Class AAAAA Region Previews

Class AAAAA region previews

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Moncks Corner – Overview: While winning a region championship is certainly something to be proud of, the better teams have much bigger goals.

Of course, the number one goal is a state championship and teams have won state titles without winning their own region. But region play is fun. Rivalry games every week, complete with the trash talking by fans and players.

When predicting the champion of each region, we not claiming those teams to be the top state championship contenders. But they are usually in the conversation come November.

Here’s a breakdown of the eight regions in Class AAAAA, as well preseason top 10 rankings for Division I and Division 11.

Region 1-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Greenwood

2.. T.L Hanna

3. J.L. Mann

4 Hillcrest

5. Greenville

6. Woodmont

7. Mauldin

8. Easley

Greenwood has a strong collection of athletes and coach Chris Liner will know how to use them. Starting with quarterback/athlete Tristan Lewis, a USC commitment who will likely play defense in college but definitely has improved quarterback skills.

Wide Receiver Jay Duncan and tight end Thomas Chandler are formidable targets with Khomeri Griffin and Bryce Seaborn sharing duties at running back and handling the safety positions on defense. Ahmad Scott is a returning lineman on defense while Dyson Davis is a leader at linebacker.

Bennett Swygert has eight returning starters at Hillcrest and says a lot of underclassmen will start. Running backs Sean Smith and Ny Allen will be key components offensively. Jackson Free is expected to start at quarterback and Nyjae Harris is a top pass-catcher.

Woodmont will be led by quarterback Amari Harris, a transfer from Greenville. Devontae Taylor is a key receiver, along with Nick Keist. The top running back is Lorenzo Hunley and Adrian Estrich is a top returner on the line.

Anchoring the defense are Ny Taylor and JT Gipson. Jayson Garrett returns as a leader at linebacker.

T.L. Hanna will have some new faces this fall, starting at quarterback where senior Gavin Magin takes control. The running game is crucial to offensive success and top candidates include Thomas Williams, Issac Galloway and Mike Williams.

Walker Kelley returns at tight end and Keegan Strickland returns as a receiver. Returning starters up front include guard Mehki Malcolm, center JaMichael Jones, and guard Malachi Miles.

John Michael Tripp and Zy West are returners along the defensive line. Linebackers Walker Kelley and Jamarion Oliver return at linebacker. Manning the secondary are returning starters Emari Nance and Jaylon Watson.

Greenville has a new head coach as Scoot Watson moves over from J.L. Mann. The Raiders were 2-9 last season. Watson is hoping quarterback Holden Powell can step as a starter. Messiah Bell and DeAndre Dogan are the running backs and tight end Bradley Lucas is a player to watch.

Leading up front tackle Jonny Chang while Bryson Massey is a key receiver.

On defense, linemen Franklin Whatley, Jireon Whitner, Logan Hawthorne and Lucas will look to control things. Linebackers include Jacob Christie, Harrison Ruth and Cash Williams. Zaquan Hagood and Jamarion McKinney anchor the back end.

J.L. Mann was 9-3 last season and new head coach Bryce Smiley looks to continue the success.

The projected starter at quarterback is McLeod Darnell with KV Massey, Aiden Massey and Buddy Griffith handling the load in the running game. As many as six receivers will factor in the passing game, led by Cam Robinson, AJ Bush and Nate Holmes.

Luke Penland and Christian Sullivan project at tackle, with Jantzen Sullivan and Wyatt Pullman at guard. Ace Rush is the center.

Penland also will work along the defensive line with Jordan Turner-Butler returning as a senior linebacker, along with Hunter Rogers.

Quarterback Roderick Langston is the top returner at Mauldin, which has won two games in the last two years.

Region 2-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Gaffney

2.    Spartanburg

3.    Byrnes

4.    Dorman

5.    Boiling Springs

6.    Riverside

7.    Eastside

8.    Wade Hampton (G)

9.     

