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Chapin enters the new season under coach Cory Helms after a winless year, stepping into a program that must rebuild quickly while navigating one of South Carolina’s toughest high school football slates. The early test arrives Aug. 21 — a season opener that could snap an 11-game skid and set the tone for a team seeking stability.
Helms arrives with a turnaround track record
Helms comes to Chapin after rebuilding runs at Cardinal Newman and Pelion, where his teams made rapid improvements in wins and competitiveness. That résumé is why the school tapped him to steady a program that has seen three head coaches in four seasons.
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Beyond the record, Helms says he relishes competition — not to avoid the region’s powerhouses, but to use them as measuring sticks. He framed the challenge as an opportunity to raise standards rather than shy away from difficult opponents.
Offense: young, but with playmaking talent
The offense will be built around junior signal-caller Tyler Black, who showed flashes last season — including a 271-yard, two-touchdown performance against Newberry. Chapin plans to run a multiple-set scheme that aims to leverage Black’s mobility and the receiving corps’ depth.
- Primary targets: Anderson Stutts, Riley Ashton (both returning despite offseason injuries), and newcomer playmaker Ziggy Mack, who will also contribute on defense.
- Other pass-catchers expected to see significant snaps: Nyshawn Palmore, Beckham Diimler, Connor Finney, Jack Coleman and tight end Dalton Gravelle (6’3″, 183 lbs).
- Backfield: A two-headed rushing attack led by Charlie Howell and Harper Ellerbe, with Kingston Bower providing short-yardage power after switching from the defensive line.
Helms is bullish on the offensive line’s long-term promise. Juniors Kemp Tisdale and Grady Meetze return as starters, while newcomers Hank Olds, Thomas Griffin and Anthony Nunez — all projecting as large, athletic linemen — give the staff optimism about run-blocking and protection up front.
Defense still a work in progress
While the offense has identifiable weapons, the defense raises more questions heading into the season. Development and depth will be areas to watch, especially against the run-heavy and well-coached teams in Region 4-5A.
Helms has emphasized fundamentals and consistency in camp; how quickly the unit gels will likely determine whether Chapin can compete in close games this fall.
Junior quarterback Tyler Black put the team’s mindset plainly: they’re using last season as motivation and want to flip the narrative. Senior leader Clinton Gentry echoed that sentiment, saying the group’s aims are straightforward — win more, make the playoffs, and play together.
Why this matters now
Chapin’s opener is not just a single game; it’s a public barometer of Helms’ ability to change culture and of the roster’s readiness to respond. With a loaded region that includes defending champion Dutch Fork, a strong showing early could shift momentum for a program desperate for continuity.
Schedule at a glance (All games start at 7:30 p.m.)
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| AUG. 21 | Lugoff-Elgin | Away |
| AUG. 28 | Brookland-Cayce | Home |
| SEPT. 4 | Aiken | Away |
| SEPT. 11 | Airport | Home |
| SEPT. 18 | Spring Valley | Home |
| SEPT. 25 | Gilbert | Away |
| OCT. 2 | River Bluff | Away |
| OCT. 9 | Dutch Fork | Home |
| OCT. 16 | White Knoll | Away |
| OCT. 23 | Lexington | Home |
Within that slate, games against River Bluff, Dutch Fork, White Knoll and Lexington stand out as the toughest tests. How Chapin performs in those matchups will reveal whether the Eagles are rebuilding or truly trending upward.
Outlook
Helms has set a simple internal standard: expect to win and demand daily improvement. That approach is clear, but the practical hurdles are significant — roster depth, defensive cohesion and the gauntlet of Region 4-5A opponents.
If the offensive line matures and the skill players produce, Chapin could be more competitive than last year’s results suggested. If not, the program faces another challenging season that will test the new coach’s ability to sustain progress.
Either way, the next few weeks — starting with the Aug. 21 opener — will be decisive for Chapin’s identity under Helms and for fans hoping the Eagles can rebuild into a contender.
