Forestview not intimidated by S.C. powerhouse Byrnes
GASTONIA — Forestview players got a pretty good scouting report on their next opponent. Two Saturdays ago, they watched Byrnes, S.C., on ESPN.
Many of the Jaguars sat on the couch as the Rebels took on Hoover, Ala., in a nationally televised game between two well-known powerhouses. And although Byrnes’ usual high-octane offense never got going in a 14-0 loss, keep in mind the Rebels were facing what is now the nation’s No. 9-ranked team. This Friday, Forestview pays a visit.
“We just have to make our mind up that we’re going to play and not just be intimidated by their name,” Jaguars linebacker Roderick Lindsay said.
When Forestview (1-2) unloads the bus and strolls onto Nixon Field on Friday, it’ll seem like a college setting. Towering above one end zone will be a $328,000 scoreboard complete with a video display. And by game time, a likely crowd of several thousand will make their voices heard.
Over the past decade, the level of football itself has resembled that of a small college. The Rebels won four straight South Carolina championships from 2002 to 2005 and another two in 2007 and 2008.
“They’re the same age and same grade we’re in,” Forestview defensive back Cortezz Nixon said. “That’s how I look at it.”
That’s the attitude the Jaguars will need if they want to make the 70-mile return trip from Duncan with an upset victory in hand.
Some will say this season’s Byrnes isn’t the same Byrnes that won six state titles in seven years. The Rebels (1-1), who squeaked past Myrtle Beach, S.C., 21-14 last week, are lacking the high-profile Division I recruiting target like 2009 running back Marcus Lattimore, who wound up at South Carolina.
Still, Forestview coach Chris Medlin is bracing his team for perhaps the fastest and most aggressive opponent the Jaguars will encounter all season.
“We obviously have to get off to a fast start,” Medlin said. “If things go bad early, we have to weather the storm and not let it snowball. But I expect us to come out ready to play and I expect us to hopefully fly around and do good things on offense.”
The Byrnes playmakers Medlin identified on film include 6-foot-5 quarterback Zach Blair, running back Shakeem Wharton and linebacker Andre Brewton.
Forestview will be seeking its first win against an opponent south of the border in three tries this season. The Jaguars lost to Nation Ford 28-16 in the opener and 20-13 to Clover last week.
This week’s game was a late addition to the schedule and replaces a different Burns — the one in the Cleveland County town of Lawndale. Forestview and Byrnes agreed to a one-year contract, so Medlin wants to make the most of the rare chance against a nationally recognized program.
“Obviously we know it’s a great challenge, but I look at it as a great opportunity for our players,” Medlin said. “I think it will be an experience they’ll enjoy, playing in front of a big-time crowd like that with all the amenities of the stadium. We’re looking forward to it. I think it will be exciting.”
You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.
