Midlands among best in passing
HERE’S A LOOK at some of the teams around the area, as well as notable schools in the state:
Lexington Wildcats – This team is loaded at the skills positions. The wide receiver spot is going to cause problems in many secondaries with All-Stater Jayson Hopper, senior Tyler Schadewald, and junior Daquan Wells. They also added transfer senior Jason Rumph (6-foot-5) to the mix. Defensively, their back seven is very strong. Wells doubles at corner, Hopper has been seeing time at linebacker, and senior safety Nick Graves is dangerous at safety. Junior Eric Ricker has looked strong. Senior linebacker Trey Mitchell has played well. If these guys get support from their offensive line, they could be very good in 2015.
Dutch Fork Silver Foxes – The Foxes were thought to be in a rebuild mode, but have proven they are going to be a team to contend with – at least from a skills standpoint. This past week, theywon the Cam Newton 7-on-7 Tournament championship, going unbeaten.
Blythewood Bengals – Maybe the most Jekyll and Hyde of them all. This team can look like state champs on one day and a homecoming opponent on other days. They have a solid quarterback in David Israel and have solid skills players on both sides, but they can’t put it together on some days. Jury is out on them.
Brookland-Cayce Bearcats – Will struggle at quarterback, but this team is loaded at the slot and back position, and when they get their line on the field are going to be very strong. Defensively, the linebackers and secondary have played well in 7-on-7 and they have one of the best defensve lines in the Midlands.
Lower Richland Diamond Hornets – They have a scary wide receiver in Larry Collins. But he’s one guy. The Hornets look athletic, but have shown inconsistency at quarterback. Rising sophomore Justin Reese looked strong in the secondary, and they have good linebackers.
Gray Collegiate Eagles – Gray is in its second year, and got a big boost by winning the Mars Hill 7-on-7 Championship last week. Led by junior quarterback Bryce Fields, the Eagles should be a much improved team.
AROUND THE STATE
Westside Rams – The Rams are 17-1 in passing league play right now. The Rams won the Auburn 7-on-7 and have been outplaying people with an explosive offense. Junior quarterback Jackson Williamson has been lethal in his accuracy through the 18 games and his regular target, Matthew Martin, causes a lot of problems for the secondary. Coach Scott Earley feels this is the most talented team he’s coached, and Williamson might be the best quarterback he’s coached since Everett Golson at Myrtle Beach.
Spartanburg Vikings – The Vikings have looked very good in competition with a lot of offensive weapons on the field. Quarterback Austin Scott has been a beast in the air attack and they played for the championship in their 7-on-7 tournament after knocking defending 4A Division I champion Hillcrest out in the semifinals.
Dorman Cavaliers – The Cavs looked strong so far in competition and won the UGA 7-on-7 Championship at Georgia. Led by quarterback Collin Hill, the Cavaliers are going to be a team to contend with in the Upstate.
Greer Yellow Jackets – The Jackets looked strong winning the Battle of the Berry over Wren this past week. The quarterback is good, and their defense is strong in pass coverage.
This story was originally published June 28, 2015 at 8:42 PM.