Clearly the most competitive region in the state with as many as four legitimate state title contenders. Gaffney gets the nod as region favorite and the top-ranked team in Division II of Class AAAAA.

Former player and assistant coach Donnie Littlejohn is now the head man and will look to take the program to the next level. The Indians finished 10-2 last season.

“We all know what it takes to win so we have to go out there every week and play to our potential,” Littlejohn said. “It doesn’t matter who we play. We have to go be Gaffney every Friday night.”

The roster is loaded, starting with quarterback Jayvon Gilmore, talented big-time playmaker and an Arkansas commitment. Running back Jaden McDowell (Mercer) is back from injury and is the top running back, joined by Josiah Hill. Top receivers include Taz Bradley, Shun Rodgers and Ayden Montgomery.

The offensive line should be solid across the board with tackles CJ Brooks and Scotland Dover (App. State), guards Seth Phillips and Derrius Littlejohn, center Cam Shippy.

Linebacker Kendaris Bailey spearheads a physical defense. Jaleel Tate, Kelton Smith and Kamani Williams form the front. Smith is committed to East Carolina. Ty McGill and Zyon Ratchford also play linebacker. Zyon Dawson, Chas Smith, Kaseem Shaw and Adreyan Monroe form the secondary.

Spartanburg went 9-3 and played for the Upper State title. Coach Mark Hodge won two state titles at Chapman and the 2025 Vikings will be in the mix.

Quarterback Trey Burke returns at quarterback and is one of the state’s best. Junior running back Trenton Lynch is the top rusher and senior Kendrion Keenon is a play-maker at receiver. Senior Brendon Carson is a returning offensive lineman. Placekicker Will Love is the best in the state.

Defensive leaders include defensive back Christian Davis, tackle JayLindra Cohen, senior linebacker Jacob Friedberg, and Jordan Atkins.

Byrnes played every game on the road last season while stadium renovations were taking place. The Rebels’ new home cost more than 20 million dollars. Byrnes finished 6-4 last season.

Coach Reggie Shaw says the starting quarterback will either be Caine Rogers and Walker Burdette. Tre Segarra, a junior, is the top running back while Chanin Harris is the top receiver. Forming the offensive line is Daniel Cornell, Mike Piggee, Zion Fullard, Trey McCullough and Josiah Chambers.

Among the defensive leaders are sophomore defensive back Emerson James, linebackers John Montgomery and Tyler Clark, and linemen Justice Hopkins, Taekwon Delaney and Josh Kyveto.

Dorman was 6-4 last season and coach Jake Morris has a solid core of returning starters. Junior running back Nick Means is an explosive threat and Demetris Slydell is a transfer at quarterback. Junior receiver Dai’Shon Watkins-Hymes is another rising prospect.

Senior offensive linemen include DJ Walker and Nathan Chboy.

Seniors Christian Waring and Zavion Meadows return along the defensive front. Seniors Jardin. Darby and Daniel Becker return at linebacker.

Boiling Springs went 7-4 last season and coach Matt Reel lost some key senior leaders. Key seniors that will lead the way this season include cornerback Jeremiah Favorite, linebacker TJ Collins, receiver Grayson Crowe, tight end Jaden Grate, defensive back Kuron Nesbitt and receiver Tresean Suber.

Look for junior linebacker DJ Leak and end Dennis Glenn to make an impact defensively. Sophomore guard Dakari Green will be among the leaders up front.

“Our defense returns some big-time players and has more depth than we have had. We have a solid core group moving up from the jayvee that undefeated last year. The potential is there for us to be very competitive.”

There will be no surprise as to Riverside’s biggest threat. That distinction belongs to receiver Somad Eaddy, who is headed to Wake Forest after high school. Eaddy needs the ball and quarterback Gideon Merhib will deliver it. Another key offensive threat for coach Matt Rochester is running back Jaiden Taylor. Marquis Skinner and Mason Gardner are two solid tackles.

