Dutch Fork Still The Team To Beat In AAAAA as ’26 Season Begins

  By David Shelton

  Senior Writer

Region 1-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.       Byrnes

2.       Hillcrest

3.       Mauldin

4.       J.L. Mann

5.       Eastside

6.       Woodmont

Overview: Byrnes enters the 2026 season as the favorite in region 1-AAAAA, but Hillcrest could certainly be a major challenger. The region, overall, is not particularly strong when compared to other regions in AAAAA but there will be a lot of competition for the top four spots in the league.

Byrnes, despite some ups and downs in recent years, has enough talent and experience to make a serious state title run in 2026. The group of skill playmakers at Byrnes will be as good as any team in the state.

The Rebels will run the football with LSU commit Tre Segarra and ETSU commit Jacobi Fuller, who combined for more than 2,000 yards last season. Chanin Harris, committed to Syracuse, leads a talented and deep receiving corps.

The big question will be who will be the quarterback as both Walker Burdette and Gideon Merhib battle for the starting nod. The potential starting offensive line will include four seniors – Josiah Chambers, Xavier Harris, Jailyn Boyd and Daniel Cornell.

A lot less experience returns on defense and that unit will need to progress as the season develops. Auburn commit Aidyn Wiggins will hold down one cornerback spot. Senior Gabe Guerrero will be a key lineman while Nasir Ingram will be a leader at linebacker. All total; coach Reggie Shaw anticipates seven underclassmen starting on defense.

Former offensive coordinator Amos Lamb takes over as the head coach at Hillcrest High. The Rams are coming off an 8-4 record of 2025.

Quarterback Jackson Free returns as a third-year starter and will be among the most productive quarterbacks in the region. Tyler Tolbert returns as the leading receiver while the running game is anchored be returners Nydarrian Allen and Trey Booker. Along the offensive line are projected starters Kesheun Jones, Markel Martin, Trey Lashley, Lucas Hancock and Max Barnes.

On the defensive side of the ball, expected leaders are linemen Cory Collins, linebackers Tyvin Grady and Elijah Jackson, and safety Gavin Sullivan.

J.L. Mann slipped from state title contender in 2024 to 1-10 a year ago but second-year head coach Bryce Smiley feels his 2026 team will be improved.

The Patriots will have to settle on a quarterback where Gage Watkins and Wilkes Mellard are competing for the starting nod. Bucky Griffin will be the primary back in the run game while A.J. Rush, Tristian Shell, Tre Fuller and Chris LaTorre are quality targets in the passing game.

Expected starters on the line include tackles Thomas Bull and Parker Godfrey, guards Scion Jones and Jentzen Sullivan, and center Christian Sullivan. Sullivan is considered a top college prospect.

 Along the defensive line will be, Luke Penland, Amare Bowman, Jayden Wheeler and Shaun Carvalho. Projected starters at linebacker are Morgan Copeland, Miles Honeycutt and Xavier Trussell. Working in the secondary are Jeremond Jackson, Kadyn Hollis, Louie Booker and Seaver Berg.

Philip Georgopoulos handles the kicking and punting.

Eastside has spent the offseason working to improve on a 4-7 record. Coach Andre Woolcock returns 12 starters to work with. Entering preseason camp, Peyton Burns, Kason Clark, London Butler and Colton Hampton were all in contention to be the QB1.

Returning as the playmakers at receiver are Jamarion Perrin and Christian McDowell, while Kelyn Durham and Devin Sligh are running backs to watch.

Lyndez Smith returns at linebacker to anchor the defense, along with tackle Frank Stathakis and defensive back Zyair Robinson.

Mauldin should improve on last year’s 5-6 record under head coach Andre Cook. Quarterback CJ Edwards will take over as the offensive leader this fall, and will have returning backs Kamari Cannon and Ryland Walton to shoulder the load in the run game. Four starters also return along the offensive line. Malakai Ford is the top returning receiver.

Linebackers Zaiden Addison and Isaiah Thompson will be leaders defensively, along with returning defensive ends Josh Evans and Javari Henderson. Secondary returners include JaQuan Delbridge, Mykhalil Cannon and Trey Chillious.

Woodmont went 5-6 last year but was 1-5 in region play. Second-year head coach Malcolm Boyd has a solid cast of returners, particularly in the offensive backfield. Look for the Wildcats to focus on the running game, even with returning quarterback Harper Doyle providing some passing threat.

Anchoring the run game will be returning running backs Amari Harris and Devonte Taylor. When a big play is needed through the air, Doyle has threat Frank Lewis back at wide receiver.

