BLUFFTON, S.C. () — The expectations remain the same for the Class 1A State Champions, Thomas Heyward, despite two key departures.

Thomas Heyward loses its head coach from last year: Taylor Malphrus. Last season’s offensive line coach Daniel Bryan, takes over as the man in charge.

The Rebels will start a freshman at quarterback. For a team with five state titles in the last seven years, this could be pressure, but coach Bryan has been impressed with his signal caller.

“When we first started talking about him starting for us, I was worried and then we got him out there on the field and he is very coachable,” Coach Bryan said. “He soaks it all in like a sponge.”

“Staying more disciplined at a safety and receiver,” senior Josh Gibson said. “As you know, sometimes you like to jump or hesitate on certain routes or buy on double moves.”

Thomas Heyward will be in the Hostess City for its first game. They face Bethesda Academy on Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m.