AAAAA Will Crown Two State Champions In 2025 With Realignment

HSSR Div. I AAAAA Ranking          HSSR Div. II AAAAA Ranking

                (Ranking Done Prior To Games Of 8-23)

    1. Dutch Fork                                              1. Gaffney

   2. Summerville                                         2. Irmo

   3. JL Mann                                                    3. Northwestern

   4. Spartanburg                                        4. White Knoll

   5. Sumter                                                      5. Eastside

   6. James Island                                        6. TL Hanna

   7.  Byrnes                                                       7. Greenwood

   8. Clover                                                        8. Hillcrest

   9. Carolina Forest                                   9. Greenville

 10. Rock Hill                                                 10. West Florence                                 

                   Class AAAAA Region Previews

(Note: All HSSR Region Previews went to press before any Week Zero Ganes Were Played On 8-23)

 Region 1-AAAAA(Predicted Order of Finish)

  1.  JL Mann (11-3)

 2. TL Hanna (10-2)

 3. Greenwood (6-6)  

 4. Hillcrest (10-3)

 5. Greenville (10-4) 

 6. Easley (4-7)

 7. Mauldin (0-10)

 8. Woodmont (5-6)  

 JL Mann Favored To Win Region 1-AAAA

JL Mann returns 1,000-yard rusher Na’Cyus Morrison (1,200 yds-27 TD’s)  & transfer RB LaDainnian Martin (5-10, 175) enters his senior year with 3,119 career rushing yards and he has committed to Georgia State. 

 The Patriots return three OL in LT Army commit Jordan Sullivan (6-4, 2785) along with J’Quavious Rivers and center Jeremiah Hammonds, DB Ramani Bruton is back along with Raymone Whitner at LB. Top LB Wyatt Ward is back after making 155 tackles, 12 TFL, and three picks. Three WR’s return (Toby Wilkins, Nate Holmes, & Keyshun Henderson who caught 48 passes for 1,114 yds a year ago. Jadyn Rice is a highly regarded jr DB.

 What isn’t there not to like about JL Mann’s offense? Head coach Steve “Scoot” Watson should improve on his 11-win season in 2023. He has the horses to pull the wagon.

 TL Hanna: Jason Tone (45-10) has been a consistent winner at TL Hanna and consistency should follow the Jackets, and their patented T-bone offense, during the 2025 season.

 Hanna opened up the season against Byrnes as the HSSR was going to press and the outcome of that game will just make both contenders stronger. Senior RB KD Patterson (5-10, 175) returns after gaining 1,682 yards with 28 TD’s a year ago. Veteran QB Brandon Cunningham (6-2, 175) is also back. NC State DB commitment Cam Strong (6-1, 175) is also back to lead the defense. Another top DL back is senior Jayden Martin (6-0,240). Junior John Michael Tripp (6-1, 240) and senior Noah Miller (6-2, 230) join Martin in the defensive front.

 The top juniors for Hanna are LB Walker Kelly (6-4, 220) and Emari Nance (6-3, 185) will contribute at RB and FS as a prospect up from the jayvee.  The other two linebackers are Jamerion Oliver (5-9,230) and returning starter Jamizeyeh Harkness (5-10, 185).  

After competing for a state title against Dutch Fork several years ago the Jackets have failed to get past the second round despite winning 10 games a season. A deeper run in the playoffs is a strong goal of Coach Tone.  “Our defensive line and our linebackers are the strength of our team this season,” said Coach Tone. “Our offensive line has not had a lot of experience working together.”

Greenwood: After seeing Greenwood and their 18 returning starters compete well in a scrimmage against Gaffney in early August the HSSR is going out on a limb and picking the Eagles, coached by alma mater veteran Chris Liner to finish second in this AAAAA region after competing in Region 1-AAAA last year.

 “This was a very clean scrimmage with very little dog yacking, just a lot of hard-nosed physical play with both teams getting after it,” said Coach Liner. “I was pleased with our young quarterback Triston Lewis (6-3, 200) tonight and we use his legs a lot. We have a lot of offensive weapons to go along with him and we are excited about the future of Greenwood football.

 “Our senior captain and leader are center Rob Stevens (6-0,305) and he is a great leader and very good football player,” said Coach Liner. “It all starts with him along with our running backs Elijah Wade, and junior running back Bryce Seaborn, along with Stevens. These three guys make up three of our best leaders on the team.”

Jayden Adams (5-10,170) and Jay Duncan (6-2, 179) return to lead the receiving corps and Coach Liner says to also watch out for the freshman WR Destiny Christian (6-1, 190) along with TE Thomas Chandler (6-1, 190).

 The Greenwood OL includes tackles Ryan White (6-3, 250) and Jeremy Terry (6-2, 250) along with guards Isaiah Smith (5-9,265) and Jordan Thompson (6-1, 265). The center is the aforementioned Stevens. 

 On defense the Eagles return linebackers in Khamari Griffin (5-9-180), Mel Roman (6-1, 230), and junior Dyson Davis (5-11, 200). Shuviouses Williams (6-0,320), Deavion Griffin (6-0,270) and Nemo Cook lead a talented group in the DL.

 “We have a strong group back on defense,” said Coach Liner. They include DL Almad Scott (6-3, 245), and JT Harling (5-11, 265). The secondary will flip Seaborn from offense and he will be joined in the back by AJ Norman (6-0,172), Isaiah Goodwin (5-11, 165) and Caleb Harris (6-0,180). Noah Perrin is a senior combo kicker.

“We feel like we have a team that can compete for a state championship,” said Coach Liner. “Expectations are always high in Greenwood and I should not be the head coach in Greenwood if I felt otherwise about our team every year. This is our goal every year.”

Hillcrest: Summerville High graduate Bennett Swygert won 10 games in his first season with the Rams.

 The Rams graduated all-star WR Avery McFadden but big arm QB Kaleb Sutton returns along with LT Bryce Rainwater (6-4, 295). Antrez Nance returns in the DL along with Doug Hill (6-1, 310).

Trey Booker will step up at RB and Weston Wills and Trevolis Walker  are talented WR’s. DJ Henderson and Caleb Costonie are experienced returning linebackers for the Rams.  

