With new faces on the sidelines, strong rising players, and a top prospect in Donell Stanley, Latta is looking forward to the start of a new football season.

Head Coach Kelly Williamson, now in his third year, says he feels like he’s got to produce this year. Williamson took over after a winless 2010 season for the Vikings. In his first year, the Vikings finished with a 2-8 record but Latta showed improvement last year, finishing 3-7, though only one of those wins came in Region 8A.

But Williamson says the Vikings have had a good summer with lots of kids showing up for workouts. The Vikings also have several players moving up from junior varsity, where they spent two productive years, including an undefeated 2012 season.

“We’re excited about the young kids on defense,” Williamson said.

Among Latta’s returning players are Donell Stanley and RJ McClam. Stanley is considered one of the top recruits in South Carolina and is ranked as a four-star recruit. Rivals.com lists him as 43rd in the United States and sixth-best offensive tackle. Stanley has 16 offers from Division I college programs and recently announced that he’d narrowed the list down to four: Alabama, Clemson, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Williamson said the recruiting process has been challenging, but added that “Stanley has had a great summer.” He noted that Stanley has been working on his footwork.

McClam is also another key returner for Latta. “He worked hard in the weight room and he’s looking for a big year,” Williamson said. “We have a lot of returners to the offensive line. We’re looking forward to seeing what we could get done.”

Most of Williamson’s coaching staff is returning, including Douglas Jackson, Tony Whittington, Chris German, and Ronnie Carter. Latta also picked up Donald Cribb and Travis Lewis.

Cribb joined the Latta staff to replace Daniel Little as head baseball coach after Little departed for a position at Landrum. In addition to 27 seasons as head baseball coach for Marion, Cribb coached football under Bob Rankin and spent last season coaching the Swamp Foxes on the football field.

“He brings a lot of experience to the field,” Williamson said.

Lewis is a graduate of Latta High School and played for Tennessee and the University of South Carolina. He’ll be working with the offensive and defensive lines.

Latta will be getting in as much action as possible before the official start of the season. The Vikings will play their first scrimmage tonight at home against McBee. Next Thursday, August 15, Latta will open the Lake View Jamboree against Hannah-Pamplico at 6:00 p.m. Then on Friday, Latta will travel to take on South Robeson at South Robeson.

The Vikings will officially begin the season on August 23 when they’ll be on the road to face Wagener Salley.

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