High school football: Evaluating the Midlands’ top teams
The final preseason breakdown for the Midlands’ elite units.
PASSING GAMES
Lexington
With three Division-I caliber wide receivers, led by senior Tyler Schadewald, and the offensive mind of coach Josh Stepp, this team should be one of the best through the air.
Blythewood
Like Lexington, strong at receiver along with a strong-armed quarterback in David Israel, the Bengals will be tough through the air.
RUNNING BACKS
Brookland-Cayce
Three running backs in the flexbone and any of them could be 1,000-yard rushers. Keep an eye on senior Charles Balkcom.
Dutch Fork
Tom Knotts always pounds the football in a balanced attack and the way his offensive lines are coached, they will be strong again.
OFFENSIVE LINES
Westwood
Where’s the beef? At Westwood High School. This unit, led by Torrey Boone, is one of the best in the state in the offensive trenches.
A.C. Flora
Five returning starters up front will make the Falcons tough against all opponents. Feature at tackle is Braylen Waldo.
DEFENSIVE LINES
Brookland-Cayce
The Midlands’ top defensive lineman Tay Pringle, along with two more very strong trenchmen will allow this team to wreck offensive backfields.
Swansea
Two strong returners on the defensive front, including one of the Midlands’ top pass rushers in Mason Ray, will make the Tigers strong against opposing offensive fronts.
LINEBACKERS
White Knoll
Led by Joe Beckett, this is the best group of linebackers in the Midlands.
Blythewood
Young but physical and skilled, this group of linebackers is one of the best in the Class 4A. Keep an eye on rising junior Cassius Garner.
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELDS
Lexington
Led by safety/corner Nick Graves and junior Eric Ricker, this secondary has at least three players who are all-state caliber.
Blythewood
The Bengals continue to demonstrate prowess and this year will be led by Kris Pam.
This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 6:30 PM.