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Troy Pride said working against Dorian Lindsey every day has helped him become a better player.
Pride, Greer's star senior defensive back and Virginia Tech commit, transferred from Riverside to Greer before his junior season in 2014. He doesn't regret the move.
"It makes me want to be the best that I can be and show them what they really missed out on," he said.
The move was about a better opportunity for the rangy, athletic Pride. He said his talents may go have gone unnoticed by college coaches if he stayed in a Riverside program that had long struggled to find success.
"(The move) has really helped me because I've got to see a lot more athletes," Pride said "Going up against (Greer receiver) Dorian Lindsey every day is great for me, developing my skills, developing as a player."
Pride said transferring to Greer High was a calling.
"It's been a great transition," Pride said. "I was led by God coming here and he's just been blessing me throughout the process."
Greer Head Coach Will Young is happy to have Pride on the team as well.
"I don't know if too many people knew who Troy was when he was at Riverside," Young said. "He's definitely flourished here. We're very happy he's here and he shouldn't have too many mixed feelings on Friday night."
Pride's maturation as a player for the Yellow Jackets paid immediate dividends, not only for the team who finished 2014 with an 11-1 record, but for Pride who began drawing the interest of Division One college programs.
Before the season Pride settled on Virginia Tech where he plans to play college football for the Hokies beginning next fall. Still, he knows there is work to be done at Greer.
Pride made a promise that last year's second round playoff exit by Belton-Honea Path would not happen again.
"When we lost I was like, this won't happen next year," Pride said. "It started in the weight room with me being a leader for my teammates. We have a different mindset this year that we're ready to go get it."
Before any region or state title is accomplished, however, there is the matter of playing his former team where many of Pride's friends remain. He admits that playing against old teammates provides an extra spark.
"I think it adds to the intensity for me to play because I know so many people there," he said. "I'm ready for it. I'm just ready to go."