Week 1: Midlands Preview

The opening week across the Midlands had several games that featured highly ranked programs squaring off. This week, that has dropped off a bit but there's still several intriguing matchups that should entice fans out to the stadiums.   We have a couple of rivalry games, two battles that should go a long way in determining the pecking order in Class 5A and 2A and a solid top 10 showdown. Here's a glance at what to watch across the Midlands.   Class 4A #3 AC Flora at Dreher   The schools are less than three miles apart so there is similarity, friendly thrash talking and some downright hostility.   The Falcons have owned this rivalry in recent years. And they are loaded once again this season. A.C. Flora knocked off a strong Greenwood team 38-20 in the opener. [player_tooltip player_id='202733' first='Carew' last='Bates'] threw touchdown passes to [player_tooltip player_id='409839' first='Jack' last='Purdy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='202725' first='Chris' last='Lofton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='202726' first='Markel' last='Townsend'] and Noah Kelson ran for scores.   Dreher opened new coach Corey Jenkins era with a 29-22 win over Keenan. Quarterback Colby Fuller scored a rushing touchdown and added another through the air. Caleb Timmons and Kaleb Berry each had solid nights at the wide receiver spot. Linebacker Willie Simmons and defensive back Jaden Haygood will need solid nights to try and slow the Falcons attack.   Airport at Class 3A #10 Brookland-Cayce   These two teams offer another backyard style rivalry. They are less than four miles apart and don't care for each other.   The Bearcats have gotten the best of Airport in recent years. Both schools are coming off disappointing efforts in the season opener – Airport lost 19-7 to Swansea and Brookland-Cayce dropped a 62-7 contest on the road at Byrnes.   Airport must find a way to be more explosive on offensive. The lone score last week was a 66-yard pass from Kyle Chavis to Jalen Stephens. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='202727' first='Apollos' last='Cook'] and running back Marcus Dwyer must play larger roles for that to happen.   Brookland-Cayce must get quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='199432' first='Tanner' last='Staton'] and WR/RB [player_tooltip player_id='91137' first='Naahzeikial' last='Mays'] going. Those two will lead the Bearcats offense. Jayden Johnson will play on both sides of the ball and is another key clog.     Class 2A #7 Fairfield Central at Andrew Jackson   This one should be a fun one.   The Griffins had an offensive explosion in a 62-14 win over Carvers Bay. Freshman Cam McMillon threw for five touchdowns and Ty Grier and Jai Boyd both went over 100 yards receiving. But the defense was just as impressive – Josh Green, JaShawn Manning and Donovan Watkins each recorded interceptions.   Andrew Jackson had a bye last week but could be good offensively. The quarterback spot will be between Hammond Wren and Brady Williams. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='317140' first='Trey' last='Thompson'] ran for over 1,200 yards last year. Banks Helms will lead the wide receiver corps. Linebacker Fuller Sims was the leading tackler last season and he returns.   Class 5A #10 Spring Valley at White Knoll   [player_tooltip player_id='146359' first='Evan' last='Javis'] ran for 105 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead the Vikings to a 38-18 win over Westwood. Nigel Ancrum added a kick-off return for a touchdown. The defense was led by defensive lineman Jonas Wilson (13 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss) and defensive back Greiman De Los Santos (8 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss).   The Timberwolves got three scores from [player_tooltip player_id='336147' first='Jesse' last='Ross'] in a 21-13 win over Orangeburg-Wilkinson. He will be key as the rest of the offense catches up. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='346199' first='Landon' last='Sharpe'] will have to play better and make better decisions with the ball.   Marcus Domenech and Nate Thomas will be key to a much-improved White Knoll defense.   Class 5A #6 Sumter at Class 4A #10 Ridge View   This one has the potential to be a close one.   The Gamecocks defense will be led by linebackers John Peeples and Jamal Taylor. But look for the battle in the secondary. [player_tooltip player_id='202743' first='Zyeir' last='Gamble'] will lead a talented group against the Ridge View wide receiver trio of [player_tooltip player_id='202775' first='Zion' last='Agnew'], [player_tooltip player_id='262637' first='Chris' last='Lawson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='202731' first='Adonis' last='McDaniel'].   Quarterback play will also be key. Sumter will turn to David Merchant while the Blazers will rely on transfer David Tomlin

The opening week across the Midlands had several games that featured highly ranked programs squaring off. This week, that has dropped off a bit but there's still several intriguing matchups that should entice fans out to the stadiums.