AJ Hertel, Adrian Stancel, Tyvin Grady and Tywon Martin form a solid defensive front. Linebackers include Garrett Bell, Keegan Rowland and Dean Alverson. Working in the secondary are Elijah Terry, Adrian Campbell, Owen Downs and Eaddy.

Eastside made some strides last season, winning four games, and coach Andre Woolcock is looking for continued improvement.

Peyton Schrader is slated to start at quarterback with Kelyn Durham the lone backfield mate. Receivers Walker Lewis, Anson Reynolds and Christian McDowell will see plenty of opportunities.

Up front are tight end Messiah Pearson, tackles Carter Williams and Jay Gray, guards Jason Sprague and Jason McGee, and center Jon Donovan.

Jenson Stone and Pierson Kranning will be on the defensive line. MJ Posey, Lucas Tankersly and Brady Fowler are the linebackers. Lining up in the secondary are Zac Harding, Christian McDowell, Cayden Workman, and Zyair Robinson.

Region 3-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Northwestern

2.    Clover

3.    Indian Land

4.    Catawba Ridge

5.    Rock Hill

6.    Nation Ford

7.    Fort Mill

The defending Division II state champions at ern are primed for a repeat in 2025. Repeating a 14-0 record may be difficult but coach Page Wofford has plenty of talent and experience returning to his roster.

The most experience returns along the offensive line where all five starters played last season. Seniors Chris Coleman, Nasir Hannah and Noah McCoy are the center and guards, respectively. The tackles are junior Beau Chumley and Elijah Propheter.

The line will be protecting a new quarterback as Xavier Means looks to fill the shoes of the graduated Finley Polk. Qua Mobley, a junior, is next in line as RB1 while Kam Vance, David Flood, Jonathan Spurgeon and Payton Vining are the leading receivers.

The defense must replace the front but senior spur Tamarion Watkins, a Texas A&M commit, will be the leader of the unit. Senior Kameron McFadden returns as a starting linebacker. Josh Spurgeon and Jayden Baxter are returners in the secondary.

Clover was 8-4 last season and head coach Perry Woolbright enters this season with 97 career wins as a head coach. Competition at quarterback between Brody Woolbright and Aaron Shealey carried into the summer. Grady Stone and Jaytrom Croom are the running backs while Justin Hayward and Latrell Ellison are listed as the top receivers.

Caron Pinti will start at tight end and Heath Pinti is at center. Starting tackles should be Alex Ellis and Khari Gray while the guards are Messiah Outing and Mehki James.

On defense, starters up front will include Jackson Hill, Damenion Talford and Anthony Ramirez. The linebackers are Caron Pinti, Jaylen Holmes, Omari Stroud and Jitoris Byrd. Working the secondary are Aaron Francis, Kalyb Starr, Branden Smith and Najeh Potts.

Catawba Ridge looks to challenge for the region title and could be a team to watch in the Division II state playoffs. Josh Dobson is among the top athletes in the state and will play factor in a variety of ways. Wide receiver Darius Sutton is another key offensive playmaker. Mark Blakeney returns as a running back.

Anchoring the defense are returning linebackers Nolan Jones and Tyler Grandoff, with Connor McFadden leading the defensive line play.

Former USC and Utah quarterback Jake Bentley is the new head coach at Nation Ford. He inherits a team that went 1-10 last season and lost most of its leading tacklers on defense.

Rock Hill transfer Kason Canupp could be a solid answer at quarterback. Malachi Drayton is the top returning rushers. The top receiver is Jayden Scott, who had more than 600 receiving yards last season. Jamari Gore is another key receiver.

The top returning tackler on defense is senior end Mason Colunga. Justin Smiley is back at linebacker with Nigel Johnson and Logan Thomas back in the secondary.

Leon Boulware is back home, taking over at his alma mater Rock Hill. If his team takes on his mentality, they are sure to be aggressive. Rock Hill went 4-2 in region play last season.

