Five Midlands football teams to watch this season

WE’VE BEEN about “five on the rise” players for the past couple of weeks, but I’ve gotten a lot of questions what teams will make a lot of noise this fall:

BATESBURG-LEESVILLE

This is a team that should be tough in the Class 2A again. They return Terrence Wilson, the top running back in the Midlands, and second-year coach Perry Woolbright will utilize him as a multi-threat player in his spread offense. Losses on the defensive front will need to be addressed, but this team should be a deep playoff contender.

CHAPIN

The Eagles return a dangerous running quarterback in Logan Bailey. Add to the mix one of 2017’s top players in tight end-defensive end Will Register and this team is solid on offense. I like them as a favorite in the Region 4-3A.

BROOKLAND-CAYCE

The Cats were 6-4 and seemed to have turned the corner. They return starting quarterback Kozie Brown, along with a strong group of running backs. They have an impressive group returning on defense in the trenches, as well as linebacker Keyshawn James. The secondary will be strong.

DUTCH FORK

This 4A team should be good. While it loses running back Matt Colburn, it returns solid talent. Alec Deboer at wide receiver will be a threat if it can solve the quarterback question, and, defensively, they will be anchored by one of the state’s top players, Stephen Davis.

WESTWOOD

The Redhawks had a great season last year but they take a big hit on defense, losing eight starters.

But the offense will return most of its talent. They lost their quarterback but return solid skills at running back and wide receiver. They will be strong up front.