Beaufort Academy players take on multiple roles

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the 11th in a series of previews of area high school football teams.

The Beaufort Academy football team has a different set of issues to tackle this season. Plagued by injuries and a small roster, the Eagles are just one injury away from having to forfeit their games.

“For us, because of the injury issue, the first game could be the first of many or it could be the last,” head coach Scott Richards said. “We can’t afford to have three people get hurt in one game. We don’t have that kind of depth.”

And even if they had a healthy roster, the Eagles are still left with a small rotation. Richards said each athlete must play multiples roles.

“We’ve got about 14 kids, and everybody pretty much learns the same position and plays the same position,” Richards said. “Everyone is called on to play on the line, and everyone is called on to play defense. You can only imagine we’ve got eight guys on the field and four on the sideline. They’re all dealing with exhaustion, and you don’t have a defensive unit and an offensive unit. Everyone plays both ways. They play a lot football. We have a ton of fun doing it. It’s an unconventional approach to coaching and to playing, but it’s a lot of fun.”

But even with a handful of kids, Richards has two quarterbacks he hopes can put up big numbers in his high-powered offense.

“These are two quarterbacks that can really throw the ball, and I also have a couple wide receivers that can really catch the ball,” Richards said.

And Richards says despite having just eight men on the field, it still offers an exhilarating game for the players and the fans.

“It’s an exciting brand of football,” Richards said. “We’ve averaged 30 to 40 points per game in the past. Forty points doesn’t always win the game. In 8-man football, you’ve got to score and you’ve got to score a lot. Defense is what we’re focused on this year.”

Luckily for Richards, several newcomers have joined the team and have adapted well to the game.

“Everyday is a surprise sometimes,” Richards said. “Daijion Galloway came over from Whale Branch, and he’s a good player. He’s going to contribute a lot. Dawson Coleman, who’s been in our school forever, decided he wanted to come out this year. He’s going to be a really good quarterback. He can really throw the ball with accuracy and a long way. Some have never played football before, but for some of them it comes naturally.”

This story was originally published August 21, 2017 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Beaufort Academy players take on multiple roles."