Leaders defensively will include linebacker Riley Doyle, safety Jaylen Williams, end Malakhi Mitchum and tackle Zach Land.

Region 2-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Northwestern

2.    Dorman

3.    Rock Hill

4.    Spartanburg

5.    Boiling Springs

6.    Fort Mill

Overview: It would be hard to argue that region two is not the most competitive league in AAAAA. As many as four of the six teams in the region have a legitimate chance to be the region champion. While Northwestern and Dorman are probably the two favorites, one should not discount the chances of Rock Hill and Spartanburg.

Northwestern lost just one game over the last two years but opened 2026 with a 15-10 loss to North Carolina power Hough High.

Coach Page Wofford again has a quality group of athletes in key positions but is looking at several new starters on both sides of the ball.

Whatever the Trojans lack, there won’t be issues at quarterback where senior Xavier Means returns after a stellar junior season that saw him account for more than 4,000 total yards and 52 touchdowns. Though not as explosive as past receivers, returners Payton Vining and Malik Ratliff are highly capable, and Quay Mobley is a quality performer at running back.

Anchoring the offensive line is three-year starter Beau Chumley.

The defense should be solid at all three levels, adding transfer linebacker K.J. Burg from South Pointe as a key player. Linebackers Alex Hingl and Dash Holley are back as well. Malik Darby, Trenton Hall, Jonathan Parker and Bron Nicholson return along the front.

Dorman won 10 games last season under head coach Jake Morris. The Cavs won their first region title since 2020. Dorman’s offensive backfield is loaded with quarterback Cooper Pattrson and running backs Nick Means and Carter Nash. Talent also returns at receiver in Juice Watkins-Hymes, Kendeal Jones, Judah Adams and Anthony Peaks.

Up front the unit includes Marcus Gambrell, Jordan Lewis, Mykal Jones, Kamryn Bogan, and Nick Bondarenko.

Leading the defense are returning linebackers Antwone Tarrence and Isaac Tate, end James Porter and corner Jabez Thomas, among others.

Leon Boulware begins year two as the head coach at Rock Hill, looking to build off a 7-5 record. The Bearcats made early noise in the season opener, upsetting Irmo, a top AAAA program.

The Bearcats are loaded athletically with several players expected to contribute in a variety of ways on both sides of the ball.

Players to watch include Kaleb Wright (LB), Jo Jo Brooks (WR/RB/DB), Nigel Lightener (DB), Ames Oliver (DL), Kaiden Watkins (RB/WR), and Zymier Gordon-Myles (RB/WR). Junior Jonah Young is the starting quarterback.

Fort Mill moves into the region after a 5-6 season. The top returner is running back Broden Mitcheson, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. Receivers Jamerion Terrell and Jerell Douglas have play-making ability but will be working with a new quarterback.

There are some holes to fill at Spartanburg but coach Mark Hodge always find a way. The top returners offensively include all-state running back Trenton Lynch, a senior, senior receivers Skylar Douglas, senior linemen Justin Sims and Ligon Martin, and receiver BJ Dawkins.

Junior Chris Colin is next in line at quarterback while freshman Mason Whitesid should impact the running game.

The Vikings return eight players on defense, led by Jayden Brown, RJ Estrich and Sentell Hall in the secondary. Tryon Duncan Marquez Smith return at end and Kamarian Davis returns at tackle. Antavion Hawes is a returner at linebacker.

Boiling Springs coach Matt Reel begins his fifth season after last year’s 5-7 record. He says building some depth is key.

“We must stay healthy to compete in this region, which is hard to do,” Reel said.

The offense is led by returning quarterback Imri Logan, a senior. He is one of seven returning starters on the unit, which includes receivers Deion Suber and D’Jay Leak, and running backs Kyron Tobler and RJ Boyd. Senior Jake Henderson, Collin Johnson, and EJ George will anchor the offensive line. Expected leaders defensively include are safety Tyvion Hall, linebacker Ta’mijay Brown and tackle Dennis Glenn.

Region 3-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Dutch Fork

2.    River Bluff

3.    Lexington

4.    White Knoll

5.    Chapin

Overview: While it appears that every team in region three will be better than they were a year ago, the fact remains that the road to a region title runs through Dutch Fork. The Silver Foxes are still at the head of the class in region three but look for every team to be improved. What that improvement means in terms of wins and losses remains to be seen but nearly every team will have a solid core of athletes to work with this season.

