It is undeniable that of all our local schools that have had a roller coaster journey through the last couple of seasons, Chesnee has not been the most interesting. In 2022, the Eagles struggled their way to an 0-7 start before rattling off back to back region wins over Blacksburg and Ninety-Six – enough to earn a playoff berth. In 2023, they tripled that win total, going 6-6 and winning their first round playoff game at Batesburg-Leesville.
Things took another twist for the program at CHS when Clay Lewis announced his retirement back in February after a 35 year coaching career. In five years as Head Coach of the Eagles, he won a region championship, made 4 playoff appearances, and compiled a 24-33 overall record.
In April, it was announced that former Pisgah High School (NC) head coach Brett Chappell would be assuming the helm. In 11 years at Pisgah, Chappell experienced a ton of success, putting together a 94-39 overall record, winning 2 region titles outright and a share of three others. He also made the postseason every year of his stint. Coach Chappell also spent time as head coach at East Henderson (NC), where he went 67-35.
One thing Chappell was excited about upon his hire was the foundation laid by Coach Lewis, whom he has known for a long time. That foundation will be crucial in the 2024 season as the team lost a ton of production on the offensive side of the ball. Wide Receivers Adonis Burgess and Kaylob Blanton, who combined for nearly 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns both graduated. Burgess also tallied a lot of yards out of the backfield as a running back in 2023 with 319 and 4 TD. The Eagles also graduated Tailback Noah Lawter, who amassed 251 yards and 2 TDs in 2023. On defense, linebacker Gunther Gerstenacker (48.5 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble in 2023) will also be missed.
In spite of the losses, the Eagles still have a bright outlook, returning over 20 players from last year’s roster. Two of the most significant will be on the offensive line in senior Aiden Allen and Brycen Sprinkle. Tight End Paul Martin, who also plays defensive end, as well as running back Kyle Martin, both seniors, will return for the 2024 campaign. On the opposite side of the coin, senior defensive end KJ Proctor and Linebacker Bradley Meyers will add some veteran presence.
With their wealth of returnees, Chesnee still has all the pieces in place to be very competitive this season, but with the realignment this offseason, the already-tough region 1-2A got even stronger with the addition of a perennial powerhouse that has been solid at the 3A level in the Clinton Red Devils. No doubt, making the playoffs will be as tough as ever, not just for the Eagles, but for the entirety of the region.
“Looking at our region, we have some solid teams I feel can make some deep runs in the playoffs. I feel like Clinton will be the team to beat. But, if we can stay healthy and catch a few breaks, we might be right there in the mix of it”, said Chappell.
Chesnee will open their 2024 campaign with a road trip to take on the Pendleton Bulldogs on August 23rd with a 7:30 kick.
