Realignment Reality: The New Class 4A

When the talk was over and the dust started to settle, the South Carolina High School League's realignment for the 2024-2026 window immediately pointed to massive change.   A three-times multiplier went into effect statewide.   The largest classification grew to 54 schools, which meant some previous Class 3A teams were pulled up to Class 4A to fill some of the void.    In deed, interest chased all that movement. But how will much of it look this fall across the gridirons? In this multi-part series, we're going to break down the impact in each of the state's classifications    In Part 2, we're breaking down a Class 4A that now includes teams who have made a combined 16 state championship game appearances in the last five seasons. Thanks to player attrition and some offseason moves, this is how we see it shaking out on paper right now.   THE FAVORITES   Three teams in particular have exactly what they need on paper to be considered a strong contender to play for another state championship in 2024.    Everything at Westside starts with [player_tooltip player_id='346189' first='Cutter' last='Woods'] (pictured) at quarterback. He led the Rams to the Class 4A title last season by throwing for 3,915 yards and 42 touchdowns. It spurred a huge offensive production spike. Everyone is curious what the losses of Division-I players [player_tooltip player_id='139296' first='Jimmar' last='Boston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='139314' first='Josh' last='Williams'] will mean in terms of the team's passing game. But that was all but put to bed with the addition of Byrnes transfers [player_tooltip player_id='272705' first='Armoni' last='Weaver'] and [player_tooltip player_id='272708' first='Chamarryus' last='Bomar'] - who were first and second in receptions and receiving yards for the Rebels last season. Tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1157819' first='Sharode' last='Richardson'] also returns after rushing for 1,139 yards and 16 touchdowns, and defensive standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1165096' first='Jaxx' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='346193' first='Zeke' last='Marshall'] aren't going anywhere, either. And, if anything, Westside's region slate only got easier thanks to realignment.   The same can probably be said for Class 4A runner-up South Florence, too.   The Bruins' new spot in Region V-4A pits them against Crestwood, Darlington, Hartsville, Lakewood, Lower Richland (although the Diamond Hornets still have one appeal left to possibly change that) and Wilson. Four of those teams are moving up from the old Class 3A, and Wilson is four years removed from its last winning season and is ushering in a new coaching staff. Does that mean an automatic region crown for South?   While that wouldn't be fair to say just yet, the Bruins' returning talent certainly makes them the team to beat. In the Class of 2025 alone, South Florence returns defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='809742' first='Amare' last='Adams'] (61 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks) and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1157897' first='Cameron' last='Coe'] (34 tackles, five tackles for loss) on defense, receiver [player_tooltip player_id='464881' first='Jayden' last='Sellers'] (who missed most of last season with a torn ACL), tailback [player_tooltip player_id='272722' first='Zion' last='Gilbert'] (1,535 yards, 13 touchdowns) and massive left tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1157891' first='Jayden' last='Granger'] - who took over the position after transferring in from South Pointe prior to his junior year.   The team's top tackler - [player_tooltip player_id='816736' first='Terry' last='Gordon'] - is also back with two years left after putting up 111 total stops and 17 tackles for loss last fall.    KNOCKING AT THE DOOR   There's next to no way you can discount a Daniel squad that has won three state championships at the Class 3A level over the last four years.    While the Lions are losing Mr. Football finalist in offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1142430' first='Watson' last='Young'] and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1055627' first='Kolton' last='Chapman'] - who threw for 2,409 yards and 24 touchdowns - this is a program that finds ways to reload. Offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='346200' first='Rocky' last='Herd'] steps into a larger role. Sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='309825' first='Grayson' last='Clary'] will have every opportunity to earn the starting job after lighting it up on the junior varsity team last season and a number of receivers gained valuable experience last fall now get more touches.    Defensively, linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1157945' first='Spencer' last='Conn'] and his 148 tackles and 15 tackles for loss and safety Jackson Howell (72 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception) each have a year of eligibility left.   Daniel has not lost a region contest since 2018, and it will be the favorite to win another and position itself well in the playoffs again despite the move up in classification.    And if we're looking at teams who always seem to be in the conversation, you can't leave out South Pointe, either.    The Stallions will have to replace quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='771038' first='Malachi' last='Marshall'] and his 1,700 passing yards. However, rising senior tailbacks [player_tooltip player_id='1157761' first='Mason' last='Picket-Hicks'] (1,028 yards, seven touchdowns) and [player_tooltip player_id='1012612' first='Aidan' last='Turner'] (1,025, 12) will have another season to show what they can do in tandem behind the likes of lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1165103' first='Anthony' last='Baxter'] and the rest of the South Pointe line.   Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1157988' first='Aakil' last='Brown'] is back, as are two of the most productive defensive backs in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='1012611' first='Fred' last='Reese'] (116 tackles, four interceptions) and [player_tooltip player_id='212416' first='J'Zavien' last='Currence'] (67 tackles, five picks). There are some big holes to fill, but the Rock Hill area has proved over time the next standout isn't far off.    KEEP AN EYE ON    Two squads shouldn't be ignored.    AC Flora didn't have its full complement of weapons for a solid portion of the year, as [player_tooltip player_id='272714' first='Aiden' last='Mosley'] missed the first half of the season. Let's not also forget that quarterback Roper Wentky wasn't expected to be the starting quarterback and instead threw for nearly 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns.    Fellow rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1165081' first='Kendall' last='Byrd'] (1,069 yards, 14 touchdowns) and freshman receiver Coach Davis (476 yards, two touchdowns) give Wentzky two sizable targets on the outside.   Sharing a region with Camden, Richland Northeast and South Pointe won't make anything easy. But if the Falcons can put together some momentum against those teams and the rest of the region, there's no reason a run can't be in the equation, too.    Another team that could quietly gain some steam is Beaufort. The Eagles return some quality pieces to the puzzle in offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='617718' first='Kenshon' last='Speaks'] (6-foot-3, 295 pounds), receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1036774' first='Amare' last='Patterson'] (282 yards, one touchdown) and Jaemin Odom (398, three), linebacker Will Coddling (87 tackles, 13 TFL) and defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='816738' first='Jayden' last='Simmons'] (78 tackles, 19 TFL). If rising senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1254143' first='Samari' last='Bonds'] (1,800 combined yards passing and rushing) takes another step forward, the Eagles could be the dark horse team of the entire class.

When the talk was over and the dust started to settle, the South Carolina High School League's realignment for the 2024-2026 window immediately pointed to massive change.