​SIMPSONVILLE, 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 Southside Christian Sabres are previewed ahead of the home opener on Friday August 21 vs. Boiling Springs. SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SABRES: Head Coach: Jonathan Gess, 2nd season2025 Record: 6-6, 4-1Lost five of first six games last seasonKey Returners: Aaron Gilliam (QB), Jaylen Samuel (RB), Nigel Rock (RB, OLB, DE), Ashton Martin (FB), Ryder Smith (WR), Evan Steenback (WR), Asher Zwick (WR), Archie Hill (NG), Richie Maxwell (MLB), Derion Glenn (CB), Xion Burgess (CB) Key Losses: N/APreview: The Southside Christian Sabres hoped Max Broit would return at QB to start for a second season but a long injury changed those plans. Aaron Gilliam stops in while RB Nigel Rock will also contribute and work out of the backfield with transfer Jaylen Samuel and Ashton Martin. They are deep in the WR room and return four offensive linemen to pave the way for Gilliam and the entire offense. Nine starters return on defense led by 310 pound NG Archie Hill and juniors Dee Glenn and Xion Burgess at the conersCheck back weeknights on 7NEWS as more teams are previewed. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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