Football

Gray Collegiate Academy Eyes 2026 Return After Championship Momentum

Head coach De'Angelo Bryant builds on recent success while reshaping roster

A New Chapter for the War Eagles

Head coach De'Angelo Bryant enters his second year at the helm with a clear vision: capitalize on the momentum generated by a 2023 championship run while integrating fresh talent. The War Eagles finished the previous season as Region 4‑4A champions and battled for the lower state title, a feat that has set high expectations for the program.

Quarterback Xavier Wright, who burst onto the scene as a freshman with 2,202 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, returns as the team's offensive anchor. His dual-threat ability — adding 328 rushing yards and three scores — has already earned him a leadership role in the weight room, where he is guiding teammates toward offseason conditioning goals.

The backfield will be anchored by rising seniors Royce and Trevon Williamson, sons of former South Carolina standout Troy Williamson. Royce contributed five rushing touchdowns and 42 receptions for 725 yards, while also intercepting eight passes on defense. Trevon led the rushing attack with 1,662 yards and 25 touchdowns, and added two sacks and four tackles from his defensive backfield spot.

Spring practice served as a laboratory for Bryant and his staff, allowing them to experiment with depth charts and identify the best fits for each position. Several underclassmen impressed during those sessions, suggesting that the talent pipeline is not only intact but also expanding.

Beyond the headline names, the roster includes contributors such as David Quattlebaum, a JV standout who will see action on both sides of the ball, and junior Darryl Washington, who has transformed his physique and mindset to bolster the offensive line. The coaching staff praised the team's coachability and productivity throughout the spring, noting a collective willingness to embrace new challenges.

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