Greenville: Greenville has hired first year head coach Jaybo Shaw after Greg Porter left to take over the team at Laurens High.  If Greenville hopes to win another 10 games QB Banks Bouton who passed for 362 yards in six games of play last season will need to have an outstanding season. RB Kyle Zimmerman will also lead Grenville’s rushing. The Red Raiders lost QB Bryson Drummond to a transfer to Mountain View Prep and highly regarded DB Ramani Bruton, who had 11 picks, has moved on to region rival JL Mann.

  The Red Raider junior returners include RB Rashad Robinson on offense and DL Javier Simmons . Jacob Cristie returns at LB, and Jaziar Houston at CB.

  Greenville opens their season Friday, 8/23 at Dorman.

Easley: Easley, under new head coach Sam Houston, could be a vastly improved team this season behind the return of QB Jay Stoker along with WR Matt Hillstock. The Returning seniors included, Malaci Gambrell (’25, 6-2, 315) at NG/DT, Johnathan Isham (’25, 5-8, 170) at WR/FS, and Aaron Tolbert (’25, 5-2,117) OLB/WR, Kyler Turner (’25, 5-11, 200) at MLB, Kobe Preston (’25, 6-2,221) playing at OLB/DE. 

  Other returning starters RB Jeremiah Patton ( 5-8, 180). Along with DE Stone Turner ( 6-1, 235) CB Kalden Erby (, 5-10, 150).

 Easley opens their regular season play on Friday 8/23, hosting Pickens.

   Mauldin: After going 0-10 a year ago Andre Cook begins his second season with the Mavericks with 18 returning starters.  All-region LB AJ Norfus will move to DE and Blake Scott has moved from LB to FS. Reddick Langston and Jackson Vickers came into Fall camp competing for the starting QB spot. Austin Cummings and Javori Henderson are key DL.

Mauldin begins the season with a game against Riverside. 

Woodmont: Woodmont High tapped Ty Southerland for their head football coach in December 2022, as we go into the 2024 season, Coach Southerland will have two experienced seniors to help lead his team. Kameron Wallace (’25, 6-4, 285) at OG/T and is a Wofford commit. Plus, at RB, TJ Williams (’25, 5-7, 178) is very talented.

The Wildcats home opener is Sept 6^th when they host Pendelton High.

 Region 2-AAAAA (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1.  Gaffney (9-4)

 2. Spartanburg (6-6)

 3. Eastside (6-5)

 4. Byrnes (10-2)

 5. Dorman (3-8)

 6. Riverside (5-6)

 7. Wade Hampton (2-8)

 Gaffney favored In 2-AAAAA But Never Count Out Byrnes

Gaffney: Prior to the start of the season Dan Jones announced he was retiring from his alma mater after the season and with 16 players on the Indian roster holding next level offers, he should have been blessed with a lot of talent in his final season. 

“I think we have a good nucleus of athletes, including a lot of guys who run well on defense,” said Coach Jones. “We just do not have a lot of depth so we are going to have to stay healthy, and if we can do that, I think we have a really good this team this season.”

 On offense the Indians will be led by junior QB Jayvon Gilmore (6-5, 200) a recent pledge to Arkansas, along with junior RB Jaiden McDowell. Gaffney has South Carolina LT commit Sheldrick Sarratt (6-4, 300) back along with junior RT Scotland Dover (6-4, 305) who has offers from Tennessee and Kentucky.  

 WR JR Smith (6-1, 190) is back with big play potential. Two returning players lead the defense in senior LB Andrew Ruppe (6-1, 225) and senior DB Imari Foster-Byrd (6-0,170). 

 Junior Zion Ratchford is another LB adding depth along with Daquan Croker (6-0,185) who started against Fort Dorchester last year. .Sophomore Kendarious Bailey (5-11, 205) will also play a lot at LB.

 The three-man DL consists of ends Josh Corry (6-2, 225) and senior Sherman Tate (6-2, 200) with senior Kelik Harris (6-3, 240) at nose. Joining Foster-Boyd in the secondary will be senior Jayden Simes (5-11, 170), Viante Robbs (5-10,160) and senior Demontia Duff (6-1, 190).

 Gaffney begins the season at highly regarded JL Mann on August, 30.

 Spartanburg: After going 6-6 a year ago Vikings head coach Mark Hodge begins his 5th season at Spartanburg with 11 players returning with starting experience.

Key player back on offense include: QB-TJ Johnson, RB-Trenton Lynch, WR-Zy Williams Bond, Ath.-Calvin Choice, OL-Trey Weathers, OL-John Hammon. Key defensive starters: LB- Cam Smith, LB- Quez Smith, DB- Quincy Haywood, DB- Jarious Mosely, DL-Cory Cheeks.

Trey Burke will share time with Johnson at QB. Will Love is back for his third year at PK and Joshua Hodge is a very good long snapper.  

Coach Hodge cited “speed and strength” as the Vikings plus areas starting the season. In his own words, “The 2024 Vikings pose a viable threat to AAAAA football.”

 Spartanburg began the season with a road game at highly regarded South Pointe.

Eastside: Dr. Andre Woolcock begins his 5^th season at Eastside and his team is led by SC commitment DE Jaquavious Dodd (6-5,225).

 LB MJ Posey (6-2, 215) also returns. Zeke Funke, a LT prospect along with DB Thomas Latimer. Top juniors include RB Scooter Foster and QB Peyton Schrader. DB Gavin Sullivan is the top player up from the jayvee who will start.

 Coach Woolcock feels the strength of the team is at DE and he says he is still developing the OL. Funke is joined up-front by RT Josiah Mc Gee, guards Jensen Stone and Carter Williams along with center Jan Donovan.  

Byrnes: Last season Byrnes clinched the region title with a great road win at Gaffney late in the season and head coach Reggie Shaw was on cloud 9 being interviewed by the HSSR from the field that night.

However, Nixon Field, where the Rebels were 6-0 last year, is being renovated and the Rebels will not have a home game this season.   

