Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Williston-Elko Blue Devils are looking at the 2024 football season as an opportunity. With the new season comes a new chance to improve and make strides to get back to playing Blue Devil football and winning Williston-Elko style.
The returning players, coaches, and the new players have been working hard in this off season to make 2024 a season to be proud of.
Williston-Elko head coach Kenneth Lipsey was asked about his expectations for the upcoming season and said, “Our goals this year are to get better every week and be competitive. We would also like to try and make the playoffs.”
Coach Lipsey named wide receiver and defensive back Carlos Drayton, wide receiver and defensive back Willie Brown, running back and linebacker Corey Newman, linebacker Kadin Wright, and wide receiver, defensive back, and kicker Quaide Overton as some of the key players to watch this season. As far as the new players, Coach Lipsey mentioned that running back and defensive back Markel Brown and offensive and defensive lineman Randy Robinson have really looked good in the preseason.
The strengths of the 2024 Blue Devils team are the wide receivers and the defensive unit. It is early and the other groups will continue to improve, but early on the defense will be relied upon to help Williston-Elko defeat their challengers. The skill positions should have some explosive moments and could prove the difference makers in close contests.
As far as the region goes, Coach Lipsey says, “There is lots of talent and some really great talent throughout the region. Look no further than right down the road at Blackville-Hilda. They are probably the favorites to win the region.”
The 2024 roster looks to be improved. The off season workouts were good for the Devils. As this group plays together, look for improvements and a steady growth as they work towards their goal of reaching the playoffs.
“We had a great summer and have had a great preseason thus far. I am hoping that that translates to Friday nights,” said Coach Lipsey.
Come out and support these hard-working young men as they open the 2024 season at Pelion on Friday, August 23. This is a change in previously posted schedules. Good luck, Blue Devils!
