Top 10 Midlands high school football preseason poll
Top 10 high school football teams in the Midlands as voted by a panel at The State. Last year’s record in parentheses:
1. Lexington
(13-2)
Wildcats begin season where they ended last year: No. 1 in the Midlands Top 10.
2. Dutch Fork
(9-4)
Silver Foxes have firepower with receivers of Austin Connor, Bobby Irby and Bryson Connor, and nine starters back on defense.
3. (tie) Airport
(10-2)
Eagles have a lot of talent back and are coming off a 10-win season.
3. Blythewood
(9-4)
One of the most talented teams in the Midlands, Bengals eyeing deep playoff run.
5. Ridge View
(5-6)
With several Division I prospects on rosters, Blazers poised for breakout season.
6. Fairfield Central
(11-2)
Griffins return eight starters on offense including QB Stanley McManus and running back Jerrell Suber-Oneal.
7. Chapin
(11-2)
Eagles have plenty of weapons on offense for first-year QB starter Trad Beatty and strong offensive line.
8. Hammond
(13-0)
Skyhawks are young but have been the premier team in SCISA and begin the season with 25-game winning streak.
9. Irmo
(4-8)
Yellow Jackets look to make strides in Reggie Kennedy’s third season.
10. Newberry
(11-3)
Bulldogs looking for third straight title appearance but must replace Shrine Bowl QB Yafari Werts.
Lou Bezjak
Others receiving votes: A.C. Flora, Batesburg-Leesville, Brookland-Cayce, Richland Northeast, Spring Valley
This story was originally published August 13, 2016 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Top 10 Midlands high school football preseason poll."