With region play getting started for most high schools this week, it is time to take a look at some of the surprising teams in the Midlands over the first half of the season.

CA Johnson

The Green Hornets went through a coaching change in the offseason and are proving last season’s success wasn’t a fluke. Scotty Dean replaced coach Walt Wilson and returned several players in quarterback Isom Harris. CeCe Bailey and Dawan Rice.

C.A. Johnson will be out the next two weeks because of COVID issues and return to action Oct. 15 against Lamar, but they have a chance to be in contention for a region title and Class A playoff run.

Gilbert

Gilbert has been one of the steadiest programs in the Midlands since Chad Leaphart took over in 2016. The Indians have three 10-win seasons in that span but had plenty of question marks going into the 2021 season. Gilbert lost quarterback Izyah Whiteside, who transferred to Irmo, and had to replace Lower State Back of the Year Colton Mason, who rushed for 1,731 and 20 touchdowns.

The Indians have a good 1-2 punch at running back in Alias Graham Woodberry and Jaden Allen Hendrix, and Chance Jennings moved over from receiver to quarterback. Gilbert also has won three straight road games, including a 48-47 victory at Class 4A Hartsville.

Lexington

The Wildcats have bounced back after an 0-6 finish in a COVID-19 shortened season last year.

After missing a pair of early weeks this season because of COVID issues, Lexington has won four straight – including a pair over ranked opponents Gilbert and Ashley Ridge. Taiden Mines is one of the top young quarterbacks in the Midlands, and the Wildcats have a strong running game with Jonah Norris, Keshawn Gladden and Tyler Walker. Lexington’s defense is allowing 19.8 points a game.

Like all teams in Region 5-5A, Lexington is trying to chase down powerhouse Dutch Fork, but the Wildcats will be in the mix for the runner-up spot behind the Silver Foxes.

Lower Richland

The Diamond Hornets never got things on track last year in Marlin Taylor’s first season. With a full offseason under his belt, Taylor and Lower Richland are off to a 5-1 start, with the lone loss to Class 4A state champion A.C. Flora.

Lower Richland can clinch a region championship next week and has a chance to make a postseason run. The Diamond Hornets have a senior quarterback Robert Adams and a talented running back duo in Jeremy Barney and Lamarion Pearson as well as a talented receiving group.

Richland Northeast

Walt Wilson has brought a new attitude and confidence to the Richland Northeast program after helping C.A. Johnson in his lone season last year. RNE is set at quarterback for the next few years with Will Wilson, Walt’s son, at the helm.

The Cavaliers are 2-2 after winning one game combined in the previous three seasons. RNE’s two losses are by a combined six points.

The big test for the Cavaliers will be Region 4-4A play, which begins this week against Irmo. RNE will be in the mix for one of the region’s four playoff spots.

Top Midlands matchups this week

* Dutch Fork at White Knoll: This is the WACH Fox Sonic Friday Night Rivals Game of Week. White Knoll coach Nick Pelham was defensive coordinator at Dutch Fork for the past five seasons. Dutch Fork receiver Antonio Williams is averaging 119 yards per game and has five touchdowns this season. DF quarterback Davin Patterson has completed 67.7% percent of his passes for 778 yards and 11 touchdowns. Silver Foxes are averaging 56 points per game. Bezjak’s prediction: Dutch Fork

* Gray Collegiate at Batesburg-Leesville: Gray Collegiate nearly pulled off its second win over a 5A team of the season after losing to Gaffney 38-35. It will be the Region 3-2A opener for both teams. Gray running back KZ Adams needs 12 rushing yards for his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. Bezjak’s prediction: Gray Collegiate

* Hammond at Trinity Collegiate: Likely preview of SCISA Class 3A championship game. Both teams enter the game with 5-0 records and feature Division I prospects at running back. Hammond’s CJ Stokes, a Michigan commit, has 595 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Bennett, a Buffalo commit, has rushed for 5,123 yards in his career. Hammond’s defense is giving up just 1.1 yards per carry and 118 yards of total offense per game. Bezjak’s prediction: Hammond

* Lexington at River Bluff: Lexington County rivals meet in Region 5-5A opener. River Bluff has won three straight in series after losing the first four games to the Wildcats. Apollos Cook leads Gators with 22 catches for 276 yards and five touchdowns. Lexington might be without leading rusher Jonah Norris, who was injured last week against Irmo. Wildcats quarterback Taiden Mines has thrown for 573 yards and four touchdowns. Lexington’s defense has eight interceptions this year. Bezjak’s prediction: Lexington

* Ridge View at Northwestern: Ridge View has a two-game losing streak coming into the Region 4-5A opener. Northwestern leads series 5-2, including a 37-21 last year. Blazers quarterback Andre Washington threw for three touchdowns in the loss to Dorman last week. Northwestern quarterback Will Mattison has passed for 1,470 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He also has rushed for more than 200 yards and three scores. Elijah Caldwell is Northwestern’s top receiver with 39 catches for 657 yards and eight scores. Bezjak’s prediction: Northwestern

This week’s schedule, picks

All games at 7:30 p.m.

–Thursday–

Newberry at Columbia

Bezjak’s prediction: Newberry

–Friday–

Ben Lippen at Cardinal Newman

Bezjak’s prediction: Ben Lippen

Chesterfield at North Central

Bezjak’s prediction: North Central

Crestwood at Camden

Bezjak’s prediction: Camden

Dreher at Lugoff-Elgin

Bezjak’s prediction: Lugoff-Elgin

Eau Claire at Saluda

Bezjak’s prediction: Saluda

Fox Creek at Brookland-Cayce

Bezjak’s prediction: Brookland-Cayce

Jefferson Academy at Newberry Academy

Bezjak’s prediction: Jefferson

Laurens Academy at Richard Winn

Bezjak’s prediction: Richard Winn

Mid-Carolina at Keenan

Bezjak’s prediction: Keenan

Midland Valley at Airport

Bezjak’s prediction: Airport

Ninety-Six at Heathwood Hall

Bezjak’s prediction: Ninety Six

Orangeburg-Wilkinson at Gilbert

Bezjak’s prediction: Gilbert

Pelion at Florence Christian

Bezjak’s prediction: Pelion

Rock Hill at Spring Valley

Bezjak’s prediction: Spring Valley

Strom Thurmond at Swansea

Bezjak’s prediction: Strom Thurmond

Westwood at AC Flora

Bezjak’s prediction: AC Flora

Canceled: First Baptist at Heathwood Hall; McBee at CA Johnson

Last Week: 25-5

Season totals: 101–31

Lou Bezjak: (803) 771-8419, @LouatTheState