Julie McCombs
The Greer stars of the future, the Middle School D team, play a full schedule.
Gloria Fair
Justin Funderburk is head coach of the Greer Middle School D team.
Julie McCombs
Chris Tooley said his goal is to instill discipline, team unity and leadership for the future stars of the varsity.
Julie McCombs
Tyrick Fleming began playing football for the first time and already looked up as a candidate for the varsity.
“Our goal is to develop these student athletes to a level where they can contribute to Greer’s varsity program once they become ninth graders,” Funderburk said. The D tea has standout players that have been showing leadership qualities and Yellow Jacket potential.
Chris Tooley is a fresh addition to the coaching staff. He said the players inspired him to want to be a part of the D team staff.
“It gives us a chance to turn these boys into fine young men in the community.” Tooley said. “We are striving with one goal in mind, and that’s to instill discipline, team unity, and leadership for the next level.
“We are striving for a 6-2 season. It is a great feeling to be a Jacket. There is a lot of tradition here in Greer. I’m proud to have been given the opportunity to coach all levels of football with great coaches.”
The rest of the coaches include Rice, Johnson, Lowrance, Rumsey and Styles.
Remaining schedule:
Oct. 1 at Blue Ridge
Oct. 8 Riverside
Oct. 15 Berea
Oct. 22 at Eastside
Oct. 29 Carolina
Players to watch
• Quantavious Cohen (35) and Michael McDowell (5) are 7th grade defensive ends who show a lot of promise and are slowly becoming the young leaders on the team.
• Tyrick Smith (52), Gabe Hannon (60), Brycen Newman (54) and Matthew Pearson (57) have been contributors on the offensive line the past two years and have continued to lead by example.
• JJ Sitton (17) has matured leading the younger players.
• Future standouts and players to watch:
• Quay Thackston (2) who has been a standout running back and defensive back the past two years.
• Tyrick Smith (52) has potential to be a starting offensive or defensive lineman.
• Kaylen Boston (1) and Tyric Fleming (3) wide receivers and defensive backs that began playing this year.
• Jaden Jenkins (22) and Ryan Perron (40) commended by Funderburk for making straight A’s and improving daily in practice.