One of the top returning players is wide receiver Connor Clawson. JoJo Brooks is an explosive athlete and receivers Kam Wilson and Jonah Torres have experience.

Leading the defense will be Joe Gaddy up front, linebacker Kaleb Wright, and corner Nigel Lightner.

Indian Land may have the best player in the region in super athlete Sequel Patterson. The USC commit will be a factor as a runner, receiver, kick returner and defensive back. Matt Lucia is a promising sophomore quarterback. Leaders defensively will include linebacker Jackson Connor, defensive end Michael Foster and linebacker CJ Petri.

Fort Mill was 2-7 last season and returns more than a dozen starters. Caleb Clark is back along the offensive line while Joseph Duey is returning at tight end. Duey also plays linebacker, as does senior Gray Patterson. Patterson is committed to Charlotte.

Region 4-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Dutch Fork

2.    Irmo

3.    River Bluff

4.    White Knoll

5.    Lexington

6.    Chapin

Two of the teams in region four, Dutch Fork and Irmo, played for state titles last season. Dutch Fork capped an undefeated season with the Division I crown while Irmo lost a heart-breaker to Northwestern in the Division II finals. Don’t be surprised if both teams are in position to win it all in 2025.

Dutch Fork is again the favorite to win region four. Some coaches say the Silver Foxes are even stronger this season. Stepping in as a new starter at quarterback is Jaxson Knotts, the son of head coach Tom Knotts. The skill positions improved with the transfers of running back Cole Martin and receiver Stone Furrey, both from Chapin. Brody Lorenzo is the top returner on the offensive line.

The defense allowed about a touchdown per game last season and it might be better overall this fall. Roaming the secondary are Mario Anderson and Tad Gibson. Michigan commit Julian Walker and transfer Jaden Weurth anchor the front.

Irmo lost some key pieces from their 13-2 team but coach Aaron Bland has 15 returning starters. The biggest void is at quarterback and Dre Dopson is competing with transfer Brittan Davis for QB1 honors.

Amire White returns as the top running back with Maleek Miller, Corey Miller, Ethan Singletary and Delrico Eady forming a dangerous receiving corps.

Heading up the offensive line is returning senior Bryson Moore at tackle. Nate Carson and Mason McGill also will see time at tackle. Moore could also start at center.

Major Taylor heads up the defensive front, along with Jaiden Bryant, Devaughn Sutter and Tyrone Jennings. Projected starters at linebacker include Brandon Goldsborough, Javone Hill and Makari Allen-Hendrix. Working the back end are Junior Grissett, Antwan Pierce, CJ Currence and Zion Gates. Tucker Williams and Will Kelly will handle the kicking duties.

River Bluff has a new head coach as former Ridge View coach Perry Parks inherits a team that won 10 games last season. Parks is looking at Brayden Moore to take over at quarterback. Landon Huggins and Parker Hudson are two returning offensive linemen. Hayden Myers rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season and will be the RB1. Darius Carter and Nick Washington are top receivers.

Anchoring the defense are returning linemen Clayton Sharpe, Preston Minor and Mason Stewart. Defensive end Justin Montalvo also returns.

White Knoll should continue as a playoff team despite some key personnel losses. The Timberwolves were 8-6 last season. Gone is productive leader Landon Sharpe at quarterback. Next up is Jhais McKiever. Tiyon Fanning returns at running back and athlete Caleb Geromini will be key factor.

Linebacker Josue Esiki had more than 90 tackles last season with Jeremy Cokley also returning at linebacker. Markeese Winn and James Smith return as starters in the secondary.

Former Saluda head coach Stewart Young is the new head man at Lexington, looking to improve on a 5-6 record. Leon Taylor and Shannon Lyles are a good starting point at running back. Projected to start at quarterback will be Avery Cagle, with Nigel Lewis returning as the top receiver.

