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The Midlands 5A teams are in two regions – 4 and 5. Region 4 looks to be a wide-open race. Sumter returns a wealth of talent and are expected to be strong on the offensive side of the football this season. Coach Mark Barnes’ power football style may see a little more air in the game this year, with two division I committed wide receivers on roster. Blythewood played young last year and returns some impressive skills players on both sides of the football. With the help of a transfer quarterback, the Bengals could be able to challenge for this region title. Spring Valley is in the mix, as well. The Vikings have some impressive offensive skills guys returning but will have to rebuild the offensive line. Irmo is a mystery. There is no doubting the athletes are there but with another coaching change, question marks remain as this team returns only three starters. On their best days they can beat anyone in the region but on their bad days, they could lose to anyone in the region. Lugoff-Elgin will struggle in region play. They return a talented offensive front including one of the top guys in the MIdlands but this team could go winless I the region.
1. Sumter
2. Blythewood
3. Spring Valley
4. Irmo
5. Lugoff-Elgin
The Region 5 is Dutch Fork’s and everyone else is playing for second. The Silver Foxes return a loaded roster, from skills players to trenchmen on both sides of the ball. They should go unbeaten in state. The race for second is wide open. River Bluff would seem to be the smart pick with the returning talent on their roster, including one of the top running backs in the state. Lexington would have been my pick for sure second had they not lost their quarterback in the Spring to injury. I still think their defense is strong enough to keep games close and give them a chance. White Knoll is a talented team. They return one of the region’s top athletes at Quarterback and his ability to make plays gives them a chance in any game. Chapin has the second-best offensive line in the region and some could argue it’s the best I the region. If they can get complimented by their skills players, this is a team that could surprise some people in 5A this year.
1. Dutch Fork
2. River Bluff
3. Lexington
4. White Knoll
5. Chapin