Dutch Fork is seeking a fifth consecutive state championship, and their 11^th in the last 12 years. Coach Tom Knotts certainly has some key personnel to replace but the cupboard is hardly bare. The transfer portal remains very good for the program as well.

Jaxon Knotts returns for his senior season at quarterback atter topping the 2,000-yard mark in passing last season. Running back Kyle Henry also returns to carry his share of the load in the running game.

Transfers Corey and Maleek Miller will be impactful performers at wide receiver, having combined for about 1500 receiving yards at Irmo last season. Anchoring the offensive line is senior ETSU pledge Brody Lorenzo at center, along with Nirah Ford, Jonathan Eustace, Kam’Ren McNeil, and Caleb Gibson.

Defensive lineman Payton Bishop fits nicely on defense after transferring from A.C. Flora. Clemson commit Jaden Wuerth returns along the front and KJ Dupre is back in the secondary.

Perry Parks will have an improved team at River Bluff in year two. A good competition at quarterback between Davis Taylor and Brayden Moore will be interesting. Both played in an opening game win over Cane Bay. Senior Darius Carter is back at receive, as is senior Brady Barrineau. Tight end Hamp Pitt also will be a factor.

A solid defense is led by linebackers Bubba Alexander and Ben Cowart, along with linemen Preston Minor and RJ Jacobs. Caleb Renwrick returns in the secondary.

Lexington’s Stewart Young also is in year two and the Wildcats expect to be much improved this season. The offense is directed by returning quarterback Easton Crocker, with receivers Ian Dansan and Vic Kaczenski back as primary targets. Senior tackle Hunter Winarski anchors the offensive line, joined by returner James Loudesdorff and Blake Crocker.

Leaders defensively include linebacker Charlie Schrodt, defensive backs Jackson Kemoer and Cam Wright, and linemen Grayson Kelley and Malachi Lucas.

Proven winner Victor Floyd is the new boss at White Knoll, inheriting a team that went 8-4 last season. Senior backs Christian Chisholm and Kirkland Day are key returners offensively. Junior Brayden Cress returns with experience at quarterback. Juniors Kyle Griffin and Tyler Brown will be the receivers of note, with Kentrell Bonnette back at tight end.

Guard Ritchie Setzer will be the lone senior on the offensive line. Senior leaders on defense will be linebacker Jah’Mauri Davis, end Evan Pierce, linebacker Cyrus Evans, and defensive back Jonathan Keith.

Chapin also has a new head coach as Cory Helms takes over. The Eagles will continue to rebuild but should be improved overall this fall.

Tyler Black returns as the starting quarterback and Harper Ellerbe will be the key running back. Back are quality receivers in Anderson Stutts and Ny’Shawn Palmore. Seniors Grady Meetze and Kemp Tisdale are the leaders up front.

Defensive leaders include James Goss, linebacker Parker Collins, tackle Clinton Gentry and defensive back Rory Dreher.

Region 4-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Ridge View

2.    Sumter

3.    Gray Collegiate

4.    Blythewood

5.    Spring Valley

Overview: Though Ridge View probably has a slight edge in overall talent, the rest of region four will have enough talent and athleticism to put in a challenge for the region title. If the Blazers stay healthy, they should be region champions but Sumter and Gray Collegiate will be strongly in the mix.

Ridge View’s hopes lie in the health of quarterback Tre Howard. Howard made a huge splash in 2024 but missed all of last season with an injury. He appears to be full strength now and that’s great news for an offense that should score some points.

Top receiver Khristian Jackson returns as does leading rusher Spencer Bobian. The offensive line has some new faces but is led by USC commitment James Ross. Transfer receivers Isaiah Small and Kanye Reed add explosive capabilities to the offense.

The Blazers will need to improve defensively but must replace eight starters. Top performers will include linebacker DJ Epps and safety Kingston Lucas.

Sumter has new leadership as former player Drew Marlowe takes over. Marlowe built a powerhouse at South Florence before returning home. The Gamecocks will again lean heavy on the running game, starting with quarterback Franklin Richardson, who led the team in rushing last season. Backs Cleveland Pinckney and Reggie Shannon also return as potential 1,000-yard rushers. Zymier Davis, Cooper Seigler and Caspian Brogdon are three potential leaders up front.

The defense will be led by end Ari Rendell (also a tight end), and tackle Rashaun Dickey.

Gray Collegiate is playing in AAAAA for the first time, posting an 11-3 record in AAAA last season. Sophomore Xavier Wright threw for 2,215 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Senior Trevon Williamson also returns after rushing for 1,662 yards last season.

