Jim Fair
The players in this photo convinced the photographer that they were just as worthy of face time as the players on the home page.
Jim Fair
Greer traditionally earns media coverage from all the daily news outlets in Greenville and Spartanburg County. GreerToday.com photographer Julie McCombs, Greenville News Ken Osborne (center) and Spartanburg Herald's Alex Hicks were the dailies documenting the 2013 edition of the Greer Yellow Jackets.
Jim Fair
Zeke Whiteside (3) said his neon green socks were not worn to make a fashion statement (see notebook item).
Jim Fair
Hudson Dix, 10, is headed to be a future Greer Yellow Jacket. Hudson plays football for the Greer Recreation League.
The 2013 football season is theirs to lead and they said they accept the responsibility.
The Yellow Jackets have their first scrimmage when they play Wade Hampton at 10 p.m. at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Jamboree at North Greenville University. Greer is the final game of the four-game (one-half each game) jamboree.
“We want the younger players to learn and we need to be patient with them,” Johnson said at Greer’s photo day. “Dorian (Lindsay, sophomore quarterback) is good but he’s learning. We need to stay positive and help him.”
Johnson had some growing pains as a sophomore starter. But tough love from then defensive coach Mazzie Drummond helped Johnson to forget quickly the last play and concentrate on the next. He has become one of the best defensive backs to play at Greer, according to coaches.
Kelly, recognized as one of the best natural athletes on the team, has come to terms with his high school career winding down. “I thought about this being the last day of Camp Swarm here,” Kelly said. “I love the game of football and want to help this team win this year.”
Kelly will see double duty at linebacker and wide receiver. A jayvee performance at Greenville as a sophomore where he scored six touchdowns and totally dominated the athletes on the field, earned Kelly playing time on the varsity that season.
“I need to make sure nothing distracts me,” Kelly said. “It starts against Wade Hampton. We need to get off to a good start.”
Johnson echoed Kelly’s comments. “It’s important to come out with a bang, come out strong,” he said. “We have to have good work.”
NOTES FROM PHOTO DAY
CAMPBELL STRONGER, FASTER: Ty Campbell, a senior defensive lineman, reported to camp stronger and faster than at any time in his career. “I feel a lot stronger by spending a lot of time in the weight room. I learned a lot from last year,” he said. Campbell has been clocked at 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash, a personal goal to improve his speed. “We’re looking forward to this year. We want to dominate as a group,” Campbell said.
FASHION STATEMENT: Zeke Whiteside, a junior defensive back/wide receiver showed up with neon green socks for picture day. Asked if he was making a fashion statement, Whiteside said no. “I just put these out last night to wear.” Emmanuel Kelly could be counted on to wear colorful socks last year in the preseason practices.
FUTURE JACKET: Hudson Dix, 10, son of volunteer coach Travis Dix was at today’s photo session. Hudson plays football in the Greer Recreation League. Greer and the recreation department have partnered with coaching clinics for the youth during the year. Travis Dix, Hudson’s father, is the area Fellowship of Christian Athletes representative for Northeast Greenville County.
DATE TO REMEMBER: The Yellow Jackets will scrimmage Gaffney at Dooley Field Thursday night at 6 p.m. It’s also Meet the Jackets night.
FCA JAMBOREE
At North Greenville University
$6 admission at the gate
Eastside vs. St. Joseph’s, 5:30 p.m.
Riverside vs. Christ Church, 6:30 p.m.
Halftime presentation of Coach of Influence Award
Greenville vs. Woodmont, 9 p.m.
Greer vs. Wade Hampton, 10 p.m.