Julie McCombs
Dorian Lindsay breaks off a long run against Travelers Rest in their first meeting in September. Springing Lindsay is Korey Styles (58).
Greer Head Coach Will Young took his team to see the "Woodlawn," the real life story of Woodlawn High School whose football team overcame the odds to make a run towards a state championship in 1973 in Birmingham, Ala.
"We gave the team Friday off and took them to see the movie," said Young said. "We gave them some time away from (playing football)."
The film chronicles the Woodlawn team's rise to prominence in the face of prejudice and doubt. The movie's message shows that through faith and togetherness a team can overcome its obstacles to achieve great things.
The undefeated Yellow Jackets (10-0) will also aim to write another historical chapter in their program's storied past as the playoffs start this week.
Greer received its much-needed week off thanks to the South Carolina High School League extending the season one week for teams needing to make up games due to last month's flooding.
The Yellow Jackets still got some practice time in, however.
"We practiced Tuesday and Wednesday, kind of a regular, up-tempo practice. Thursday was kind of a walk-through," Young said.
Greer was able to prepare for two likely first round opponents, Travelers Rest or Pickens.
The Yellow Jackets didn’t learn Travelers Rest was a rematch until Saturday morning.
Greer beat TR in the regular season, 41-13, on Sept. 25. Playoff tickets are $7 and will be on sale at Dooley Field beginning at 6 p.m. Friday.
Young said that his team was a bit restless having to wait two weeks to play a game, but believes it served his players well.
"We didn't really know what to do with ourselves on Friday," Young said.
"We feel like it was probably a benefit and it gives a chance for both sides (offense and defense) to reflect about what we've done well and what we haven't done well," Young said .
"Friday was the first day since May they got to go home when the bell rang," Young said. "That being said, I thought our kids practiced very well Tuesday and Wednesday. I felt like they stayed pretty focused even though there was nothing to focus on."
Now Greer can focus on winning a state championship – it’s ultimate goal.