 Also, the transfer portal has seen three play-makers leave for Westside (WR’s Chamarrus Bomar & Armoni Weaver along with RJ Livingston). The Rebel’s cupboard is hardly bare as hard charging RB Tre Segarra rushed for 1,115 yards & 1 TD’s. QB Zy Landrun will be leading the offense. On defense DE Jaidyn Ferguson (6-2, 225) will lead the defense.

  The Rebels will start the season at T.L. Hanna on August, 23^rd.

Dorman: Jake Morris and the Cavaliers finished 3-8 last season and they look for a strong rebound this season.

 TE Keenan Arcega-Whiteside committed to Rice over the summer. RB Nick Means returns with experience. The OL returns four veterans (Parker McMillen, Peyton Hamblett, Nathan Choy, & Landon Greene). The WR’s are led by Dai’shone Watkins-Hymes and Chase Cheeks.

 On defense Dru Darby returns at LB along with Jordan Darby. The DL will be led by Braydon Melton, Tyrese Johnson, Porter Harris and Kelshard Harris.

 Dorman started the season by hosting Greenville on August, 23^rd.

Riverside: Matt Rochester begins his 4^th season at Riverside and his team is led by Cincy pledge WR/RB Mikkell Skineer (6-3, 220). Skinner caught 44 passes for 651 yards and 10 TD’s and also added 588 yards rushing with 5 TD’s and he is one of the state’s most versatile athletes.

Jacob Page and Jacob Medlin will compete at QB  and Zy Abercrombie and Alvin Martin lead the RB’s. Jaiden Taylor adds depth at WR.

 The Warriors defense will be led by LB’s Zach Martin and Jack Merriman with DB’s Spencer Adderly and Somad Eaddy holding down the back of the defense

 Riverside started the season at Mauldin on August, 23^rd.

 Wade Hampton: Reuben Wright begins his first year as the head coach at Wade Hampton with a young team led by a pair of sophomores QB Teqan Hamrick and WR JaQwon Haygood.

Xaikias Latimer and James Coleman provide depth at RB. On defense two key LB’s are Angel Gomez and Mehki Hentz and Connor McCall and Jomarion Smith key the DL.

 Wade Hampton started the 2024 season at Travelers Rest on August, 23^rd.

 Region 3-AAAAA (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1.  Northwestern (11-2)

 2. Clover (9-3)

 3. Rock Hill (6-5)

 4. Indian Land (5-6)

 5. Nation Ford (5-6)

 6. Catawba Ridge (1-9)

 7.  Fort Mill (2-8)

Northwestern favored To Win Region 3-AAAAA

Northwestern: Page Wofford is 44-16, making the Berkeley High graduate, a highly successful young prep coach.

The Trojans are moving up from AAAA where they won Region 3-AAAA a year ago with a 5-0 record on their way to an 11-2 season.  Senior QB Finley Polk has committed to Gardner Webb and he is rated among the top signal callers in SC by the HSSR. Polk comes into the season having completed 415-of-614 passes for 6,159 yards and 75 TD’s.

 In addition to Polk, the top prospects on the team include speedy jr WR Kam Vance (5-7,150), junior DB Josh Singleton, and highly regarded junior DB Tamarion Watkins (6-4, 200).

 Additional depth at WR includes TaDarrioa Knox (6-2, 177), Daniel Caldwell, Vance, and Jayden Nichols. Mason Grier, Danigary McMillen, and Andre Pickett add depth in the DL.  

 Northwestern went on the road to Hough, NC to start the season on August, 23^rd.  

Clover: After coaching up his team to 9 wins in his first season at Clover a year ago, head coach Perry Woolbright, a Shrine Bowl assistant, has the makings a very good team in 2024.

 RB Landon Stone (6-0, 190) enters the season rated among the top RB’s in SC by the HSSR. Stone rushed for 2,107 yards on 255 carries last season. He averaged 8.7yards a carry.

 Clover returns 14 starters from a 9- win team. Aaron Shealey and Brody Woolbright came into the Fall camp in a tight race to start at QB. TE Cameron James is the top junior on the team and DL Jackson Hill is a top sophomore. Sam Lee, Dillon McCoy, and Carson Pinti form a hard-hitting linebacking corp.

 The OL will be made up of tackles Grayson Smith and Samson Nightway along with guards Tucker Houston and Hath Pinti. The center is Trenton McGill.  

 Clover began the 2024 season against Chambers High.

Rock Hill: First year Rock Hill head coach Randy Birch was the defensive coordinator at Gaffney last season and he has stepped into an explosive offense this season.

Ian Grissom threw over 2,600 yards and 35 TD’s at Lewisville last year and his live arm will be a good friend to the top WR in the state Malik Clark (6-3, 190), who recently committed to Florida State. Clark had 46 catches for just over 800 yards and 9 TD’s.

 Rock Hill returns five starters on each of the football. A key returnee on defense is DL Keaton Elliott. WR Jacobs Phillips provides depth. The OL is led by center Hayden Beuch and LT Kris Burgress. The secondary is led by veteran AJ Sanders.

 Rock Hill began the 2024 season at River Bluff on August, 23^rd.

Indian Land: Adam Hastings is starting his 5^th season with 12 returning starters off a team that finished 7-5 a year ago as a member of Region 3-AAAA.

 The move up to AAAAA will be a new challenge. The defense returns veteran DL Iverson Nunez (5-11,280), Boston College DB commit Omarion Davis (6-0,178), and sophomore prospect LB Mickey Johnson (6-0, 212).  

 A few key performers on offense include athlete Sequel Patterson (6-1, 180) who can play multiple skill positions on offense or defense along with OL senior leader Kent Hampton (6-3, 305).

 Indian land began the season hosting York on August, 23^rd.   

Nation Ford:  The Falcons of Nation Ford High start their third season with head coach Michael Allen and coming off a short run in the playoffs in the 2023 season.  Athletic Director Dave Johnson stepped aside from his assistant coaching role, now the Falcons have Jason McManus as their new offensive coordinator.  Coach Johnson brings a background in building a high- powered offense. 

 Returning on offense, the Falcons have seniors QB Carson Sanford and their top WR Josh Ameo.  In the backfield,  they have several juniors that are big play capable threats with Malachi Drayton (‘26), Patience Andrews (‘26, 6-1, 201), along with RB/CB, and Brandon Johnson (‘26). 

