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West Columbia (SC) Which midlands area football teams are the sleeper teams for the 2022 football season? I’m talking about teams that no one expects anything from, but are teams that, while they may not win their regions, could make some noise and spoil some other teams’ runs? Here is my top five sleeper teams for the 2022 football season.
1. AIRPORT EAGLES
The Airport Eagles were 2-9 overall last season, going 1-3 in region play. They didn’t beat a single team with a winning record. But this year, the Eagles are going through a transformation. With the arrival of Head Coach Andre Cook, they are learning to be accountable and to pursue excellence in their work and preparation. They have athletes and that has never been a problem at Airport. Their offensive line is large and one of the best in the Midlands; they are young, but capable at the quarterback position. Their wide receivers are excellent, led by Apollos Cook, a Duke commitment and one of the best in the state. Their defensive front is big and aggressive. Their secondary has some very good athletes, very under rated. I believe they can be competitive in their region, which includes Midlands Valley, South Aiken, Aiken and North Augusta. Best case scenerio, I think they can win six games overall and go 3-1 in region. A more realistic expecation is five wins overall anda 2-2 mark in region play.
2. RIVER BLUFF GATORS
The Gators of River Bluff went 0- 4in region play last season and finished 2-8. They limped through the season with injuries and are not claiming excuses. This team feels different, though. They have the makings of a very good football team. They have some good offensive linemen that does have some youth but is talented. They have several very good running backs led by senior Cooper Johns. They have a sophomore quarterback in Parker Murray that I believe is a start that is about to explode. They have the best athlete in the Midlands in sophomore Stephen Collier, who will give them a deep threat on offense and a menace in the seconary on defense. Their defensive front is good and AJ Colter is as good as any defensive lineman in the Midlands. Their biggest problem is they are in a tough region that will be challenging for a young football team. But I believe if this team can stay healthy, a best case scenerio for them will be five overall wins with a 3-1 mark in region. The more realistic will be a 2-2 mark in region play.
3. BLYTHEWOOD BENGALS
The Bengals of Blythewood were 3-6, 0-4 in region play in 2021. They suffered injuries in key positions and it showed against tough competition. But this team returns a lot of talent to their team. They are loaded on offense but their defense is young. They have wide receivers who can stretch the field like senior Josh Gary and returning linemen that make them one of the stronger teams upfront. The hurdle is, they are still in a tough region, though Northwestern is now gone. I thik this team is capable of five wins. In region play a best case scenerio will be 3-2 but I think it will be 2-3 more than likely.
4. RICHLAND NORTHEAST CAVALIERS
The Cavaliers went 3-8 and 1-4 last season. This is an interesting team. If you look at their roster and the way they have looked in the off-season, you think this team is going to win this year. They have a solid offenisve line. Their skills players are very good. They key to this whole thing is their sophomore QB Will Wilson, who may be the best Midlands QB in the Class of 2025. Wilson can be the difference maker this team needs. Defensively, they have some playmakers. I don’t think this is a playoff team by any means. But I believe they could possibly win two region games this year and as many as 5 but more than likel 4 games overall, as they continue to improve under Head Coach Walt Wilson.
5. WHITE KNOLL TIMBERWOLVES
The Timberolves went 2-9 and 1-3 last season, experiencing some challenges such as injuries in key positions. If you watch this team get off the bus and warm up, they are scary. But can they make their play look as good as they do in uniform? They have a big line on both sides of the football and they have some defenders that are scary and physical. Their sophomore quarterback, Landon Sharpe, is small but he is tough as nails and will give this offense a chance to be good. Their problem is, the region is the same, challenging region it was last season. I believe they could win as many as five games but more than likely four. They will have to play very good to win in region, though. I think 2 region wins would be a great turn around but 1 region win is more realistic.
