Weather, or not? Sertoma makes storm plans

For now, the 38th annual Muhler Sertoma Classic will go on as planned. But Sertoma officials have a backup plan if Tropical Storm Fay hits the Charleston area.

The Classic, which kicks off the high school football season for most Lowcountry teams, is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at The Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium. But the tropical storm is expected to reach the Lowcountry sometime Thursday afternoon.

"The best thing we can do is plan for things we can control," said Dave Spurlock, who oversees athletics for the Charleston County School District and helps select the teams that participate in the event. "We've talked about the what-ifs, and The Citadel has already agreed to move it to Friday and Saturday, if needed. But some of the teams are scheduled to open the regular season this weekend, so we don't have that big of a window of opportunity."

Thursday's schedule is First Baptist vs. Baptist Hill, Timberland vs. Berkeley, Military Magnet vs. Cross, Northwood Academy vs. North Charleston, Academic Magnet vs. Scott's Branch and Stratford vs. Goose Creek.

On Friday, it's Pinewood Prep vs. Lincoln, Colleton County vs. Garrett Tech, Porter-Gaud vs. Burke, Fort Dorchester vs. Woodland, Stall vs. West Ashley, Wando vs. Bishop England and James Island vs. Summerville.

Six of the teams participating in Sertoma are scheduled to open the regular season Saturday.

Timberland hosts Carolina Forest, Military Magnet is at North Charleston, Academic Magnet is at Garrett Tech, and Bishop England is at Ben Lippen.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or 937-5592.