Defensively, the Falcons are looking good with the leadership of senior Zyon Neely, a two-year starter.

 Nation Ford opens their season at Blythewood on Friday, 8/23.

Catawba Ridge: After winning 11 games two years ago Catawba Ridge fell back to a 2-9 season in 2023 but with 17 starters back, they will have ever opportunity to compete well as a AAAAA member.

 Head coach Zac Lendyak begins his sixth season with the Copperheads. The return of key starters like HSSR Top 100 member TE Brady Ambrose (6-4,225), DB Nick Jones (5-11, 175), DL Lewis Price (6-4, 300), WR Braylen Burgis (6-1, 185), CB Josh Dobson (6-2, 180), and QB CJ Couch (6-2, 190) should help the team improve on their win totals this season.

 Catawba Ridge started the 2024 season with a home game against Chapin.

Fort Mill:  Bob McNeely begins his 7^th season at Fort Mill and with 15 returning starters things should be looking up for the program.

 Some of the key returning starters include: WR Braylon Thomas, WR/CB Tanner Mays, OL Grayson Sykes, LB Joe Duey, LB Josh Welch, and WR/DB Jeremiah McNeil. Quinn Kelly returns at QB along with LB Gray Patterson. Noah Handy is back as the team’s combo kicker.

 Fort Mill began the 2024 season against Ballantyne Ridge.   

 Region 4-AAAAA (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1. Dutch Fork (10-5)

 2. Irmo (13-1)

 3. White Knoll (13-1)

 4. Lexington (8-4)

 5. River Bluff (5-5)

 6. Chapin (6-5)

 Expect Dutch Fork to be Pushed By Irmo In Region 4-AAAAA

Dutch Fork:  After last season no one will ever doubt Tom Knott’s (461-71) ability to adjust, after team injuries, and even with five losses, the Silver Foxes recovered to win yet another AAAAA state football championship.

 The four key players for DF in 2024 are DB Elgin Sessions (6-1,180) committed to West Virginia, LB Josh Smith (6-1, 220) committed to Coastal Carolina, RT Josh Benson (6-7, 315) drawing interest from Marshall and UNC Charlotte among others, and highly regarded DL Julian Walker (6-6,240) who had 15 sacks as a junior.

 Junior QB Ethan Offing (6-0,170) is also back along with RB Maurice Anderson (6-0,210). The DF tackles are truly beasts with DJ Roberts (6-6,305) and Josh Benson (6-7,315) boasting a 415-pound bench Anderson needs to take them to the Waffle House after running behind those two. Raleigh Salters (5-11, 225) is a very talented LB also.

Dutch Fork will begin the season on August, 30^th at Spartanburg.

Irmo:  Aaron Brand begins his 5^th season at Irmo High and after finishing 13-1 last season, look for Irmo’s region title game at Dutch Fork on Nov. 1^st to be one of the biggest games in the Midlands in quite some time.

Coach Brand would like nothing more than to his son off to Virginia Tech with a championship ring. When the younger Brand at QB Irmo is as good as any team in the state. Brand even played some WR during a jamboree in mid-August that the Jackets won over Summerville 17-14.

Brand’s junior year numbers are eye popping. He completed 183-0f-253 passes for 2,932 yards and with his agile feet he rushed for 1,113 yards on 84 carries and 17 rushing TD’s. If you are in the back yard picking sides Brand is your pick for sure.

WR Donovan Murph returns and all he did was catch 57 passes for 1,084 yards and 17 TD’s last season. On defense DE Jaiden Bryant (6-4, 230) returns after making 44 tackles and 5 sacks last season. DB Matthew Blocker (5-9,170) also returns after 46 tackles last year.

 Irmo began the 2024 season hosting last year’s AA state champion Oceanside Collegiate.

White Knoll:  Nick Pelham will certainly not forget the historic season the Timberwolves had in 2023 when they won 13 games and played rival Dutch Fork for the AAAAA state championship. He begins his 4^th season at WK with numerous staters back from last season starting with QB Landon Sharpe (5-11, 190) who completed 187-of-273 passes for 2,646 yards and 30 TD’s.

Hunter Hohlwein and Donovan Sims (6-4, 305) return in the OL. Jr. RB Tiyon Fanning returns after rushing for 835 yards last year. The defense returns several key players like LB Connor Burgress and Top 100 member DB Devin Geronomi. FS James Smith is back along with CB/WR Caleb Geronomi. Other defenders back are NG Tyrone Jennings, DE Cornell Rice, and SE Caleb Caughman.

White Knoll started the 2024 season at Camden on August, 24.

Lexington: The Lexington Wildcats are looking to continue last season’s success under second year head coach Dustin Curtis.  Lexington is another school looking at a tougher class of competition now that they are in the Class AAAAA region with Dutch Fork, White Knoll, and Irmo.

 On offense, senior Brandon Cromer (6-3, 185) WR is an experienced receiver (top baseball prospect also) who will help the new Wildcats QB. In the backfield, Cam Morris and Toby Sobieralski will share the RB role following the blocking of Matt Wilkie on the O-Line.

 On defense, seniors Matthew McAulay (5-11, 187) returns at LB along with Artem Kalinkin (6-1, 260) at DE. 

 Lexington starts their season at home on Friday, 8/23 taking on Gilbert.

River Bluff: Last year’s young River Bluff team is now more experienced and looking to compete in their tougher, realigned region. Starting his 8th year as the Gators head coach, Blair Hardin has a majority of his team returning for this season. 

 On offense, Parker Murray (6-1, 185) is back at QB along with his senior receiver corps of Stephen Collier (6-3, 225), Landon Shipley (6-1, 165), and Brock Godfrey (6-0, 175). Adding to the pass threat is a group of experienced returners on the line to open lanes that includes Pac Pitts (6-5, 260), Joe Allendre (6-3, 350), LJ Berndt (6-1, 245), and Alex Kirylo (6-3, 250). 

 On defense, they will be looking for leadership and play making from returners Griffin Lindler (5-9, 165) LB and Elijah Hayes (5-10, 175) CB/WR. 

 River Bluff hosts Rock Hill on August, 23^rd to start the season. 

