Predicting Every Team's 2024 MVP: Region IV-3A

Welcome to the brand-new Region IV-3A.   Mostly including Upper State teams like Union, Emerald and Woodruff, the makeup following the S.C. High School League reclassification is a near-even mix of the Midlands and CSRA.   For most of the schools, this provides an opportunity to compete for region titles and more players to receive All-Region recognition. Here's a list of five players from each team who could emerge as MVP candidates for the upcoming season.   REGION IV-3A   Fox Creek Predators     Devonta Holmes WR   At 6-foot-1 and 200 lbs., the rising senior is a large, versatile target for the Predators. He's fearless in making receptions in the middle of the field and he shows breakaway speed after the catch. The Predators have also utilized him effectively out of the Wildcat formation where he provides a third option running out of the backfield.    W.J. Keenan Raiders   [player_tooltip player_id='1360203' first='Desmond' last='Washington'] QB   The 6-foot-1, 190-pound rising senior made an immediate impact in his first season as a starter. In eight games, he threw for 1,134 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 271 yards and two touchdowns. On film, Washington shows confidence in his deep throws and looks only to run when he's looked over any other options downfield. When Washington does run, his upright running style makes it difficult for defenders to bring him down directly.    Newberry Bulldogs   [player_tooltip player_id='1267234' first='Kenton' last='Caldwell'] ATH   Ranked 17th on the Prep Redzone's Class of 2026 athletes, the 5-foot-10, 155-pound rising junior excels on both sides of the football. Whether passing or rushing the football, for which he produced 1,143 total yards and 12 touchdowns last season, or making plays at defensive back (23 tackles, three interceptions), Caldwell plays a vital role on a program challenged by depth. With wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='816735' first='Jamel' last='Howse'] and running back [player_tooltip player_id='473022' first='BJ' last='Jones'] back, the Bulldogs can compete with anyone offensively in the new region as they move up from Class 2A.    Silver Bluff Bulldogs   [player_tooltip player_id='205787' first='Hiszari' last='Gantt'] WR/DB (pictured)   The title “Mr. Workout” is fitting for the rising junior. Whether at the Joanne Langfitt Underclassmen Challenge or this past March earning Overall MVP honors in the Carolinas Coaches Combine at Woodland High School. A combination of high speed and leaping ability makes Gantt a deep threat in the Bulldog pass game as well as a weapon returning kicks. New head coach Matt Hayes will look to capitalize on all of those talents as Silver Bluff, which also is moving up from Class 2A, looks to reload on defense following the graduations of [player_tooltip player_id='139299' first='Jordan' last='Boyd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='451249' first='Jaydon' last='Eason'].    Swansea Tigers   [player_tooltip player_id='1267270' first='Dante' last='Caldwell'] LB   Playing in the ultracompetitive Region V-3A with Gilbert and Brookland-Cayce, it may have been easy to overlook Caldwell's contributions to the Tigers. He led the team in rushing (926 yards and six touchdowns) and also played wide receiver and returned kicks. Interest has increased since his fast 40-yard times at both the Joanne Langfitt Challenge and Carolinas Coaches Clinic and expect an increased workload with new head coach Willie Fox.

Welcome to the brand-new Region IV-3A.