Although the Dillon Wildcats have not played a scrimmage game or faced an opponent, the goal, as always, is to play for state.
The Dillon Wildcats lost 18 players to graduation from last year.
Dillon’s freshman 6’1″, 191-pound quarterback, Khayel Sam Fonga-Talia, and receiver, Zay Robertson, will lead the offense this season.
Dillon finished with 10 wins and 2 losses last year but hopes to play in the final game of the season this year and bring another state title home.
Khayel proved that his arm and talent was for real last year as he led the Dillon junior varsity football team to an 8-0 record.
Khayel and Zay should be an explosive duo who will also get great performance from a key running back, Dominick Felton. Also, Noah Singleton and Daniel Capehart will add depth to the running back positions. Dillon’s running backs have some talent and depth. Coach Roller believes this group can be very good as long as they stay healthy.
“Dillon’s offensive line is inexperienced but has worked hard, and they have been a pleasure to coach. Hopefully they will get better and better as they gain experience,” remarked Coach Roller. The offensive line will be anchored by 6’0″, 270-pound guard Kiele Pompey and 6″4″ Jasper McIntyre who will play one of the offensive tackles.
Rike Niyongabo, Jotavious McAlister, and Nibras Huggins will be wide receivers.
Coach Roller stated “The defense is a mix of kids who may not be big but they move well. Our defense is just like every group on our team and every team right now, it’s a work in progress. You don’t really know until you go out and complete against other teams,” Coach Roller remarked.
Dillon’s linebackers are experienced as most of the skilled positions on defense and offense. On defense for the Wildcats, Keriyon Brown will lead the way, Kelvion Manning, Tristian Blue, JJ McAlister, and Dontavious Tanksley will be great as linebackers. 6’1″, 180-pound Lucas Butler will be on the defensive front as will Jamir Washington and Dan Rogers.
Dillon’s special teams are a work in progress. Dillon must find the best eleven on each special team.
The Wildcats are breaking in a new kicker and punter. Although Dillon’s place kicker, Steven Rojas, graduated last year, his brother, Jose Rojas, will probably take his place.
Coach Roller said “Our schedule is one of, if not the toughest, non-conference schedule of any team in our area. Dillon will be opening up with North Carolina power, Scotland County, followed by 5A Socastee, 4A Wilson, Marion, and South Carolina power in 4A Hartsville. Everyone in our region is tough and all programs are on the rise, so, it will be a challenge.”
The Dillon High School varsity football coaching staff consists of Head Coach Kelvin Roller, the offensive coordination is Jacob Shumate who also coaches the quarterbacks, other offensive coaches include John Parker for the offensive line, Alan McLaurin for the wide receivers, Splinter Spivery for the offensive line/tight ends, Leo Phillips for the running backs, Charlie Brown for the Wide Receivers, Will Clark for the defensive coordinator, Sam Grooms for the outside linebackers, Bill Young for the special team coordinator/middle linebackers, Damu Ford for the defensive line, Jamie Coleman for the secondary, Lee Page for the secondary, Austin Moody for quarterbacks/wide receivers, Kevin Roberts as the Junior Varsity Head Coach/defensive line, Bryce King for the offensive line, and Twin Lester for the secondary.
Dillon’s varsity football schedule for 2025-2026 is as follows: Dillon will travel to Scotland County on 8/22, Dillon will host Socastee on 8/29, Wilson will be in Dillon on 9/5, Dillon will travel to Marion on 9/12, Dillon will host Hartsville on 9/19, Dillon will have a bye on 9/26, Loris will invade Wildcat country on 10/3, Dillon will travel to Aynor on 10/10, Dillon will travel to Marlboro County on 10/19, Waccamaw will be in Dillon on 10/24, and Dillon travels to Georgetown on 10/31 to close out the regular season. Games will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Support your Dillon Wildcats.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