Chapin: Justin Gentry retired as the long-time head coach at Chapin after last year’s 6-5 season and Ryan Cole is the new head coach of the Eagles.

 Coach Cole tells the HSSR Chapin returns 8 players on offense and six return on defense so the Eagles should have enough talent back to be very competitive this season.

 QB Brady Albro (5-10,185) returns after completing 265-of-384 passes for 3,054 yards and 24 TD’s last year. Top WR Kalen Bostick also returns after catching 60 passes for 743 yards last season. Three OL return in tackles Nathan Gilley (6-1, 260) and Caden Muskins (6-5, 260) along with center Mason Hetlinger (6-1, 270).

 On defense the Eagles return both LB’ers Gavin Stam (5-10, 215) and Tanner Short (5-9,195). DB Anthony Turnbow is back also.

 Chapin started the 2024 season with a game versus Catawba Ridge.  

 Region 5-AAAAA Prediction  (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1.  Sumter (10-3)

 2. West Florence (5-6)

 3. Ridge View (8-3)

 4. Blythewood (4-7)

 5. Westwood (1-9)

 6. Lugoff-Elgin (2-9)

 7. Spring Valley (0-9)

 Sumter Favored To Take Region Honors In 5-AAAAA

Sumter: Mark Barnes has been a winner wherever he has coached and in 10 years with the Gamecocks he has compiled an 87-19 record with several region titles on his mantle.

 Sumter had 10 players attend the HSSR annual Media Day at USC in late July and they were a strong looking group of athletes for sure. DE Anthony Addison (6-3, 215), a USC commitment, was the first Gamecock to pass the eye test. DB Terance Burgess (6-1, 160, 4.5) had 40 tackles and 4 picks a year ago.

 Top WR Chris Bentley (6-2, 165,4.4) is back hoping to catch a lot of passes from soph QB Frank Richardson. (Any kin to Wally Richardson??). RB John Peoples (6-1, 190) returns after rushing for 1,523 yards and 32 TD’s as a junior. He also had 500 yards in pass receptions.

Jeremiah Burson, Tymaries Durant, and Jamarkus McCutcheon will hold down the LB slots. DE Rashawn Dickey (6-0,210, and DT Michael Lowery (5-11, 300) join Addison in the defensive front. Bryce Allen, and Daveon Bowman are returning DB’s as well.

Sumter started the season on August 23^rd hosting city rival Lakewood.

West Florence: The HSSR covered the Knights at the Dillon Jamboree of Champions and we were impressed with the enthusiasm of head coach Jody Jenerette  “I love this football team so much and it is one of my favorite teams I’ve ever had,” said Coach Jenerette. “They care about each other and they care about West Florence football, and they do what they have to improve and get better. We will be a very good football team before it is over.”

 Some team leaders coming into the season include Keyshawn Johnson and Lavern Evans has been great and those are two players who stand-out for us without a doubt,” said Coach Jenerette. “Our goals and expectations are same as everybody’s and we hope to win it all. We hope to find a way to win a game, or two, we were not supposed to win, make the play-offs, and keep on playing.

“We play South Florence to start the season and with this bad rain we’ve had we have not really had much of a chance to work on our special teams,” said Coach Jenerette. “We have a lot of catching up to do over the next week before we play our first game.”

 Two other key players for WF are QB Avery Weaver and WR Jaden Perkins.

 West Florence opened the regular season with cross town rival South Florence on 8/23.

Ridge View: At Ridge View, head coach Derek Howard is starting his fourth season with the Blazers.  This year should be the turn around point after a couple of rebuilding seasons, as the Blazers return an experienced squad on both sides of the line. The 2024 Blazers should be a talent deep team with equally high expectations.

 On offense, sophomore Tre Howard (5-9, 150) appears to have the QB job. And, the junior class is ready to make plays with top junior prospect Jordon Gidron (6-2, 190) at WR and Aiden Keeffe (6-0, 210) at RB, plus Hayden Morris (6-1, 165) at WR who transferred from Indian Land. 

 On defense, senior Cleve Tellery (6-0, 290) at DL is the fast big guy. Plus, we expect to see pressure from the secondary with Cardinal Newman transfer Quincy Grant (5-10, 170) and Jordyn Best (5-11, 170) who transferred from Lower Richland. 

 Ridge View travels to Fairfield Central for their season opener on Friday, 8/23. 

Blythewood:  Bengals Head Coach James Martin enters his second season leading the Blythewood football program.  Coach Martin is looking for a strong run this season with 14 returning starters and solid receiver Carter Coleman (’26, 6-0, 165) WR/FS who transferred from Ridge View.  The Bengals have a new QB this season in junior Johnny Collins.

  On defense, they will count on their big man, senior Sterling Sanders (6-4, 290) on the D-Line who is a Georgia Southern commitment.

 Blythewood plays their home opener on Friday, 8/23 against Nation Ford. 

Westwood:  After going 1-9 a year ago head coach Robert O’Connell should see vast improvement in the Redhawks this season.

 The two senior leaders on the offense are center Armond Scott and place kicker Cullen Henderson. The senior starters on defense include DL Matthew McCoy, LB Daniel Smalls, LB Jayce Rios, LB Ako Taylor, and DB Christian Smith.   

 The offensive junior starters are QB Carrington Carter, RB Quinten McGill, WR Kham Cunningham, WR Cameron Bennett, WR Cohen Scott, LT Kyzer Hannah, RT Jeremiah Whitmore. On defense the junior starters are DL DJ Jones, DL David White, DB Zion Oliver and DB Justin Washington. Three sophomores start on offense: TE Uriah Lofton, LG William Lever, RG and Jimmy Seici.

 Westwood started the 2024 season hosting AC Flora on August, 23^rd.   

Lugoff-Elgin:  Head Coach Leon Boulware starts his first year at the helm in Lugoff-Elgin (went 21-4 at Lewisville past two seasons).  The Demons got realigned into Class AAAAA and the team is suffering a long drought of below .500 seasons. Coach Boulware should have the talent on his team.

 On offense, look for Jace Richardson at QB targeting Shamil Saadiq (6-2, 190) WR, Myles Hamilton, and Jeremiah Benson (5-6, 148) WRs to deliver some big gains. Players to watch include Christian Smith (6-4, 275) and Daniel McCaskill (6-5, 280) at the OTs.

