVP of the Woodland Combine this past spring and is going to build off a sensational junior season. He might take snaps at receiver, quarterback, running back, defensive back and return specialist.   Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1823858' first='Zach' last='Williams'] has a year of starting experience under his belt now and his future looks bright. Add in transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1036740' first='Tiyon' last='Fanning'] at running back to go with Richardson Tyree Lindsay and Keenan Cunningham at receiver and the Demons expect to be explosive.   Malachi Canty and [player_tooltip player_id='1817112' first='Isaiah' last='Littlejohn'] will be two key components in the trenches.   Littlejohn expects to be better defensively as well with eight starters returning. Defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1823862' first='Logan' last='Hinton'] linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='2178856' first='Tristan' last='Young'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1823864' first='Jace' last='Coleman'] along with defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1422637' first='Corey' last='Murphy'] and Coleman give the Demons a solid nucleus of experienced players.   Young is one who embraces higher expectations.   “There seems to be a lot more trust in the players from Coach Littlejohn. There's also a lot more expectations,” Young said. “We understand who he is and that makes it easier for us to prepare because there are no surprises now.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1603854' first='Eric' last='Richardson'] ATH, 2027 – It might not happen early in the season when the temperatures are still hot, but you can expect Richardson to be on the field for the majority of the snaps later in the season. Littlejohn said they will utilize Richardson primarily at receiver and defensive back, but he will also get snaps at quarterback and running back in different packages. He possesses great ball skills and is dynamic with the ball in his hands but also good enough to lock down the opponent's best receiver.     [player_tooltip player_id='1422637' first='Corey' last='Murphy'] DB, 2027 – Murphy has played a lot of football for the Demons and is one of the better cover corners in the state. He had four interceptions a season ago and has a knack for being around the ball. He moves well and displays good hips in changing direction quickly. He doesn't mind getting physical with a receiver to knock them out of the pattern.   [player_tooltip player_id='1823858' first='Zach' last='Williams'] QB, 2028 – It's easy to see what type of athlete Williams just by looking at what else he does at Lugoff-Elgin. He's the shooting guard in basketball, starts at shortstop in baseball and is one of the Demons top pitchers. But none of that takes away what he can do on the football field. He threw for over 2,400 yards last season with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Williams throws a nice deep ball and isn't afraid to throw into tight spaces. His arm strength is one of his biggest attributes.     [player_tooltip player_id='2178856' first='Tristan' last='Young'] LB, 2027 (pictured) – Young moved from defensive end to linebacker and has flourished in his new position. He's a workout warrior and is one of the stronger players on the team. He takes a quick first step, reads plays quickly and has a motor that goes from snap to whistle. He had over 100 tackles last season in just 10 games and could be in line for a much bigger senior season.      FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1823864' first='Jace' last='Coleman'] LB, 2028 – It's easy for us to call Coleman a freakish athlete. He benches well over 300 pounds and squats over 500 pounds with ease. He moves well even with that type of power and that translates onto the field. He moves sideline-to-sideline well and can make plays anywhere on the field. He can play any of the linebacker spots and is comfortable at putting his hand in the dirt and coming off the edge or reading and reacting to the play.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Shamil Saadiq WR – Saadiq put his name in the record books before heading off to Lenoir-Rhyne this coming fall. He caught 75 passes for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns and turned into the primary target.   Pervis Walker DL – Walker was a mainstay on the Demons defensive front and he capped his senior season with 74 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Tyree Lindsay WR, 2029 – Lindsay got his feet wet last season on the varsity level and is going to ease into the third receiver spot this season when he can shine with the focus on the other two options. He's quick, has sure hands and runs great routes. He's not the biggest receiver but he is able to go over the middle without fear. Lindsay flourishes in space and is going to be a viable option in an experienced offensive system.   [player_tooltip player_id='1817112' first='Isaiah' last='Littlejohn'] OL, 2029 – Littlejohn was on junior varsity last season but will be the starting left guard this season. The son of a coach, Littlejohn understands angles and hand placements well. He also has brute strength and is just shy of 300 pounds. He's able to move defenders in the direction he wants them to go. He's agile enough to get on the edge and lead a sweep play around the corner.    Pee gained plenty of experience last season and might be the top offensive lineman on the team. He has great size at 6-foot-1 290 pounds and likely will handle one of the guard positions even though he can play nearly any position on the line. He's adept at run blocking or pass protection and has good feet that help him get in the proper position. He plays with a mean streak that serves him well.

In honor of the five-site Prep RedZone Media Days series this June and July, we're giving everyone a 50% offer code on all subscriptions throughout July 31. Get access to more than 100 team previews and everything else we have in store for readers as we gear up for the 2026 football season. Simply head to our subscription page and use the code "przscmediaday2026" at checkout to take advantage of the savings.