Despite a decisive win over Ballantyne Ridge to open their 2025 season, the Yellowjacket’s football team fell flat to finish the season at 1-8. Head coach Rob McNeely recognized significant changes were needed. After overhauling his offensive staff in the offseason, McNeely said the team is focused on more than just the scoreboard.
“It’s been a difficult time, and we haven’t seen the results on the scoreboard,” McNeely said. “With that we’ve had a lot of staff turnover, but we’re not trying to make excuses.”
A NEW OFFENSIVE ATTACK
The biggest change came on offense with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Brett Story. McNeely credits Story with bringing a new energy and attitude to the team.
“He’s brought in a new mentality and attitude with the kids. They’ve bought into our message and we’re seeing a higher level of confidence in our kids,” McNeely said.
The coaching changes also included Mark Shuck (offensive line), Ricky Warren (running backs), and Byron Fridie and Mark McManus (wide receivers). McNeely emphasized that while the fundamentals of football don’t change, coaches must be willing to adapt.
“The kids want to see competency in their coaches, and that’s what we’re giving them,” he said. “We’ve introduced new schemes into the playbook, and now our kids are practicing and playing with a whole new sense of urgency. They’ve stepped up in every facet from practices and weight lifting to scouting and more. We believe this hard work, dedication and leadership will take us further than just talent alone.”
McNeely is preaching a “swarm” mentality, telling his players to act as a family and to understand that Fort Mill football is more than a four-year commitment. He wants his 15 seniors and 23 returning lettermen to lead by example.
“We need our seniors to be the coaches on the field,” he explained.
A DIFFICULT ROAD AHEAD
The team faces a challenging slate of games. Fort Mill will play four non-conference games before entering region play against cross-town rival Catawba Ridge. The Yellowjackets will also have to face Clover, Indian Land, and Nation Ford at home, and will travel to play Rock Hill and last season’s 5A state champion, Northwestern. Kickoff for tonight’s non-district matchup against Ballantyne Ridge is set for 7:30 pm at Bob Jones Stadium on the Fort Mill campus.
