The Dillon Christian School Warriors have had a few rough seasons, but they’re looking to turn things around again this year.

After winning back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009, departing players, low turnout, injuries, and coaching shake-ups left the Warriors struggling to make it back to the playoffs. Head Coach Christian Wolfe took the reigns midway through the 2010 season. The Warriors fielded a young team against tough players last season and finished with a 2-8 record.

But Coach Wolfe says the Warriors have been working hard and with only four departing seniors, he thinks the Warriors have a chance to be pretty good this year.

“They’ve been working hard in the off-season,” he said.

Coach Philip Price has been working with the Warriors on speed and strength training and Wolfe says the players have really bought into the workout system. The Warriors competed in the SCISA Speed and Strength competition earlier this year and won the state championship in the combined Class 1A and 2A division. Out of 11 Warriors who participated, five won their weight divisions and one finished as runner-up.

“They’re getting bigger, stronger, and faster,” Wolfe said, “and that will carry over into the football season.”

In addition to Price, the Warrior coaching staff will be returning. Coaches Steve Johnson, John Bullock, and Titus Bethea bring several years of experience to the Warrior sidelines and Coach Joey Boykin will be back again this year to help work with the Warriors on offense, defense, and special teams.

Key returning players include Will Brown, Ben Boykin, Tyler Davis, Heath Freitas, and Mark Minges.

“We’re bringing more skill positions than in the past,” Wolfe said. “There’s a lot more athleticism.”

But many players will still have to play offense and defense due to the size of the team and injuries could still be devastating for the team’s season.

Wolfe also said that he’s looking for Ellison Rourke to be a key player for the Warriors. “He gives every ounce,” Wolfe said. “He’s a good athlete.”

Though the schedule promises to be tough, Wolfe noted that the Warriors returned more players than many of the other teams in the region. The Warriors will also be playing seven home games this season.

The Warriors will also be hosting a Jamboree this Friday, August 16, where they are scheduled to take on Robert E. Lee Academy in the second half. Florence Christian and Trinity Byrnes are scheduled to open the jamboree.

The football season will officially open for the Warriors on Friday, August 23, when they are scheduled to host Colleton Prep at 7:30 p.m.

“I feel like we have a chance to be good this year,” Wolfe said. “I feel hopeful about playoffs.”