By:Zion Williams

On Monday, Oct. 5th, Fountain Inn High School girls flag football team continued its season. Competing on the field while building chemistry to and gaining experience in the growing sport. Flag football has become more than just another sport. It has given the girls a chance to compete, improve and be part of something new.

. Putman was drawn to the sport because of the people around her and her love for running.

“I like the people, and I like to run,” Putman said.

Coming from different athletic backgrounds, both players have noticed that flag football requires a different type of teamwork and awareness.

“It takes more teamwork,” Swafford said.

“It’s a team sport compared to track. You’ve got to know how to read the plays,” Putman said.

Swafford plays rusher and defensive linebacker, while Putman plays running back. Both positions require speed, quick thinking and the ability to react to what happens on the field.

“You’ve got to know how to run and be quick and know how to turn your hips and help the QB as much as possible,” Putman said.

The mental side of the game is also important. Before kickoff, Swafford listens to music to get focused, while Putman looks back over the plays and makes sure the team is prepared.

“Just go out there and play,” Swafford said.

The team has already created memorable moments this season, including plays called “Fire” and “Ember,” which Putman enjoys because she gets to run the ball.

Off the field, the team’s chemistry has helped bring the players together. Many of the athletes were already friends before joining the team.

“Everyone is already friends, so it’s not hard,” Putman said.

Head coach Mansel has watched the chemistry and interest in the sport continue to grow. His goal when he started coaching was to build something new.

“Build something new,” Mansel said.

As more girls have joined the team, Mansel has focused on developing their skills through drills and consistent practices, especially for players who are new to football.“Drills and skills, making sure you’re coming to practice,” Mansel said.

For Mansel, the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing his players grow while competing as a team.

“Winning and the growth of a player,” Mansel said.

Leadership has also become an important part of the program. Mansel encourages veteran players to step up and lead their teammates without being afraid to make mistakes.

For Putman, being part of the program is especially meaningful because she is a senior.

“It means a lot because I’m a senior,” Putman said.

She also looks to teammate Sofie as someone who inspires her.

“She’s just a good player,” Putman said.

As the season continues, Swafford wants to keep winning while improving the team’s communication. Putman wants to continue working on pulling flags and becoming a better player.

Both also encourage other girls to try the sport.

“Don’t give up. It might get hard,” Swafford said.

“Just come out and be open-minded and don’t be afraid,” Putman said.

With more athletes discovering flag football and the team continuing to build its identity, the players and coaches are hoping to create a program that will continue to grow for years to come.

By Jillian Nees

September 4, 2026

          On Friday, September 4th, our Fountain Inn Fury took on the Hillcrest Rams in our home opener at Wade Hampton High School. This is Fountain Inn's first official meeting with the Hillcrest Rams on the gridiron. With two different communities coming together as rivals when they once shared a school, because Fountain Inn was built students started going away from Hillcrest and came to Fountain Inn. 

With the Fury opening the season 1-1, with a big win against the Greenville Red Raiders and a loss against the Woodruff Wolverines, and the Rams opened 0-2 on the season, one losses against Dormin and Summerville. Both teams are ready for a big win. 

The game started with Hillcrest taking the early lead in their first possession leading our Fountain Inn Fury 7-0. On the next possession our Fury were struggling to get up the field until QB Sam Holliday made a pass up the middle of the field to WR E Lundy on the 47 yard line with a 28 yard catch.

 EJ Lundy blocked a second touchdown but it wasn’t enough, the next play by Hillcrest led to a wide open touchdown by Hillcrest’s number 0 Ny Allen, giving Hillcrest a 14-0 lead.

After the kick off, we got the ball back at the 20 yard line after a touchback, but as Holliday made a pass, it was intercepted by Hillcrest and turned into a touchdown by the Rams giving them a 21-0 lead.

The first quarter ended with Hillcrest leading Fountain Inn 21-0 as our Fury struggled to score against the Ram’s defence.

To start the second quarter, number 13 senior Trey Lott scored Fountain Inn’s first touchdown making the score 6-21, Hillcrest leading Fountain Inn.

