Dutch Fork the early favorite for new 5A region

With the now never-ending offseason of football underway, and recruiting in the books for this cycle, it’s time to look at the climate in the Midlands for what 2016 could shape into. Today, we’ll take a look at the 5A classification.

The new five-classification system will see seven Midlands teams move into the largest classification in the state. Here’s a very early prognostication of how we think these schools should fair this season. Keep in mind, this is a “pre-evaluation period” look and could change after spring practice.

1. Dutch Fork: The Silver Foxes are sitting at the top in this early look because of the anticipation of a transfer quarterback from Alabama – Jake Bentley. If this four-star prospect does move in, it makes the Foxes a major contender. With a strong group of skills players on offense including two standout wide receivers in Austin Connor and Ward Hacklen, the addition of Bentley would make this team an elite offense. Look for big things from defensive tackle Malik Sumter this year.

Biggest question mark: Filling holes on offensive and defensive front.

2. Lexington: The Wildcats are coming off a state title appearance, and should be skilled enough to challenge in their new region this year. They might have the best offensive and defensive lines in the Midlands returning with the offensive front anchored by Hunter Blackmon and the defensive front held down by Matthew Boring and sophomore Jalen McCoy. The skills positions will be solid with guys like Daquan Wells and Eric Ricker in the secondary and seeing time on offense as well.

Biggest question mark: Inexperience at quarterback.

3. Irmo: The Yellow Jackets will be in their third season under Coach Reggie Kennedy (if he stays put) and will be challenging in this region. They lost talent, and with the loss of Ronnie Jamison, will have a void to fill in offensive production.

Biggest question mark: Defensive side of the football has void in several positions.

4. Blythewood: The Bengals have to be in the mix because they return a solid group of defensive players, including linebackers Cassius Garner and Micah Byrd-Brown. They also return a solid running back in rising junior Kyle Wright.

Biggest question mark: Inexperience at quarterback and loss of playmaker-type wide receivers.

5. White Knoll: The Timberwolves will be in a rebuild mode despite having some strong talent back on the defensive side. The strength could be the return of running back Maurice Jones. Defensively, Michael Johnson and Joe Beckett return to lend strength.

Biggest question mark: Replacing the warrior, Calev Grubbs, at quarterback.

6. Spring Valley: This team lost some talent up front and also lost their two-year starting quarterback to graduation. But I’ve seen their rising quarterback, and he’s going to be pretty good. Solid talent returns on defense, led by rising senior safety Shaun Moore, Jr.

Biggest question mark: Inexperience at quarterback.

7. River Bluff: The Gator faithful will look at this as “disrespect’ when the fact is it is exactly the opposite. Total respect for the impact that Brandon Tillmon and Davon Johnson had on this team, and they are both graduating. While this team could easily develop into a middle of the pack finisher, I don’t see them rising above fifth in the region.

Biggest question mark: Replacing an impact-playmaker on each side of the football.

This story was originally published February 14, 2016 at 8:35 PM.