Top Storylines Entering 2023 Season In The Midlands

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As teams acclimate to the torrid temperatures, high school football season is officially here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SCISA schools opened practice Thursday while the S.C. High School League followed on Friday. While most schools held their workouts in the early morning, others like Airport opted for midnight action under the lights in West Columbia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the regular season three weeks away, here's a look at seven storylines going into the 2023 season in the Midlands:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Can Dutch Fork extend its championship run?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Silver Foxes returned to the top of Class 5A last season. It was their seventh state title in 10 years under head coach Tom Knotts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His inaugural 2010 season marked the only time the program has found itself in rebuilding mode. Since then, Dutch Fork has found a way to reload even after graduating some of the top players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past year was no exception. Running back and Mr. Football finalist<strong> Jarvis Green</strong> is at Clemson. Quarterback <strong>Aliam Appler</strong>, safeties <strong>Landon</strong> <strong>Danley</strong> and <strong>J'von Mack</strong>, linebacker <strong>Chandler Perry</strong> and defensive linemen <strong>Jaylon Hinton</strong> and<strong> John Buetow </strong>were among the talented seniors who graduated in the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking to replace those starters are defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012606' first='Elgin' last='Sessions']</strong> and outside linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492672' first='Tyler' last='Jones']</strong> (pictured, right), both of whom have excelled at off-season camps. and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012706' first='Josh' last='Smith']</strong> return on the defensive line and<strong> Terrence Wells </strong>(pictured, left) is among the athletic standouts who can play at edge and linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On offense, <strong>Connor McGee </strong>is back at center and <strong>Jonathan Hunt </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267290' first='Ethan' last='Offing']</strong> are competing at starting quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In short, it's business as usual at Dutch Fork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Who can dethrone Dutch Fork in Region 4-5A?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Silver Foxes have won nine straight region titles and currently own a 28-game winning streak in region play. Making last season's Region 4-5A title even more impressive was the fact that every team at one point was ranked in the Top 10 of Class 5A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington appears poised to make a run at the top spot. It returns experience at key positions such as quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208887' first='Taiden' last='Mines']</strong>, tight end <strong>Cam Sutton </strong>and linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448988' first='Christian' last='Sexton']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>River Bluff is coming off a rebound season, although it will need a replacement for leading rusher <strong>Cooper Johns</strong>. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464884' first='Parker' last='Murray'] </strong>looks to improve in his second year as a starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White Knoll is coming off its first winning season since 2019. Many of its juniors and seniors are now three-year starters under head coach Nick Pelham such as quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346199' first='Landon' last='Sharpe']</strong>, wide receiver <strong>Hasan Lee</strong> and linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='911089' first='Jaiden' last='Kimble'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapin looks to become the rebound program in the region after finishing 3-8. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272715' first='Brady' last='Albro']</strong> will have young weapons at his disposal and the Eagles will have a different look on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Which high-profile transfer will have the most success at their new school?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the two most high-profile transfers in the Midlands involve running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267430' first='Jaden' last='Allen-Hendrix'] </strong>from Gilbert to Irmo and linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473010' first='Michael' last='Boulware']</strong> from Spring Valley to Gray Collegiate Academy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendrix provides a physical presence out of the backfield and paired with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='272713' first='AJ' last='Brand'] could make life difficult for defenders. Boulware joins an already formidable defense with linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1359251' first='Zeb' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='1349328' first='Carter' last='Stephens']</strong> and Brookland-Cayce transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1359229' first='Trequan' last='Singleton']</strong>, linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997269' first='Kaine' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>Blake Croft</strong> and defensive backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139316' first='Zai' last='Offord']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='91353' first='Jamarious' last='Lockett'],</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997302' first='Justin' last='Pauling']</strong>. In the SCISA ranks, former Camden running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139303' first='Cortez' last='Lane']</strong> brings his 1,263 total yards and 17 touchdowns from Camden to Cardinal Newman. He and quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589049' first='Duncan' last='Skehan'] </strong>should put up big numbers for the Cardinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Who's the favorite to win Region 5-4A?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A.C. Flora finished undefeated in region play last season. While remaining solid on defense led by linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771227' first='Albert' last='Perkins']</strong>, the Falcons lost their “Big Three” on offense with Quarterback&nbsp;<strong>Carew Bates</strong>, running back&nbsp;<strong>Markel Townsend</strong>&nbsp;and receiver&nbsp;<strong>Chris Lofton</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If not forced to forfeit victories last season, Ridge View would have finished second in the region. A very hungry and motivated Blazers' squad returns a bevy of wide receivers led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233146' first='Jordon' last='Gidron']</strong> and versatile offensive lineman <strong>Joshua Ladd</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This could be the year Irmo emerges as the region champion. With quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272713' first='AJ' last='Brand']</strong>, running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267430' first='Jaden' last='Allen-Hendrix']</strong> and an experienced defense, the Yellow Jackets will look to play with the consistency needed to get through region play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westwood, Richland Northeast and Lugoff-Elgin alll finished with losing records last season. The Redhawks have settled into second-year head coach Robert O'Connell's system and currently have sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734561' first='Carrington' last='Carter']</strong> and <strong>Nate Caldwell</strong> battling for the starting job.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='272698' first='Will' last='Wilson'] is entrenched as the Cavaliers' starter. He's supported upfront by size on the offensive line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771236' first='Mark'Quelle' last='Moser']</strong> and <strong>Rashard Pickett</strong> and will have state championship offensive coordinator Gregory Ruff in his ear this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Which team can contend for the Class 3A title?