Week 1 Prep Football Preview Capsules

Silver Bluff at South Aiken

Last time they played

Silver Bluff defeated South Aiken 34-31 on Aug. 18, 2023.

Keys to the game

South Aiken's players came out of a frustrating season last year knowing they needed to get tougher. Now's the first chance to prove how much tougher the T-Breds got over the offseason. The defense has been a sore spot the last two seasons, and a group that's remained mostly intact will have its work cut out for it against a Silver Bluff offense with loads of speed at the skill positions. The way to disrupt that will be up front against a Silver Bluff offensive line that's mostly new aside from senior center Garris Chambers. The T-Breds will need to interrupt any potential rhythm that Jordan Williams and his backs and receivers may develop. On the other side, Silver Bluff's defense knows it's facing a big test against a veteran South Aiken offensive line and program all-time leading rusher Jevon Edwards. The Bulldogs, ranked seventh in Class AAA, know he's going to tote it a lot, so they'll rely on their big-time players in the middle to keep that run game from getting moving downhill. They'll want to force South Aiken into third-and-long type situations to test Tucker Bryan in the passing game. Though he's a new starter, he gained valuable experience last year filling in for Terrence Smith.

Aynor at Aiken

Last time they played

This is the first meeting between the two programs.

Keys to the game

Game one under interim head coach Heath Corley is Aiken High's first opportunity to show the growth that other area coaches noticed in the Hornets last season. A big part of that was steady improvement up front by a young and thin offensive line, which returns intact and with some added depth. That's important regardless, but especially so for an Aiken team breaking in a new quarterback in sophomore Tanner Padgett and some inexperienced pieces at the skill positions. It will be up to the line to allow Padgett to settle into a rhythm with his receivers, and also to spring a run game that's shown flashes of toughness in the preseason. The defense will have to play strong against a bunched-up, power-running Aynor offense. The Blue Jackets weren't a high-scoring team last year, aside from a couple of shootouts, so the Hornets' defenders will have to make sure they stick to their keys to make sure they don't give up the big play.

J.L. Mann at Midland Valley

Last time they played

This is the first meeting between the two programs.

Keys to the game

This Midland Valley team has been itching to get onto the field ever since last season ended in the third round of the Class AAAA playoffs with a record of 12-1, and that itch has only intensified during a difficult offseason. The Mustangs, ranked eighth in Class AAAA, get a chance to scratch it Friday night against J.L. Mann, the eighth-ranked team in Class AAAAA that was a point away from last year's state championship game. These are the kind of games the Mustangs want to play, and this will be the first opportunity for Preston McNair to show what he can do as the No. 1 running back. Preston Butler will be in the backfield with him behind an offensive line with returning starters, and that experience will be key against a J.L. Mann defense that held 11 of 14 opponents last year to 21 points or less. Linebacker Andon Hawkins leads the Midland Valley defense against a Patriots offense with new starting quarterback McLeod Darnell (425 yards, 3 touchdowns last year as a sophomore) and Greer transfer Ladainnian Martin, a Georgia State commit who's the 20th-ranked running back in the nation for the Class of 2025.

Denmark-Olar at Wagener-Salley

Last time they played

Wagener-Salley defeated Denmark-Olar 36-28 on Oct. 20, 2023.

Keys to the game

Wagener-Salley is working out the kinks ahead of Friday night’s matchup against Denmark-Olar. After struggling with turnovers late in the matchup against Aiken at the Aiken County Jamboree, the War Eagles have been working on responding to sudden change situations this week, especially fumbles. Creating more turnovers is a big part of the War Eagles' defensive strategy this year and head coach Blaze Gillespie said now they’re working on capitalizing from those opportunities. Junior quarterback Rayvon Chandler will lead a rushing-heavy offense alongside Honest Howell at running back. The key to starting with a win for the War Eagles is going to be how well they attack the ball on all fronts, Gillespie said. They’re also looking to use special teams to their advantage this year to create more opportunities on offense. Coming off of a 7-4 season, Wagener-Salley has a new work ethic and culture coming into this season and the Vikings, a former region rival, will be their first test.

North Augusta at Thomson (0-1)

Last time they played

Thomson defeated North Augusta 26-0 on Aug. 26, 2019.

Keys to the game

With a group of strong veteran players leading the pack this year, North Augusta is looking to get the season started on the right foot against Thomson on Friday. To come out with a win on the road this week, head coach Richard Bush said the Jackets need to be able to control Thomson’s run game, and with Thomson’s talent at running back it’ll be no easy task. Bush has been emphasizing tackling leading up to game one to put pressure on the opposing team. Deondre Baskett should give North Augusta the edge on that front after recording 66 tackles and eight sacks last year. Offensively, senior quarterback Corey Tillman will set the tone along with junior running back Michael Doe, Bush said. While rushing will be a strength for them this year, he wants Tillman to improve on passing the ball. While playing on the road against Thomson will be an early challenge for the Jackets, Bush said they’re prepared and focused going into Friday. On the other hand, Thomson is on the hunt for its first win after dropping its season opener to Evans last week, 35-28.

Strom Thurmond at McCormick

Last time they played

This is the first meeting between the two programs.

Keys to the game

A large senior class is gone and several former program mainstays are now on college rosters, but that doesn't mean expectations change at Strom Thurmond. The Rebels are looking to build off of last season, which included a second consecutive undefeated Region 3-AA title and trip to the third round of the state playoffs, and expectations are high for a team that begins the year ranked fourth in Class AA. The Rebels' first test is a McCormick team that lost some college talent of its own and arrived at last week's Aiken County Jamboree with no more than 20 players. Still, the Rebels know not to take the Chiefs lightly. They'll look to flex their muscle on the offensive and defensive lines to wear down a McCormick team that will have most of its roster playing both ways, and their committee of running backs will look to gain the upper hand against a tired defense. The Rebels have returning talent in key spots, and with the season now underway it's time for them to set a winning example for their younger teammates.

Ridge Spring-Monetta at Dixie

Last time they played

Dixie defeated Ridge Spring-Monetta 27-13 on Nov. 16, 2018 in the second round of the Class A playoffs.

Keys to the game

Ridge Spring-Monetta is coming off of a productive summer as head coach Jay Brannon returns for his second year as head coach. This year the Trojans are a more physical team with a focus on attacking the ball. The senior trio of quarterback Bam Robinson, wide receiver Briston Matthews and running back Braylon Smith is the highlight of the offense this year. Brannon said their strengths with passing and rushing the ball will be their biggest advantage this season. The same trio will play a role on the defensive line as linebackers and safeties. With injuries putting a damper on Ridge Spring-Monetta’s season last year, staying healthy is vital to the team’s success, especially with everyone playing multiple positions. Dixie finished 4-7 last year and if the Trojans can get going early, Brannon believes they can have a solid year.

Williston-Elko at Pelion

Last time they played

Williston-Elko defeated Pelion 42-14 on Sept. 12, 2003.

Keys to the game

Williston-Elko is aiming to right the ship this season after not winning a single game last year and week one is its chance to start the season off with a win. Pelion finished the 2023 season 3-8 and after several productive practices, head coach Kenny Lipsey is feeling good going into Friday night. The Blue Devils are making defense a priority against the Panthers. Lipsey said they need to make plays to stop the run and get the ball back into the offense's hands. Rushing is a focal point against Pelion as the Blue Devils look to gain momentum offensively. Williston-Elko is coming into the season with more experience on both the offensive and defensive lines, which Lipsey said is the team’s biggest strength. After only being able to play each other all summer, he said the Blue Devils are just looking forward to getting on the field.