8 Players To Watch At Aun & McKay Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The start of the regular season is still a week away but Friday night at Chapin's Cecil Woolbright Field, a lot of star power will be on hand for the Aun &amp; McKay Classic. The lights will be turned on bright, cheerleaders will be on the sideline, the bands will be in the stands and fans – many, many fans are likely – will make this scrimmage type atmosphere more like the real thing than what occurred the first 11 days of August.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the names are well known across the state while others are looking to make their mark early in the 2022 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a list of two players from each game we think it will be worthwhile to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 1: Mid-Carolina-Irmo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mid-Carolina is coming off a 2-win season and will have several new pieces in starting roles. One of the returners to be counted on will be offensive lineman&nbsp;<strong>Ian Pullen</strong>. He's a little undersized but plays with a high motor and will be one of the key figures for the Rebels this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272713' first='AJ' last='Brand']</strong>, son of coach Aaron Brand, finally gets to take the reins at quarterback. Brand was a do-it-all freshman that lined up at wide receiver, kick returner and some defense in 2021 but his primary role this year will be quarterback. He's been grooming for this spot his entire life and should keep the Yellow Jackets relevant state-wide for the foreseeable future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 2: Spring Valley-Newberry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Robin Bacon has Spring Valley prepared every season and this one should be no different. Several high profiles return for the Vikings, but we're particularly interested in watching the progress of RB/LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146359' first='Evan' last='Javis']</strong>. The senior had a solid junior year, but he could see his recruiting skyrocket with a strong showing out of the gate. He is fearless and wants to take on the opponent's best player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newberry lost legendary coach Phil Strickland to retirement so the Bulldogs will have a new look all the way around. Newberry promoted from within, and Cedrick Jeter is the new man in charge. One player he will rely on heavily will be wide receiver/defensive back&nbsp;<strong>Shaquil Good</strong>. The senior will be on the field for nearly every snap so his durability will be key.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 3: Gray Collegiate-Westwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adam Holmes has Gray Collegiate among the state's elite in a short amount of time. The War Eagles won the Class 2A crown last year but lost several high-profile seniors to the college ranks. One player to watch for is running back<strong>&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='272707' first='Caleb' last='Ford']</strong>, who must help replace the production of KZ Adams, one of the top players regardless of classification. Ford will also see some time on defense, just like Adams did.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westwood is another school breaking in a new coach. Robert O'Connell will take over for Matt Quinn, who left for North Augusta. The Redhawks tied for the region crown with Irmo and A.C. Flora last year and if they are to come close to matching that success will need a big year from defensive lineman&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346188' first='Dekontee' last='Mack']</strong>. The 6'4”, 225-pounder is a force that must be accounted for on every play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 4: Chapin-Fairfield Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapin coach Justin Gentry looks around at the talent that departed last year, and he could be worried, but he likes the team he has coming back. One of the biggest pieces of that returning depth will be defensive lineman&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204427' first='Max' last='Drag']</strong>. The senior burst onto the scene last year and has had a solid spring and summer. He is one of the top linemen in the Midlands area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Griffins will have a deep and talented defense for coach Demetrius Davis. Eight starters return and defensive back&nbsp;<strong>Donovan Watkins</strong>&nbsp;is one of the best. He's a three-year starter and he along with his defensive mates will be counted on to keep things close while the offense breaks in several new starters. Watkins will be a key to that start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aun &amp; McKay Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When: 6:30 p.m., Friday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where: Chapin High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tickets: $7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schedule</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mid-Carolina vs. Irmo, 6:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring Valley vs. Newberry, 7:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray Collegiate vs. Westwood, 8:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapin vs. Fairfield Central, 9:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->