The defense has potential with returning linebackers Keegan Coleman and Cam Morris leading the charge. Isaiah Saxon returns on the defensive line and Lawson Ott is back in the secondary.

Chapin is having to replace three key offensive playmakers, one who graduated and two that transferred to Dutch Fork. But the Eagles should be more than solid defensively with returning linebackers Palmer Flake, Parker Collins and Caleb Davis.

Peyton Quintin returns in the secondary. Luke Cromer is moving from defense to running back while Caden Muskus and Mason Hetlinger anchor the offensive line.

Region 5-AAAAA predicted Order of Finish

1.    Sumter

2.    Ridge View

3.    West Florence

4.    Westwood

5.    Lugoff-Elgin

6.    Blythewood

7.    Spring Valley

Region five would appear to be a three-team race with Sumter, Ridge View and West Florence taking the lead. Sumter is the top dog until some team wrestles the title away.

Sumter went 12-1 last season, losing to Summerville in the state playoffs. Coach Mark Barnes has a solid cast returning, starting with junior quarterback Franklin Richardson, who accounted for 1,209 yards passing and 949 yards rushing.

Sumter loves to impose their will in the running game and senior Cayon Jordan will step up as the lead back. Top receivers include Chase Solomon, Jamier Bay and Jacori Jackson, along with tight end Joseph Chapman.

Along the offensive front will be one senior, tackle Zyquaz Kelly. Other projected starters include sophomore I’Sean Macer, and juniors Cooper Zeigler, Cooper Geddings and Brian Johnson.

Senior Bryce Allen is a top returner in the secondary, along with senior Tymarius Thompson. Seniors Cam Bradley and Elijah Brunson return along the defensive front. Linebacker Jamarcus McCutcheon is the lone returning linebacker.

Ridge View coach Derek Howard has 15 returning starters from an eight-win team. Junior Tre Howard is returning at quarterback, with Spencer Fabian and Aidan Keetle handling the run game. Receivers will include Omari Johnson, Khristian Jackson and Jourdin Mack.

The offensive line is a veteran group with seniors Savion Taylor-Sanders, Josh Braveboy and Joseph Bravboy showing the way.

Seniors Blair Allen and Drew Madison will start on the defensive line. A strong group of linebackers is led by seniors Jaiden Brown, Davon Toney and D’Juan Franklin. The secondary projects four starting seniors – Jordyn Best, Quincy Grant, DaSean Rush and Kingston Lucas.

Chad Wilkes is the new head coach at West Florence.The Knights went 8-4 last season. Wilkes would like to see more balance offensively and has had success in previous stops with the passing game.

Projected to start at quarterback is Avery Weaver. Anchors up front include Tayden Singletary and Jamie Williamson. Leaders on defense include linebackers Romello Patterson and Ishmael Dixon. Clayton Folse returns in the secondary.

Jeremiah Whitmore, Zion Oliver, Donte Davis and Darryl Jones are key defensive returners for Westwood. On offense, look for production from quarterback Carrington Carter, running back Angelo Rios and receiver Myles Grant.

Lugoff-Elgin has a new head coach but Jarvis Littlejohn was the defensive coordinator and his hire as head coach made for an easy transition.

Heading into the season, Aiden Fitzgerald and Zach Williams were competing for the QB1 title. Fitzgerald was the starter last year, throwing for more than 1,200 yards. Eric Richardson is a key returner at receiver and Kelan Hammond is the top returner up front.

Defensively, leaders will be linebackers Fernando Samuel and Preston Rhodes, and defensive back Corey Murphy.

Blythewood is replacing key personnel but could challenge for a top three finish, Running back Landyn Strong is a key offensive player and James Veasey is a new quarterback. Amari Fisher will contribute in multiple ways and Chance Johnson returns at receiver.

Linebacker Dillon Hutcherson and tackle Jonas Willis will be among the defensive leaders.

Spring Valley is coming off an 0-11 season and has struggled for wins for a few years. The lineup will consist of mostly juniors and seniors but there is a depth concern. A few players will go both ways.

