Class AA region breakdown

Overview: Class AA looks a lot different in 2024 with traditional powers Abbeville, Oceanside Collegiate and Gray Collegiate now in different classifications.

Former AAA powers Chester and Clinton drop down to AA and already are being mentioned as state finalist contenders, for good reason. Saluda and Strom Thurmond have key people to replace but will be top 10 level teams.

Manning and Hampton County are getting early attention in the Lower State while region six may be the most competitive league overall in AA.

Region 1-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Clinton

2.     Liberty

3.     Chesnee

4.     Blacksburg

5.     Landrum

Clinton was a state title contender in class AAA so should maintain that level of status in Class AA. Coach Corey Fountain enters the 2024 season with 99 career wins as a head coach so getting 100 should come early.

A big returner offensively is quarterback Tyshawan Richardson, who will have receivers Chris Boyd and Maison Tinsley in his eye sight. Running backs Kason Copeland, Angelo Cromer and Javen Cook will be a solid trio offensively.

Anchoring the offense line is junior prospect Tre Aiken, a 6-4, 285-pound tackle who is racking up college offers. Cal Pitts is the other starting tackle while Hunter and Clayton Lawson will line up at guard beside center Rion Gordon.

Senior Devin Swindler returns to anchor the defensive secondary with Adarell Swindler and Noah Garrett working along the front, Linebackers Brett Young, Jayden Glenn and DJ Clark will be a formidable unit at the second level.

Liberty went 7-4 a year ago and returns nearly every offensive starter this fall. Those returners include quarterback Logan Smith, running back Austin Smith, receiver Kendrick Jackson, tackle Logan Ramsey and tight end Connor Hood.

Top returners defensive will include linebacker Austin George and defensive back Issac Reece.

Chesnee should improve on their 6-6 record of a year ago with Brett Chappell taking over as head coach. The big piece offensively for the Eagles is K’Jay Proctor, a quarterback who also plays defensive end.

Evan Lawter also could see time at quarterback, allowing for Proctor’s talents to be used in other ways. Jayden Williams and Kale Thrift are returning running backs while Braylon Branton and Carson Gossett are valuable returners as receivers and defensive backs.

One of the top returning defenders is linebacker Bradley Myers.

Blacksburg notched three wins a season ago, a marked improvement over the previous years. Progress should continue with the return of some key personnel, including 2,000-yard passer Josh Sims at quarterback. Receivers Ziyon Harris and Cameron Cobb also return.

In the running game, look for contributions from Dominic Odom and Shun Rogers. Hart Crawford returns as a leader up front.

Top defensive returners include ends Chanzell Bonner and Trevon Clark, and linebacker Ross Eliis.

Landrum posted a 5-6 record last season and should compete for a playoff spot this fall. Aiden Kelly is a returning running back looking to impact the offense, along with AJ Lindsey, who missed 2023 with an injury. Titus Poore is one of the top athletes on the roster and will be used on both sides of the ball.

Junior Ty Foster looks to be the man at quarterback while linebacker Jayden Rose is one of the top returners on defense.

Region 2-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Strom Thurmond

2.     Saluda

3.     Ninety Six

4.     Batesburg-Leesville

5.     Pelion

6.     American Leadership

Strom Thurmond won 10 games last season but has some key personnel to replace. Nonetheless, the Rebels have a strong program and should be among the favorites in region two.

One of the graduation losses came at quarterback but junior Bri’shaun Lee did see some time last season and should be a comfortable replacement. The top returning receiver is Jay Sewell, who grabbed nearly 50 passes for more than 500 yards a season ago. Anchoring the run game is Cam Blacks, who garnered more than 300 yards last season.

The offensive line should be a strength with the return of Trent Kelly, Tucker Mines and Micah Warren.

Leaders defensively will include linebacker Deonte Phillips, end Josh Merriweather and defensive back Kaleb Simpkins.

Saluda has won more than 40 games since 2019 and coach Stewart Young has established a winning culture. The Tigers were 7-4 last season, finishing third in the region. The top returning player this fall is all-state defensive end TJ Lott. (See a complete team feature in section A of the 2024 football issue).

Ninety Six went 8-3 a year ago, their first winning record since 2018. The success should continue as coach Matthew Bennett builds a solid foundation early in his tenure.

