GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) - It's the most wonderful time of the year in the Carolinas: high school football season! With the 2026 season inching closer, the J.L. Mann Patriots are previewed ahead of kickoff the home opener on Friday August 21 vs. Laurens.
J.L. MANN PATRIOTS:
Head Coach: Bryce Smiley, 2nd season
2025 Record: 11-3, (*most wins since 1984 '12)
Key Returners:
Gage Watkins (QB), Buddy Griffin (RB), Juston Bigby (RB), AJ Bush (WR), Tristian Shell (WR), Christian Sullivan (OL), Jayden Wheeler (DL), Luke Penland (DE), Shaun Carvalho (OLB), Miles Honeycutt (LB), Spencer Berg (S)
Key Losses:
Mcleod Darnell (QB)
Preview:
The Mann Patriots try to bounce back from a one-win season that included losing its starting quarterback to a season-ending injury in the opener, and an adjustment to its offensive staff. Gage Watkins took over before he was injured and he's back for his junior season. Four offensive linemen with starting experience come back for an offense that will rely on playmakers like wide receivers AJ Bush and Triston Shell as well as running backs Buddy Griffin and Juston Bigby.
Seven starters come back on defense but it was a group that allowed between 28 and 65 points but they will play more even front sets than last year.
Check back weeknights on 7NEWS as more teams are previewed.
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