Spartanburg comes off a remarkable playoff run in ‘09. Head coach Freddie Brown and his team finished 1-4 in Region II-4A before going to playoffs and defeating Rock Hill and Sumter. Byrnes eliminated the Vikings, but Spartanburg looks poised and determined make another run in 2010.
“Obviously, most teams want to win the first game and the guys worked hard in our year-round program to earn a win, “ Brown said.
The Vikings stomped Woodruff 28-0 last Friday at the Union County Scrimmage. In one half of play, the Vikings’ defense forced four turnovers with three interceptions. The Vikings capitalized by scoring three touchdowns off the turnovers.
The Jackets realize Spartanburg will be tough but the Jackets expect to win.
“They are well-coached and won’t beat themselves. They like to attack on defense and offensively they will run first to set up the pass,” Union County head coach David Lipsey said.
Spartanburg’s defense returns seven players and are led by a stingy secondary. Cornerbacks Ronnie Martin and Daquan Brown will be Union County quarterback Keiston Smith’s primary focus.
Martin — a South Carolina commitment— is an excellent cover corner with closing speed that pesters wide receivers.
The Vikings show multiple looks on offense.
“We choose our offense based on what the defense shows,” Brown said.
Quarterback Adrian Kollock started several games last year and will bring experience and leadership to the huddle. The 6’2”, 190-pound senior started in last year’s 35-0 victory over the Yellow Jackets and understands the environment surrounding the first game. Pollock’s size and speed causes defense to adjust when playing the Vikings.
“He (Pollock) likes play action and bootleg. We’re working with our back side to stay at home,” Lipsey said.
Union County’s defense is experienced, tough and knows what to expect from Spartanburg. They will be up to Kollock’s challenge.
The Jackets’ swarming defense presents the Vikings with problems of its own.
Union County’s secondary, linebackers, and defensive ends are all seniors with one last chance to beat Spartanburg.
Linebackers Deon Smith, Wesley Jeter and Jordan Sims must stuff the middle and force the Vikings to pass.
The Jackets’ secondary welcome the challenge. Starters Rickey Rice, Robert Littlejohn, Josh Armstong and Brian Smith will have to fight every play against a disciplined Vikings offense. The defensive backfield looked strong vs. preseason opponents by closing on the ball quickly and making the open field tackle. The biggest key vs. Spartanburg will be preventing the big plays.
Union County’s offense brings a new look to the field and the Jackets have big-play potential. Preseason opponents experienced first-hand the Jackets’ explosiveness.
Union County running back Michael Johnson needs just a small crease to break a big play. Johnson had multiple 40-plus yard touchdown runs in preseason action. Senior Dierris Beacham will see more action in the backfield as offensive coordinator Brian Robinson tries to put the ball in the playmakers’ hands. Beacham slides out to the slot position in four-wide sets.
Wide receiver Victor Ruth, a sophomore, is capable of getting behind the defense and blistering the secondary for a touchdown. Defensive standout Desmond Floyd and Kendrick Byrd add size in this week’s game vs. Spartanburg.
Smith, a sophomore, leads the spread offense. Smith is a mobile quarterback who performs best out of the pocket. The Jackets will need to utilize a moving pocket to set up Smith and the passing game vs. the Vikings. The option game is another avenue. The 6’1”, 210-pound sophomore can throw or tuck it, when needed. During presesaon action, Smith made nice reads on the option and aggressively carried the ball on the keepers.
The Jackets’ offensive line is anchored by tackles Jason Adams and Brian Wells. Adams and Wells, both seniors, must stop penetration and open lanes for Johnson. The offense’s success will come after the Jackets establish the run first.
In the kicking department, the live rush will give Union County punter William Holcombe and kicker Brandon Shetley their first real taste of Friday night football.
Special teams performance is the key to any victory, but Friday night’s rival game may come down to a field goal.
Expect both teams to come out on an emotional high during the season’s first regular season game. The nerves will settle after halftime as the halftime leader will tighten its grip.
The team leading at halftime will ride the momentum to victory in the second half.
Union County will receive great fortunes on two Vikings turnovers early on and claim its first win at Gibbs Stadium.
Union County 21
Spartanburg 17
Key players to watch:
Union County: QB Keiston Smith, P William Holcombe, WR Dierris Beacham, LB Deon Smith, DE John Simmons Fallaw and DB Rickey Rice
Spartanburg: OL Stephen Grommer, DB/KR Ronnie Martin, DL Tre’Kelly-Rice, DB Byron Johnson, RB DeShawn Sims and WR Daquan Fuller
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