By Johnnie Daniels
Five Dillon High School football players signed to play football at the next level.
Coach Jackie Hayes began the signing by thanking all five for their hard work and dedication. He placed the most emphasis on getting their degrees.
Coach Hayes also thanked his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication.
Hayes thanked the parents for allowing the entire coaching staff the opportunity to work with these five young men.
Hayes commented that the sky is the limit for Daniel Hamilton who played tight end for the Wildcats for two years.
“Adonis “Poppy” Sealey is one of the best linemen I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. He has four state championship rings,” quipped Hayes.
“Jamison Chapman is the best athlete I’ve ever coached as for as his natural running ability,” exclaimed Hayes.
“Dae’Shawn Davis is the typical Dillon football player. He can play offense or defense. He’s just a fun person to be around. He also has four state championship rings,” said Coach Hayes.
“Avery McCall is a 4-year starter at quarterback who has all types of records to his credit. Maybe someone will come along and break ‘em. I knew Avery would be a great player even when he was playing rec ball. The sky is the limit for Avery,” stated Hayes.
Daniel Hamiltion, son of Donnie and Wendy Hamilton, signed to play with North Greenville University.
Daniel has been playing football since he was eight years old. Daniel plays tight and says he was most influenced by his teammates in the sport. Daniel also plays baseball. Daniel, who plans to major in nursing, believes he will fit in perfectly at this learning institute as he always gives 100 percent because of his work ethnic. To this point in his life, Daniel’s greatest play or success was the touchdown he scored during the 2014 football state championship. Daniel enjoys playing sports and always gives his best to the game.
His parents are extremely proud of his accomplishments and are certain he will go far in his life.
Adonis “Poppy” Sealey, son of Lynn McCormick and Mike Sealey, signed with Presbyterian College. He believes Presbyterian College to be a good fit for him as he will get a good education and can play football, the sport he really enjoys. Although he played basketball his freshman year, his heart is in football. He has been playing football since he was 6 years old. “Poppy” always strives to make his 9 and 10 year old team coach, Gerald Washington, very proud of him as Washington, very proud of him as Washington taught “Poppy” to love the game of football. In “Poppy’s” youth “Poppy” liked football but could not play the game. Washington pushed “Poppy” and made him a better player. Although “Poppy” played JV basketball his freshman year, he was devoted to football. “Poppy” said the high school career taught him the mind set of never going backwards; every stop must be forward. He will carry this with him to the college level. “Poppy” started 34 games for DHS.
“Poppy” will major in political science.
“Poppy” received several awards while playing football for Dillon High. He was on the Max Preps All-American Team, two times All-Zoneman, first team All-Blitz, two times All State Player, selected to the Shrine Bowl, and second USA SC All-State Team.
Before accepting the Presbyterian offer, he received offers from Catawba and Newberry.
“Poppy” is grateful to the DHS coaching staff for everything they have done for him and especially for keeping him on the right track.
“Poppy’s” parents are very proud of him and his accomplishment. They look forward to his pursuing higher education and the opportunity to play football.
Dae’ Shawn Davis, son of Irish Davis who is his #1 fan, has signed to play with Butler Community College. He believes that he is a fit with this school as he loves the football team and secondly, he feels as though Butler Community College has good educational classes where he can advance his learing.
Although Dae’Shawn plays baseball, basketball, and soccor football is his #1 sport and love. Dae’Shawn plays running back, tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive lineman.
Dae’Shawn’s best memory of his football career until now is his pick 6 against Timberland in the playoffs.
Dae’Shawn will carry all of the knowledge he learned about the game of football while playing on the high school level with him as he continues his football career at Butler Community College.
Dae’Shawn will major in sports management.
Although Dae’Shawn’s heart is into football, he does play other games.
While playing at DHS Dae’Shawn received many awards.
He continues his success on the field to Coach Marty McIntyre and the coaching staff of the Dillon Wildcats. He believes Coach McIntyre is the best coach ever! He is also very appreciative to Marshawn Lynch who influenced him to play football.
Some of Dae’Shawn’s stats include 500 rushing yards, 500 receiving yards, 25 touchdowns, 82 tackles, 1 interception, and 5 sacks. It’s no wonder that is #1 fan, his mother, is so very proud of him.
Jamison Chapman, son of Jimmy and Sheila Chapman, signed with Wofford College. Jamison has played football since the young age of 7. He has been influenced most by his Dad in the sport. His Dad has always believed in Jamison and has pushed him to be the best he can be. Jamison does not play any other sports but concentrates entirely on the game of football.
Jamison believes he will fit-in at Wofford as he likes the offense they run, and he will have a great chance of getting early playing time.
Jamison’s most memorable experience at DHS was in his junior year. The play was a stop route to C.J. Sowells, and Jamison ran around the edge and Sowells flipped him the ball. Jamison carried the ball for a 60-yard touchdown!
As Chapman progresses to the college level he carries character and fundamentals from a great coaching staff plus a winning tradition. Jamison will be a running back at Wofford where he will major in business.
While playing at DHS Chapman received many awards including 2014 HSSR All-State, 2015 HSSR Statewide All-State first team offense, and 2015 WPDE All-zone Team.
Chapman received an offer from Gardner Webb but elected to go to Wofford.
Jamison enjoys weight lifting and video games as a hobby.
Chapman’s parents, Jimmy and Shelia had this to say of their son: “We thank God for blessing Jamison with athletic ability and for keeping him safe while playing the game he loves. We will forever be grateful to the Dillon coaching staff for the opportunities in which Jamison was given. Dillon has a remarkable staff and a first rate program. Wildcats for life!”
Avery McCall, son of Roger and Barbara McCall, has signed with Coastal Carolina University where he will major in sports management. McCall has played football since he was 5 years old. His passion for the game was influenced by his father and his Uncle Gerald. Avery also plays basketball and baseball but football is his best sport.
McCall possesses an eagerness to play. He thrives on the competition and looks forward to the next game.
McCall received many awards while playing for the Dillon Wildcats but one of the best ones was he was named player of the state.
He received offers form South Carolina, East Carolina, and Tennessee but he elected to go to CCU.
Avery posses a desire for drawing but football is always first.
McCall’s parents, Roger and Barbara McCall, are proud of their son but they stated that God was in the plan from the beginning. “Even when we did not think Avery was ready, God had equipped him for his play. Avery had coaches and players to help him”. We hope he will take this with him to the next level.
“We will put God first and as parents we were second. We offered Avery the guidance he needed. God has blessed him with many talents.
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
