Realignment Breakdown: Who’s New In Region II-3A
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Realignment will affect nearly every region in the Upstate with teams moving into and out of classifications and regions. Here’s our second in a series of looks at some of the top players moving into new regions, focusing on Region…
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Continue ReadingRealignment will affect nearly every region in the Upstate with teams moving into and out of classifications and regions. Here’s our second in a series of looks at some of the top players moving into new regions, focusing on Region I-3A.
The entire Upstate was affected by 3A realignment, with changes in regions I through IV. Region II has two new teams and one BRAND NEW team, as Fountain Inn High begins play in the region. Here’s what we know about the talent new additions Belton-Honea Path and Wren will bring. We’ll keep an eye on Fountain Inn as the year progresses.
The Bears return a couple of major offensive weapons. QB AJ Pendleton threw for 1,140 yards, rushed for 619, and accounted for 19 total TDs. He’ll be joined in the backfield by a pair of backs who combined for nearly 1,400 yards. Marquise Henderson did the bulk of that damage, totaling 892 yards, rushing for seven TDs, and putting up an eye-popping 9.5 yards per carry. Shaheem Robbs added 501 yards and four more scores in the backfield. Eight of Pendleton’s 11 passing TDs went to two players, and both are back. Nevada Billups caught 21 balls for 476 yards and six TDs, while Eli Strickland had 28 catches for 420 yards and two more scores.
Defensively, teams will need to think of a better idea than throwing it toward Rhazel Scott. Scott had 24 tackles last year and was a personal no-fly zone. He intercepted three passes and broke up 10 more, adding a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
Wren also moves over from Region I, and the Hurricanes have a bunch of talent back as well. ATH Trey Horne Trey Horne 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Rabun Gap | 2024 State GA did a little bit of everything for Wren, on both sides of the ball. The versatile Horne’s totals from last season included 443 passing yards, 281 rushing yards, and 262 receiving yards, along with 10 total touchdowns. Defensively, he had 18 tackles, five tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble. Gavin Owens Gavin Owens 6'4" | 210 lbs | QB Rabun Gap | 2025 State GA threw for more than 1,800 yards and tossed 14 touchdowns for Wren, rushing for three more. CJ Willingham CJ Willingham 5'9" | 140 lbs | WR Wren | 2025 GA had 31 catches for 550 yards and seven scores. And defensively, Jayden Wilson-Abrams Jayden Wilson-Abrams 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL Greenville | 2024 State SC (pictured) helped lead the way, with 59 tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 10 hurries.