By Chris Sokoloski

csokoloski@gtowntimes.com

For the first times since 2005, Waccamaw and St. James high schools will not meet on the gridiron during the regular season this year.

But the teams will meet during the 23rd annual CNB Kickoff Classic on Friday night at Conway High School.

Both teams are looking to rebound after disappointing 2011 campaigns.

The Warriors finished 2-8, but made the playoffs because everybody in Class AA was eligible. The Shark finished 3-7.

Waccamaw head coach Tyronne Davis has two new coaches on his staff and is installing a new offense.

Second-year St. James coach head coach Mark Fischer said at last year's Kickoff Classic, Conway "pounded us into the ground."

With a year under his belt, he's hoping for better results.

"We're headed in the right direction," Fischer said.

The Kickoff Classic begins at 6 p.m. with Aynor vs. Socastee, followed by Waccamaw vs. St. James, Carolina Forest vs. Green Sea-Floyds, Myrtle Beach vs. Loris, and Conway vs. North Myrtle Beach.

Each game is 20 minutes.

Tickets are $5 in advance and can be purchased at all Conway National Bank branches.

Tickets will be $6 at the gate.

Proceeds from the event are split among the schools.

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Carvers Bay High School's annual Geathers Family Football Jamboree will be Saturday at 6 p.m.

The first game will be C.E. Murray vs. Hannah-Pamplico, followed by Kingstree vs. Wilson, Johnsonville vs. Mullins, Hemingway vs. Andrews, and Carvers Bay vs. Lake View.

Admission is $7.