Predicting Every Team's MVP: Region I-3A

The 2026 football season will be here before you know it.   Spring games are already being played, Spring practice is wrapping up, and it's just about time for the grind to officially commence.   Again this season, we're taking a look at potential MVPs for every team in the state. Here's our take on the guys who could be the leaders in Region I-3A.   BEREA BULLDOGS   Jaheim Middleton DE, 2027   Middleton is a guy who stands out because of his motor. He's got plenty of skill, but it's his refusal to let the first blocker slow him down that makes him a nightmare. He gets up the field consistently and makes plenty of plays, but he also allows his teammates to make a bunch thanks to the extra attention that naturally has to come his way.   DANIEL LIONS   [player_tooltip player_id='1094520' first='Jace' last='Grass'] QB, 2028   The Lions have a wealth of talent all over the place and an explosive offense, but everything starts with the gunslinger under center. Grass threw for more than 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns last year. He's got a strong arm, but he's also got touch and pocket awareness and gets the ball where it needs to be when it needs to be there. And he does a good job of spreading it around - four Lions had more than 200 receiving yards last season, and a fifth was within five yards of that mark.    PICKENS BLUE FLAME   [player_tooltip player_id='1581467' first='Brooks' last='Dow'] QB, 2027   Dow's another big-armed, great-throwing QB. But what sets him apart as much as his arm talent is a big body and his ability to change a game with his legs. He threw for 1,550 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior, but his nearly 1,100 yards and 19 TDs on the ground are what opened a bunch of eyes. He's got power forward size at 6-feet-5 and 200 pounds, and he runs with a fullback's attitude.    SENECA BOBCATS   [player_tooltip player_id='1615026' first='Jeremiah' last='Hunter'] WR, 2028   The Bobcats have a deep receiving group, and Hunter's the leader of that unit. He had nearly 1,000 yards as a sophomore, bringing his career total to nearly 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns in two years. The Bobcats will break in a new QB this season, and Hunter's performance is likely to dictate just how explosive Seneca's passing game can be. He's more than up to the task, and he's also a game-changing returner.    SOUTHSIDE TERRITORY   [player_tooltip player_id='1824696' first='Josiah' last='Poindexter'] OL, 2029   The Tigers struggled last season, and need something to build on. The solid, physical Poindexter (pictured) up front is a good place to start. He had a solid freshman season, and showed his improvement at the recent Carolinas Coaches Combine, holding off a rusher in one individual drill and burying another, along with putting up 185 pounds 33 times on the bench. He's got good feet, good technique, and he's only getting better. His dual role as a DL will help him on both sides of the ball, and he'll be a standout for the Tigers.    WALHALLA RAZORBACKS   [player_tooltip player_id='1820060' first='Essien' last='Nathan'] RB, 2027   The Razorbacks were very much "running back by committee" last season, but Nathan emerged as the head of that group and seems ready to take over as a senior. He led Walhalla in rushing and rushing touchdowns, and he's had a good offseason. At the Carolinas Coaches Combine, he had good numbers in the pro shuttle and the broad jump, showing his explosive potential. Nathan has the ability to give the Razorbacks an offensive threat to hang their hat on.

The 2026 football season will be here before you know it.