Posted on Aug 26, 2009 - 10:50 AM

Seahawks Seek to Repeat as State Champs

By Terry Massey

Photo by Keith Jacobs

http://www.mbsun.com/assets_c/2009/08/MBHS FOOTBALL_0426-thumb-300x396-2207.jpgNew coach. New players. New season. Same old Seahawks.

At least that's the way the preseason started for the defending Class AAA state champion Myrtle Beach High football team on Friday, Aug. 14 when it hosted the 20th annual CNB Kickoff Classic.

The Seahawks dominated Loris 31-0 in the nightcap of the five-game jamboree at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.

In earlier action, Waccamaw defeated Green Sea Floyds 14-6; North Myrtle Beach topped Aynor 20-6; Carolina Forest surprised Socastee-10-7 and Conway blanked St. James 14-0.

But the Seahawks saved the most impressive performance for last in the head coaching debut of former offensive coordinator Mickey Wilson, who inherited the top job when Scott Earley left for Chapin. Wilson was an assistant under Earley for nine years to ease the transition.

"It's gone as smooth as it can go," Wilson said. "The staff has pretty much stayed intact and those guys do a great job. We have some young players that still have pacifiers in their mouths instead of mouthpieces, but they're good athletes. They just need reps."

It doesn't hurt that the Seahawks return quarterback phenom Everett Golson, who completed five of his eight passes for 152 yards and a touchdown on Friday. He threw for more than 3,500 yards and 44 touchdowns last season and already appeared to be in mid-season form.

However, Golson is without top target Jamere Valentine (pictured), who scored a combined 48 touchdowns last season through the air and on the ground. Several Seahawks are ready to fill that role.

Wide receiver Morgan Byrd and tight end Steven Cobb will be Golson's primary go-to-guys this season, as will running back Daiquan Ford. The trio will have to pick up its productivity.

As important as offense is to the Seahawks, it could be the defense that is most critical to its title defense. Cobb is back to anchor the linebacking corps and the entire secondary returns - a key component if the Seahawks are to have a chance to repeat as state champions against a much tougher schedule.

After opening the season at home against Carolina Forest this Friday, Aug. 28, the Seahawks embark on a brutal four-game road trip at national power Byrnes and state powers Dillon, Hartsville and Conway. Then it's back home for a big region opener against Lake City, the only team to beat Myrtle Beach in 2008, before closing against local rivals Socastee, St. James, Georgetown and North Myrtle Beach.

"I had some choice words for coach Earley about the schedule that I can't repeat right now," joked Wilson. "That has to be the toughest schedule in the history of Myrtle Beach High School, but it will make us better in November and that's when it really counts.

"Last year was last year, but our goal is to win championships whether it's region or state."