Foxes have work, Braves look solid again

Two things were clear watching Friday night's Cheraw - Lamar game:
Coach Boyd has a good bit of work ahead of him at Lamar, and Cheraw is simply amazing.
First the foxes. Now, I knew full well that Lamar was probably not going to be anywhere close to what is when Boyd left. Six of the players from those state championship teams are playing college football, and four are starting defensive players. Athletes like that don't come around that often.
But, as Boyd himself said, Lamar's defense is coming up short in pursuits to the ball, something that was unheard of during his first tenure. While it's just one game, the offense is obviously in need of an identity as well. Under 100 yards of offense isn't going to cut it against any opponent.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, though. The Braves are by far the toughest opponents the Silver Foxes will face. If Boyd can turn things around by the time region games kick off, Lamar will be fine.
Now the Braves. The two-time defending state champs look poised for another title run. Travis Small and Montrell Evans might be the best backfield combo in the state, and no matter how many players graduate from the offensive line, coach Johnny White and his staff continue to get their message across, and the Braves reload without missing a beat.
Anyone who's watched Cheraw football during the White era knows the Braves' passing game is usually only used as a change of pace or in an as-needed situation. I was of course shocked to see it work so effi-ciently in the first half, even with the Braves making normal opening-game mistakes. If quarterback Gray Stafford can become another weapon, White and Co. can go ahead and reserve their parking at Death Valley.

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