Realignment Breakdown: Region I-2A

Photo: Prep Redzone

Jed Blackwell April 17, 2022 @ 08:29 AM

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 I-2A. The biggest change in the 2A classification comes from something that's not there - Region II. Realignment has included two schools with no football teams in Region I. To fill those slots, the SCHSL moved Abbeville and Ninety-Six into the region for football only. Meanwhile, Saluda will head to Region III, while Newberry and Mid-Carolina will play in Region IV. So, who's new to Region I? Oddly, the region is an even mix of six schools who played in two regions. Holdovers Abbeville, Ninety-Six, and Liberty make up half the region, while Landrum, Blacksburg, and Chesnee come in from the old Region II. The Panthers are, as always, the marquee name. Coach Jamie Nickles' squad always seems to just reload. This year's A-Bone offensive attack will boast Antonio Harrison, who plays several positions for Abbeville and runs a sub-4.5 40, and RB/LB Ty Cade, a good runner and an absolute beast on the defensive side of the ball. Ninety-Six's Martavis Mason will look to be an absolute beast on the defensive side of the ball. He's played some defensive end, but looks most at home at linebacker where he's quick enough to chase down receivers and strong enough to use a bull-rush and create havoc in the backfield. Landrum will be led by returning QB Jesse Bowers, who helped key the Cardinals' shift to a run-heavy offense, picking up 877 yards on the ground and rushing for 15 touchdowns for the Cardinals. His rugged running style will be crucial to Landrum's success. Chesnee's ground game will be anchored up front by a pair of strong, physical linemen in Cade Fisher and Tyler Wood. Both do a good job in the Eagles' wing-based scheme, including getting to the second level for blocks and finishing plays way downfield. At Blacksburg, O'myireia Daniels will take over at QB for the Wildcats. Daniel also plays in the defensive backfield, and coaches have praised his do-anything attitude as much as his athleticism.