Predicting Every Team's 2024 MVP: Region III-A

Ranked guys in Class A are a different kind of player. They almost always don't have the luxury of playing JUST the position where they're ranked, as numbers (and their talent) dictate that they help wherever they can. The guys we've got our eyes on in Region III-A certainly do just that. Here's a look at the players we think will go a long way toward deciding their teams' success.   Blackville-Hilda Hawks   [player_tooltip player_id='605527' first='Jaquel' last='Holman']   Holman (pictured) is one of the most explosive players in the classification, if not the state. His offensive output given his number of touches is incredible - He had 153 carries, but picked up more than 1,600 yards - an average of 10.5 yards per carry and more than 134 yards per game, scoring 26 times. He added four TDs in the receiving game, then turned around and notched 75 tackles, nine tackles for loss, an interception and a sack. Holman is unquestionably the real deal, and will be vital to the Hawks' success.    Calhoun County Saints   [player_tooltip player_id='1220232' first='Christopher' last='Glover'] LB   The Saints were great on defense last year, without a doubt. A bunch of the players that got them to that level have graduated, but Glover returns, and brings more than 100 tackles back with him. Glover is a force in the middle for Calhoun County, and does just about everything you'd want from a linebacker, especially against the run. If he can step into a leadership role and the defense takes on a little bit of his personality, the Saints will be dangerous.    Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Trojans   Da'Rion Stroman RB, 2026   Stroman is a guy who makes a difference on both sides of the ball for the Trojans, but his biggest impact is on offense. He's a runner who has a knack for picking his way through traffic, and one who continues to keep the pile moving after contact. He's patient, and he's fast, and his size allows him to pick his way along until he picks up a hole and is able to explode through it.    Ridge Spring-Monetta Trojans   [player_tooltip player_id='1592013' first='Akiem' last='Mills'] LB, 2026   Simply put, Mills is a menace. First, there's his size (6-feet, 190) and speed, both of which stand out at the 1A level. Then you factor in that Mills is one of those players that just always seems to be around the ball. He diagnoses plays well and quickly, he takes great pursuit angles, and when he gets where he's going, he's a big hitter. He also has a knack for creating turnovers. Mills can be a disruptive force for the Trojans.    Wagener-Salley War Eagles   [player_tooltip player_id='1013042' first='Kentrell' last='Brown'] ATH, 2025   Brown has been a leader for the War Eagles' defense, but last year he expanded his offensive role and the results were immediate and outstanding. Brown's output included a 354-yard outing to set a school record, and he rushed for more than 130 and a pair of TDs in a playoff win for Wagener-Salley. This year looks like more of the same, and Brown will be a key part of the War Eagles attack on both sides of the ball.    Williston-Elko Blue Demons   [player_tooltip player_id='1360386' first='Willie' last='Brown'] ATH, 2025   Brown plays both offense and defense for the Blue Demons, returning kicks as well. Last year, Brown made his mark on defense with 7 interceptions, and returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. This year, Brown's going to play a big role in Williston-Elko's offense, as they try to get him more involved in the passing game and get him the ball in space to take advantage of his speed and elusiveness.

Ranked guys in Class A are a different kind of player. They almost always don't have the luxury of playing JUST the position where they're ranked, as numbers (and their talent) dictate that they help wherever they can. The guys we've got our eyes on in Region III-A certainly do just that. Here's a look at the players we think will go a long way toward deciding their teams' success.