Coach Jackie Hayes (center) talks with his players during practice on Tuesday, August 2. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
The Dillon High School Wildcats have become one of the most dominant teams in South Carolina, and the 2011 season looks to be no different.

The Wildcats were only one win short of a third consecutive state AA football championship title last season, falling to Central 20-17 in the state championship game. It was the third time in as many years that the two had faced off against each other.

A Wildcat runner tries to evade Hartsville’s defense. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
But this spring saw the South Carolina High School League split Class AA into two divisions, ensuring that there will be no fourth championship round between the two rivals.

It also makes the Wildcats seem like a safe bet for another championship run in 2011. In fact, MaxPreps.com recently ranked them ninth in a list of their top 25 small school football teams in the country.

But despite their record heading into the season, Head Coach Jackie Hayes isn’t resting on the team’s laurels.

Dillon’s runner dodges a tackle from Hartsville. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
“We need to develop experience at quarterback and in the defensive line,” he said. “We expect every game to be a challenge and we consider every team we play our biggest rival.”

According to Hayes, the biggest lesson he took from last season was to “learn how to finish.”

“We’re practicing as fast as we can.”

Hayes is entering his 20th season at Dillon High School this year. The coaching staff this season also includes Lee Page, John Berry Dew IV, Vontrey Sellers, and Kevin Roller. Hayes says they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to the Wildcats.

Dillon and Hartsville players collide in Friday’s scrimmage. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
And with 16 returning starters, including junior running back Jabo Lee, top 2013 recruit D.J. Park, senior back Hykine Davis, and senior wide receiver Kwinton Smith, it seems that Dillon’s players have plenty of experience to bring to the field as well. Smith has already verbally committed to play for the University of South Carolina in 2012.

Three of the team’s leading tacklers, Delany Leach, Archie Gilchrist, and Hishawn Blue, are also returning and are expected to be solid once again this season.

Dillon’s toughest opponent in the regular season will likely be Class AAA Marlboro County who defeated Dillon 28-0 in 2009.

A player looks to make a throw during practice. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
While there may be a few bumps along the way, Hayes has his eyes set on another shot at the title. “We want to be playing in the final game in December.”

Dillon played their first scrimmage game on Friday, August 5, when they hosted Hartsville. Although no scores were kept in the scrimmage, a large crowd was on hand to see both teams give a good showing, and a preview of what’s in store for the season.

This coming weekend, Dillon will be playing two more preseason games. First up, they take on Georgetown in the Lake View Jamboree on Thursday, August 11. Then on Friday, August 12, it’s a rematch against Central at Marlboro County’s Dennis Miller Classic at McAlpine Stadium.

The first game of the Wildcats’ regular season will be on Friday, August 19, at Cheraw at 7:30 p.m.

The Wildcats cool off during a morning practice. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)

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