5 Midlands football teams poised for breakout or bounce-back seasons in 2022
As high school football season begins Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 in South Carolina, we look at some teams from the Midlands that could be poised for a breakout season — or are ready to bounce back from a disappointing 2021.
Here are five Midlands teams that fit into one of those categories:
Blythewood Bengals
The Bengals battled injuries on their way to a 3-6 season in 2021 and missed the postseason. With a strong defense returning and a more manageable region schedule — Ridge View and Northwestern dropped to Class 4A — there is a good chance Blythewood will be back in the postseason after a year’s absence.
CA Johnson Hornets
The Hornets are looking to maintain the momentum they’ve built over the last two seasons and set their sights on a region championship this year. CAJ in 2021 won six games, its most since 2009, and won a playoff game for the first time since 1986. The Hornets have come short for a region title the last two years, but with region champion Lamar moving to another region, there’s a good chance CAJ could attain that goal.
Cardinal Newman Cardinals
The Cards have won just one game combined the past two seasons. Former Gamecock Cory Helms moves in as the program’s new coach and has brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program. The Cards have a few transfers who could help turn things around, including Citadel offensive line commit Logan Locklear.
Richland Northeast Cavaliers
Walt Wilson loves to rebuild programs and got off to a good start last season, leading the Cavaliers to three wins and a playoff appearance. Before 2021, the Cavs hadn’t won a game at all since 2018. RNE also was competitive in its losses last year, with three defeats by a combined eight points. RNE has a Division I prospect at quarterback in sophomore Will Wilson, so there is optimism the program is heading in the right direction.
River Bluff Gators
The Gators are coming off a 2-8 year, their worst since Blair Hardin’s first season in 2017. In between a pair of two-win efforts, the Gators have a pair of nine-win seasons and should bounce back this year. River Bluff has a talented running back in Cooper Johns, and sophomore Parker Murray takes over quarterback. Their defense should also be strong.
This story was originally published August 11, 2022 at 11:42 AM.
