One hundred years ago, Berkeley and Summerville played football for the first time.

“Moncks Corner overwhelmed by large score,” reported the Charleston News and Courier on Nov. 3, 1923. Summerville defeated the old Moncks Corner High School by 59-6.

“The entire Summerville backfield, Riggs at tackle and Hutchinson at end starred,” the article said. “O. Sanders at quarterback played a splendid game for Moncks Corner.”

Friday’s contest at John McKissick Field in Summerville will be the 88th overall in the series. The teams played sporadically in the 1930s and ’40s, mostly in the postseason.

The rivalry has featured many players who went on to star in college and in the NFL, and great coaches such as Summerville’s John McKissick and Berkeley’s Gerald Moody and Jerry Brown. Summerville announced Friday that the McKissick Museum, dedicated to the winningest football coach of all time, will open at 6 p.m. Sept. 1 before the Berkeley game.

Our town, our coach.Join us this evening for the McKissick Museum grand opening, tonight at 6:00 before we take on the Berkeley Stags. pic.twitter.com/jkVptNq7JZ

— Summerville Football (@SummervilleFB) September 1, 2023

The series heated up in the late 1950s, and the teams have played nearly every year from 1960-2007. That 2007 season saw each school play teams from Florida as part of a doubleheader. The series resumed in 2008 and has been played every year since.

Summerville holds a 61-23 edge in victories, with four games ending in a tie. The Green Wave holds the longest winning streak at 11 games in the series. The Stags won three straight from 2017-19, but Summerville has won the last three contests.

Current Summerville head coach Ian Rafferty is 5-0 all-time in the series. Rafferty was a player in two wins back in the 1990’s and has won all three meetings since he has been head coach.

For a long time, Berkeley and Summerville were the only high schools in their respective counties. The creation of new high schools over the years have added other rivals to each team’s schedules. Goose Creek came along in 1969, followed by fellow Berkeley County schools Stratford (1983) and Cane Bay (2008).

In Summerville’s district, Fort Dorchester (1992) and Ashley Ridge (2008) have also become rivals for the Green Wave.

“I think it still means a lot to some people, but things have really changed over the years,” Rafferty said of the Berkeley game.

Berkeley’s Eric Lodge, as a new head coach in the Lowcountry, is experiencing his first game against Summerville. The game still means a lot in Moncks Corner, he’s been told.

“I heard about that game during the interview process,” Lodge said. “I got the impression that for a lot of people, it’s still a big deal.”

As for this year’s meeting, one team will take its first loss of 2023. Summerville, the top-ranked team in the state for Class AAAAA, won its opener last week at Carolina Forest. Berkeley is off to a 2-0 start with wins over Timberland and Hanahan by a total of five points.

Both teams have excellent quarterbacks in junior Jaden Cummings at Summerville and freshman Henry Rivers at Berkeley.

“We need to play better than we did last week,” Rafferty said. “Berkeley has some good talent. Their quarterback (freshman Henry Rivers) is the real deal. They have our full attention.”

Lodge says the Green Wave is worthy of its lofty state ranking. He says Summerville has explosiveness on offense with a physical, fast defense.

Wright Cousins

Another area rivalry resumes on Saturday night as Cross hosts Berkeley County rival Timberland at 6 p.m. Cross head coach Shaun Wright and Timberland head coach Greg Wright are first cousins (their fathers are brothers). This will be the third matchup between the two as head coaches, with each having a win.

Timberland has dominated the overall series, which began after Timberland opened in 1997. Cross won games in 2000 and 2001 but did not win again in the series until last season.

In fact, Cross won the 2001 game when Greg Wright scored the winning touchdown for the Trojans. His cousin, Shaun, was an assistant coach on that team.

“Timberland sort of took off when Art Craig got there as head coach,” said Shaun Wright, who became an assistant at Timberland in 2002. “It should be a great game on Saturday night. Timberland is 0-2 but they could easily be 2-0. They are good.”

Cross is 1-1 with a win over Hemingway and a loss to Calhoun County. Timberland lost to Berkeley (36-32) and Indian Land (7-6).

