Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Barnwell Warhorse football team has just wrapped up spring practice and will begin summer workouts soon.
For some teams, spring practice signifies a new beginning and a chance to forget about last year. For other teams, spring practice marks the next step on the way to another great year. This 2024 Warhorse spring practice is hopefully that next step towards another deep playoff run.
The 2023 Barnwell Warhorses, led by new head coach Brian Smith, was not picked to be a championship contender. They surprised many by not only advancing past the first round of the playoffs, but making it to the third round and being one of the final eight teams playing in AA football. The Horses defeated a very athletic Woodland team, then knocked off the heavily favored 10-1 Marion Swamp Foxes at their home field.
This year, Coach Smith and his Warhorse football team looks to repeat as AA championship contenders. Last year’s final eight teams contained perennial powerhouses like Abbeville, Oceanside, Gray Collegiate, and Silver Bluff, along with Barnwell. Oceanside and Silver Bluff will now compete in AAA. Gray Collegiate has moved all the way up to AAAA and Abbeville has dropped to 1-A.
The AA classification will still be strong with teams like Hampton County and Strom Thurmond leading the way. Whale Branch has also moved back to AA. Now, the unfair advantages of the Oceanside and Gray Collegiate teams are gone.
Barnwell has a very good core of returning players. All-State quarterback Cam Austin was a huge part of the Warhorse offense last year. Austin just committed to play baseball at the University of South Carolina, but looks to add another year of Warhorse football to his resume before that. The Peeples brothers, Jordan and Ja’Quan, also return as very athletic skilled players who can play several different positions as needed. Kahzeer Wesley is another very talented player that can play a lot of different roles for Barnwell. Put this together with a solid offensive line and a defense that started to play really well as the season progressed last year, and you have a great chance to win a lot of football games.
Coach Smith was asked about his team’s spring practices and said, “We had a great spring. I really felt like the kids worked hard daily and continue to excel. It was great to go out and have most everything installed as opposed to last year when we were teaching everything brand new. We were able to get a lot more accomplished and work a lot faster. We are hopeful that that will translate to better performance on the field. I believe we are blessed with a large number of skill players who we are hopeful will lead us in the fall. Almost the entire team is returning, and when you add the JV kids that have moved up, we are very fortunate to have a large number this season. Our plan for this summer is to focus on overall team speed and then finalize schemes and personnel in all areas.”
Coach Smith was asked if any players stood out during spring or if they had any new players making an early impact. “Kahzeer Wesley had an amazing spring! Jayden Rollins has transferred to us and really had a good spring, also.”
Most of the coaching staff is returning. Coach Thomas Davis will return to the Warhorse defense after serving overseas this past year. Former Newberry running back and Byrnes assistant football coach Jon Burdge will join the staff and coach defensive line.
A lot of things must fall into place to have a great team. Players have to stay healthy; you need to have the ball bounce your way a few times at key moments, you need good athletes and coaches. Barnwell looks ready to have another great year if all goes well.
Good luck Warhorses for a great 2024 football season.
