This past January, the South Carolina High School League announced the classifications for the 2024-2026 school years. There were a multitude of significant movements across the state, including Greenwood’s jump to Class 5A. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Eagles, however.
From 2016 through 2019, Greenwood battled in Class 5A as one of the smallest schools in the classification. Now, in 2024, the Eagles find themselves in the same exact position. According to head coach Chris Liner, the Eagle football program is filled with excitement.
“I don’t think I have ever been as excited for a season to start as this one,” said Liner. “We want to get Greenwood football back to where we believe it should be.”
The Eagles will have a number of returners to help with that cause. Seniors Jayden Adams, Shuvioues Williams, Robert Stevens and Alijah Wade along with juniors Triston Lewis, Jay Duncan, Khamari Griffin, Damarion Roman and Bryce Seaborn will all be expected to make a big splash this season.
When you take a closer look at the Greenwood’s major pieces you will notice two common themes: multi-sport athletes and two-way players. When you ask Liner, there is no bigger supporter of the two than he is.
“We can’t afford to have a bunch of guys who just play football,” said Liner. “We have to create depth by having our guys play other sports and play both ways.”
A new face also expected to make a big splash this season is Desiray Christian. The 6-foot, 185-pound freshman will be lining up at wide receiver on the varsity squad and has already picked up his first offer from Division 1 Gardner-Webb University. He should be a sight to see for years to come, if you ask his head coach.
“It’s very rare for a ninth grader to have the physical traits to start at this level,” said Liner. “He’s a great kid, a great student, and he gives us a chance to have a really special receiving corps.”
With the bump up to Class 5A comes a new, tougher region and schedule for the Eagles. However, Greenwood has been no stranger to playing a tough schedule in the past. Since Liner took over the Eagle football program in 2020, Greenwood’s opponents average just under seven wins per season. When you ask Liner, playing those schedule in the past has prepared them for this moment.
“There’s nothing uncommon with our region opponents. These are teams Greenwood has played for years,” said Liner. “We’re just playing the hand we’re dealt and we feel like we have as good of a shot as anybody to be competitive.”
Schedule Prediction:
As in years past, the Eagles have a roller coaster of a schedule on their hands. Lexington, T.L. Hanna and Dorman are always a threat to make a run for the title, as well as J.L. Mann, Greenville, and Hillcrest, who are members of Region 1-5A alongside Greenwood. However, the Eagles have been here before. The only change this time is that they are more prepared and disciplined than ever before to take on the schedule before them. Overall, Greenwood has a stacked roster. However, the tough schedule should combat that at some points.
Final record: 7-4, loss in the second round of the playoffs.
| 8/23 – Week 0 | BYE |
| 8/30 – Week 1 | @ Beaufort |
| 9/6 – Week 2 | vs. Dorman |
| 9/13 – Week 3 | @ Lexington |
| 9/20 – Week 4 | vs. T.L. Hanna |
| 9/27 – Week 5 | @ Hillcrest |
| 10/4 – Week 6 | vs. Mauldin |
| 10/11 – Week 7 | @ Greenville |
| 10/18 – Week 8 | vs. Woodmont |
| 10/25 – Week 9 | @ J.L. Mann |
| 11/1 – Week 10 | vs. Easley |