David Shelton’s Lowcountry Top 10

1. Summerville

2. James Island

3. Fort Dorchester

4. Philip Simmons

5. Oceanside Collegiate

6. Lucy Beckham

7. Ashley Ridge

8. Woodland

9. West Ashley

10. Berkeley

High School Football Schedule

Sept. 1

Berkeley at Summerville

Ashley Ridge at Conway

White Knoll at Colleton Co.

Grayson (Ga.) at Fort Dorchester

Sumter at Goose Creek

Lexington at Stratford

Stall at Wando

Cane Bay at West Ashley

Timberland at Cross, 6 p.m. Saturday

Lucy Beckham at Bishop England (canceled)

First Baptist at James Island

North Charleston at Baptist Hill

Philip Simmons at Georgetown

Woodland at Bluffton (canceled)

Academic Magnet at Burke

Colleton Prep at Branchville

Palmetto Christian at Military Magnet

Denmark-Olar at St. Johns

Camden Military at Porter-Gaud

Northwood at Thomas Heyward

Ben Lippen at Pinewood Prep

Conway Christian at Faith Christian

Cross Schools at Dorchester Academy

The magnificent oak trees draped in Spanish moss and vibrant crape myrtles are an iconic part of the scenery in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Proper tree care is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of these treasured trees that contribute so much to the area's natural beauty. This in-depth guide will explore everything homeowners need to know about caring for the trees on their property.

Why Tree Care Matters

Providing proper care for trees offers many benefits for homeowners and the community:

In short, caring for trees is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends for years to come.

Overview of Key Tree Care Services

To maintain trees in optimal condition, professional tree service providers recommend:

This involves strategically removing dead or damaged branches, thinning dense canopies, and shaping trees for aesthetic purposes. Regular pruning enhances structure, health, and safety.

In some cases, removing a declining, diseased, or hazardous tree entirely is the best option. Reputable companies have specialized equipment to fell large trees safely near homes. Grinding away remaining stumps is also offered.

After major storms, immediate tree repair is often needed to remove fallen trees and branches blocking roadways and structures. 24/7 emergency response ensures safety.

Annual evaluations by certified arborists detect issues early when they are most treatable. Arborists look for signs of disease, pests, and internal decay not visible to the naked eye.

The right soil nutrients, pH, and drainage are essential for tree root and vascular system health. Targeted fertilization, aeration, and mulching help optimize soil conditions.

To prevent or mitigate infestations of damaging invasive pests and diseases, preventative treatments, traps, or tree removal may be required.

Installing supportive cables and braces provides stability to aging, weak trees, and branching structures prone to failure. This can prolong tree life.

Key Factors That Influence Tree Care

Several important considerations impact the type and frequency of care needed for optimal tree health:

Mature tree species like oak have different care needs and priorities than younger crape myrtles or palm trees. Care plans are tailored accordingly.

Trees located near structures, power lines, sidewalks, and high foot traffic areas have a higher chance of needing removal or intensive safety-related care.

Mt. Pleasant's humid subtropical climate and vulnerability to major storms mean preventative care is especially crucial to help trees withstand weather events.

Prompt, restorative care for trees showing early signs of pests, disease, or storm injury can help resolve issues before they escalate. Vigilance is key.

While tree care is beneficial year-round, the specific priorities shift with the seasons. For example, pruning is best done in winter on dormant deciduous trees.

Evaluating DIY vs. Professional Tree Care

When it comes to tree care, homeowners must weigh whether DIY or hiring a professional makes the most sense based on their specific needs and limitations.

Tree care that exceeds the homeowner's skill level, equipment, or comfort with height and risk should be left to seasoned professionals for optimal safety. Tree companies also efficiently handle large-scale projects.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

When selecting a professional tree service, homeowners should ask key questions like:

Before hiring, validate licenses, insurance coverage, training credentials, and consumer reviews. Never pay upfront for tree services. Beware door-to-door salespeople offering tree services.

