Always a master of the analogy, Willie Jeffries likened himself to an old school bus Wednesday night.

“I’m going to have to put a governor on myself,” he said with a chuckle.

Jeffries, now 71, is determined to slow down a bit. The problem is, he just can’t say no to folks when they ask for his time. So, Jeffries keeps busy with appearances and speaking engagements.

“I have some good friends around Orangeburg,” Jeffries said. “They say you have to learn one word to say and that is ‘no.’ A lot of my speaking, I do get compensated well for. But, a lot of local, you know, within a certain radius, you go down and speak for free and it keeps you busy. Sometimes, it just runs into ... without a secretary and things like that and without me having an office and not being too great with a computer ... it keeps me stretched out. The bottom line is, you can’t do for most everybody, but I do all I can.”

So, Jeffries has a busy weekend ahead of him. He has to do a Community of Character segment, then drive down to Branchville High to motivate the staff and teachers about getting back to school. Saturday night for Jeffries will be special, though, because he will be on the campus of South Carolina State University to take in the event named in his honor, the Willie Jeffries Classic.

The event will feature six high school football games consisting of two, 12-minute quarters. For Jeffries, it’s an honor to be able to take part in the action.

“It feels great,” he said. “It’s great to mainly see those young kids play football and to see the number of head coaches and assistant coaches that have played for me at S.C. State that are participating in the event. That’s the real enjoyment. I think (Orangeburg-Wilkinson head coach) Tommy Brown and (Edisto head coach) Andy Palmer started it out some years ago and it’s been great. With it being over on campus, that’s a thrill to have it be on the field where I coached so long.”

And, while his coaching days are behind him and he is intent on slowing down, the coach admitted, come Saturday, he will be watching the players closely.

“(The game) has changed a lot,” he said. “The kids are larger now, even in the high schools. And, all the coaches have went somewhere, turned on the TV, and they are spreading them out all over the field. They all said I wouldn’t pass on I-26, but look at them ... the game has really changed.

“I tell you what,” he added. “We are getting better coaches. They are real prepared. They are better organized, and we are seeing a good brand of football. A lot of times, I will just watch what the offensive line or defensive line is doing. Check the techniques to see if they are fundamentally sound. I’m real pleased with that. Most schools are fundamentally sound. Some players are better than others, but the ones that are fundamentally sound have a better chance.”

Willie Jeffries Classic at a glance

There will be plenty of talent and interesting matchups in Saturday’s Willie Jeffries Classic. Below, take a look at a few of the players and matchups that highlight the event. Game times are in parentheses.

Denmark-Olar vs. North (5:30 p.m.)

Denmark-Olar featured a spread offense the past few seasons, but this year under new head coach Butch Jacobs the Vikings are going to the ground.

Denmark-Olar is led by defensive end, halfback Kendrick Frazier (6-3, 250). Frazier, who has numerous offers including South Carolina, posted a 4.49, 40 time at the Shrine Bowl combine. Also, Vikings quarterback Ronnie Ross showed the ability to make things happen with his legs in the Region 5-A Jamboree.

For North, keep an eye on speedy Freddie Martino.

Bethune-Bowman vs. Hunter-Kinard-Tyler (6:05 p.m.)

H-K-T may have the best group of skill players in The T&D region. Keep an eye on quarterback Montaurus Gleaton, a former Elite 11 selection, and wide receivers Schawn Jamison and D’twane Fulmer. Jamison is a smooth route runner; Fulmer is a big, physical target. Both have committed to play for South Carolina State University.

For Bethune-Bowman, keep an eye on massive tackle Josh Matthews.

Darlington vs. Battery Creek (6:30 p.m.)

Battery Creek is led by former North head coach Carlos Cave and features Clemson commitment Ricky Chaney. Chaney is a 6-3, 200-pound speedster who has clocked in at 4.45 in the 40.

Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs. Lake Marion (7:20 p.m.)

New Lake Marion coach Chris Carter has promised a “New Gator Nation.” That may happen, but the Gators head man gets a tough introduction to the Willie Jeffries Classic with Bamberg-Ehrhardt.

The Red Raiders featured Under Armour All-American offensive lineman A.J. Cann and defensive end Justin Henderson, the first commitment in the University of Kentucky’s 2010 Class. Also, keep an eye on quick tailback Demetrius Williams and linebacker Javonta Middleton, who has several college offers.

Allendale-Fairfax vs. Scott’s Branch (7:55 p.m.)

Allendale-Fairfax may be the fastest team in the jamboree with quarterback Bashaud Breeland, who is committed to Clemson as a defensive back, and tailback Jerrel Priester, who is committed to Vanderbilt.

Scott’s Branch is a defending state champion that features tailback Quenton Singleton who rushed for 2,434 yards a season ago.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson vs. Calhoun County (8:30 p.m.)

Calhoun County is loaded with talent again this season.

The Saints feature Under Armour All-American lineman Eric Mack, a South Carolina commit, but the talent does stop there. Defensive end Brandon Golson, also a Carolina commitment, had 18 sacks in six games a season ago. Wide receiver Shamier Jeffery may be slightly less physical than his brother, South Carolina Gamecocks receiver Alshon Jeffery, but he also may be a step faster. Also, keep an eye on defensive tackle Javontae Brown, recently ranked in the top 100 players of the Class of 2012 by Max Preps.

For O-W, keep an eye on tailback Raheem Howell.

T&D Sports Editor Brian Linder can be reached via e-mail at blinder@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5553.

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