Midlands Week 8 Players to Watch
In this article:
Most coaches are secretly a superstitious lot. But when pressed to reveal their good luck charms, they will point to their top players who can reverse any on-field bad fortunes. With some teams playing on this Friday the 13th, here…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMost coaches are secretly a superstitious lot.
But when pressed to reveal their good luck charms, they will point to their top players who can reverse any on-field bad fortunes.
With some teams playing on this Friday the 13th, here are those jinx-busters to watch in the Midlands for Week 8:
Blake Betette Blake Betette 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Richland Northeast | 2026 State SC WR, Richland Northeast
Over the summer, head coach Walt Wilson pointed to the sophomore as a player with sure hands whose willingness to catching balls in the middle of the field makes him a valuable target for quarterback Will Wilson Will Wilson 6'1" | 220 lbs | QB Richland Northeast | 2025 State SC . After a career game against AC Flora, he faces a Lugoff-Elgin defense which allowed six points in their two wins.
John Allen Mower K, Brookland-Cayce
On a team with impact players like quarterback Will Young Will Young 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Brookland-Cayce | 2024 State SC and running back De’shaun Washington De’shaun Washington 5'10" | 200 lbs | ATH Brookland-Cayce | 2024 State SC , the 6-foot-3 senior kicker provides a level of comfort for the Bearcats’ offense. He’s a perfect 40-40 on PATs and has graded highly the past two seasons on field goals. Against an improved Dreher defense, Mower could be vital if Brookland-Cayce has to settle for non-touchdowns.
Tre Howard Tre Howard 5'9" | 150 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2027 State SC QB, Ridge View
The freshman (pictured) was spurred into action in the second half against undefeated Irmo. He showed resiliency in the line of pressure, a quick release and knowledge of the offense. If needed in place of Breylon Boyd Breylon Boyd 6'0" | 205 lbs | QB Ridge View | 2024 State SC again this week against Westwood, he should have more confidence throwing downfield to Jordon Gidron Jordon Gidron 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2026 State SC and Kennedy Thomas in the Region IV-4A matchup.
Jacob Nerone WR, Chapin
The senior wideout has been a reliable target for quarterback Brady Albro Brady Albro 5'10" | 190 lbs | QB Chapin | 2025 State SC , especially the past two games. He will be targeted by a Dutch Fork defense that has given up more big plays than previous seasons but also still has physical cornerbacks Peyton Betts Peyton Betts 6'0" | 180 lbs | DB Dutch Fork | 2024 State SC and Elgin Sessions Elgin Sessions 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Dutch Fork | 2025 State SC .
Maurice Anderson Maurice Anderson 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Dutch Fork | 2025 State SC RB, Dutch Fork
The Silver Foxes’ offense has lacked a spark most of the season. The sophomore running back is capable of big plays, as seen with his kickoff return touchdown against White Knoll. He faces a Chapin team which has proven stingy against the run.
Hudson Rowe LB, Dreher
The junior strong safety has played an integral role in the Blue Devils’ improved defensive play the past two games. He could find himself pared against the Bearcats’ Will Young Will Young 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Brookland-Cayce | 2024 State SC when he lines up at wide receiver during Friday’s critical Region V-3A contest.
Trevon Williamson Trevon Williamson 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Gilbert | 2027 State SC RB, Gilbert
In just two weeks, the freshman has become a Player to Watch for 2027 with back-to-back 100-plus yard, three-touchdown games. It’s yet another defensive challenge winless Orangeburg-Wilkinson will face this Friday.