In my last column, I listed some of the top area players to look for this high school football season. It was a tough list to write, and it certainly led to a few heated debates. It is now time to turn my attention to the top teams in the CSRA.
As challenging as it was to compile the list of players, ranking the top teams was even more difficult. Most years, it is simple to list the top teams, but 2021 is not most years. It seems like the teams that were a success last year graduated several key players and the teams that struggled return a lot of young talent. On top of that, most teams in South Carolina only played a handful of games last year. I had my work cut out for me.
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A number of teams could elevate themselves to the top of the heap by mid-season. That said, I have put together my list of the CSRA’s top 20 teams heading into the 2021-2022 season.
1. North Augusta (5-2 Last Year)
This pick may surprise some people, but I think North Augusta is slightly better on paper than the handful of other teams that could be in the top spot. They return an outstanding gamer at QB in Austin Harrell and juniors DJ Curry (RB) and Taylon Washington (WR) should emerge as offensive leaders as well.
2. Wash-Wilkes (10-2 Last Year)
The Tigers would have a difficult test with some of the area’s larger schools, but this team is solid. They bring back athletic QB Dalen Cobb and head-hunting linebacker Quinshawn Hearst, both coming off big seasons. They will be a candidate for a deep playoff run this season.
3. Evans (10-2 Last Year)
This may be a little too high for a Knights squad that lost two-way star JoFranstar Graham and several key performers on defense. However, Evans’ offense is in good hands with Kelab Jackson at QB and Joe Hampton and RB.
4. Burke Co. (3-6 Last Year)
Based on last year’s record, having Burke Co. ranked #4 would be a surprise to most people. Keep in mind, Coach Eric Parker plays a very challenging schedule, and they started a very young squad, including several standout sophomores who should emerge as some of the area’s top players this season.
5. Thomson (9-3 Last Year)
The Bulldogs may have a difficult time equaling their nine-win campaign from a year ago due to the loss of several key performers to graduation (especially on defense). However, as long as they have senior Tay Martin at QB, the offense is in good hands.
6. Greenbrier (7-4 Last Year)
The Pack had one of the most high-powered offenses in the state last year. They do lose All-State WR Brayden Collett, who caught 21 touchdowns last year, but record-breaking QB Brooks Pangle returns, and he has some weapons at his disposal, like junior WR Malik Leverett who has several D-I offers already.
7. Washington County (6-5 Last Year)
They lost five games last year, but WACO is always WACO. They have quickness and strength on both sides of the ball, and they always seem to find a breakout star on offense.
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8. Richmond Academy (10-2 Last Year)
The Musketeers will have a difficult time matching last season’s 10-win campaign, but thanks to a culture change brought on by Coach Lyle Burns and speedy RB Jontavius Curry carrying the football, ARC should be solid again in 2021.
9. Augusta Christian (9-3 Last Year)
Yes, they are a private school, but QB Jeb Bradford, RB Zack Blackwell, and WR Adam Bussey could play at any school and turn heads. If they get solid play up front on both sides of the ball, they could be around deep into the postseason.
10. Jefferson Co. (10-3 Last Year)
The Warriors were a tough team to peg. They are always among the top teams in the CSRA, and they are coming off a great year. However, they lose almost every key contributor on offense. I guess I just have a lot of faith in J.B. Arnold and his coaching staff to do what they always do, which is putting a solid group on the field.
11. Silver Bluff (3-2 Last Year)
The Bulldogs have been a down in recent years and were only 3-2 last season, but I think they are primed for a big step up this year with sophomore running back Traevon Dunbar leading the way. This kid is special!
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12. Aquinas (7-4 Last Year)
They raced out to a 7-0 mark last year before dropping four straight games to end the season. Then, they lost a ton of players to graduation. Like Jefferson County, Aquinas is extremely well-coached, and they have enough weapons to warrant this spot.
13. Strom Thurmond (3-3 Last Year)
I have a feeling the Rebels may exceed this ranking come year’s end. They are consistently solid and have several talented young players. I would not be shocked to see them inside the top 10, and possibly top five if they find a couple of players to step up at key positions.
14. Blackville-Hilda (8-1 Last Year)
For years and years, Blackville-Hilda was the epitome of what a great small-town high school football program should be. Then, they fell on hard times and suffered through a couple of rough seasons. Enter Coach Brandon Isaac. The former Blackville-Hilda star returned to his alma mater and has restored order.
15. Laney (3-6 Last Year)
The Wildcats had such a long, sustained run of being the class of Richmond County. That ended a couple of years ago, but I simply do not think Laney will be down for long. I fully expect them to challenge for the top spot in the county this season.
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16. Lincoln Co. (9-5 Last Year)
The Red Devils had a great run last season and Lee Chomskis is a heck of a coach. That said, it will be tough to overcome the losses they face following last year’s graduation. Two things you can count on: they will run the football well and they will be aggressive on defense.
17. Westside (6-5 Last Year)
It was great to see Patriot fans have something to cheer about last year. Let’s face it, they had a long run of bad football, but they seemed to be headed in the right direction and have some talent on both sides of the ball.
18. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (8-2 Last Year)
There is not much you can count on in this world, but Bamberg-Ehrhardt football being successful is one of those rare things you can count on. Year in and year out, they pile up wins. This year should be no different.
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19. Barnwell (5-4 Last Year)
The Warhorses are not the powerhouse they were from 2016-2019, but they should be a tough opponent for almost everyone on their schedule and they should be a playoff team.
20. Grovetown (2-9)
The Warriors were bad last year. They have a lot to improve on, but I think they will get better. They feature the area’s biggest recruit in UGA commit Marcus Washington Jr. and RB/LB Joseph Jean could be a breakout star this year.
Ashley Brown covers sports for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Ashley.brown@theaugustapress.com.
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