The offense will be paced by running back Zay King, who was the region player of the year last fall after gaining more than 1,200 yards on the ground. King is one of 14 returning starters,

Kayden Conway is a top returning receiver and Nathan McCary returns as a leader along the offensive and defensive lines. Two key linebackers return in Gabe Hackett and Kayden Payne. Both also see carries in the run game.

Batesburg-Leesville will battle for a playoff spot and could be a sleeper team in the region race. Three key performers return offensively in senior quarterback Tanner Watkins, junior running back Amadre Wooden, and senior receiver Jamarius Clark.

Two top linemen return in senior Matthew Howard and junior JaQuan Corley. (See team feature in section A of the 2024 football issue).

Pelion will continue their efforts to improve their region standing. The top returner is senior running back Michael Cottrell, who will shoulder the load in the running game.

Senior Kaleb James is a returning starter at guard with college potential, with senior Lane Brown also returning at guard as a starter.

The top defensive returner is junior linebacker Andy Rawls, a physical tackler and a leader on the defense.

American Leadership Academy is taking on their first varsity season with long-time midlands coach Robin Bacon at the helm. Things could be a little rough in year one but the potential set the foundation is there.

Offensively, a few of the key players will be quarterback Ian Briggs, receivers Abraham Hoffman and Carson Williams, and linemen Ayden Mitchum and Greg Kimpson.

On defense, look for leadership from lineman Landon Wallace, linebacker Caleb Sanders and defensive back Jackson Sheriff, also a receiver.

Region 3-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Chester

2.     Fairfield-Central

3.     Mid-Carolina

4.     Columbia

5.     Eau Claire

Chester is the preseason No.1 team in Class AA so naturally the Cyclones are the favorite to win the region 3-AA title.

Coach Victor Floyd returns a talented cast from a 10-3 team that ended with a loss in the Class AAA Upper State semi-finals.

This year’s team is again led by senior quarterback Trooper Floyd (6-3, 195), now in his third varsity season. The athletic Floyd is equally dangerous as a runner and passer. Junior Omari Pendergrass and sophomore Amari Nesbitt are the top receiving targets. Handling the bulk of the running game will be junior Hudhaifah Taylor and sophomore Caleb Feaster.

Three senior leaders along the offensive front include center Jeremiah Gladden, guard Jabrell White and tackle Donovan Wilmore.

Junior Terry Radford and sophomore Luke Reed will be key performers along the defensive front. Cam Wray is the lone senior linebacker and Zeke Evans is the lone senior expected to start in the secondary. All total the starting 22 could include as many as 15 underclassmen.

Right on the heels of the Cycs will be the Griffins of Fairfield Central. The Griffins went 9-3 last season and continued an impressive run as a state title contender.

Entering camp, senior Ford Davis and junior Kaden Diggs were competing for the starting nod at quarterback. Senior Tydaizion Grier returns as the lead running back with junior Dre Walker getting totes as well.

The top returner at receiver is junior Jayden Boyd, a hard guard at 6-feet-8 inches tall. Tyshannon Shannon also returns as a pass catcher.

Seniors along the offensive line include center Antron Rice, and tackles Jalen Rogers and Tymorris Weldon.

Defensive back Chris Pearson is the top senior returner on defense. He is one of four seniors projected as defensive starters this season. CJ Turner is a returning linebacker while Antario James and Chris Jackson start in the secondary as seniors.

Mid-Carolina is a solid bet for third in the region. The Rebels were 3-8 last year. The Rebels will also have their fair share of underclassmen in the starting lineup, starting with sophomore quarterback Davis Ruff and sophomore running back Ryker Woolstenhulme.

Senior AD Basnight is the top returner at wide receiver with senior JD Dewalt also back as a pass-catcher. Junior center Peyton Kitts will be a leader along the offensive line, joined by seniors Jaxson Moody, Trustan Stack, Braeden Wessinger and Liam Blair.

Defensive leaders should include Basnight, Moody, Dewalt and Wessinger.

Columbia High finished 3-8 last season and their 2024 roster is loaded with underclassmen this season. Senior leadership is expected from Seon Allen (OL/DL), Aaron Myers (OL/DL), Trevon Belton (OL/DL), Justin Wright (WR/DB), Malachi Butler (WR/DB), Daqon Booker (LB) and Shelvin Enwright (OL).

Eau Claire finished 0-10 last season, extending their losing streak past 30 games. The last victory came during the 2019 season.

