Hall to make sideline debut as Bishop England coach on Friday night

Logan Hall’s competitive nature might have made him fidgety last Friday when numerous high school football teams in the Palmetto State played games in Week 0, the unofficial kickoff to the start of the season.

 

His team, Bishop England, had the week off. 

 

“Any time there’s Friday Night Lights, you want to be a part of it,” Hall said. “But it’s nice to have that extra week to prepare.”

 

And that’s especially true as far as Bishop England is concerned. Hall’s ready to coach his first game at the helm of the program after being named the new coach in February. The Bishops travel to St. John’s High School in Week 1 in the season-opener for both teams.

 

One big question will be answered this week in practice when Hall decides on a starting quarterback. 

 

The candidates are sophomore William Donato and junior Quinn Mahoney, who transferred from Oceanside Collegiate Academy. Mahoney, who played wide receiver at OCA, is also listed as a kicker.

 

“It’s still anyone’s job,” Hall said late last week. “Both guys are athletic, and both have put in the work. Mahoney is a great kid who learned fast, and Donato is great on and off the field.”

 

Hall says his team will not focus on the scoreboard this fall. “What we’re focused on is winning every play of the game. We’ve had a lot of energy, 11 hats flying round out there.”

 

The team has some potential leaders and all-stars including sophomore linebacker/defensive end Matthew Ponkow, a 6-1, 190-pounder who is only going to get bigger, stronger and faster. He could become a household name among prep football followers in South Carolina by the time he graduates.

 

Senior Fletcher Ethington-Carl is another linebacker Hall will count on. The 200-pounder was all-region last fall.

 

Zachary Balog, a junior defensive back and receiver, is primed for a breakout season, while Hunter Alex could split time at strong safety and linebacker.

 

Hall takes over a program that went only 2-9 last year and has won only seven of its last 32 games as injuries and lack of offensive punch contributed to the program’s woes.

 

Hall comes to Bishop England from Pinewood Prep, where he served as offensive coordinator. The Panthers averaged about five touchdowns a game.

 

Hall, who played at Laurens High School, originally signed to play football at Coastal Carolina but finally matriculated to the University of South Carolina where he graduated. He served in various coaching roles under USC legend Steve Spurrier and Will Muschamp.

 

His biggest goal during the summer workouts was to create a bond of brotherhood, to build esprit de corps. The varsity, junior varsity and B-team all worked out and practiced together to build unity.

 

St. John’s also has a new coach: Eric Brown. 

 

He was named coach in July that ended a coaching search that lasted eight months.

 

He takes over for Mike Howard, whose team was 2-9 in 2023.

 

Brown also has a USC connection. He played for the Gamecocks and Sparky Woods in the 1990s.