Change is coming in Calhoun Falls, and a lot of it at that. To go along with second year head coach Zak Theus, the Blue Flashes also added a familiar face in former Clemson and current XFL quarterback Kelly Bryant, who will take on the role as quarterbacks coach in 2023 for the Flashes.
“I didn’t plan on it,” said Bryant of his new role. “I initially planned to hold a few workouts, and that’s it. Eventually, I started showing up more and more and this is where we are now.”
Bryant’s first protege is sophomore quarterback Kendraez Tatum, who is taking over the starting quarterback role for the first time.
“(Tatum) is continuously improving,” said head coach Zak Theus of his new starting quarterback. “The kid’s a natural athlete. He’s got all the pieces to be a successful quarterback.”
Tatum will have some nice targets to throw to in returning seniors Jamarri Norman and Da’Quean Lewis. Norman, a state champion jumper in track and field, participated in the Shrine Bowl Combine earlier this summer and turned some heads. Lewis was an All-Region basketball player last year to go along with his skills on the gridiron.
“(Lewis and Norman) are two of the biggest pieces to the puzzle,” said Theus. “We need to get them the ball as much as possible.”
The Blue Flashes are looking to improve upon their 0-10 record from last season. However, the Flashes have three powerhouse private schools in Christ Church, Southside Christian, and St. Joseph’s Catholic looming on their schedule.
“(The team) just has to continue to improve,” said Theus of his tough region slate.
2023 Prediction: The Flashes turn a lot of heads and start the season 3-0 with wins over Blackville-Hilda, Anderson Christian, and Thornwell. However, their region matchups get to them, and they finish 1-4 in region play, with a final record of 4-6.
