Last year was one for the record books for Midland Valley's football program.
The Mustangs won 12 consecutive games to start the season, winning the Region 4-AAAA championship before falling in the third round of the state playoffs while setting new all-time marks in a variety of categories and graduating a large, successful senior class.
So what can the Mustangs possibly do for an encore, especially in a region bolstered by a trio of new arrivals making it one of the toughest leagues in the state?
They'll rely on on the returners from that group, plus some hungry up-and-comers, to try to continue pushing Midland Valley forward.
"We've been working really hard," said Brent Dorn, who's been named the team's interim head coach after Earl Chaptman was placed on administrative leave following a pair of offseason arrests. Criminal charges against Chaptman were dropped, but he was not reinstated by the district. "A lot of people have started stepping up in those spots that we lost, and they've truly been doing everything we've asked and more. They've truly bought in, getting into the playbook, getting into film time, asking questions. Obviously, losing some of the talent we lost last year is tough, but I think we've got some pieces to plug into some of those spots."
There's a boatload of production to try to replace from last year's team, most notably running back Traevon Dunbar's 3,051 yards and 42 touchdowns, but rising senior Preston McNair is back to lead the way after rushing for 1,170 yards and 16 scores on only 172 carries in a secondary role.
"He's done very well," Dorn said. "I mean, shoot, even at practice he's putting his arm around the young guy, like the rising freshmen, getting them to do the right thing. He's been a great leader in that part, too. He's somebody I'm depending a ton on, and I think he's accepted that role and he's doing it to the best of his ability.
Preston Butler is back at quarterback after impressing in his first full year of varsity football, and Baylen Berendsen has transitioned from one of Butler's competitors to one of his blockers - he's taking on a tight end/H-back role and has put on the size to serve as an additional blocker alongside an offensive line that also lost some starters to graduation.
Joining Butler in the quarterback room are sophomore Xavier Geter and freshman Jack Coleman, and Dorn said all three are both challenging and helping one another. Ditto goes for freshman Cameron Gleaton, who along with Berendsen will work toward replicating what Evan Phillips produced last year.
Linebacker Andon Hawkins headlines the defense after placing among the state's most proficient tacklers the last two seasons. He, high-flying junior Bryston Newton and converted running back Martin "Bam" Ford will make up a group that should be one of the strengths of the team.
The secondary will have to cope with losing Jadyn Simpkins and Hosey Dukes to graduation, but Dorn feels like he has a good group coming back. Ditto for a defensive line that relied a lot on its seniors.
They'll face a gauntlet of a schedule that starts with Class AAAAA No. 8 J.L. Mann, followed by Blythewood and Lexington before the Region 4-AAAA title defense begins in earnest at new region foe Gray Collegiate.
The region will be a must-watch every week, right down to the finale - a trip to North Augusta one year after beating the rival Jackets for the first time in 25 years.
"These kids, honestly, they're just ready to compete. They don't care who it is," Dorn said. "With all of our 7-on-7 tournaments and all that, it was just, all right, let's go, no matter what was on the other team's shirt or jersey. I think they're truly excited for the challenge. I'm excited for the challenge. I think they're in the right headspace for all of it. It's going to be a tough one. The guys down there (at May River) we scrimmaged (Monday), they're calling it the SEC. Top to bottom, I think it's definitely the best region in the state."
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