 On defense, senior Tyquan Murphy (6-0, 175) will be their leader at CB/FS.

 Lugoff-Elgin plays their season opener at Lower Richland on Friday, 8/23.

Spring Valley: Starting his second year at Spring Valley, Nygel Pearson is looking to 2024 as a turn- around year for the Vikings. There is reason for optimism. 

 On offense, junior QB Dylan Redden (6-1, 180) looks to have excellent skills and mobility for his age. Elijha Dillard returns at RB while senior Joel Amos (6-1, 186) adds depth at TE and Kellen Dimes (5-9, 150) will give the mobile passer a capable target. 

 On defense, senior Kelvin Griffin (5-11, 260)  will anchor the DL along with Demarion-Kalub Green (5-11, 270) and Daniel Jenkins at LB and Ethan Clarke (6-0, 172) at SS. 

 Spring Valley opens their season on road, traveling to Richland Northeast on Friday, 8/23.

 Region 6-AAAAA Prediction (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1.  Carolina Forest (9-4)

 2. Myrtle Beach (9-3)

 3. North Myrtle Beach (2-8)

 4. Conway (1-10)

 5. Socastee (3-8)

 6. St. James (3-8)

 Highly Competitive Race In 6-AAAAA Between Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach  

Carolina Forest: Marc Morris is beginning his 11^th season at Carolina Forest and with the new region created by realignment he will trade an annual battle with a team like Sumter to battle competitive teams from all from Horry County.

“We win if we win the battle of the trenches on either side of the ball,” said Coach Morris. “The team that wins this battle usually wins the game.”

 CF returns three veteran OL in all-star candidate RT Christian Huynh (6-4, 260) along with LG Tyler Dean (6-2, 295) who is also an all-star candidate. The third senior will be RG Jonathan Buffon (6-1, 235). TE River Thayne (6-1, 245) also returns.  

 The QB will be newcomer Pat Mullins and WR Raheem Frazier, Hayden Sauls, and Finn Mahood all return. RB Chris Livingston (5-10, 195) should have a 1,000 yard rushing season.

 On defense CF will be led by the return of DL AJ Palmer (5-9,210), LB Joseph Dial (5-10,185), all-region DB Charles McCoy (5-10, 170) and DB Zayveon Winns (5-10,165).-     

Myrtle Beach:  Mickey Wilson begins his 16^th season at Myrtle Beach and over this tenure the Seahawks are 150-42 including three state titles.  Last season MB was 9-3 and they have moved up to AAAAA with the new realignment but with familiar competition.

 Returning to command the offense is senior Gibson Goodroe (5-10, 170) who shared the position a lot with Tanner Gaddy in the pre-season. The Seahawks return top WR senior John Simmons (6-4, 190) a big playmaker. Junior QB Gadsaw saw lots of  preseason snaps and showed good promise for the future.

 On defense, the Seahawks have standout players in DE Noah Herring (6-0, 200), LB  Ashton Keith, OLB/RB in  Antonio Brown (5-10, 191).

 Myrtle Beach opens their season at home against Lake City on August, 23^rd.

North Myrtle Beach: Greg Hill begins his second season at North Myrtle Beach and the Chiefs have moved up a notch to the AAAAA classification.   According to Coach Hill, the Chiefs have more depth at the skill positions this year, including the return of quarterback Landon Cloninger (5-11, 175).

        During the Spring evaluation period for colleges Coach Hill noted that LT Sawyer Averitt (6-4, 250), LG JacQuri Witherspoon (6-3, 300), TE-HB Brown Reaves (6-3, 235) ,and DL DJ Gause (6-0,215).drew interest from numerous colleges in the region.

 The top juniors among the Chiefs are LB Lamontae Smith (5-11, 170), DB Bricey Gore (6-0,160), LB Mike Cavallini (5-10,165), and Jahsan Grace (5-9,150). The top soph candidate is OL Hampton Kingsford (5-10, 280).

The Chiefs begin the season at home on August, 23^rd against Goose Creek.

Conway: Josh Pierce begins his second year in Conway after building a strong program at Lamar.

 The top returning seniors on the team include: LG Louvernsky Auguste (6-0,275), WR Chris Quick (5-8,170), DL Isiah Shipman (6-0,280), RT Owen Smith (6-1, 245), along with LB Jashante Copley (6-0,195).

 The junior class is led by WR Jordan Jenkins (6-4, 190) and WR Javon  Smalls. Two sophomores expected to contribute are QB Noah Legg (6-1, 205) and LB Gabe Williams (5-10, 190).

Socastee:  Socastee High football is looking for another successful year with 11 returners for the 2024 season. Head coach Ben Hampton starts his fifth year at Socastee and it has good potential. promising. 

 On offense, senior Josh Brown (6-3, 210) WR and junior QB Christian Royals (5-11, 165) are play-makers along with freshman  dual threat at WR/RB in London Wilder (5-10, 170).

 On defense,  Jonathan Goswick (6-1, 190) SS/WR is an outstanding player as is Brayden Bolinger (6-0, 185) SS/FS/LS. On the line, Jaiden Thomas (5-11,  265) will be the anchor at NG/DE. 

 Socastee hosts Wando for their season opener on Friday, 8/23.

St. James: Head coach Tommy Norwood might find St. James in a rebuilding mode after graduation losses depleted an experienced group of skilled players.  The four play-makers returning from a team hit hard by graduation for St James include RB Nehishawn Hill, WR Josh Harnish, DL Rome Derenzo, along with RB Frank Glover.

Additional depth is built around veteran center and team leader Alex Sandt, Ath. Ja’Kye Graham, and newcomer WR Hunter Spurlin.

 St. James will start the season at Aynor on August, 30.   

 Region 7-AAAAA Prediction (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1.  Stratford (5-7)

 2. Berkeley (6-6)

 3. Lucy Beckham (9-2)

 4. Goose Creek (4-7)

 5. Cane Bay (6-5)

 6. Wando (1-9)

 Region 7-AAAAA Wide Open With Numerous Evenly Matched Teams

Stratford: Veteran head Stratford coach Dennie McDaniel came out of Spring drills proud of the fact the Knights had finally won a region title, the first since the glory days of Hall of Fame coach Ray Stackley headed up the program. It was the school’s first region football title since 2006.

