Predicting Every Team's 2026 MVP: Region II-4A

Region II-4A is very much a new-look region. Former 5A heavyweight Gaffney drops to the 4A ranks, along with Greenville, Riverside, and Wade Hampton. Region veterans Greer and Travelers Rest will have to adjust quickly to the newcomers.   At first glance, it looks very much like a region where power will be the order of the day. Standout LBs and RBs are featured across the region, with a ton of talent on both sides of the ball.   Here's a look at the guys we expect to lead their teams.   GAFFNEY INDIANS   [player_tooltip player_id='1036755' first='Kendaris' last='Bailey'] LB (pictured), 2027   To put it simply, Bailey is just exactly what you'd think of when you picture a Gaffney LB. He's big and fast and strong, and he's always around the ball. He made 51 tackles last season, but it's the havoc he creates that sets him apart. Bailey had 18.5 tackles for loss as a junior, he added three sacks, and he picked off a pass, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, and blocked a punt. He also saw some time as a running back in Gaffney's short-yardage package, where he scored six touchdowns. He'll do as much as the Indians need him to do.    GREENVILLE RED RAIDERS   [player_tooltip player_id='1050653' first='Kiishawn' last='Farrow'] QB, 2028   Farrow went from splitting time at QB to a full-scale breakout star for the Red Raiders in just a matter of weeks last season, and his upside is huge. He's a true dual-threat guy, and he'll have a year of experience in Scoot Watson's offense under his belt this time around. Farrow has a big arm and can make plenty of plays with it, but what makes him special is his ability to not only move the pocket, but just flat take off when he needs to. He led the Red Raiders in rushing a year ago, and is a true offensive weapon with the ball in his hands.    GREER YELLOW JACKETS   [player_tooltip player_id='1816751' first='Calvin' last='McCoy'] RB, 2027   Ok, this is gonna sound ridiculous and we realize that. But if there's such a thing as a "quiet" 1,500-yard offensive season, McCoy had one as a junior. He kind of flew under the radar, but when you look at him you realize he's got all the traits that are common to top RBs at Greer - a really nice blend of power and balance, with plenty of speed. When you throw in the fact that he's playing behind an OL coached by one of the best in the state to lead the position, you get a picture of why some of what McCoy does is taken for granted. It shouldn't be. He's somebody the Yellow Jackets can count on.    RIVERSIDE WARRIORS   [player_tooltip player_id='1651200' first='Peyton' last='Stevenson'] WR, 2028   Stevenson had a great sophomore season with nearly 700 receiving yards, and could have an even better junior campaign in store. He's been tearing up the camp circuit, and has made huge strides while he makes an impact with the collegiate programs watching. Stevenson is fast and sure-handed, and he's an equally dangerous kick returner for Riverside.    TRAVELERS REST DEVILDOGS   [player_tooltip player_id='1821980' first='Preston' last='Garraux'] ATH, 2027   Garraux's one of those guys who's just a football player. He lined up at a bunch of different spots for the Devildogs, most notably at RB, but that only scratches the surface of his value to the team. He's equally adept at WR, he plays some defense, and he punts for Travelers Rest. Garraux won the team's offensive award last season, and he'll be vital to Travelers Rest's success.    WADE HAMPTON GENERALS   [player_tooltip player_id='1172362' first='Angel' last='Gomez'] LB, 2027   There's no surprise that Gomez is in this spot. That's because he's been a rock for Wade Hampton. The Generals' defensive leader, Gomez turned in 111 tackles last season, including 60 solo stops. Gomez takes on and sheds blocks, he flies to the ball, and he pursues really well. He also seems to have a knack for being in the right place, and makes a ton of plays based off his off-the-charts football instincts.

Region II-4A is very much a new-look region. Former 5A heavyweight Gaffney drops to the 4A ranks, along with Greenville, Riverside, and Wade Hampton. Region veterans Greer and Travelers Rest will have to adjust quickly to the newcomers.