With three state titles in the last five years, the Dillon Wildcats are looking to add another title in 2013.

Dillon faced Central three years in a row for the Class AA state title, claiming the win in 2008 and 2009, but falling to Central in 2010. In 2011, Class AA was split into two divisions and the Wildcats ran aground of Timberland in the lower state championship game, with the Wolves advancing on to claim the Division I state title.

Last season, the Wildcats swept Region 8-2A, shut out Lake Marion, downed Loris 21-7, and sprinted past Timberland in the lower state championship with a 48-13 win before defeating Fairfield-Central 21-6 for the state title.

This season, Head Coach Jackie Hayes says his goal is to play for another state championship. Hayes has been coaching at Dillon for 28 years and just started his 22nd year as head coach.

“We were very fortunate last year and we had a good run,” he said. “We have lots of expectations for this year.”

While the Wildcats lost 26 players last season, they kept leaders such as Joe Blue, Damu Ford, Jaylon Washington, and Malik Gregory. Anthony Blue will once again be running the ball and Avery McCall will be returning as quarterback.

“He’s a good quarterback,” Hayes said, noting McCall’s outstanding performance in last year’s playoffs. “His potential is unbelievable. He has a chance to be a five star quarterback.”

The Wildcats also lost two coaches last season – Vontray Sellers and Famon Whitfield, who retired. But this year they’ve added Chris Ray and Zach Hayes. Zach Hayes grew up around Dillon football and is coming off of four years at Coastal, and Coach Hayes says Ray brings a lot to the table as well. Zach Hayes will serve as the JV offensive coordinator and Ray will work with the JV defense with JV Head Coach Lee Page.

The varsity coaching staff will include Robbie Brown with the running backs; Kelvin Roller , quarterbacks; Alan McLaurin, wide receivers; Jamie Norris, tight ends; Marty McIntyre, linebackers; Gerald Reeves, defensive line; Johnny B. Dew, defensive backs; and Kevin Roberts and Jason Gunter will be working with the offensive line. Volunteer assistants Randy McCollum, Ronnie German, and Maurice Bethea will round out the coaching staff.

Hayes says the turnout has been outstanding this year with over 100 kids showing up for the summer workouts four days a week and even more turning out for the first day of practice on Friday.

“Their commitment to Dillon football is unbelievable,” he said.

Hayes says the Wildcats have been holding passing leagues on Tuesdays and Thursdays to give them the opportunity to work a lot of kids and work on passing and defense. It also allows them to see a lot of formations they may encounter later in the season.

Hayes said the most critical positions to fill will be the offensive line and defensive backs. While he has experienced linebackers, the offensive line will have his most inexperienced players this season.

“We are excited about the upcoming season, and we are inexperienced in certain places,” he said, “but hopefully we will mold into a championship team.”

The Wildcats will face their first challenge at the Lake View Jamboree on Thursday, August 15, when they are scheduled to play Lake View. They will also play Central Pageland at the Marlboro County Jamboree.

The Wildcats will officially open the season on Friday, August 23, when they will host Mallard Creek out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

“It won’t make our break our season,” Coach Hayes said of the non-conference game. “We must prepare to play one game at a time. We’re looking forward to a great year.”

Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click images below to view at full size!