Football Friday capsules - Week 0

Timberland at North Myrtle Beach

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Timberland (9-3); North Myrtle Beach (5-6)

Coaches: Art Craig, Timberland; Blair Hardin, North Myrtle Beach

Last year: Teams did not play

Scouting report: Longtime football coach Art Craig has built something of a dynasty in St. Stephen, his Timberland teams reliable for at least nine wins a year. Over the past decade, the Wolves have won a pair of state titles — and if not for Dillon standing in its way, could have brought home a couple more. When North Myrtle Beach head football coach Blair Hardin looks at Timberland, it has exactly what he is striving to build — a program steeped in tradition. Aside from what each of the programs have done in the past, when they meet in Little River the teams will see what seems to be a mirror image lining up across from them. Both squads run a version of the triple option, doing so with speed and fluidity. North Myrtle Beach and Timberland each are also fast and aggressive on defense, possessing the ability to force opponents into mistakes. Hardin believes if his team is able to cut down on such mistakes, the Chiefs will at least be in contention to pull off one of the bigger wins in program history. That happens to only be one piece of the puzzle, though, North Myrtle Beach needing to also possess the ability to win the battle in the trenches, a place where Timberland has overwhelmed opponents through the years.

Favorite: Timberland

Aynor at Marion

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Aynor (4-6); Marion (9-4)

Coaches: Jody Jenerette, Aynor; Quin McCollum, Marion

Last year: Marion 32, Aynor 14

Scouting report: Knowing the strength of Region VI-AAA — the league for which his team resides — and the overall youth of his squad, Aynor football coach Jody Jenerette believes good things need to happen early this season for the Blue Jackets. Former region foe Marion serves as their first test, Friday's game marking the beginning of the the Quin McCollum era with the Swamp Foxes. Senior quarterback Ronnie King returns for Marion, joined in the backfield by Kailik Faulk and Jamael Ham. Last season's leading tackler Tyson Cusak is also back for the Swamp Foxes. Despite such returning talent, Jenerette said his team is preparing for everything, not knowing much about the new Marion coach's trends or philosophy. What is for sure, though, is that Aynor will line up in its "Hammer" offensive formation and let the chips fall as they may.

Favorite: Marion

Marlboro County at Carvers Bay

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Marlboro County (6-5); Carvers Bay (4-7)

Coaches: Dean Boyd, Marlboro County; Nate Thompson, Carvers Bay

Last year: Teams did not play

Scouting report: A grueling early season stretch for Carvers Bay begins Friday night with a visit from perennial powerhouse Marlboro County, which is coming off a six-win season — by all accounts a down-year for the team in Bennettsville. The Bulldogs offer a stern test, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, where they averaged 32 points per game in 2015. Though there are many holes to fill, Marlboro County does return the services of quarterback Jacob Evers and running back Dylen Covington, who rushed for nearly 1,300 yards a season ago. The Bears' hopes for an upset may hinge on their ability to get the ball to wideouts Dijon Goss and Tyrik Reed, players with the ability make plays if given space to work.

Favorite: Marlboro County

Georgetown at Conway

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Georgetown (9-4); Conway (9-3)

Coaches: Ken Cribb, Georgetown; Chuck Jordan, Conway

Last year: 2015 - Conway 22, Georgetown 13

Scouting report: After being shutout last Friday night at the CNB Kickoff Classic, Conway head football coach told his team basically to "forget about what happened, and drive on" to the next game. That contest happens to be against Georgetown, which has perennially given the Tigers fits. However, a banged up group of Bulldogs will make the trip to Conway for their season opener, dealing with a spate of injuries that has forced the coaching staff to become a tad creative with its roster in an effort to patch holes. With Appalachian State commit Peyton Derrick and a talented Tigers offensive unit looming, Georgetown will have to grow up fast if it has any hope of slowing them down.

Favorite: Conway

Green Sea Floyds at East Columbus (N.C.)

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Green Sea Floyds (3-7); East Columbus (1-10)

Coaches: Tony Sullivan, Green Sea Floyds; Martino Maurice Huey, East Columbus

Last year: Teams did not play

The game: Green Sea Floyds coach Tony Sullivan wondered how his team would respond following a solid performance at last Friday's CNB Kickoff Classic. The answer he received was pretty much what he hoped on Monday, the team eager to work and locked in on this week's opponent — East Columbus (N.C.). The game will feature a contrast of styles — the Trojans more of a power running team, while East Columbus desires to spread teams out and let its athleticism create matchups in its favor. Winning the battle in the trenches and establishing its ground game will be key for Green Sea Floyds, which by moving the chains a few times can burn several minutes off the game clock. However, Sullivan hopes his team is better in terms of finishing drives, something it struggled with in last week's scrimmages.

Favorite: Green Sea Floyds

St. James at Loris

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: St. James (7-5); Loris (5-7)

Coaches: Robby Brown, St. James; Jamie Snider, Loris

Last year: St. James 23, Loris 20

Scouting report: If history serves as a guide, St. James and Loris should be in for yet another closely-contested affair. Four out of the past six years, the matchup between Horry County foes has been decided by nine points or less. Traditionally blessed with a stout defense, the Lions showed flashes of their old glory last week at the CNB Kickoff Classic, forcing four turnovers in a 7-7 tie with Socastee. Head coach Jamie Snider would love to see his team finish drives, though, making Loris' opponents pay for their giving his squad excellent field position. St. James, on the other hand, is still seeking to find out what it does best. This particularly holds true on the offensive side of the ball, where standout senior safety Sage Pascoe will see time at quarterback along with sophomore Berkeley Young.

Favorite: Loris

Socastee at West Brunswick (N.C.)

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Socastee (2-9); West Brunswick (3-8)

Coaches: Doug Illing, Socastee; Kelly Williamson, West Brunswick

Last year: West Brunswick 24, Socastee 13

The game: Socastee head football coach Doug Illing remembers last year's meeting with West Brunswick (N.C.) ... he remembers it very well. "They were a lot more physical than we were," he said. "West Brunswick dominated in the trenches, and controlled the ball. We just couldn't match up with them." A year older and a year wiser, Illing hopes his team is more prepared for what his team is to face in the Trojans. Taking care of the football will be priority No. 1 for the Braves, though, this after turning the ball over four times during last week's CNB Kickoff Classic. "We did a lot of good things, but we just can't afford to beat ourselves," Illing said.

Favorite: West Brunswick

Waccamaw at Andrews

When: 7:30 p.m.

2015 records: Waccamaw (4-7); Andrews (9-3)

Coaches: Tyronne Davis, Waccamaw; Scott Durham, Andrews

Last year: Andrews 14, Waccamaw 0

The game: Waccamaw coach Tyronne Davis does not like using the "Y" word — young — when describing his team. But he did find a positive about that in the lead up to Friday's game with Andrews. "The good thing about this year's team is that most of the players were not part of the game last year," he said, referring to his team's 14-0 loss to Andrews. Starting five sophomores and a freshman, the Warriors are sure to take their share of lumps. But what Waccamaw has in terms of youth, the Yellow Jackets offer in veteran leadership. Linebacker Tyreike Steele returns following a 173-tackle campaign last season, along with a formidable front line in the form of Brandon Johnson and Jackson Sims. Winning both lines of scrimmage will be imperative if the Warriors want to have a chance in this one.

Favorite: Andrews

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 9:47 PM with the headline "Football Friday capsules - Week 0."