One player to watch is senior lineman Dexter Gunter, a 6-5, 265-pound tackle/end.

Region 4-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Cheraw

2.     Andrew Jackson

3.     North Central

4.     Central

5.     Chesterfield

6.     Buford

Region four stacks up as a pretty competitive league overall with no clear-cut favorite as the season begins.

Based on the sheer numbers of returning starters, the logical pick to win the region is Cheraw. Coach Andy Poole returns some major personnel from a team that went 5-6 last fall. Poole lists 16 returning starters, including nine on defense.

Among the key returning seniors on that defense are tackle Asheton Walls, linebackers Tyler Gordon and Deman Ellerbe, and four seniors in the secondary – Jahveon Marshall, Henry Singleton, Jaden Carroway and Robert Brown.

There will be a new starting quarterback as junior Kadin Thomas takes the reins. Poole has confidence in the 6-3 signal-caller. Senior Cam McClendon is a returning running back while senior Zay Campbell and sophomore Nick Gordon are returning receivers.

The line is led by seniors Bernard Joyner, Caleb Terry, Ed Meeks and John Campbell – all returning starters.

Andrew Jackson has been a region title contender for several years, winning the trophy and capturing nine wins last season.

The Vols will have a new quarterback as senior Dallas Vick takes over but he will have solid help around him. Senior receivers Jy’Kevious Johnson and Bryce Peterson return with all-state potential. Junior Damais Seegars is back at running back and looks to become the RB1 this fall.

The offensive line will begin the season inexperienced as senior center Tavarus Kelly is the lone returning starter. Juniors Nick Carter and Graham Edwards, and sophomores Ethan Horton and Gaige Lowery will be the new starters.

Senior Caden Langley and junior Kam McGill are returning starters along the defensive front. Junior Jase Fair and Seegars are returning linebackers while Peterson and junior Tyre Gaddy return on the back end.

The Knights of North Central finished 4-7 a year ago and look to take another step forward this fall. Senior running back Jonathan Carson is a key returner offensively. Carson rushed for 773 yards and nine scores while earning all-region honors. Senior Ashton Brazell was an all-region corner last season but is moving to quarterback this fall. Senior Jordan Joe is the top returner at receiver.

Senior Aiden Wiles is a force along the offensive and defensive line, totaling more than 70 tackles last season. Junior linebacker Quayson Peoples was an all-region pick in 2023.

Central and Chesterfield have new head coaches this fall. Central head coach Jonathan Eason was the head coach at Chesterfield before returning to his alma mater for 2024.

The Eagles are led by returning seniors Tray Wilson (RB/DB), Dontavious Covington (LB) and Kobe Davis (defensive line).

Sophomore Dwayne Louallen is slated to be the quarterback this season. Junior MJ Allen could be a key at running back but also starts at linebacker on defense.

Chesterfield’s new coach is Matt Quinn, most recently of North Augusta but also had a successful stint at Westwood.

The Rams have solid potential but not a lot of depth early. Expect consistent play and leadership from junior quarterback Bryce Adams, last year’s starter. Jaquavis Clark is among the top pass-catchers in Class AA while the defense is anchored by linebackers Terrell Robinson and TJ McBride.

The entire starting offensive line returns from last season, giving the Rams a solid advantage. Senior right guard Xavier Rivers is a fourth-year starter.

Another key linebacker will be junior Sincere Hubbard while Derrick Lockhart is at outside backer after missing last season. Another key defender is senior end Jaden Wallace.

No information was available for Buford by presstime.

Region 5-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Barnwell

2.     Hampton County

3.     Whale Branch

4.     Edisto

5.     Lake Marion

Barnwell has been getting a lot of love in the preseason but Hampton County is the defending region champion. Both are ranked in the Class AA preseason top 10.

Barnwell returns a boatload of talent, including 21 seniors on the roster. Leading the list is senior quarterback Cam Austin, a USC baseball commit but an excellent athlete on the gridiron, Austin will put up big numbers through the air and on the ground. His top targets are likely to be Logan Sturkie and Jaquan Peeples while Jordan Peeples returns as the RB1.

Senior Tony Cherry will anchor what should be a solid offensive line. On defense, key leaders will be end Lex Thomas, linebacker Jeremiah Eady and defensive back Jayden Pinckney.

Hampton County surprised many around the state with their 12 wins in their first season of play after the merger of Wade Hampton and Estill High. The confidence gained will carry over this season and the Hurricanes are not taking steps backward.