Late in the second quarter, nobody was able to score until Hillcrest number 27 Senior Easton DeMaeski was able to get a 42 yard punt, scoring Hillcrest 3 more points giving a larger lead with the score 24-6 and the Fury weren’t able to do anything to retaliate as half time approached. At the end of the half, Hillcrest led Fountain Inn 24-6. While number 44 Gavin Pyles was able to get a sac on Hillcrest QB Jackson Free it wasn’t enough to stop Hillcrest’s momentum.

At the half. Holliday was 4-8 passing with 114 yards and one touchdown scored by Trey Lott. For Hillcrest their QB, Free, was 7-10 passing with 76 yards and one touchdown scored by Ny Allen.

At the start of the third quarter Holliday, on the third down, was able to rush the ball 34 yards. The Fountain Inn Fury were able to score a touchdown by Lundy and a score complete kick by Fury kicker number 17 senior Caleb Ruzicka making the score 13-24, Hillcrest Rams still leading. During Hillcrest’s possession number 44, Gavin Pyles, and number 6, EJ Lundy got a sack on Hillcrest QB, Free.

While the Fury were able to stop Hillcrest’s momentum they completely turned the tides as Hillcrest’s number 4, Luke McCourry, scored a 23 yard touchdown, answering our scored touchdown making the score 31-13.

 During the fourth quarter we were able to stop the Rams and in return got a 19 yard reception by EJ Lundy in the fourth quarter allowing the Fury to start picking up their momentum once again. The Fury, on a roll, were able to get the ball to number 1 Bojack Johnson who got a seven yard touchdown making the score 19-31, Hillcrest still leading.

Hillcrest got an interception with number 33. Late in the Fourth Hillcrest scored a touchdown by number 9, Free, with a 19 yard  rush making the score 38-20.

While we tried to turn it on its head with 3:30 left on the clock, in the end our Fountain Inn Fury ended up losing against Hillcrest with a score of 38-20. This was a major game for both teams and you could tell that both had the drive to win. To finish off the night, Holliday ended with 15/24 passing for 242 yards and 3 touchdowns scored by Lott in the second quarter, Lundy in the third quarter and Johnson in the fourth quarter.

Our Fountain Inn Fury play again next Friday at Mauldin.

By Griffin Brown

DE Gavin Pyles about the Hillcrest game, here's what he had to say.

“I think we did really well communicating, and we worked on our assignment and read our keys.”  Gavin said his team did well, even after the tough loss.

 We asked him what he will do to prepare for the next game. “Lots and lots of film. Working harder at practice and just working on technique”. “I do lots of stretches. At least 30 minutes of stretching, and of course music to help me lock in, stuff like that,” Pyles said.

 Pyles then stated, “ I think my highlight of the season would have to be the woodruff game. It was a really big part for me knowing I could make a huge impact for the team like that with 4 sacks.” 

After a tough loss to mauldin last year, here's what Pyles plans to change, “More just consistency and keeping the same level of play throughout the game.”

While being one of the leaders of the defense, here's what Pyles looks to change in his defense with them giving up 30 points a game. “We really just need to read the assignments and trust in each other to make the play rather than working as individuals to try and make the play separately.” “Fixing our stance, technique, stuff like that is important. Fixing the small things first will eventually help us lead up to the big things.”

Pyles has also seen some things off the field for FIHS, “I’ve seen a few things in film like their stance and how much weight they have in their stance, small things like that can make a big difference in any game.”

 “I think we work very well as a team, especially on defense. We just have a level of intensity that certain teams just can't keep up with. With all of our stars working together to reach the same goal, I think it's unmatched.”

 Pyles also stated that his goal for Mauldin is to try and hold them to only a touchdown.

 With a tough four-game stretch after Mauldin, here's what Pyles had to say. “I think we're ready, I think we're ready to compete with anyone in the state. I think we just have that brotherhood and that connection in order to know what we can accomplish as a team if we work together and all play our part.”

By:Bella Star

As the volleyball season comes to an end, there is a chance to celebrate the seven seniors on the team. At 7 P.M. on Tuesday Oct. 6, 2026 senior night will take place at Fountain Inn against Westside.

