Five impact prep football teams in the Midlands

The 7-on-7 competitions are heading into the final weeks and the summer workouts will be done before the teams put on the pads the first week of August.

After a solid spring/summer evaluation period, here are my Midlands “Impact Teams.”

1. LEXINGTON WILDCATS

I think they are about three players away (on the offensive front) from being a very dangerous football team. Pass offense, run offense, pass defense and run defense should all be strong. Special teams has good athletes and one of the best punters in the state.

Impact player: WR Jayson Hopper

Prediction: Region winner

2. DUTCH FORK SILVER FOXES

It would appear that these guys didn’t miss a beat. They are loaded despite losses to graduation. Strong ground game and the short passing game is lethal. Defensively, the holes seemed to have been filled nicely.

Impact player: DB/ATH Stephen Davis

Prediction: Region winner

3. CHAPIN EAGLES

The Eagles are going to be strong again this year. Quarterback Logan Bailey returns and having an athlete like junior Will Register on both sides of the ball is huge. I like their linebacker group – small but aggressive. This team could be better than last year’s.

Impact player: QB Logan Bailey

Prediction: Region winner

4. AIRPORT EAGLES

Will be much improved football team, loaded at the skill positions. QB Brett Burnett will return as starter. They have experience and depth at running back and have one of the top offensive linemen in the Midlands. Second and third level of defense is strong.

Impact Player: WR C.J. Wright

Prediction: Should be in a three-way battle for top spot.

5. RIDGE VIEW BLAZERS

This is a different looking football team than years past. It is loaded with talent. The quarterback spot is good and about to get better. Receivers need more work/reps to improve, but could be dangerous. Defensively, strong at all three levels.

Impact player: QB D’Marco Zeigler

Prediction: Not a region crown challenger, but they will impact region as a spoiler.