Westwood, Chapin, Airport on the rise with strong starts
As we head into Week 3 of the high school football season, I’ll begin my weekly stock report for the Midlands teams with who’s stock is rising and who’s is falling, based on their performances.
STOCK RISING
Westwood Redhawks: Coach Rodney Summers’ team is 3-0, averaging more than 30 points per game and allowing just 14 points per game. They seem to have a balance in their offense that can make them more dangerous than they were last year. They should be unbeaten, or 5-1 at worst, when they hit region play.
Chapin Eagles: The Eagles have been playing solid football, but prior to Friday, were basically untested. They faced a good Swansea team and got into an offensive shootout in bad weather. When the smoke cleared Saturday morning, they had the win. This team is averaging 52 points per game. They have two big tests coming up with Newberry and Brookland-Cayce.
Airport Eagles: A 2-0 start with wins over two good teams and the scary thing is, they haven’t played a great game yet on either side of the football. With Brett Burnett returning to quarterback and the option of having senior Josh Tucker to do damage with his legs, this team could be very good.
STOCKS TO WATCH
Lexington Wildcats: The Cats limped into the season with injuries and are still licking their wounds, but they managed to do what needed to be done to beat a previously unbeaten Blythewood team on the road. Smarter, more consistent play on offense and getting their anchor back at middle linebacker when Trey Mitchell returns are keys for this team.
Ridge View Blazers: Coach Perry Parks is still putting things together in the first year, but his road trip to Goose Creek and getting the win over a good Gators team was huge. I said they would be a spoiler this season and Friday was the first such performance with an upset win on the road over a good team.
STOCKS FALLING
Brookland-Cayce Bearcats: The Bearcats have dropped two games after an impressive season opener against Fairfield Central. But even in that game, turnovers and penalties were the theme. This team has the talent and to be one of the best in the 3A lower state, but they also have the ability to lose any game at any time if they can’t practice discipline in their execution.
Irmo Yellow Jackets: I was concerned with the Jackets’ offense in the preseason, and it has proven to be a valid concern as they have scored just one touchdown in two games after being shut out this past weekend. The defense is not strong up front, good at linebacker and very good in the secondary, but they cannot continue to get hung out to dry by the lack of offensive production. Granted, they played two very good teams in York and Northwestern, but I’m not talking about losses, I’m talking about inability to score.