PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Hartsville turning up the offense

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.

Against the Tigers, Hartsville accumulated 492 yards of offense, including 441 on the ground.

Through four games, the Red Foxes have racked up 1,005 total yards on the ground, an average of 251 yards.

“I think it’s been a continual progression by everyone,” Calabrese said.

“Our offensive line has improved and gotten more comfortable with what we’re doing, and our backs are running hard.”

The Red Foxes have three players with more than 100 yards rushing (Dre Scott, Ronnie Jackson and Shawn Smith) and five with more than 60 yards rushing.

Smith, who began the season as a backup to Jody Lyles, also has thrown for 223 yards and two touchdowns.

“I think Shawn is getting a little more comfortable throwing the ball, but the main thing is we’re just not making as many mistakes as we were, especially in that Week 0 game against Camden.

“We’re holding onto the ball a little more, which gives our defense a rest and keeps the other team from having too many opportunities to score, especially on a short field.”

Hartsville is averaging 33 points a game, and will need to keep having offensive success in the coming weeks, Calabrese said.

“Our schedule doesn’t get any easier,” he said. “We have Myrtle Beach this week and not too long after that, we get into our conference play. So we have to continue to work hard and progress each week.”

RB by committee

During their recent run of success, the Carvers Bay Bears have had strong running backs.

Malcolm Elder was one of the top backs in the Pee Dee for years and last season, Johnathan Holmes led the Pee Dee in the regular season.

This year, the Bears have used a committee of running backs on their way to a 4-0 start.

Davious Chestnut and Clayton Geathers lead the team with 347 and 304 yards, respectively.  But three other players also have at least 75 yards rushing.

Last week against Andrews, Carvers Bay had four players rush for at least 50 yards, with Chestnut’s 83 yards leading the team.

The tide has turned

Since 1969, the Dillon Wildcats defeated Myrtle Beach 11 straight times and tied once.

In their last four meetings, however, Myrtle Beach has held the edge, including last week’s come-from-behind victory in the last two minutes.

Players of the week

Marlboro County running back Tyreek Townsend rushed 24 times for 287 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Scott’s Branch to earn offensive player of the week.

Lamar’s Chris Peoples had nine tackles and recovered two fumbles, including one he returned 85 yards in the fourth quarter for the game-winning touchdown against Darlington to earn defensive player of the week.