¨I hope, and expect, FIHS volleyball will play their best game yet. We try to improve a little bit everyday,¨ head coach of varsity volleyball, Benton Reed, said.

These seniors have so many components that make them a staple to the Varsity team. Such as serve receive, passing, setting, hitting, blocking and most importantly, leadership. 

¨I think my leadership role to the team was the biggest contribution for me personally. Focusing on the success as a whole and looking outward instead of on myself has really helped me be a better teammate,” Kayla Giles, Senior on Varsity, said.

Giles has been on the volleyball program since eighth grade, and has been a key component to the success of the team. With her steady passing and amazing serve receive, the volleyball team will not be the same without her.

¨I feel like I contributed a lot because I have been a pretty reliable setter and also I have been pretty good at keeping good energy that helps bring up the team when we are down,¨ Brinlee Nelson, a senior on Varsity, said.

Nelson has been on the team for a long time. Her consistent sets and amazing defense prove that Fountain Inn is very lucky to have her.

Although, in a most recent match Westside beat Laurens 3-0. The Fury volleyball team has no doubt that they will win.

¨I hope the game goes well because it is one of my last games and it is the last home game, so I want to end on a good note. Especially, because so far the season hasn't really gone the way we hoped it would,¨ Nelson said.

Most of these seniors have been on the team for close to five years, and have shown a great deal of improvement since the start of joining the team.

¨Being a part of the program from eighth grade to now, my senior year, I have been able to see so much growth,¨ Giles said.

¨I think all of the seniors have improved in some aspect of the game. I will say that it has been fun to see Bethany's growth, after taking a season off, her junior year,¨ Reed said.

Bethany Brown has been on the team for two years, her sophomore and now her senior, and although she took a year off she bounced back immediately. Her aggressive blocks and well placed swings are extremely important to the Varsity team.

¨They've put their time and effort into helping drive this team to be the best they can be. I'm excited to see how the rest of this season goes, and I'm excited to hear about the successes in their life, far beyond the 2026 volleyball season,¨ Reed said.

So, show up for Fury volleyball! This Tuesday, the theme is pink out. Wear your brightest and boldest pink colors.

By: Bella Star

September 10, 2026

The most important part of a team is the connection and association with one another. Among many sports programs at FIHS, there is one that sticks out more than the rest. The volleyball team at Fountain Inn is an amazing example of what a team should look like. 

Overall, the volleyball team has proved to be the most family-oriented compared to the other sports.

“As coaching staff, we make the family aspect our top priority, our main goal. Even just JV and Varsity combined were below 30. So it’s a smaller group. Having our leaders is a priority as well,” Coach Reed said.

 Reed (head coach of Varsity) and Maggie Ozmint (the assistant coach of JV) are two of the many coaches for the volleyball team. 

This program has been going on for years, and over this time there have been some major changes in the way the team reacts with one another. 

Imani Webb, sophomore player for the JV volleyball team has been on the team for the past two years. 

 ”I think the volleyball team has changed a lot since I first started. Like, there isn't such a big gap between the sophomores and the freshmen on the team. We are all mixed in very well,” Webb said.

 “Every team is different; there hasn't been one season where we have the same team dynamic. It’s grown, it's evolved, and it's changed over the years. I believe that we’ve gone on and made it more of a focus. We have tended towards becoming closer and closer together,” Reed said.

There are traditions that keep this tight-knit group together, such as big sister and little sister which is a varsity player and a JV player put together.

 Extending that, there is the notecard tradition between big sister and little sister. It's when one will make a notecard during the game for their sister and give it to them after they finish.

 Lastly, after games, each individual team will gather up and talk about the highlights of the game, uplifting one another. “It's like a domino effect, everyone wanting to share positives from the game,” Ozmint said.

While a strong team bond doesn't seem that important, it tremendously alters the way a team can be perceived and how they play. 

“It’s a team sport; you can’t just put one person on the court and have them play a team of six. They have to be able to work together. They've got to trust each other. It’s part of the game,” Reed.

