Early storylines to follow as the 2024 Big Bend preps football season nears kickoff

Buff out the helmets, water the field, check the turf and turn on the stadium lights, f ootball season is just over a month away.

Kickoff classic games are slated for Aug. 16, with week one scheduled for an Aug. 23 kickoff, meaning regular season football is just eight Fridays away from returning to the Big Bend.

As we enter July and teams ramp up preparations for the fall season, there is no lack of intrigue surrounding the upcoming preps football season.

Will we see a state championship?

Which team will surprise us?

Who are the players to follow?

Let's dive into some of the early storylines to follow for this Big Bend football season.

Can Madison County make it back to State?

Madison County got back to its best last season in year two under head coach Price Harris, returning to the state title game and facing rival Hawthorne in the Class 1R State Championship game, falling to the Hornets.

Now entering the third year under Harris, Madison County retained much of the roster that led the Cowboys to Bragg last season.

While much of the team stays the same, some key departures including Za'vion Bryant, Tre'vion Gillyard, John Christian, Varian Terry and Omarion Gentle open up spots for some of the young players on the roster to step up.

Last season we saw the emergence of sophomores Ryshard Miller and LJ Crumity as stars for the Cowboys, so the question becomes, who is the next young player to stake a claim to stardom?

Madison County held one of the best defenses in the area, averaging 2.1 interceptions per game, totaling 25, recording 10 fumbles and allowing 176 points and no more than 23 in a game. Bringing back key contributors like Kemari Scurry, Miller, Jason McDaniel, Crumity and Octavious Hodge, among others, the Cowboys are primed for another big year and could be a major player in December.

Which teams could be primed for a breakout campaign?

In year one under Russell Ellington, Gadsden County flashed the potential to be competitive. Entering year two with a dynamic roster that includes some new faces and developed names, the Jaguars could be set up for an explosive 2024 season.

Led by a strong defensive unit that includes a dynamic duo of Jeramiah McCloud and Byron Jackson, the Jaguars look to solidify its defense as it aims for a deep playoff run.

Sophomore quarterback Landon Dougherty is set to be under center with a revamped offense that includes transfers Kemarrion Battles and Kelvin Crawford, giving Gadsden County a real chance at a run deep into the playoffs.

The spring football season always gives us a glimpse of what to come, and this year Rickards looked to be the team to beat during the jamboree games. Led by four-star and 247Sports top 100 player Jalen Wiggins , the Raiders were flying around the field in the spring as the program looks to rebound from its 3-7 season in 2023.

While Wiggins draws the headlines, the Raiders have a strong unit both offensively and defensively. Quarterback Benjamin Henry showcased his growth from last season during the spring competition, giving Rickards a dual-threat playmaker under center.

The Raiders scheduled tough this year, including a week one matchup with rival Godby and a road trip to Colquitt County in September. Rickards last winning season came in 2021 and it looks like 2024 could be its next season above .500.

Under new head coach John Holston , Godby looks to bring itself back to the top of the area. The Cougars displayed a dynamic offense in its spring game showing against Leon, with weather canceling the highly anticipated matchup against Lincoln.

On offense, the Cougars have a duo of star receivers in Tylan Vickers and Jamarin Simmons for quarterback Lazarus Chambers to connect with. Adding to the offensive firepower, running back Demyric Bentley is strong out of the backfield and is a good downhill runner who can open up the offense.

The Cougars haven't had a winning season since its 11-1 record in 2018, but the foundations are there for Godby to finally break that years-long wait this season.

Jalen Wiggins leads strong group of defensive players in the Big Bend

The Big Bend is stacked with talent defensively, and while we won't be able to name everyone is this list, here are four of the names that you should know heading into the fall.

Wiggins has long been a name everyone has known in the Big Bend, but the Rickards star defensive end has now become a national name, with top recruiting services taking an interest in the highly touted University of Florida commit. Totaling 97 tackles last season, including 31 for a loss and forcing two fumbles, the dynamic Wiggins is a highlight-reel player who will be a can't-miss player this year as he looks to lead Rickards in his senior season.

A fellow University of Florida commit, Gadsden County's McCloud is one to watch. Showing his potential last season, McCloud turned heads in January at an Under Armour camp in Orlando, winning the MVP honors. Originally committed to Mississippi State, McCloud decommited and chose the Gators, joining Wiggins. Entering his senior season with Gadsden County, McCloud is primed for a big final season.

Heading over to Trojan Trail, linebacker Gavin James has been one of the most consistent players in the area, and entering his senior season, the Akron commit is set up for fireworks in his final year. An aggressive linebacker who reads the game well, James joins the list of Lincoln linebackers like Samarin Robinson and Raylen Wilson to make it to college. James is one of the top linebackers in the area, and he could certainly turn some heads on the gridiron this season.

Over in Southwood, JPII's Camen Upshaw continues his rise as one of the area's top prospects. A versatile defensive back, Upshaw showcased promise last season for the Panthers, totaling 84 tackles, including one sack and seven tackles for loss. The junior is continuing to impress and he could be in for a true breakout season in 2024.

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamroone y

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Early storylines to follow as the 2024 Big Bend preps football season nears kickoff