Predicting Every Team's 2025 MVP: Region IV-4A

The 2024 season was an endurance test for Region IV-4A teams.   The eight schools and their facilities were among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Along with the damage, the end result was a brutal makeup schedule.   Several teams played 5-6 games in a 3-week span which tested their depth. North Augusta would defeat Gilbert in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs before losing to eventual state champion South Florence in the Lower State final.   The Yellow Jackets, Indians and Gray Collegiate (which was excluded from the postseason by the S.C. High School League), are expected to return experienced squads. Meanwhile, a combination of new head coaches and graduating key players leave question marks for the other schools.   AIKEN HORNETS   Tanner Padgett QB, 2027   A winning record for the first time in a decade and stability are among the goals this season for the Hornets. If first-year head coach Steve Hibbitts is to have immediate success, the rising junior's continued improvement will be important. The 5-foot-10, 145-pound two-sport athlete shows speed and escapability under pressure while keeping his eyes downfield to make a throw. Getting the first on-field win since Sept. 30, 2022 would provide a boost of confidence.    AIRPORT EAGLES   [player_tooltip player_id='1467834' first='Jay' last='Eady'] QB, 2027   Having a dual threat quarterback is just the starting point new Eagles' head coach Chris Napier hopes to use for a strong first season. The 6-foot-1, 165-pounder possesses both arm strength and leg speed to move the offense. He's also shown inherent leadership skills with a willingness to get his teammates in the right position. Look for him to further enhance his playbook knowledge with the offensive-minded Napier.    BROOKLAND-CAYCE BEARCATS   [player_tooltip player_id='1537086' first='Tyree' last='Johnson'] WR, 2026   The 6-foot-4, 165-pound rising senior has made an early impression. He had 22 receptions for 525 yards and four touchdowns last season. His ability to race open downfield and go from east to west in a flash made him a potent weapon in the offense. He will also see time in the secondary where he had three interceptions last season. Fittingly, his Twitter tag is Mr. Goget It. He recently had one of the fastest 40-yard dash times at a Carolina Coaches Combine at 4.53 seconds.    GILBERT INDIANS   [player_tooltip player_id='1043170' first='Wynn' last='Meetze'] DB, 2026   A true “rising” senior who is garnering more attention after an All-State season. Over the past two years, the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder has tallied 282 tackles and five interceptions. His slim frame hides a fierce hitter with a nose for the football as seen by his two forced fumbled, two fumble recoveries and two blocked punts during the same span. He recently helped his school's relay team set a school record in the 4x100 meters. With the Indians replacing several key offensive players, the defense will be looked upon to set the tone.    GRAY COLLEGIATE WAR EAGLES   [player_tooltip player_id='232668' first='Tyler' last='Waller'] QB, 2026   The rising junior has thrown for 2,656 yards and 30 touchdowns his first two seasons as a starter. Waller's passing numbers dropped last year with a condensed schedule that included state powers Dutch Fork and Baylor (Texas). At the same time, he exhibited toughness, elusiveness, and an ability to make tough throws under pressure. Having missed the postseason, Waller is eager to put together a strong season that stretches into December.    MIDLAND VALLEY MUSTANGS   [player_tooltip player_id='644030' first='Xavier' last='Geter'] QB, 2027   Last season saw the Mustangs utilize two quarterbacks with senior Preston Butler and then-sophomore Geter. It was the latter who emerged with 866 passing yards and seven touchdowns to go with 403 rushing yards and five scores. The left-hander throws well on the run and his 6-foot-1, 185-pound size makes him difficult to bring down. With Karinton Sabb the lone returning senior wide receiver and leading rusher Preston McNair graduating, Geter will have to assert leadership with his younger teammates.    NORTH AUGUSTA YELLOW JACKETS   [player_tooltip player_id='402503' first='Michael' last='Doe'] RB, 2026   The Region IV-4A Player of the Year was instrumental in the Yellow Jackets' success last season. His durability and explosiveness out of the backfield resulted in 1,828 yards and 32 touchdowns on 242 carries. With the graduation All-State quarterback Corey Tillman, look for Due to possibly have a similar work load. It does help rising junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1251916' first='Malcolm' last='Gaston'] is back to open holes upfront. East Carolina, Charleston Southern and Georgia State have submitted offers.    SOUTH AIKEN THOROUGHBREDS   [player_tooltip player_id='1592054' first='Tyson' last='Braxton'] DL, 2026   With the graduation of career-leading rusher Jevon Edwards, the Thoroughbreds may look towards the defense to stay in games. With 58 total tackles (9 for loss), four sacks and five forced fumbles last season at defensive tackle, the 5-foot-11, 280-pound rising junior could emerge as a leader. As he continues to improve, look for him to become more active upfront.

The 2024 season was an endurance test for Region IV-4A teams.