Senior Dylan Redden is projected as the starting quarterback. Juniors Zion Bennett and Levon Smith are leaders at running back. The top receivers will be Marcel Goodwin and Ethan Portee-Broadwater. Seniors along the offensive line include Shymeik Reid, Ivan Clarke and Tyler Dukes.

Goodwin will play in the secondary, as will Portee-Broadwater. Senior Sawyer Sheffield returns at linebacker and seniors Bryson Hugee and Demarion Green are back on the defensive line.

Region 6-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Carolina Forest

2.    Myrtle Beach

3.    North Myrtle Beach

4.    Socastee

5.    Conway

6.    St. James

The “beach region” was a lot of fun last season and it would seem that every team is better. Carolina Forest and Myrtle Beach are the teams to beat but both have holes to fill.

Carolina Forest won the region last year and finished with six wins overall. Coach Marc Morris may look to senior Kamren Long for his QB1 slot. Long has some experience as a backup. The running game is solid with the return of 1,700-yard rusher Jaryn Fox. Returning up front are CJ Johnson, Gavin Williams and Michael Ries.

Cayden Cole and Nick Zincone appear to be the top pass-catching threats. Linebacker Darius Huggins is a key leader defensively, along with safties Aiden Armstrong and Mason Jones. Top defensive lineman are Quillen Johnson and Anthony Cunningham.

Top returners at Myrtle Beach include receivers Jon Ross and JJ Brown, and hard-hitting linebacker Antonio Brown. Another returning linebacker is Jamarcus Carroll. Malachi Geathers and Eli Williams return on the defensive front.

Next in line for the always important quarterback nod is Tanner Gaddy. Michael Cohen returns in the running game. B.P. Jordan is a returner on the offensive line. Amare Brown also is a factor offensively at receiver.

North Myrtle Beach’s best athlete, Bricey Gore, returns for his senior season and should be a factor on both sides of the ball. Jaden Wilson and Lamonte Smith will take over at running back and Will McNeely is a first-year starter at quarterback.

Linebacker Mike Cavallini is the top returner on defense, aside from Gore.

Socastee will be improved in 2025. Coach Ben Hampton is back with the program after missing most of last season attending to his son, who is now in cancer remission.

Sophomore running back Landon Wilder will be a key offensive threat and senior Christian Rogers in set at quarterback.

At Conway, Noah Legg returns with experience at quarterback. Wide receivers Jordan Jenkins and Tramaine Hunter are solid threats. Top linemen include Tramaine Chandler and Sakari McLendon.

St. James looks to get back in the win column after an 0-10 2024 season. The Sharks have a returning quarterback in Alex Sandt and a key receiver in Josh Harnish.

The defense should be led by ends Hayden Broz and Jefferson Sterling, along with linebacker Hayes Cochrane.

Region 7-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Berkeley

2.    Stratford

3.    Cane Bay

4.    Wando

5.    Lucy Beckham

6.    Goose Creek

With a bevy of three-year starters, inexperience cannot be used as an excuse if the Berkeley Stags struggle this fall. This very well could be the year Berkeley fans should expect to contend for the Division II state title in class AAAAA.

Directing an explosive offense is junior quarterback Henry Rivers, now a third-year varsity starter and a dual-threat in the backfield. Experience at running back with Jessie Brown and Bryson McGee will run behind a line that is anchored by senior tackle Zion Britt.

The receiving corps is talented but unproven. John Cleveland is a basketball player giving football a shot and 6-3 sophomore Eli Williams is a transfer from James Island. McGee also factors as a receiver.

The strength defensively is in the back seven with three-year starters Gehad Snead, Kevin Rivers and Marcus Henderson, all linebackers, with safety Cam McCue and corner DJ Thompson anchoring the secondary.