By Jaida Williams

As volleyball revs back up our Fountain Inn Fury have seven senior girls ready to rumble for one last ride. Volleyball is more than just a game to these girls. Volleyball has been life. 

These seniors have spent the majority of their high school years playing volleyball and learning who they are within the sport. For a prime example Jillian Hug has been with Fury Varsity Volleyball for five years playing since middle school. 

Hug has experienced many challenges  battling her home life and sports life. These challenges have helped build her as an individual and although the journey has come to an end it has helped to build her into a better player and person. 

   Each and every girl has had to overcome adversities and learn to ball on and off the court.  

“It's been a joy. I've loved seeing them grow both in the game of volleyball and as young ladies who are about to go out into the world to do great things. Most of them I have coached for 4-5 years, so it will definitely be tough to see them go, but I'm excited to hear where they go and what they accomplish in the future,” head coach Benton Reed said. 

Bethany Brown is a senior who has enjoyed her time as a player as well. This is the second season Bethany has played varsity volleyball and she feels more apart than ever.

 Brown was asked about the overall chemistry of the team and how she would describe it. 

 “We're like best friends and we hang out outside of school and I think that affects the entire team,” Brown said. 

 She repeated the idea of friendship several times throughout the interview and how the closeness of the girls contributes to the team as a whole. The team has been able to grow and strive as a whole.

Jillian Hug has been playing for five years since the eighth grade. Similar to Brown, Hug repeats the idea of how strong the team bond through friendship.

“I would say that we are more than we seem. Teams in the past have overlooked us and expected us not to be good because we had a new program. I believe we are now showing them we can compete and win,” Hug said. 

“They're a really fun group, and it's easy to coach team chemistry with so many seniors who have been a part of the program for so long and been a part of building the positive team culture we have today. They work hard together on the court and have fun as a team off the court,” Reed said. 

“There's a lot that contributes to this - many of the seniors are friends who have known each other for a long time, but also, so many of them have been a part of the FIHS Volleyball program for so long, that they've grown close even if they weren't originally friends outside of the sport,” Reed said. 

Hug has seen many changes in the program over time, and has enjoyed every moment. She has learned so much about herself through volleyball. 

 “I think volleyball has made me a better leader, team player, and helped me deal with adversity,” Hug said. 

The program has helped many girls grow individually and as a group. Supporting the girls within their careers and in their everyday lives.

“As players, each one has had to adapt and grow. There are new challenges every season, both on the court and off, and it's been fun watching them navigate those challenges and then grow from them. For example, recently we took a rough loss at TL Hanna, but we talked through it as a team, and changed a few small things on the court but really focused on growth in attitude and effort. It paid off when we beat TL Hanna this past weekend at the Hillcrest tournament. We can't wait to see how much more they've grown as players by the time playoffs come around,” Reed said. 

Tinslee Raines 

     Junior, Lily Wright at Fountain Inn High School is the leading scorer on the varsity volleyball team. Wright is sixteen years old, this is her first year on the varsity team. The last two previous years she has been a big role on the junior varsity team. Wright hit her goal for being the leader in scoring this season, she has put a lot of work and effort into reaching this goal.

       ¨It means a lot to me from jumping from JV to a pretty big role on Varsity¨ Wright said.

Many practices and drills have helped Wright also reach this goal.  

         ¨Most game-like drills with specific team goals or personal position training focusing on hitting help me the best.¨

Not only has a lot of practice and drills helped Wright but her team helps encourage her every step of the way to reach her goals.

           ¨ The overall team environment and my teammates encourage me along with our coaching staff.¨  , Wright said.

Wright has a good pre game routine to help her focus to achieve the goals she is hoping to achieve each game. This is her way to also get warmed up for the game ahead.

            ¨ I eat dinner with my friends and we all get ready together. I stretch and pray while jv is playing and I use my tennis ball and band to help get me moving and work on my wrist snap.¨ Wright said.

