Byrnes is our pick for the top team in South Carolina this year, and if it goes undefeated, will be in the discussion for a national title.
Photo by Randy Sartin
13-2
Head coach: Chris Miller
Team previewWhile rival Gaffney received the national attention for most of last season, it was Byrnes that eventually prevailed as state champion, exacting revenge on Gaffney for its regular-season loss. This season, Byrnes is ranked
No. 13 in the Preseason Xcellent 25 and is the clear favorite with a powerful offense that features quarterback
Shuler Bentley and receivers
Tavin Richardson and
Akia Booker. If it navigates its schedule unscathed, it will likely be in discussion for a national No. 1 finish. Byrnes ranks atop our list of
South Carolina's Top 10 most consistent football programs.
2. Goose Creek2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Chuck Reedy
Team previewComing off a Class AAAA-II state championship, Goose Creek will be favored to repeat in 2012. Electric athlete
Tramel Terry is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, while junior running back
Caleb Kinlaw returns after rushing for 1,497 yards as a sophomore. The defense is full of playmakers, including South Carolina-bound defensive end
Gerald Turner. This team could prove to be the best in the state this season. Goose Creek will need to replace a player featured on our list of
South Carolina Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
3. Gaffney2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Dan Jones
Team previewGaffney's season came to a disappointing end in 2011, as it raced to a 14-0 record and a national ranking before falling in the title game to Byrnes. The 2012 version of the Indians has the potential to be as good as last year, if quarterback
Luke Lancaster and receiver
Shaq Davidson make up for the production lost when Joey Copeland and Quinshad Davis graduated. Defensively, the team will be very good, particularly up front with
Jaylen Miller and
Rod Oglesby back. Search for Gaffney players on our list of
2011 South Carolina All-Region football teams.
4. South Pointe (Rock Hill)2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Strait Herron
Team previewWith the jump to AAAA, South Pointe should not miss a beat. Quarterback
Devin Pearson, who threw for 1,671 yards and rushed for another 1,100, returns as well as running back
Brandan Barber. Junior defensive tackle
Zeke Rodney will anchor the defensive line, while
Cody Blake is back in the secondary. Defense has traditionally been South Pointe's calling card, but more players will have to step up to make that the case in 2012. South Pointe ranks No. 4 on our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 South Carolina football dynasties.
5. Dillon2011 finish: 12-1
Head coach: Jackie Hayes
Team previewDillon has the talent, experience and coaching to rank among the state's top teams despite its size. The Class 2A powerhouse was stunned by Timberland 18-15 in the playoffs, ending its perfect season and state championship hopes. This season, running back
Jabo Lee will once again run behind a massive offensive line, led by
D.J. Park and
Bryce King. Linebacker
Joe Blue will power the defense. Keep an eye on ninth-grader
Avery McColl, who may start as a freshman.