 Two returning all-region players, QB Jachin Davis (6-1, 180) and OL Wes Snowden (6-3, 260) are key reasons the Knights have the potential to repeat as region champions this season. Davis is among the top 2026 QB’s in the state and he has offers from Cincy, U-Conn and Georgia Southern coming into his junior season.

 The defense will be literally be anchored by NG Otis Gardner (6-0,315) a four-year starter with a 385-pound bench, 625 leg squat and he dead-lifts 575 pounds. (Wow!). LB Darrell Holmes (5-10,215) also returns along with junior DB Amir McKnight. Other returning  players who will contribute  include RB Kerwin Squire, WR J.Q Crosby, TE Jacob Deacon, including DJ Crawford, Ben Jordan, Jameson Pelham and TJ Bryant.

Berkeley:  Eric Lodge begins his second season as the head coach and the coach feels like everyone had had a full year to buy into the system his new staff put in place last year when a young Stags team finished 6-6.

Coming into the 2024 season, Coach Lodge said, “Certainly we are further along in terms of our players knowing what to do and what our expectations are,” said Coach Lodge. “The players have had a full year to learn and understand things and we as coaches know our players better.”

 The Stags should have an above average passing game this season. Soph QB Henrry Brown returns after passing for over 2,500 yards last year and he added 600 more via the ground. The Stags top two WR’s return in Kayden Bush and Kevin Boone.  

 The defense allowed teams an average of 33.7 points per game a year ago. The DL is back with a goal of cutting those numbers in half. These players are: Andre Williams, Doquan Benekin, London Jackson, and Jamere Heyward. Junior prospect Zion Britt anchors the OL.   

Lucy Beckham:   Jamel Smith is the head coach of the Bengals and they are hoping to build on a very successful (9-2) season in 2023.  Athletes like OL Sawyer Hearne (6-4, 275), TE Talmage Askins (6-3, 215) and QB Chalmers Ballard (6-2, 180) give the team an opportunity to build on last year’s success. 

Coach Smith said the Bengals return only four starters on offense and three from defense this season. “We graduated 23 seniors after last season and I am starting my 5^th season at the school, but this is only our third season as a varsity program,” said Smith, who played football at Spring Valley High School. “We only have 13 seniors in the program this season and going from 4-A to 5-A we are going to have to grow up in a hurry.”

 Several other returning starters for Beckham include WR Trevor Reynolds (6-2, 200), center Seth Damron (6-1, 240), DL Jackson Edwards (5-11, 240), DL Parker Causey (6-0,230), along with LB Hank Aeppli (6-0,200) who earned all-state honors a year ago.

 Lucy Beckham will start the season hosting West Ashley on August, 23rd.

     Goose Creek: Gator’s head coach Jason Winstead spent a lot of time in Spring, and early Fall drills, developing step up players at the WR position where graduation claimed three players who combined to catch 1,950 yards of receptions.

 Junior RB Meliq McGowan, the “Region Player of the Year” in 2023, returns after accounting for 1,957 all-purpose yards,  including 16 TD’s.  Junior QB Kymani Clary also returns after passing for 2,110 yards last season including 19 TD’s. Senior all-region tackle Dallas Lee returns to lead the offensive front. With five returning starters back in the OL the QB should be well-protected.

The only WR back with experience is junior Jaylin Grant.

 Coming out of Spring drills, Coach Winstead told reporter Rob Gantt, “I feel better about our strength and size this year,” said Coach Winstead. “We’re more athletic. We can’t use inexperience as the reason we’re not making plays. We’ve just got to play better.”

Cane Bay:  Cane Bay head coach Rusell Zehr hopes the return of a veteran core group of experienced players will help the Cobras improve on a 6-5 record last season.

 The top seniors returning include: RB Austin Seabrook, WR Grififn Byars, RB Bryson Johnson, OL-Mason Judy, DL-Joshua Frost, DB-Malachi Dickerson, DB Jonas McKeen, and DL Ti’jeb Eaton.

 The top juniors are led by QB Colby LaRocca, Tyler Myers, and LB Dominic Russell. A core up of young talent has moved up from the jayvee expecting playing time. They are LB Cameron McCoy, Brody Thacker, DB Jamari Blandin, OL Troy Stevens who could start at RT, Charlie Shattuck, and Aiden Thorn will handle place kicking duties.

Wando: Isaiah Perrin begins his first season at facilities rich Wando with the big challenge of getting potential players in the community to stay local with the Warriors with so many options available to them within a six-to-8-mile radius of the Wando campus.

 Junior Harris Stone returns with experience at QB having played in five games last year with around 400 yards passing.  Protecting Stone and creating lanes, the offensive line has three returning seniors, Harrison Hayes, Weston Adams and Jackson Ward.

 The team’s best senior prospect is TE Brock Feinberg, a four-year starter. Feinberg also flips to defense where he plays LB. Top rusher Reggie Grant is back to add depth and Cole Fletcher and Kai Correia are returning WR’s.

 LB Matt Payes is a leader on defense and experience returns in the back from DB’s Shane Maher, and Mikey Jenkins with Fletcher also flipping from offense.

 Wando opens their season traveling to Socastee on August, 23^rd.  

 Region 8-AAAAA Prediction (Predicted Order of Finish)

 1.  Summerville (13-1)

 2. James Island (12-1)

 3. Ashley Ridge (8-3)

 4. West Ashley (6-6)

 5. Fort Dorchester (7-4) 

 6. Stall (2-8)

 Summerville, James Island Should battle It Our For Region 8-AAAAA Honors 

Summerville:  Lest we forget, had it not been for a rare “aiding the runner” penalty that negated a late scoring drive in the AAAAA Lower State title game last season, the Green Wave might have played for a state championship.

Instead, head coach Ian Rafferty and his team ended up with a 13-1 record and to say the team has been working hard in preparation for the 2024 would be a huge under-statement .We have in-depth coverage of the team elsewhere in this issue but here are a few key returning players this season.

