FLORENCE, S.C. – After three winless seasons, the Darlington Falcons have three victories this fall. Not only that, coach Jamie Johnson’s team can clinch Region 6-3A’s third playoff seed with a win Friday over Lake City.
Sophomore quarterback Jaylen Augustus, who missed most of last season because of a broken thumb, is a big reason for the turnaround. Through nine games, he has passed for 1,240 yards and eight touchdowns.
“Moving the program in the right direction and (Augustus) being a sophomore has been really good,” said Johnson, Darlington’s first-year coach. “He takes coaching well, and the sky’s the limit. Hopefully, he’ll add some weight in the offseason and continue to improve.”
Augustus already has a tall frame at 6 feet, 3 1/2 inches.
“He could probably be one of the most special quarterbacks to come through this place when it’s all said and done,” said Johnson, whose team is 3-6 overall and 1-3 in the region. “He has a cannon for an arm. But I also think he does a good job studying film. We watch film together, and you can tell he watches film on his own. He definitely sees a future in football and hopes to continue to grow in that.”
Most of all, Augustus is happy to be playing. After being the Falcons’ backup for their 2022 opener, he was the starter the next game against Lugoff-Elgin. That’s when he broke his thumb.
Now that Augustus has played a full season so far, he has developed a new appreciation for the game.
“I think it’s been a pretty good season, but I think it could have been better,” Augustus said. “Most importantly, I want to lead my team to the playoffs.”
Augustus, whose father (Kenneth Zimmon) was a running back/receiver at Lamar, has especially enjoyed playing quarterback — a position he first played at 8 years old.
“I like how I get to lead a team and play at a fast pace like (Johnson) wants,” Augustus said. “Coach Johnson holds me accountable for everything I do. He has pushed me hard ever since spring practice. I had always wanted to be good at this, and coach Johnson is showing me how.
“He has taught me how to be a man and grow up and face adversity the right way,” he added.
Augustus’ favorite game this season was a 34-24 win over Cheraw when he passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another.
But what makes Augustus think his stats could have been better this season are the seven interceptions and two lost fumbles.
“I’ve got to put the football in the right spots and lead the receivers more,” Augustus said.
But he’s a sophomore. All that can be fixed by the time he graduates.
But first, there is a timelier goal.
“I want us to reach the playoffs,” Augustus said.
October 25, 2023 | Morning News (Florence, SC)
Author/Byline: Scott Chancey | Section: Sports