Senior Chris Terry returns at quarterback and is as steady as they come. Running backs Jaylen Singletary and Jayvin Risher will be major parts of the offense while sophomore Jordan Bovain is a top receiver.

Lineman Mandrell Sanders is a major force defensively, racking up more than 50 tackles for loss over the last two years and earning all-state honors.

Talk about consistency, the Whale Branch football program has been a model. Since 2014, the program has posted nine winning seasons, including a 7-2 record last season.

Looking to continue the winning trend this season are returning linemen Joseph Darby and Isaiah Evans (6-8, 330), linebacker Aaron Fields, and running back/safety Zaire Polite, among others.

Edisto made positive strides last season and looks to continue that trend. Among the top returning players are two-way linemen Tyshawn Sprinkle and Jamon Boatwright. Terrell Thomas is hoping to return at quarterback as he continues recovery from an injury. Thomas rates as one of the team’s top athletes. Kahlehi McKenzie is slated to be a key returner on defense.

Lake Marion finished 2-8 last season. Coach Jarvis Davis says his top returning seniors are receiver Mason Miles and left tackle Trent McHoney. Junior running back Torrington White and junior linebacker Dewaine Shivers also will be key players.

Sophomore linebacker Javeon Bauldrick is expected to be an impact performer at linebacker.

Other offensive linemen include Antoine White, Jeremiah Ravenell, Ty Brigman and Cadon Keller.

Region 6-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Philip Simmons

2.     Andrews

3.     Woodland

4.     Timberland

5.     Academic Magnet

6.     Burke

No team in region six has a clear advantage as any of the top four teams could win the region title. As always, depth and key injuries at this level can play a major role in determining a season.

Philip Simmons may operate a little differently on offense after the graduation of the top two running backs in school history.

KJ Asbury and Sharod Williams combined for more than 3,000 rushing yards last season.

However, quarterback Tavien Orellana will be a third-year starter and a bigger emphasis on the passing game is likely.

Running back was not the only area hit by graduation as Bendig has holes to fill on both sides of the ball. The offensive line should be a strength, anchored by junior Quamaine Vaughn and senior Daniel Scarth.

Scarth also is a key returner at linebacker, along with juniors Brody Tonon and Ethan Chisum. Senior Cam Richardson will anchor the secondary while three underclassmen, juniors Michael Garnett and Jayquan Shephard, and sophomore Alex Tonoryk, will work along the defensive line.

Timberland’s strength is along the offensive and defensive lines where size and experience returns. Anchoring that group is junior Desmond Green, one of the nation’s top 2026 prospects with multiple P4 offers.

Two other returning senior linemen include Kaseam Liferidge and Keyon Wright. The new starter at quarterback is junior Malyk Goodman and senior Aiden Berrios returns as the top receiver. Look for sophomore Josh Brown to make an impact at running back.

Among the key returners defensively are linebackers Ethan Milligan and Demarrs Middleton, and defensive back Jeremiah Cleveland.

Woodland coach Eddie Ford has built a consistent winning program and the success should continue in 2024.

While there are significant holes to fill from graduation losses, Woodland seems to find the right athletes to compete on the field.

A new quarterback, sophomore Jervaze Salley, will take the offensive reins this season and Ford loves the athleticism and potential of his budding star. His top receiving threat will be senior Ja’Kease Salley, and junior Jaemin Brown will be the top threat in the running game.

Anchoring the offensive line are senior Antonio Ford and junior Tyreon Summerson, both returning starters.

Leading defensively is returning linebacker DJ Blanding. Jaemin Pinckney and Tre’von Walker are returning at outside linebacker, while senior Antuan Addison returns along the defensive line.

Travon Tate will anchor the secondary.

Andrews is another consistently competitive program as Scott Durham has built a solid program over the last decade and the former Goose Creek assistant has quality personnel returning this fall.

Senior Brandon Cumbee will be a third-year starter at quarterback and brings dual-threat potential to the offense.

Andrews is a run first offense and will lean on AJ Lee, who gained 1,300 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last season. Da’Viyon McNair anchors the trenches and senior tight end Khalil Dorsey returns as arguably the best player on the team.

Dorsey is also a major threat on defense at end while Jacolby Sanders returns at defensive tackle. The other returner at end is Aden Cooper.