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camden, Brookland-Cayce and Gilbert have made strong playoff runs in recent years. Now add an improved Lower Richland into the mix and there's four Midlands' teams with a shot at coming out of the Lower State in Class 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An injury suffered by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139311' first='Grayson' last='White']</strong> kept the Bulldogs from a third straight title game appearance. White is back and while the defense lost Mr. Football<strong> Xzavier McLeod</strong> to graduation, Camden still has leading tackler linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448983' first='Wilson' last='Nash'] </strong>to lead the younger players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both the Wildcats and Indians have battled back and forth for the Region 5-3A title the past six years. Each suffered significant losses on offense due to graduation and transfers, but still have enough talent to compete for the region title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771224' first='Will' last='Young']</strong> replaces <strong>Tanner Staton</strong> at quarterback and will have an imposing offensive line with three seniors in three seniors in&nbsp;<strong><u>[player_tooltip player_id='771089' first='Kamden' last='Sox']</u>,</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Jacory Jones</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Jared Holmes</strong> and two juniors&nbsp;<strong>An'tohn Ford</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>O'Bryan Leaphart</strong>&nbsp;who both check in at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gilbert lost its entire backfield which accounted for the bulk of its offense. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='782263' first='Drake' last='Braddock']</strong> went 7-1 after becoming the starter a month into the season. He will work with promising running backs <strong>Jalen Jay</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157968' first='Krew' last='Morris'] </strong>and an experienced defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lower Richland lost to both Brookland-Cayce and Gilbert last season. It was the Diamond-Hornets' first season in the region and head coach Marlin Taylor believes his team is ready to contend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For openers, Lower Richland returns nine starters. Quarterback&nbsp;<strong>Marcus Smith&nbsp;</strong>finished with 1,645 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 664 yards and eight scores.&nbsp;He'll be protected by an offensive line which returns six starters, including tackle&nbsp;<strong>Keyondre Richardson</strong>, wide receiver&nbsp;<strong>Jemarious Reaves</strong>&nbsp;and 1,000-plus yard running back&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771221' first='Lamarion' last='Pearson']. </strong>The defense returns defensive backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771225' first='Ja'mel' last='Patterson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771235' first='Joshua' last='Sims']</strong>, who combined for nine of the team's 12 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Which teams with new head coaches will have success this season?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington head coach Dustin Curtis returned to his alma mater at a perfect time. The Wildcats have experience and depth to compete immediately, and the players are very much on the same page with Curtis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Airport has hired its third coach in three years in Shane Fidler. He has a new starting quarterback in <strong>Jesse Hoover</strong> who has size and arm strength and Appalachian State commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771066' first='Dylan' last='Barbrey']</strong> to anchor the offensive line. The Eagles are seeking their first winning season since 2019.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring Valley's new head coach Nygel Pearson will bring in a spread offense. He has a veteran quarterback in <strong>Aden Jones</strong> and returning offensive linemen in <strong>Sirsaleem Stokes, [player_tooltip player_id='404456' first='Alan' last='Hartwell']</strong> and <strong>Joel Amos.</strong> The Vikings may have to rely early on their defense with <strong>KJ Griffin, Khalil Allen</strong>, and <strong>David Alford </strong>upfront and <strong>Will Smith</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267471' first='Devan' last='Crumpton']</strong> in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the same region, Blythewood had one of the biggest turnarounds last season. After going 3-6 and winless in Region 3-5A in 2021, the Bengals posted a 10-2 overall record and won the region with a perfect record. There is new leadership with James Martin moving up from defensive coordinator to head coach. Quarterback<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='440461' first='Harrison' last='Collins']</strong> had a solid junior season and has performed well during 7-on-7 scrimmages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heathwood Hall's new head coach Rick Reetz inherited a starting quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473014' first='Patrick' last='Belk']</strong>. He threw for 1,497 yards as a freshman, 909 of which was caught by <strong>Thompson Dubose</strong>. The Highlanders return experience both on offense and defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Who are Midlands teams who could contend this season?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SCISA is where the other football dynasty in Richland County resides. Hammond won its sixth state title last year and first in the newly created Class 4A. The Skyhawks are projected favorites again, although Cardinal Newman has made player additions like running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139303' first='Cortez' last='Lane']</strong> to contend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairfield Central may get overlooked as it competes in the same Class 2A region as Gray Collegiate. The Griffins are loaded with talent, led by quarterback<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='473002' first='Cameron' last='McMillon']</strong> who head coach Demetrius Davis has declared the “best quarterback in South Carolina regardless of classification. Because of his size and downfield accuracy, McMillon has drawn comparisons with former Gaffney Mr. Football and South Carolina State quarterback Malcolm Long. Fairfield Central also has talent on defense with safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1452154' first='Christopher' last='Pearson']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crestwood is in a comparable situation competing in Region 6-3A with Camden. It does have one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Palmetto State in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589009' first='Javion' last='Martin'].</strong> The Knights will bring in a bevy of young wide receivers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012586' first='Jahiem' last='Jones']</strong>,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1012863' first='Jeremie' last='Richardson'] </strong>and <strong>Da'Shan Scrivens</strong>. The Oct. 20 matchup at Camden could determine whether Crestwood gets a favorable playoff seeding. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meanwhile, county rival Sumter is coming off an 11-2 season in which it reached the third round of the Class 5A playoffs, The Gamecocks lost 22 seniors, including Class 5A All-State safety/running back <strong>Zyeir Gamble </strong>and linemen <strong>Mason Gregg</strong> and <strong>Alijah Brown</strong>, linebackers <strong>Jamal Taylor </strong>and <strong>William Dinkins</strong>,, safety <strong>Marquis Lane</strong> and placekicker <strong>Judah Keaton</strong>. They do bring back quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997237' first='Pate' last='Merchant']</strong>, running back <strong>John</strong> <strong>Peeples</strong>, defensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595702' first='Anthony' last='Addison']</strong> and athlete <strong>Camorrie Wells</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->