Receivers David Quattlebaum, Corey Gleaton and Royce Williamson return as well. Gleaton and Williamson combined for more than 100 receptions and 2,000 yards last season.

Senior starters up front will include Wilson Sweatt and Jack Armstrong.

Defensively, senior Carson Cartwright anchors the front. Jayshon Singleton, Hampton Boiling and Ryan Mobley will be at linebacker. Royce Williamson, Gleaton and R.J. Oliver anchor the secondary.

Blythewood looks to improve on last year’s 4-8 record. Coach James Martin will lean on defensive leaders Dillon Hutcherson (tackle), Chris Long (linebacker, and end Josh Reaves.

On offense, Jayden Veasey is the returning starter at quarterback and Dolan Nelson is the top returning receiver. Landyn Strong is a quality ball-carrier, with Reed Paolucci and Ryan Keitt leading the way.

Region 5-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Summerville

2.    James Island

3.    Ashley Ridge

4.    Stratford

5.    West Ashley

6.    Fort Dorchester

7.    Stall       

                  Overview: While not discounting the chances of every team contending for the region title this fall, the end result will likely include Summerville and James Island being near the top of the standings.

Both teams have factored in the region race for the last several years and while both have some key pieces to replace, the programs have been built to contend on an annual basis.

Summerville has reached the state finals in AAAAA in each of the last two seasons, losing both times to Dutch Fork. Head coach Ian Rafferty is breaking in a new quarterback and his top receiver is now at Oceanside Collegiate. But the offense returns senior running back Jayven Williams, who has posted back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons and is on track to become the school’s career rushing leader. Williams is regarded as one of the state’s top backs and has committed to James Madison.

Junior receiver Terue Davis also returns, along with solid experience along the offensive line, led by Army commit Nolan Giet.

Summerville should be very good on defense with the return of tackle Dexter Chavous, linebackers Demarkus King and Jaylen Pryor, and linebacker turned safety Eli Pressley. King racked up 13 sacks last season while Pryor and Pressley each totaled more than 100 tackles.

Linebacker MJ Respass transferred from Ashley Ridge and will be an immediate impact player for the defense.

“A lot of people talk about the players that we lost but we return a lot of really good players,’ said Rafferty. “This is going to be a good football team before it’s over.”

James Island coach Jamar McKoy also has some holes to fill but the coach expects new faces to step up and earn their keep. One of the new faces is at quarterback where Brady Dantzler takes over the offense from his brother Connor, now at Tulsa.

“He is very ready for this opportunity,” McKoy says of his new signal caller.

Dantzler’s favorite targets in the passing game include junior Raphael Puiu, who led the area in receiving yards last season, and senior tight end Sam Crumpton, a Charleston Southern commit.

Senior Israel Harris, a Liberty pledge, anchors an offensive line with four returning starters.

Linebacker Bryson Bowers returns as the leading tackler from last season, and corner Deuce Prioleau anchors an athletic secondary. Issac Lorentz returns as one of the state’s top placekicker/punters.

Stratford moves over to the region from the area’s other AAAAA region. The Knights are coming off a 10-2 season but lost several key players on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Jachin Davis and running back Maliq McGowans.

Sophomore Caleb Lott is in the running to be the new quarterback while Malachi Breland is up next at running back. Robert Washington and Maddox Kizer return along the offensive line.

Linebackers are the strength of the defense with Cameron Gibbs, Bryce Clemmons and Jonah Coleman leading the way. Kermit Davis and Antonio Waring return along the front defensively.

Ashley Ridge also faces a season with a bevy of new players on the field. Coach Jeff Tate has four returners on each side of the ball. Jagger Spivey is the top returning playmaker offensively and is one of the area’s top receivers. Linebacker Mario Pringle and safety Tyrell Bess will be two leaders defensively.

West Ashley looks to improve on last year’s 2-9 season and coach Rashad Graham has more than 16 returning starters. Among the returners offensively are linemen Tyler Hunter, Tramaine Rivers and Marshall Ward. Chase Townes returns at quarterback and Cooper Welch is a top receiver.

Leaders for the Wildcats defensively include tackle Donovan Pinckney, linebacker Brandon Cowley and defensive back Cooper Fischer.

Fort Dorchester mustered up five wins last season, despite a host of new players. The Patriots will again be playing with several underclassmen in 2026.

Sophomore Laurez Matthews returns as a playmaker at receiver while sophomore Liam Chapman is looking to make an impact at receiver. Junior Kasa Milo will be a factor at tight end and defensive end and junior Jayden Oliver is returning at linebacker.

