The Chesterfield Rams beat the Carvers Bay Bears 21-0 to win the Class A Division I state championship in Orangeburg.

Like so many of his Carvers Bay teammates, Carlton Linnen was asked to step up this season. The only difference was Linnen’s call-up came during the middle of the season.

High school football teams often go through rebuilding years, but most don’t make it to the state championship during that time. Carvers Bay coach Nate Thompson described his team’s season as just that, however.

Ever since former South Carolina quarterback Steve Taneyhill took over as coach in 2005, the Chesterfield Rams have gone from somewhat of a ragtag football program to one that is accustomed to winning.

Two Eastern Carolina stars will take the Brooks Stadium field on January 2nd for the third annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.  Lake View RB/LB Quandon Christian and Carvers Bay DT Kwame Geathers will both play for the East team in the all-star game featuring players from all over the country.

Before the 2006 Class A Division I state championship, Chesterfield coach Steve Taneyhill joked that he and Carvers Bay coach Nate Thompson had already agreed to meet again the next year.

The name Geathers is synonymous with the Carvers Bay football program, with several family members achieving high school, college and professional glory on the gridiron. And after Friday’s Class A Division I lower state championship, it might be time to add Clayton’s name to the list.

Despite a lot of new faces, including a new coach, the Lamar Silver Foxes and Carvers Bay Bears will find themselves in familiar territory this Friday —
playing for the Class A Division I lower state championship.

In the minds of many of the fans that flocked Tiger Field, the Class A Division I lower state championship was being decided Friday night when Hemingway squared off against Carvers Bay.

Carvers Bay overtakes Creek Bridge 26 – 18

A year after shattering nearly every school record last, the young Hartsville offense has started to turn the corner. The Red Foxes’ point totals have increased each week — from 14 to 27 to 35 to 55 last week against Wilson.

It’s always tough to lose your starting quarterback, no matter what level of football you’re playing. But try losing two. That’s what the Hemingway Tigers have dealt with the past few weeks.

The Bears are two-time defending Class A Division I lower state champions. But this season will be a test for even them.

With J.R. Boyd back in charge of the program, thoughts of returning to the state championship are probably on the minds of every Lamar football fan. They’ll get an early chance to see how realistic those expectations are.

Carvers Bay High School held its graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5.