Watch out for Lexington Wildcats in Region 5-4A
HERE ARE MY Midlands football preseason team predictions for Region 5-4A:
1. Lexington Wildcats: The ’Cats have the most complete team in the region and a very scary set of skill players; could be most talent they’ve had in more than a decade.
2. Irmo Yellow Jackets: Jackets have looked like a different team this spring and summer. I look for them to be the sleeper of the region.
3. White Knoll Timberwolves: Will be strong defensively, especially at linebacker. Will compete for region if they can get consistent play at quarterback.
4. River Bluff Gators: Lost a lot of talent to graduation but return the region’s top athlete.
5. North Augusta Yellow Jackets: Huge dropoff for the Jackets, and they will struggle to make the top four of this region.
6. South Aiken Thoroughbreds: The T’breds will bring up the caboose for another season. Coaching change and having to try to build is going to be a challenge.
10 Players to Watch
In alphabetical order:
Donny Baker (QB, Lexington): Last year’s starter for most of the season, has had an outstanding spring and summer.
Rashad Byrd (LB/Ath, North Augusta): Impact player on both sides of the football. Had 232 tackles as a junior with four sacks.
Nick Graves (DB, Lexington): The region’s top defensive back and one of the best in the state.
Jayson Hopper (WR, Lexington): One of the region’s top players when he is at the top of his game. Has big-time potential.
Ronnie Jamison (QB/WR, Irmo): Played RB for Jackets last year and will play wherever they need him for them to be successful.
Michael Johnson (LB, White Knoll): Strong, physical player who will help the defensive effort.
Aaron Maddox (DB, North Augusta): Strong athlete and one of the top DBs in the state.
Trey Mitchell (LB, Lexington): One of the region’s top linebackers, he is a force in the middle of the defense.
Bowen Smith (QB, South Aiken): Highly underrated because of the lack of success of his team, he is the bright spot for the T’Breds.
Brandon Tillmon (QB, River Bluff): The region’s top athlete, Tillman will operate the offense but probably will also spend time on defense.