Stall High has won seven games since 2017 and Joe Hauff is in his first season as head coach, the fourth head coach since 2020.

Hauff is counting on leadership offensively from tackle Lashawd Allen, tight end Dereon Mungin, and running back Luke Downey.

Defensively, top returners include linebackers Brandon Rosser and Domaneck Dixon, cornerback Jamonte Nelson and safety Khazeh Kennley.

Region 6-AAAAA Predicted Order of Finish

1.    Berkeley

2.    Carolina Forest

3.    Cane Bay

4.    Wando

5.    Goose Creek

6.    Socastee

Overview: The realignment process by the SCHSL has changed the complexion of region 6-AAAAA in 2026 with two schools from the Myrtle Beach area joining the league.

Gone is long-time region member Stratford, the defending region champion. The Knights have moved over to region 5-AAAAA for the next two years. Lucy Beckham also has been reassigned, moving to class AAAA this fall.

Taking the place of the two departed schools are Carolina Forest and Socastee. Carolina Forest is one of the largest schools in the state and have been very successful in football, while Socastee has struggled a bit in recent years. Both programs routinely scheduled some of the area schools in non-region games and also have met in the postseason in recent years.

Carolina Forest likely will be one of the better teams in the region and should contend with Berkeley as the teams to beat in region five.

The Panthers, coached by Marc Morris, have some key players to replace but have become a very productive offensive team over the years. The Panthers traditionally have tried to assert dominance with a running game but also put the ball in the area when the personnel fits.

Carolina Forest will have a new quarterback as Matt Kellner looks to step into a starting role. Anchoring the run game will be running back Christian Bennett with receiver Brady McDowell serving as a key threat through the air. Defensive tackle George Handley and linebacker Connor Ross are two key returners on defense.

The Stags of Berkeley won 10 games last season and return a bevy of offensive skill players this season. Back for his fourth season as the starting quarterback is senior Henry Rivers, a major dual-threat performer with speed and a powerful arm.

Receivers Elijah Williams, John Cleveland, Johnathan Williams and Malik Callen all had productive seasons in 2025, while running backs LJ Washington, Bryson McGee and Jessie Brown bring experience to the ground game.

The defense was hit hard by graduation but defensive back Cam McCune is a returning starter. Senior Avery Everette will be an impact player at linebacker. Sophomore Jalen Wigfall is a player to watch along the defensive front.

“We have some guys that have worked really hard for their opportunity and we are excited about the potential of this team,” said head coach Eric Lodge.

Cane Bay coach Russell Zehr says his team will look different offensively and defensively but the primary focus of running the ball and stopping the run will remain goals. Coran Houpe is slated to take over at quarterback this fall. Houpe was a wing back last season.

Returning in the backfield are Mayson Samuel and Sam Rolston, with some talented backs d coming from the lower levels. The offensive line returns two starters, Isaac Siefken and Eli Taylor.

Junior JJ Rose is back as the leader along the defensive front, with ends Devin Cobbs and Brennen Shokes also returning. The linebackers will be new starters with only Jackson Williamson returning with experience.

The secondary could be a strength with returners Tion Bryant and Caeden Wilson. The kicking game is a solid strength with senior Aiden Thorne returning. Thorne is a deep threat on kickoffs and field goals.

Wando has some inexperience at quarterback but overall should better last year’s 4-7 record. Jake Glassberg is a key returner at running back with an offensive line led by three-year starter Tristan Stein and Oceanside Collegiate transfer Grant Castellow. Another key offensive returner is receiver Ryan Jahn.

End Brock Yocum and tackle Zach Mussehl are two key leaders defensively. Defensive backs Cade Rogers and Quinn Neal, and linebacker Jacob Pelic will be key personnel.

Goose Creek has a new head coach as former Gator running back Jamie Fordham takes on the role this season. The Gators were winless last season with a large contingent of underclassmen on the field.

Tyler Holmes is operating the offense at quarterback while Sincere Lewis is a threat at running back. Three up and coming receivers include Josh Bing, Reggie Dozier and Troy Smalls. Up front are leaders Blaine Beulanger and Jadon Pringle-Jackson.

Defensive leaders will include end Donovan Brown, backs Chris Brown Guy Simmons, and Teandre Burgess.

At Socastee, coach Ben Hampton is counting on development from quarterback Marcus Dukes, running back Elijah Owens, and linebackers Aven Price and Noah Slade.