The 2025 Stratford Knights are potentially the best team Dennie McDaniel has had at Stratford. Though there are some concerns in areas on defense, the Stratford offense should be able to score some points.

Good teams have good quarterback play and the Knights have one of the best in the state in senior Jachin Davis. Having already secured a scholarship to Liberty University, the two-sport star is primed for a big finale.

The favorite target for Davis will be senior, an early commit to Georgia Southern. Stratford’s offense got a huge boost when running back Maliq McGowan transferred from Goose Creek late in the summer. McGowan is one of top running backs in the Lowcountry.

The offensive line returns a ton of experience, led by veterans Jameson Pellum and Ben Johnson.

Linebacker Amir McKnight is the top returner defensively. Kermit Davis is a sophomore to watch along the defensive line.

The Cobras of Cane Bay had a wacky 2024 season that started with seven straight losses and ended the regular season with three straight wins a region title. Coach Russell Zehr can’t expect the same type of fortune this fall.

The Cobras will be solid at quarterback with the return of starter Colby LaRocca, a third-year varsity performer. Tyler Meyers is the top returning running back with Coran Houpe serving as a versatile offensive threat.

Anchoring the offensive line is returning third-year starter Troy Stevens while Jamari Blandin anchors the defensive secondary as an all-region performer. Senior Brody Thacker returns as an anchor at linebacker, along with senior Cameron Smith.

The kicking game is strong with the return of Aiden Thorn.

Wando improved from one win in 2023 to five wins in Isaiah Perrin’s first season as head coach.

Offensively, the Warriors return solid experience at quarterback as senior Harris Stone played in five games as a sophomore and was QB1 last fall. Stone lost all of his top receiving threats but David Vennard could be a key target this season.

Perrin reports a lack of experience along the offensive line but likes the overall size and potential of that group. Two key linemen include Ben Buffkin Truere Rothchild.

While the defense also lost valuable talent, the leader of the unit returns in senior linebacker Matt Payes, who Perrin says is the top overall player on the team.

The new transfer rules decimated the Goose Creek program with as many as nine potential and likely starters opting for new schools. That included the loss of the best quarterback, best receiver, best defensive backs and top running back. Coach Jason Winstead anticipates many freshmen and sophomores on the field but feels the Gators can be a competitive team. “We’re not changing our expectations here,” he said.

Freshman Ty Deas is expected to take over at quarterback and sophomore Sincere Lewis is a promising prospect at running back. The Gators must replace four starters on the offensive line but the defensive front shows promise with Brayden Reeves, Cameron Campbell, and Elijah Black. Deshawn Green and Kannan Williams are leaders at linebacker.

After winning 16 games over two seasons (2022-23), the Lucy Beckham Bengals slipped to four wins in their first season in Class AAAAA. Coach Jamel Smith lost a ton of experience to graduation but the program is in solid position to compete.

The biggest hole to fill is at quarterback where Chalmers Ballard was a two-year starter and very productive. Finn Gunter is the leading candidate to take over the position. Seth Damron and Ty Johnson are expected to lead the offensive line, with Nick Buggie serving at tight end, Brendan Dick is the top returning wide receiver.

On defense, look for safety Ian Crump and linebackers Troy Thompson and Jack Lamonica to evolve as leaders.

Region 8-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Summerville

2.    James Island

3.    Ashley Ridge

4.    Fort Dorchester

5.    West Ashley

6.    Stall

A huge part of Summerville’s 26 wins over the last two seasons was the play of quarterback Jaden Cummings, who topped 6,000 passing yards over the last two seasons.

Cummings has graduated and Rafferty must decide on a starter between senior Cooper Kafina and transfer Max Stafford. Both are more than capable but the offense will need a consistent voice and leader.

Running back junior Jayvn Williams is coming off a huge sophomore season that produced more than 2,000 all-purpose yards. Wide receiver Jaiden Kelly-Murray, also a junior, caught 72 passes for more than 1,200 yards last season. Sophomore Terue Davis transferred from Goose Creek after a spectacular freshman season.

