Look for Airport Eagles to be back in business

Here are my Region 5-3A preseason team predictions:

Airport Eagles: The Eagles have had three down years but should bounce back with a loaded roster of talent.

Brookland-Cayce Bearcats: The top defense in the region and the top defensive line in the Midlands, this team is a contender in 2015.

Swansea Tigers: A lot of talent lost to graduation, but this team has one of the region’s top players and solid coaching. They will contend for the region.

Midland Valley Mustangs: The Region’s top skill player returns at quarterback, and he’s good for big plays but lacks surrounding talent to run the region table this year.

Aiken Green Hornets: Will be improved with solid skills players and a large front but will finish outside the top four.

Gilbert Indians: They lost their entire offense with the graduation of their running back and the transfer of their quarterback. This is rebuild for the Indians.

10 PLAYER TO WATCH

In alphabetical order:

Malik Bright (WR, Gilbert): Solid performer on the perimeter as a receiver and blocker.

Brett Burnett (QB, Airport): Junior is going to be a huge impact for the Eagles on offense.

Dominik Byars (DB, Brookland-Cayce): Might be the region’s best defensive back.

Daniel Carr (QB, Midland Valley): The region’s top skills player and preseason favorite as region MVP.

Bryson Jones (QB, Aiken): Plays both sides of the ball, Jones is the leader for the Hornets.

Octavius Pringle (DT, Brookland-Cayce): This junior is the top defensive lineman in the Midlands.

Mason Ray (DE, Swansea): Excellent defensive trenchman who will cause problems for offensive lines.

Josh Tucker (WR-DB, Airport): Lethal player in space and dangerous on defense.

Chance Walker (WR, Swansea): One of the region’s most dangerous offensive players.

C.J. Wright (WR, Airport): Junior is going to be one of the Class of 2017’s best.