 Coach Rafferty promotes senior QB Jaden Cummings as the top signal caller in the state and his junior numbers were impressive. Cummings completed 189-of-275 passes for 3,333 yards and 36 TD’s. He added 250 rushing yards and four TD’s. One big position switch has sent former FS to the WR side of the ball in the person of Super Sophomore Jaiden Kelly-Murray who will now serve as the team’s go-to receiver. He had 110 tackles last year including an impressive 10 interceptions.

 The team will rotate three RB’s. They are soph Jayvyn Williams, along with jr.’s Kaylaeb Jenkins and Derrick Grant. Keshon Washington and Brice Taylor are back as TE’s-HB’s and could also see some time in the DL. The WR corps is deep behind Kelly-Murray and includes senior Carson Guinn, Emori Desaussure, and Jakayden Pendergrass.

 Some of the defensive talent includes in the DL includes Yasir Smith, Nicolas Lincoln, and Julian Lofay. Leading the LB corps are Joshua Williams, Hunter Swing, Tyree Patton and Gryson Greenway.  Dontez Walker and Jacquez Walker lead the secondary. Basketball player Melvin Teal, playing football this year, adds depth in the secondary also.(Se feature story on Summerville elsewhere in this issue).

James Island:  The Trojans are 23-3 over the last two seasons under Jamar McKoy, who enters his fifth season at the school. Gone are a lot of the players that handled the heavy lifting for the past two years but McKoy is hopeful that the recent success has instilled a strong competitive spirit in the newer crop of talent.  While there are significant losses in personnel, the 2024 roster does include a solid core of returners. There are holes to fill along the offensive line and McKoy is breaking in a new quarterback, but the Trojans could be strong defensively once again.

 The lone returner at running back is senior Tank Scott, who gained nearly 800 yards last season. The top returner in the passing game is slot Jalen Brown-Singleton, an explosive athlete with 4.41 speed. Brown-Singleton also is one of the top kick returners in the state.  Anchoring the offensive line is one of the state’s top sophomore prospects, 6-3, 320-pound tackle Israel Harris.

 The strength defensively is along the front with a ton of talent and experience returning, led by seniors Malachi Jefferson, Hendrix Beran and Dalton Woodall. Tra’Sean White, a transfer from St. John’s, adds to the depth and will be a force, according to McKoy.

 Back at linebacker are Coleman Jones and Luke Thomas while Jamari Rivers returns in the secondary.

 The kicking game also will be a strength with the return of senior Grady Dangerfield, who has a huge leg and routinely lifts kickoffs through the endzone. He is rated a five star by one national recruiting service.

 James Island started the season at Gray Collegiate on August, 23^rd.

Ashely Ridge: Jeff Tate begins his second season at Ashley Ridge after his Foxes produced 8 wins in his first season.

 Senior QB Trevor Kalisz torched the passing stats for 2,989 yards last year including 28 TD’s and many of those yards were caught by now graduated all-star Derrick Salley. RB’s Jayden Acosta and Jeffrey Ruffin return and Acosta tallied 959 yards last year.

 The WR’s will get plenty of work in the A-R passing attack and Jagger Spivey, Jalen Drayton, and Nivay Picou lead this group. Cody Patterson, Mason Driggers, Jazahun Holmes, and Bryce Lawhon return on the OL.

 The defense returns top tackler LB Dylan Polansky (71) and LB Luca Sciannamea. Coach Tate considers Polansky a top candidate to make a post season all-star game. The DL will be manned by Jayden Thompson, Malachi Mitchell, and Gage Ridgeway. Joseph Nelson, Stephen Jefferson, and Ja’Kwan Simmons should help anchor the seconadary.

West Ashley: Donnie Kiffer and his Wildcats were a handful of plays away from winning at least eight games last season and this year’s unit may have that potential as well. Returning at quarterback is senior David Dounian, a dual-threat performer who totaled more than 1,700 yards last season. While the running backs are somewhat new, the passing game could be productive with the return of junior Ethan Ranew and senior tight end Jude Claborn.

 The offensive line is a strength with returning starters Hampton O’Donald, Daniel Dounian, Jimmy Jones and Matt Atkinson. A combination of those will share time along the defensive line as well.  Senior Davion Kinard-Taylor is a key returner defensively as a starting end. He produced more than 20 tackles for loss in 2023. Junior Bristof Biegenzahn is a junior who looks to make an impact defensively, primarily on the outside.

 West Ashley also returns a weapon on special teams in senior Jacob Adams, who averaged 40 yards per punt and booted nine field goals last season.

Fort Dorchester:  Shaun Lorenzano is in his first year at Fort Dorchester and the Patriots have three starters on offense and 8 starters back on defense working hard to improve on a 7-4 season last year.     

 The returning starters on offense are RB Ryan Campbell, OL Marquise Wilson and OL Lamareon Thompson. The defenders back CB Jordan Wright, CB Jalen White, LB Jaxon King, LB Romaum Parson, SS Chaz Mitchell, LB Maliquan Pimentel and DE Malichi Watson (6-1, 230). Watson is among best DE’s in the state.

Stall:  New Warrior head coach Kenny Freeman is in his first year at Stall after serving as a former head coach at Midland Valley.

“A lot of teams at the 5-A level already have everything in place, they are like a small college,” said Coach  Freeman. “Stall has been behind a little so it was somewhat of a shock as far as what they had in place when I got here, so everything I’ve been doing goes towards building a program, get the facilities right, get a new weight room, and getting everything going in the right direction.

“The first step is to get the kids to come out,” said Freeman. “Of course, if you win it’s easier to get them to come out so it is like the chicken and the egg scenario. It’s important to get them lifting and getting bigger.”

 One key returner is two-way lineman Hayden “Tiny” Gregory, who earned all-region honors last season. The 6-0, 250-pound Gregory will anchor the trenches and provide leadership for underclassmen.

 Senior tight end Tommy Miller and senior running back Montrell Davis also will lead offensively.

 On defense, returning linebackers Jaden Oliver, Josiah Yeadon and Jayvne Manigault will be key performers, along with lineman Tony Tabora and defensive back Bryce Williams.