Photos Ivan Felipe
The Tigers finished yet another playoff-making season, marking the 18th year in a row of a postseason bid. Darlington placed third in Region 6-A D1 behind Temple and Heard County. They would lose in the first round to Kings Ridge Christian, putting the lid on another successful season.
A heartbreaking and nightmarish injury would occur during the Temple game, as starting quarterback Sammy Kuncewski would go down for the rest of the season, leaving the Tigers in a ridiculously hard spot. Darlington would lose their last three games of the season without him, including their state playoff game on the road.
“If you are a two on the depth chart, you have to consider yourself a one on the depth chart. You’re only one broken chin strap away from being in the ballgame full time. Our kids have done a good job coming together as a brotherhood this offseason, and I think we have a good amount of toughness, and our kids are preparing very well,” said Head Coach Wayne Groves.
Spring ball is optional and Groves always opts in.
“I’m always going to choose the 10 padded practices for our kids. We worked on us, our fundamentals, and some installments. We had a bunch of kids playing in tennis and track during the spring, so it gave younger guys an opportunity to get reps. We want to teach them how to practice, and the tempo of our practices.”
The expectation at Darlington is growth in all areas. “We want our kids to push each other and to go as hard as they possibly can. Our kids work hard, and they understand that the only way we’re going to be our greatest is if we get better individually. We push our kids to be great.”
“It’s just a matter of getting our fundamentals down. For some, it is their first time putting on a helmet. We want to get better at our fundamentals and understanding of our scheme. We are going to learn; We will watch film to improve our knowledge of what we are doing whether it’s drawing on a whiteboard or practicing. We want to get 1% better everyday.”
Coach Groves has a lot of returning guys that he and his staff have at their disposal. Myles Twyman, who has been a 1000 yard rusher multiple years in a row, will return at B-back. Jayce Donaldson, who can play anywhere, is back for his senior campaign. Lane Brasington, Brysen Jones, Evan Parton, Colten Momon, and Ty Wood will all anchor the offensive line. Henry Ledbetter, a “gamewrecker,” is back for his senior year. Rising junior Nate Kuncewski, who had a great year last year, will be entering his junior year, as well as Brooke Temple, who will play corner and running back. Matias Selle, Mike Barron, and Sawyer Sorrells are all freshman who will look to see some action come fall.
“Being around the kids is the best part of my day. They do everything that we ask of them, and being around the kids and being able to coach and develop them makes it fun for me.”
Chris Hunter stadium will see a lot of familiar faces. Hopefully, Darlington can continue the streak and make it 19 straight playoff appearances in 2025.