Maintaining Tree Health Over the Long Term

A comprehensive tree care plan starts when trees are first planted and continues over their entire lifespan:

With the right long-term care, treasured trees can thrive for decades or even generations, providing lasting benefits.

Protecting Trees from Storm Damage

Due to the coastal climate, preparing trees to withstand storm events is a key concern in Mt. Pleasant. Here are tips for minimizing tree damage during hurricane season:

Advance preparation and choosing the right professionals to care for trees make a crucial difference in mitigating costly storm damage.

Safely Pruning Trees Near Power Lines

Many homeowners have trees growing near power lines that require pruning for safety. But this task is best left to qualified professionals with proper training and equipment. Attempting to prune these trees without the right gear can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of electrocution. The safest approach is to hire an insured tree service with extensive experience pruning near utilities. They'll have bucket trucks that can carefully maneuver equipment and workers safely around electrical hazards. Removing the entire tree is an option if the proximity to power lines is too risky to manage. For trees growing near power lines, make safety the top priority.

Signs a Tree May Need to be Removed

In some cases, tree removal is necessary. Warning signs a tree should be evaluated for removal include:

Only certified arborists have the expertise to diagnose when removal is truly the only option. They can then facilitate safe tree removal. Property owners should never cut down large trees themselves.

Understanding Tree Protection Laws

Many municipal governments have tree protection ordinances aimed at preserving community trees. Common protected trees include grand oaks, magnolias, and palms. There are often protocols that must be followed prior to removing or substantially trimming such trees. These laws are designed to protect the valuable tree canopy. Failure to comply with required procedures around protected trees can potentially incur significant fines. Always check municipal codes and obtain any necessary permits related to protected trees well in advance of doing work. Consulting with professional local tree services familiar with relevant regulations is advised.

Let the Experts Handle All Your Tree Care Needs

While homeowners can provide basic care, trees inevitably need professional expertise as they mature. Leave complex tasks like structural pruning, disease management, bracing, and large tree removal to seasoned tree service professionals like those in Mt Pleasant. Their Certified Arborists bring scientific knowledge, safety training, specialized equipment, and generations of combined experience. Trust them to help your trees thrive beautifully for decades to come. Contact them today for a free consultation and estimate. Your trees deserve the best care possible.

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Idalia Update #3

Charleston County remains at OPCON 2 as Idalia approaches South Carolina. According to the National Weather Service, the main threats include tornadoes, heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds. Carta buses will continue to bring people to the shelter until it is no longer safe to operate.

“The worst of the storm is expected to move through the area this evening and into the night”, said Charleston County Emergency Management Director Joe Coates. “Please stay off the roads tonight as floodwaters are difficult to see in the dark. If you do receive a tornado warning from The National Weather Service, make sure you move into an interior room inside your home with no windows.”

Charleston County Government buildings and Charleston County Libraries and book drops will remain closed on Thursday, August 31.

High wind and bridge procedures

• Charleston County’s high wind and bridge procedures can be found online.

Citizens Information Line

• Open Wednesday, August 30, to 12 a.m.

• Open Thursday, August 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• English/Spanish: 843.746.3900.

Shelter Information

• Address: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405.

• The shelter will be open until 10 a.m. Thursday, August 31.

• Residents who need transportation to the shelter need to call the Citizens Information Line.

• Pets are allowed, but residents must stay with their animals and cannot drop them off.

• Residents need to bring comfort items to the shelter with them.

Curbside Recycling, the Bees Ferry Landfill and Convenience Centers

• The Bees Ferry Landfill and Charleston County Convenience Centers will be closed Thursday, August 31.

• There will be no curbside recycling on Thursday, August 31. If your recycling service day is Thursday, August 31, your service will resume on Thursday, September 14, your next scheduled service day. Any overflow material can be dropped off at one of Charleston County’s many recycling drop sites. For location information, visit recycle.charlestoncouty.org.

Downtown Parking Garages

• Charleston County’s Parking Garages located at Queen and King Streets and 90 Cumberland are free and open. Vehicles must be removed by 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 31.

Bond Court

• Thursday, August 31: bond hearings at 7:00 p.m. only.