Jahmarion Lott should be the leader along the front, along with Chris Hewitt.

The defense must replace several key contributors but expect a talented group of linebackers to be strong. The unit will be led by senior Tyree Patton (113 tackles) and JT Williams. Another transfer, Dexter Chavous from Silver Bluff, will make an immediate impact along the defensive line.

James Island is 33-6 over the last three seasons under Jamar McKoy, who enters his sixth season at the school. The coach reports there are holes to fill but likes the chemistry and competitive nature of the 2025 Trojans.

A key returner offensively is senior quarterback Connor Dantzler, who showed great progress over the course of last season. The running back position lacks experience but the offensive line should be a strength with the return of tackle Israel “Shank” Harris, Demontrai Cooper and Jimmy Jones.

Among the favored targets in the passing game are Raphaeil Puiu and James Hurteau.

Dawson Wilson returns at defensive end and Bryson Bowers is a returning linebacker. Jaseyvion Brown is the top returning starter in the secondary.\

Ashley Ridge head coach Jeff Tate will sit out the 2024 season due to SCHSL rules violations but the Swamp Foxes return plenty of talent. Ashley Haskins will serve as the interim head coach and veteran coach Bobby Marion will assume offensive play-calling duties.

The Swamp Foxes return the top quarterback in the league in senior Trevor Kalisz. Kalisz has thrown for more than 6,000 yards and 61 touchdowns in the last two seasons. Jagger Spivey returns as the top receiver (688 yards) and Cody Peterson will be a fourth-year starter along the offensive line.

Ryan Campbell, one of the area’s top running backs, transferred from Fort Dorchester and will be a huge addition to the offense.

The defense suffered some key losses to graduation but will return tackle Malachi Mitchell and sophomore linebacker MJ Respass. Transfer JT King will make an impact at defensive end.

Hit hard by the transfer portal, the Fort Dorchester Patriots will be in a rebuilding stage this fall as Lorenzano begins his second season as head coach.

.However, the roster is not devoid of overall talent and the Patriots should be competitive as the build together. Among the top returners are linebackers Savon Garrett and Miguel Peterson, along with defensive backs Chaz Mitchell and Jeff Jefferson. Thomas Wamer is the top returner along the defensive line.

Transfer Thomas Adamsky will likely begin the season as the starting quarterback with Mykell Warthen expected to contribute as a running back and slot receiver. Zyion Rouse is the top returning starter along the offensive line. Top receivers will include Derrick Simpson and Laurez Matthews.

West Ashley’s Rashad Graham is a head coach for the first time but has extensive coaching experience as an assistant at North Myrtle Beach and Boiling Springs.

The new coach will have a large group of new varsity starters but expects to a team that improves as they play more.

Junior Bristof Biegenzahn (6-4, 255) is a senior returning at tight end and defensive end. Other key defensive leaders will include linebacker Spencer Rocker, lineman Dorian Bond, and safety Brady Whetzel.

Graduation left a void at quarterback, leaving Graham with a spirited competition between Gibbs Isom and Chase Townes. D’Anthony Coleman and Anthony Ramperson will factor as a running back on offense, with Josh Bradley and Cooper Welch working at receiver. Sophomore Sha’quan Mulligan will be among the leaders on the offensive front. Returning starter Matt Atkinson will miss the early part of the season with an injury.

HSSR Division I Preseason Top 10

1.    Dutch Fork

2.    Summerville

3.    Spartanburg

4.    Sumter

5.    Ridge View

6.    James Island

7.    T.L. Hanna

8.    J.L. Mann

9.    Ashley Ridge

10. River Bluff

HSSR Preseason Top 10 Division II

1.    Gaffney

2.    Northwestern

3.    Irmo

4.    Greenwood

5.    Berkeley

6.    West Florence

7.    Indian Land

8.    Catawba Ridge

9.    Byrnes

10. Clover