Wide receiver Xzavion Gordon proves to be nice fit for Chapin

Xzavion Gordon might be the new guy, but he’s having no trouble fitting in.

Chapin’s junior receiver leads the Midlands in receiving with 16 catches and 335 yards. He has two receiving touchdowns, including the game-winner against Mid-Carolina this past Friday. Despite never playing in the rivalry game before, his teammates quickly clued him in to what was at stake.

“They told me it was a big game before we took the field,” Gordon said. “I was just happy to help my team get a win.”

Chapin plays Irmo at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Gordon transferred from Dutch Fork late in the summer, and didn’t get a chance to go through all the workouts with Chapin. Despite missing time, he said his teammates have made him feel welcome.

“We moved into Chapin’s zone, so we just decided to come here,” Gordon said. “It’s been a hard adjustment, especially with the playbook, but the quarterbacks are doing a great job of helping me out and getting me ready.”

Coming from a Dutch Fork program that has experienced success, Gordon said he learned a lot from the Silver Foxes.

“Everything with (Dutch Fork) was just so crisp,” Gordon said. “They concentrated on doing everything the right way. I want to bring that mentality here.”

Chapin coach Justin Gentry has had to rely on Gordon a little more than he originally planned, but has been pleasantly surprised.

“We got a call during the coach’s clinic that he wanted to transfer,” Gentry said. “He was able to get a couple of workouts with the team, but we didn’t know what to expect. He’s a good player, and a good person, and our guys have opened their arms and accepted him as a teammate. We’re so glad he chose Chapin.”

The emergence of Gordon has been fortuitous as Gentry’s had to deal with a number of injuries on the offensive side of the ball, and been forced to play a number of players in different positions.

“The last two weeks haven’t been great to us, losing receivers Lawson Bemis and Cole Owens,” Gentry said. “(Xzavion) is going to be able to relieve some of that pressure off (Will) Register, and Cooper Bemis when he returns.”

Bemis was forced into action at quarterback late in the win over Mid-Carolina. He tossed a 10-yard score to Gordon to cap an 11-point comeback in just under three minutes.

Gordon has found himself taking a larger role in the Chapin offense as he returns kicks and also lines up in the ‘Wildcat’ near the goal line.

“Our coaches are always saying, ‘Next man up.’ That’s what we believe,” Gordon said. “Everybody does their job. We truly are one team.”