Predicting Every Team’s 2023 MVP: SCISA 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talent pool in South Carolina is as vast as it is diverse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're going to tackle it unlike ever before.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Red Zone South Carolina team is going to predict every team's MVP for the 2023 football season. Over the next several weeks, you're going to be able to read about which player is leading the way for his team. We'll even give you a whole bunch of highlight films to back up our predictions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Are you ready?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jed Essig</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6-2, 175lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben Lippen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A highly skilled linebacker with a tenacious worth ethic, <strong>Jed Essig</strong> will be ready to accomplish big things for Ben Lippen again in 2023. The rising senior was a force in the heart of the Falcons' defense last year, combining for 90 tackles while using his ball tracking skills to pick off three passes. Essig is a potent weapon in anticipating the quarterback's throws and will more often than not put himself in a great position to make a play on the football or take down the ball-carrier. His tenacity extends to special teams as well, having a field goal block to his credit. Expect Essig to be at the forefront of a hard-nosed Ben Lippen defense as he prepares for his senior year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473014' first='Patrick' last='Belk']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5-11, 178lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heathwood Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A multi-talented component of Heathwood Hall's offense, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473014' first='Patrick' last='Belk'] </strong>is already becoming a standout as he heads into his sophomore season. He was a competent passer in 2022 and can also be effective on designed runs. Bell will look to improve on his accuracy and decision making as he embarks on his sophomore season with a Highlanders team looking to build off a playoff appearance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589049' first='Duncan' last='Skehan']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6-2, 205lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cardinal Newman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A weapon through the air for the Cardinals, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589049' first='Duncan' last='Skehan']</strong> is primed to pick up where he left off in 2023. His strong build and vision from the pocket paved the way for an excellent 2000-yard passing campaign last fall. An experienced passer with the strength to ward off pressure and find his targets downfield, Skehan has been one of the best in SCISA with his decision-making and mettle on the field. He'll be without his top running back and offensive playmaker from last year in Anthony Reyes, but he'll still have multiple capable options to target out wide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zachary Schneider&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5-7, 145lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hammond</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A multi-sport athlete for the Skyhawks, <strong>Zachary Schneider </strong>&nbsp;will bring a multitude of skill sets to the football field for his senior year. He's a menace at cornerback with the keenness to read plays quickly and the tenacity to swoop in and make quick stops. He's just 5-foot-7 but exhibits excellent quickness to finish tackles and even force turnovers. He's a leader of the Skyhawk defense and will be counted upon to flip the field in big moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler June</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6-0, 165lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laurence Manning Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming back for his senior year, quarterback <strong>Tyler June</strong> should be primed to put it all together for the Laurence Manning Swampcats. June is a proven dual-threat performer under center who is especially dangerous with his strength and legs in short yardage situations. His swift movement allows him to scramble in the pocket and make strong throws on the run. If he can get his decision making and accuracy down this year, he could be a heck of a weapon for his side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Ball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6-0, 180lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Porter-Gaud</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Ball</strong> can do it on defense and special teams for Porter-Gaud and will be an anchor as he dives into his senior year. The 6-foot veteran has a strong build who has seen the fruits pay off from his time in the weight room. His relentlessness and physicality to finish plays was noticeable in 2023, recording 150 total tackles along with four forced fumbles. His vision and agility is top notch to see out lanes to make plays. Ball will be the centerpiece of a Porter-Gaud defense trying to build on a solid campaign last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208350' first='Brycen' last='Scott']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WR/CB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5-11, 175lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trinity Collegiate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024</strong><br>It was the <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208350' first='Brycen' last='Scott']</strong> show for Trinity Collegiate back in 2022, and we could see more of the same this time around for the Titans. One of the most versatile athletes at the SCISA 4A level, Scott can do a bit of everything as an offensive skill player. He has excellent speed out of the backfield plus an incredible range to make some high-level catches in the receiving game. A superb route runner and a good bet to make explosive plays when the defense isn't ready, Scott should impress again for the Titans in a 2023 season that will kick off on August 12 against Beaufort Academy in Charleston.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->