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Agencies team up to promote boating safety
by Kevin Boozer
Staff Writer
The Fairfield Rescue Squad, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the Fairfield County Sheriff's office each displayed boats to increase awareness of their presence on area lakes.
The Fairfield Rescue Squad, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the Fairfield County Sheriff's office each displayed boats to increase awareness of their presence on area lakes.
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D.J. Wilson, Brady Branham, Fairfield County Coroner Barkley Ramsey and DNR's Scott Stephens team up to promote boating safety.
D.J. Wilson, Brady Branham, Fairfield County Coroner Barkley Ramsey and DNR's Scott Stephens team up to promote boating safety.
slideshow

By Kevin Boozer

Staff Writer

WINNSBORO — Be under control and in control while on the water and always watch out for the other boat driver. That, in essence, is the message the Department of Natural Resources has reminded boaters of as part of National Safe Boating Week.

The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department, the Fairfield County Rescue Squad and DNR are teaming up in a community education effort in hopes of curbing accidents on area lakes such as Monticello and Wateree.

A part of that education is an instructor-led boating certification course that DNR offers free of charge. The course is similar to driver’s education. Just as their are rules of the road, there are rules of the water to follow. Therefore, it is a good idea, according to DNR, for adults to take the course along with youth.

However, in some cases the courses are required.

If a youth is under age 16 he or she must be boating certified to operate a jet ski or boat by themselves, provided the boat has a motor over 15 horsepower.

DNR Sgt. M Scott Stephens said South Carolina has adopted federal Coast Guard water regulations.

“It used to be people were taught boating safety by a family member or trusted adult. Now, with these courses, if we all take the course, we all are trained the same way,” Stephens said.

That cohesion, it is hoped, will reduce the number of boating accidents and create a better recreational environment for all boaters, fishermen and swimmers.

There is a right of way on the water. One boat must give way to another and people need to know what kind of reaction a situation requires. Knowing water navigational markers and buoys also is a must. There are rules and laws about boat launching, boat fueling, life jackets being on boats and many other requirements.

Stephens said it takes about eight hours to complete the course including a test at the end to earn certification. The course is a combination of classroom and video instruction. It has been offered in Fairfield County before.

The education and safety initiative touched Fairfield County Coroner Barkley Ramsey near to his heart.

“This is a good idea and a good thing because knowledge replaces fear. Without a system in place,” Ramsey continued,

“people don’t know what to do.”

Accidents can, unfortunately, lead to Ramsey and his office investigating drowning calls that might have been prevented had the boaters been more aware of solid safety practices. For more information on boating safety go to http://dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.

The next South Carolina Boating Education Class in Winnsboro is June 8 at the Fairfield County Training Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At press time, 34 of the 35 available seats in the course were open for registration.

Contact Kevin Boozer at 635-4016 ext. 14 or kboozer@civitasmedia.com and follow him on Twitter at @kevinboozer.

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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

Comments
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Comments-icon Post a Comment
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Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Griffins ready to take flight in seven-on-seven drills
by Lucas Vance
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 69 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
Compton Walker broke up a pass during a seven-on-seven drill last year.
slideshow
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen.  What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
Last summer the Griffins propelled themselves to a state championship game by winning the seven-on-seven tournament at Ben Lippen. What will this year's seven-on-seven drills hold?
slideshow

WINNSBORO — The off season is anything but “off” for the Fairfield Central Griffins football team. On June 19 at 5 p.m., the Griffins will begin their seven-on-seven drills in Chester County against Lewisville and South Pointe.

With no offensive or defensive lines, the drill are used to work out skill players. There is no pass rush, no physical contact and a standing five-count for the quarterback to throw the football. Seven-on-seven drills stress a team’s passing game and allow defenses to get reps in coverage.

One focal point for Fairfield Central head coach Demetrius Davis is to develop a solid group of wide receivers.

“This time of year you’re really just working on the passing game,” Davis noted. “It’s an opportunity to line up and run routs to test different defensive coverages and see where you are.”

No tackling is allowed, so defenders will abide by the touch-rule to bring a ball carrier down. With no physical contact or pass rush, the seven-on-sevens are widely considered an offensive drill.

Davis is well aware of the offensive advantages, but believes there is some benefit to the defense.

“It gives us a good chance to set up coverages against other players and teams to make sure our defenders are lined up correctly,” Davis said.

Quarterback DeAndre Belton (senior) will participate in the first string of reps along with senior Tyren White, junior Kidron Deal, senior Kewan Squirewell, senior Shadarius Hopkins and junior Joseph Young.

The drills will give Belton an opportunity to go through his progressions and read opposing defenses. Although it is early in the process and the regular season is still 10 weeks away Davis excited to begin the evaluation process.

“Right now we just want our kids to out compete and work hard at their craft,” Davis stated.

The Griffins are injury free and will continue their not so “off” off-season workouts by participating in a much bigger seven-on-seven tournament on June 22 at Sumter.

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