SHIMAKONIS BACK IN CHARGE AT PALMETTO CHRISTIAN

If it seems like Palmetto Christian has been here before, it’s because the Eagles have indeed. Chris Shimakonis returns as head coach this season, replacing Matt Manning who after two seasons leading Palmetto Christian will move into an assistant role in charge of the offensive and defensive lines. Shimakonis spent one season as head coach of Palmetto Christian in 2014. His son Chase was then a senior receiver for the Eagles. This season, Shimakonis’ son Chad is the team’s senior quarterback. “It’s kind of ironic. I had an opportunity to coach my son Chase his senior year and now here I am coaching Chad his senior year,” Shimakonis said. “It’s been really cool so far. You know, every year is a little more of a mixed bag. Kids come and go sometimes and sometimes coaches do too.” Chad’s entering his third season as the Eagles’ starter. He returns a stronger and more polished passer after spending the past year working with a quarterback coach. The Eagles are hoping Chad’s development can ignite a passing game that’s been somewhat dormant the past few seasons. The Eagles have veteran options at receiver this year with seniors Stephen Hickman and Jackson Shogren. Hickman’s athleticism and Shogren’s 6-foot-4 frame could create mismatches on the edges. Junior running back Da’von Stuckey has already proven himself with more than 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He’s also improved his hands, giving the Eagles another receiving threat out of the backfield. The Eagles depend on their better athletes to play both ways. So Shimakonis leads the secondary at free safety; Stuckey and Hickman lead the linebacker corps; and Shogren and Brandon Caddell man the trenches. “We have some really good athletes. Tough, high-character kids who are committed and love football,” Shimakonis said. “They have a lot of guts. It’s been so much fun watching them all come together this summer.” Joining Shimakonis and Manning on the coaching staff is former South Carolina linebacker Kevin Rourk and Wofford letterman Shannon Shogren. Shimakonis also brought with him his son Chase and former Eagles receiver Ben German as assistants this season. Both were all-state sections at Palmetto Christian and provide new energy and insight during practices. “It’s been really exciting having those guys back around,” Shimakonis said. “Those are guys who had a lot of success here and they have a lot they can offer our players. They can explain the nuances and why you do certain things or what makes you better than the rest at that position.” Shimakonis is optimistic about this year’s team but understands the challenges that lie ahead. Palmetto Christian went 1-9 in 2014 and is just 6-14 since. The underdog role is one he relishes as a coach though. “I love seeing the underdogs fight their tails off,” he said. “Get knocked down and get back up and show what he can do. “Our main mission is to be mentors to these kids and teach them a game where they’ll learn a lot of life lessons. That’s the real value and opportunity that we as coaches don’t take lightly. That’s really why I’m back here. There’s nothing more rewarding.”

SHIMAKONIS BACK IN CHARGE AT PALMETTO CHRISTIAN

Photo Credit: Frankie Mansfield

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