Predicting Every Team's MVP: Region IV-5A

There is much debate across the state about which region is the toughest and Region IV-5A can make an argument in both team and individual success. This region is stacked with highly ranked players and that in turn makes the teams highly regarded as well.   It's never too early for us to begin looking ahead and we're going to do just that as we dissect who the MVP might be for each team.   This region is loaded with defensive standouts but has enough offensive firepower to compete on most Friday's. That shows in our selections. We've picked who we think will be every team's MVP this coming fall.   Chapin Eagles   [player_tooltip player_id='1395031' first='Caden' last='Muskus'] OL, 2026   The Eagles will be replacing most of their skill position players so the leadership and development of Muskus (pictured) is going to be a key to their success in arguably the most competitive Class 5A region in the state. He's 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds with an 80-inch wingspan so all the measurables are there for Muskus to have a huge senior season. He's strong, uses his leverage really well and will be a menace against several top flight defensive fronts he will see this season.    Dutch Fork Silver Foxes   [player_tooltip player_id='1025776' first='Raleigh' last='Salters'] LB, 2026   Salters is going to be a three-year starter on a defense that has been one of the best in the state the past two seasons. Coach Tom Knotts has called the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder as having a high football IQ that translates to knowing what everyone is supposed to be doing. Salters is rarely out of position and makes plays sideline-to-sideline with ease. He finished with 83 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in 2024 and could be over 100 stops this season. The Silver Foxes are loaded so picking a single player was a challenge.    Irmo Yellow Jackets   [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] DE, 2027   Much like it was for Dutch Fork, this was a tough decision. The Yellow Jackets have four players ranked among the top 21 in the Class of 2027, but we went with Bryant because of the impact he makes from his defensive end position. Bryant is pulling in Power 4 offers from several programs and watching the tape shows why. He has a high motor, doesn't take plays off and is hard to block in run or pass protection. He led Irmo with 92 tackles with 26 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks. Those numbers are hard to ignore in any setting.    Lexington Wildcats   Wesley Gorsage TE/H-Back, 2026   The Wildcats have a new staff led by Stewart Young and it's very likely Gorsage will play a huge role. He won the MVP of the York Carolina Coaches Combine after posting a 35-inch vertical leap, a 109-inch broad jump and 25 reps on the bench press. He plays bigger than his actual size and will be an asset in both the passing game and as a blocker in the running game. He's a natural leader with decent speed and hands that will go a long way for the new look Wildcats.    River Bluff Gators   [player_tooltip player_id='1592250' first='Hayden' last='Myers'] RB, 2026   Myers ended up being a workhorse in the Gators 2024 attack and finished with 1,360 yards and 12 touchdowns. He might not reach those numbers this season but all that means is River Bluff might have more offensive options under new head coach Perry Parks. But make no mistake about it – Myers will be critical in establishing the rushing attack. He runs well behind his pads and shows a quick burst to make defenders miss in small windows or in the open field.    White Knoll Timberwolves   [player_tooltip player_id='1025815' first='Caleb' last='Geronomi'] ATH, 2026   It might be difficult to pinpoint where Geronomi will make the biggest impact this year, but we love his skillset at defensive back. He's physical, runs well and attacks the ball as well as any. He could be a lockdown corner in a lot of situations. But he will likely impact a game at receiver and kick returner as well. He excelled at the Carolina Coaches Combines this spring and he looks even better when you put the pads on than he does in running drills.

There is much debate across the state about which region is the toughest and Region IV-5A can make an argument in both team and individual success. This region is stacked with highly ranked players and that in turn makes the teams highly regarded as well.