After getting warmed up and focused for the game ahead Wright also sets the goals she hopes to see herself accomplice in her head

¨   I try to have a hitting percentage of at least 15%, I really try to aim for 17%. in order to do that I have to minimize my errors and make the most of my attempts, and trust that my teammates trust me to score.¨ Wright said  

With Wright's goals in mind she goes through every game with a strong mentally to achieve the things she has in mind without trying to put too much pressure on herself.

¨  I try to tune everything else out and just focus on the game and my team to achieve the goals I have set for myself.¨, Wright said. 

Going through the rest of the  season not only does Wright hope to achieve all the goals she has set for herself, she is also hoping to spend quality time with her teammates to end the season.

¨I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my time with our seniors, and to focus more than I have been on the fun aspect of the game.¨

Brikelle Nelson, Junior and Varsity volleyball member is not only a teammate to Wright, but also a life long best friend enjoys being on the court with Wright to watch her accomplish her goals in mind.

¨I have watched her become more confident in her volleyball skills but also who she is as a person. She's grown a lot through the 7 years I have known her.¨ Nelson said. 

Coach Reed, head varsity coach for the FIHS volleyball team describes Wright as a leader and a role model of a hard worker. 

¨I've been working with Lily since she was a middle schooler. I've seen her come out of her shell, a lot. She's louder, more confident, communicates better with her teammates and coaches, and has improved her game significantly since those early years. I'm very proud of how far she has come, and I'm excited to see how she closes out this season, and what she can accomplish in her senior year.¨ Reed said.

Wright works hard to be able to have strong chemistry and communication with her teammates such as her setters to be able to keep the game running smoothly.

¨Our hitters (Lily included) have been working on accountability, this season. Your setter is always trying to get you the best ball they can, but the other team's job is to make sure that doesn't happen. Hitters have to be able to work with whatever they get, and it means a lot to their setters, and the coaches, when the hitters own the ball no matter where it is. Lily has been working on this and communicating with her setters to keep good chemistry. Overall, as a teammate, Lily can bring momentum with her strong offense, and take some pressure off the game by being a little goofy. She's funny and friendly to her teammates, and it helps build team chemistry.¨ Reed said.

Even though Wright has accomplished a very hard goal Reed continues to push her to be the best player he knows she can be.

¨ Something you learn the longer you do competitive sports is that you've never reached the top. That applies to others, as much as it does to yourself. Lily is doing great, but there's still a lot of places where we can improve her game. Volleyball isn't just about scoring points on offense, we're also all defenders until the ball comes over to our side of the net, and that is one of the things that we've been working on with Lily lately. Lily also set herself a goal, in regards to scoring points at the beginning this season, and we haven't quite accomplished that goal yet. I believe she will be able to do it, and I'm excited to see her continue to work towards it!¨ Reed said

Wright this season has demonstrated compelling leadership through accomplishing  hard goals, she demonstrates what a hard worker looks like.

¨Lily exhibits quiet leadership among her teammates. She often lets her actions speak for her, by working hard at practice or by staying aggressive on the court, even when we're backed up against a wall in games. Being a role model of what an athlete can/should look like is how her leadership is developing. I'm excited to see her continue to grow as a leader next season when she is a senior.¨ Reed said.

Wrapping up the regular region play and heading into playoffs, we are all excited to see the other goals Wright will be able to accomplish. Wright has a bright future looking ahead on and off of the volleyball court achieving goals.

Byline

Avery Turner

September 10, 2026

Fountain Inn High School offers a wide range of sports and clubs for students, and the dance team is among its most popular activities. Known for bringing energy and school spirit to games and pep rallies, the team plays an important role in the school community. Several members shared what it is really like to be part of the Fountain Inn Fury dance team.

The Fountain Inn Fury dance team is led primarily by coach Carly Parker and has served as a source of school spirit for the past two years. Parker brings a lifetime of performance experience to the role, while her co-coach, Christie, contributes more than 20 years of teaching experience.

“This is my second year coaching. I have been performing all my life, but this is my first time actually coaching a team. My co-coach, Christie, has been teaching for more than 20 years and has danced her whole life.” Coach Parker said.

