EASLEY — Two new coaches will take the field on Friday, both clamoring for bragging rights in a rivalry game that goes back for decades.
Once again, the Green Wave and the Blue Flame will battle it out on the gridiron — a battle that Pickens lost last year 52-7.
Replacing Greyson Howell, Coach John Windham comes to Easley with nearly 30 years of collegiate level coaching under his belt, bringing much needed experience to the program which has struggled in recent years.
In Pickens, John Boggs snagged the head position after Chad Seaborn stepped down at the end of last season.
Boggs comes equipped with a comfortable sense of familiarity concerning the program: He graduated from Pickens in 1991 and has coached throughout the Upstate, most recently as head coach for Walhalla from 2004-2011.
Both coaches have received warm welcomes from their respective communities and hopes — as well as expectations — are high for the coming seasons.
Last year, both teams struggled with their schedules. Pickens went just 3-8 overall, 3-4 in regional play while Easley just managed to pull out a 4-7 overall record, 3-4 in region.
Hosting the Green Wave last year, the Blue Flame was shut out three of the four quarters, only managing to score a single touchdown in the third, a performance that the team is loathe to repeat.
This year, not only will Easley have home field advantage for the game, but they will be looking for a solid foundation on which to build a successful season.
Kick off for Pickens vs. Easley is at 8 p.m. Friday at Easley High School.