Online Damage Reporting

• Charleston County Residents can report damage on Charleston County’s online damage page.

Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media, download our 2023 Hurricane Guide, and sign up for our Citizen’s Alert System.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A tropical storm warning has been issued for the South Carolina coast as Hurricane Idalia strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane early Wednesday morning.

Idalia made landfall near Florida’s Keaton Beach around 7:45 a.m. as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm had fluctuated between a Category 3 and Category 4 hurricane before daybreak Wednesday.

After landfall, forecasters say the storm will make a northeastern turn and then east – moving near the coast of Georgia and South Carolina.

According to the National Weather Service, Idalia will subside to a tropical storm as it moves along the South Carolina coast. At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Idalia was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane as it moved across land towards Georgia.

In Charleston, impacts from Idalia will gradually increase Wednesday morning and continue through Thursday morning.

A tropical storm warning is active for Charleston, inland Colleton, Berkeley, Georgetown, Dorchester, and Williamsburg counties. A storm surge watch is in place for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the mouth of St. Mary’s River northward to Edisto Beach and Coastal Colleton County.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch at 10:56 a.m. Wednesday for Berkeley County, Charleston County, Colleton County, Dorchester County, Georgetown County, and Williamsburg County. The watch is set to expire at 10 p.m.

The tornado watch was quickly upgraded to a warning at 11:15 a.m. in the Hollywood and Ravenel area.

“If you are in Hollywood or Ravenel, you need to stay inside until 11:45 a.m.,” Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers said.

The Lowcountry is bracing for heavy rain bands, flooding, minor storm surges, and frequent wind gusts.

Rainfall totals are expected to range between 4 and 8 inches in inland South Carolina, and 1 to 3 inches closer to the coast.

Flooding is possible in inland and coastal areas. “We are going to be dealing with pockets of very heavy rain, and that heavy rain will be coming down in a short amount of time,” Marthers said Wednesday morning.

A storm surge watch is in place for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties. Storm Team 2 predicts the Charleston metropolitan area could see water levels of about 2 to 4 feet above the ground in surge-prone areas, primarily along the coastline.

Marthers predicts frequent 35 to 75 mph winds in the area, with the highest winds over the coastal water.

The Storm Prediction Center has outlined an elevated risk of tornados for the eastern half of South Carolina. NWS issued a tornado watch for many Lowcountry counties Wednesday at 10:56 a.m. Marthers says storms that make landfall in the Gulf of Mexico are notorious tornado producers for the Carolinas.

Count on Storm Team 2 to track this storm and bring you the latest on any potential impacts to the Lowcountry. Be sure to download the News 2 app and Storm Team 2 app for important updates.

You’re seeing The Post and Courier’s weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here.

A new entertainment site and sports bar plans to open in September in Mount Pleasant.

Mix at 730 Coleman Blvd. recently received its certificate of occupancy and is in the final stages of staffing up, according to owner David Breen. The opening date has not been announced.

The venue includes duckpin bowling, a curling platform, ax-throwing cages, ping-pong, cornhole, indoor and outdoor bars and a private speakeasy.

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The soul food dining venue closed in 2020, but the granddaughter of the late Martha Lou Gadsden plans to salvage art on the building. A two-story commercial building is slated for the property on Morrison Drive.

4,750: Square footage of new car wash planned next to a future Chick-fil-A in West Ashley.

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4: Cost of movies in dollars at most theaters across the nation on Aug. 27 as part of National Cinema Day.

4,800: Square footage of planned restaurant next to car wash on site in West Ashley.

+ Better flow: Chick-fil-A wants to make changes at one of its Charleston-area restaurants.

+ Now open: A new wine shop that carries other items recently launched operations in Charleston.

+ Floating away: The owner of a man-made floating island that’s been moored in a tidal creek near Folly Beach has agreed to remove the structure, but he’s not conceding any wrongdoing.

Church & Union restaurant is located at 32 N. Market St. in downtown Charleston. The owner of the property, which includes neighboring restaurant Tempest and a corner candy store, plans to sell the buildings.

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