Predicting Every Team’s 2023 MVP: Region IV-5A
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With SCHSL football spread over five classifications and 36 regions, the talent pool in South Carolina is as vast as it is diverse. We’re going to tackle it unlike ever before. The Prep Red Zone South Carolina team is going…
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Continue ReadingWith SCHSL football spread over five classifications and 36 regions, the talent pool in South Carolina is as vast as it is diverse.
We’re going to tackle it unlike ever before.
The Prep Red Zone South Carolina team is going to predict every team’s MVP for the 2023 football season. Over the next several weeks, you’re going to be able to read about which player is leading the way for his team. We’ll even give you a whole bunch of highlight films to back up our predictions.
REGION IV: 5A
Chapin Eagles
Hayden Burriss Hayden Burriss 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Chapin | 2024 State SC DL – The Eagles’ program has established a tradition of producing linemen at the next level. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound rising senior potentially falls in that category. He tallied 47 tackles last season at defensive end. Along with size, his long reach and strength enables him to gain an advantage upfront. He can also be utilized at tight end
Dutch Fork Silver Foxes
Elgin Sessions Elgin Sessions 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Dutch Fork | 2025 State SC DB – In the current incarnation of the region, only the Silver Foxes have emerged as region champions. They will enter next season with a 34-game region win streak. As the Silver Foxes look to replace its starting quarterback and leading running back on offense, they will look to lean on a defense which allowed 13.3 points a game last season. The two-sport athlete Sessions has displayed his prowess during PCS as a cornerback. His speed could potentially be used at other positions on offense as well.
Lexington Wildcats
Christian Sexton Christian Sexton 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Lexington | 2024 State SC LB – The Wildcats’ success the past two seasons in finishing second behind Dutch Fork can be attributed to the play of its rising seniors. One of the contributors on the defensive side is the six-foot-1, 200-pound Sexton, who led the Wildcats in tackles last season (112) playing at middle linebacker. He’s expected to move to outside linebacker this season to capitalize on his quick lateral ability. He has received four college offers over the past month.
River Bluff Gators
Parker Murray Parker Murray 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB River Bluff | 2025 State SC QB – Murray will look to avoid the “second year jinx” after sporting a turnaround for the Gators from a 3-7 record to 7-4 last season. Although running back Cooper Johns Cooper Johns 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB River Bluff | 2023 State SC has graduated, Murray does get back a fully healthy Stephen Collier Stephen Collier 6'3" | 210 lbs | WR River Bluff | 2025 State SC at wide receiver. The key will be how well the offensive line protects Murray in a region with aggressive defenses.
White Knoll Timberwolves
Landon Sharpe Landon Sharpe 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB White Knoll | 2025 State SC QB- The rising junior quarterback (pictured) had a breakout second season as a starter. He threw for 2,208 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushed for five scores in leading the Timberwolves to a school-best 6-0 start and second straight post-season appearance. His profile further increased with a strong showing at the Palmetto Combine Series event at Woodland. With a strong returning group of wide receivers, Sharpe potentially could put up state-leading numbers next season.