An overall lack of depth makes things difficult for the Raptors of Academic Magnet but coach Mitch White has managed to keep the team competitive.

Two leaders offensively include receivers Dean McCollough and Tyler Perez, who also handles placekicking duties. Returning along the offensive line are senior Max Peters and junior Carson Clark.

Anchoring the defense are returning linebackers Keveon Ford and Hamp Hamilton, both seniors. Junior safety Campell Stoklosa and sophomore corner Cole Ivey will lead the defensive secondary.

The work to rebuild the Burke program enters year three for coach Earl Brown, who continues to fight a numbers issue.

Sophomore Melachi Singleton will be a major threat offensively, working from the quarterback position. Singleton was the runner-up for region player of the year in Class A last season.

Senior Allen Rouse III is a third-year varsity player and will be featured at running back and slot receiver this fall. He also will start at cornerback on defense.

Senior Chad Joe is a 6-3, 320-pound two-way lineman who also is a third-year performer. Senior linebacker Amir Lewis and senior safety Shermane Wittrell are two keys that return on defense.

Region 7-AA Predicted Order of Finish

1.     Manning

2.     Marion

3.     Kingstree

4.     Lake City

5.     Mullins

6.     East Clarendon

7.     Atlantic Collegiate

Region 7-AA may or may not be a wide open race as every team has key personnel to replace. At first glance, Manning and Marion appear to be the favorites but time will tell.

Manning coach Reggie Kennedy suffered some key personnel losses to graduation but has a few key pieces back as well. Among those returners is the state’s biggest running back in senior Jaylnn Coard. The 6-2, 290-pound Coard, also a nose guard on defense, rushed for more than 700 yards last season and fits well in Kennedy’s game plan of power football running game.

When the Monarchs wish to pass, quarterback Jakae Mitchell is a solid thrower and has a year of experience. Jeff Ceasar returns as the top receiver while Jontavious Canty will be a key returner at linebacker.

Marion went 10-2 last season but graduated a ton of production. Coach Brian Hennecy reports only seven returning starters. One key returner is junior running back/linebacker Jeremiah Eaddy while senior Tyrice Davis will assume duties at quarterback.

Returning at linebacker are Dramere Pearson and Ben Watford. Pearson is considered among the top players in the region. Senior Jamerson Davis will be a leader on the offensive line.

Kingstree went 5-7 last season and should be better this fall. Seniors Mycheal Edwards-Wallace and Malcolm Salters return as veterans along the offensive line. Junior Xavier Dukes is the top receiving threat and junior Tyleek Dukes heads up the running game. Junior tight end Benjamin Washington will figure into the offense as well.

Many starters will be going both ways. Xavier Dukes is returning in the secondary, along with junior Bryson Epps. Edwards-Wallace anchors the defensive front and Washington is a returning start at linebacker.

Lake City looks to improve on their 4-7 record. Junior Amari Hanna returns at quarterback and senior Torrance Wilson is the top returning running back. Two seniors, Blayne Edwards and Treshon Burgess, return as key receivers. The offensive line will be fairly young with only left guard Connor Lane listed as a returning starter.

Wilson and Messiah Singletary are returners at linebacker while Burgess is back in the secondary. Shannon Epps and Quez Washington also return in the back end.

Mullins was a very young team last season and the majority of this season’s starting lineup is comprised of underclassmen, though many with a year under their belt.

Offensively, junior KaNazzion Bethea is returning and was an all-region pick last season. Junior Ayntwain Crawford is the most explosive offensive threat at wide receiver. Three seniors, Elijah Waters, Kion Cribb and Jamell Crawford, are projected to start along the offensive line.

 Senior strong safety Lebron Avant is an all-state caliber player on defense. Crawford is one of four returners on the defensive line, joined by Lonnie Alston, Reggie Miller and Braden Hughes.

 East Clarendon will rely on quarterback Takisha Cornelius to operate the offense this season. Jay Webb will be a factor in the run game while Darius McCray will work at receiver and linebacker. The top returner on defense is linebacker Hunter Mixon.

Atlantic Collegiate will play their first official varsity season after getting a taste with three games last season. Quarterback Gavin Dufour shows promise as a leader offensively. Jeffrey Williams and Noah Bell are the top linemen.

Justin Bellamy will be a major factor at linebacker and tight end while Michael Livingston will be the leader in the secondary. The Armada have a special teams weapon as well with placekicker Jack Garstka.