Olivia Ross, a dancer, who has been on the dance team for two years, informs us somethings that she has developed from just being on the dance team “Some skills I've developed from just being on the dance team include being a leader , dancing more fully out and sharply instead of more of the technique but also the performative aspect.” Ross said . Just by joining and being on the dance team the dancers have developed different types of skills.

Just by being on the dance team Parker has said she noticed the team has improved mentally and physically . “Physically, I have seen the girls grow in their strength, stamina, flexibility, and overall dance technique. They have become more confident in learning choreography, performing in front of crowds, and working together as a team. Mentally, I think the biggest growth has been in their confidence, perseverance, and ability to support one another. They are learning how to push through challenges, accept feedback, and work toward a common goal. It has been rewarding to watch them become not only stronger dancers, but also more confident and resilient young women.”Parker said.    

Maintaining an academic status while being on a team is important. Parker said “Being a student comes first, and maintaining good academic standing is an important part of being on the dance team. We want our dancers to understand that they can be successful both in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. Staying on top of schoolwork teaches responsibility, time management, and discipline, which are skills that will benefit them long after high school.”

Another thing that is crucial for being on the dance team is balancing your time with school and dance. Kaylee Ruquet, a dancer on the team said that she balances her time with school and dance by “Just going to dance for an hour and a half after school, and then after dance I get my schoolwork done and it just works like that.”Ruquet said.

Another dancer on the team , Olivia Ross said that she manages her time with school and dance from “When I get home after school, the days I don’t have dance , I come home and do my homework , but the days I do have dance I try to get my homework done during class and then I get some of it done after dance if I didn’t finish it in class.”Ross said.

 The Fountain Inn dance team continues to be a key part of the school community , bringing all the spirit and fun to the events we have at FIHS.

By Jaida Williams

Girls Flag Football has kicked off their second year with the second season being more structured and more competitive with more girls with high skill levels. The game of flag football is very complex, it may look easy but it isn’t. 

The Fountain Inn girls are learning how to navigate the game while growing as a team and individuals. Their focus this season is one goal WIN, WIN, and WIN. They have started their season off one and one. 

The girls are facing a more competitive league and have seen advancements in skill since the first year. Conrad Mansel, one of the coaches was asked about the difference between year one and year two. 

“This year it’s a lot more competitive and most teams have a year under their belt so to speak, people are becoming more aware of all the different kinds of skills they can have and you can see that girls are taking the sport more seriously and becoming far more advanced,” Mansel said.

 The girls have started their season 1-1. Winning to Riverside and falling to Legacy Early College. Lacey Austin, another coach for flag football, explains that you could see the difference alone in the two teams. 

“Legacy has been playing since the summer and it’s clear you see a lot more focus in those athletes and you can tell they know exactly what to do and when to do it. Riverside was a team more similar to our speed, still a lot of talent but trying to figure it out,” Austin said. 

 One of the best words to describe this team is growing. The girls are all willing and able, ready to put in their best effort. 

The girls spend a lot of time working hard and training. Nyindia Boyd is one of the girls who has already had an outstanding and highlighting performance this season. 

“Flag football is like a sisterhood of everyone getting to know each other and helping each other on the field,” Boyd said.

The girls grow closer and closer everyday as they continue to practice long and hard often with each other. Boyd describes the team as more organized and structured with the intention to win.

Another outstanding athlete Karsen Williamson who has exceeded expectations already this season as an athlete.

“Practice days are typically laid back, we normally meet on the practice field, go over the agenda for practice, and then get straight to it.  On game day we meet on the main football field to warm up and do walk-throughs as we get ready to play our opponents,” 

“Get straight to it” is a phrase that wraps up the team as a whole, straight to work, straight to train, straight to execute and win. 

This season the girls are faced with more games and a longer schedule. As they venture into this season further they encourage Fountain Inn High students to come out and support and provide them with the environment that the student body does for regular football. “Playing like girls” A phrase Austin used in her interview.

“Playing like a girl is a privilege, playing like a girl is a statement,

The girls will continue to strive and play hard as they launch this new era of girls sports for all girls across the county.