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The 2022 Swain County High School varsity football team.
Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Maroon Devil football is back for what is sure to be an exciting season. This year, there is a new leader at the reins, former Tuscola coach Sherman Holt.
For the 2021 season, Swain had a 5-6 record, 2-3 in conference and lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs to Mitchell, but is back with a bang this year, ready to see what the year has in store.
This season’s team has two SMC All Conference players returning: Ben Payne and Nathan Bogdanowicz, and the team has been preparing all summer.
“Our kids have been working hard lifting weights and conditioning. I am proud of how our team has been adjusting to the things we are asking them to do and that our staff values as important components of a quality football team,” Coach Holt said.
Coach Holt said the athletes used the summer to advance in strength and work on offensive and defensive plays.
“We have used the summer to continue our growth in the strength and conditioning program, as well as conduct practices that involve installing offensive and defensive schemes, as well as special team packages.”
Back in July, the team had a seven on seven scrimmage versus Erwin, which helped show coaches where the team was at and what they needed to work on.
“Anytime you compete against other teams whether it be in 7vs7 or camps, you always are focused on being efficient in what you are doing. A lot of times you can do too much and get away from what you need to hang your hat on. I feel like our kids have done a great job of competing at the 7vs7’s,” Coach Holt said. “I am always going to evaluate how we handle certain situations and respond to adversity. We focus on the things that we can fix and try to get a good evaluation of our players every day.”
Coach Holt said he is looking forward to a great season ahead and is happy to be a part of Swain’s football legacy.
“I am looking forward to our kids playing football this fall. They have worked really hard and have sacrificed a lot of time in the weight room and early morning workouts, conditioning and practicing. It’s always great to get to see them get to play the game they love.”
Scrimmage
highlights strengths
The team held a scrimmage against Mountain Heritage this past Friday at home, where they showcased impressive passing and receiving as well as an impressive line of defense.
The Asheville Citizen Times recently named key players for Swain as QB/FS senior Gabe Lillard, RB/FS junior Joshua Collins, TE/DE senior Nathan Boganowicz, OL/DL junior Nolan Fisher, LB/FB junior Lucas Sutton.
“I am very excited to see what we can do and watch our kids achieve the goals that we have set for the upcoming season,” Coach Holt said.
The Devils first season game will be Friday at North Buncombe and the first home game will be next week, Friday, Aug. 26 against the Smoky Mountain Mustangs.