Class AA outlook

Little did we know that last December’s state title tilt between Central and Dillon could be the end of one of the more scintillating, highly contested rivalries in recent memory.
Avenging two years of falling a point short to their rivals from the Pee Dee, the Eagles rallied from a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to win their first Class AA championship since 2003 with a heart-stopping 21-17 win.
Unfortunately, with the decision to split the classification into separate divisions, another part will not be added to this saga in 2011, with Central headed for Division II and the Wildcats to compete in the Division I tournament.
But just as they have in previous years, the rival programs are again expected to journey deep into November, and quite possibly find themselves playing Dec. 2 at Charles W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia.
Dillon in particular has high hopes for the year, coming up just short last season with a lineup laden with youth. Sixteen starters return from last season’s Lower State championship squad.
At the head of the Wildcats’ youth movement is running back Jabo Lee, the rising junior racking up 2,325 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
Equally as dangerous this season will be Dillon’s passing game, which will be anchored by wide receiver Kwinton Smith, a South Carolina commitment. He caught 42 passes for 809 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2010.
If there is a question for the Wildcats left to answer, it is who will be at the controls of one of the state’s more prolific offenses? Thomas Grossetti and Malique Gregory will compete for the job, the winner finding themselves surrounded by a talented cast.
Central, however, will begin camp with plenty of holes to fill. Keyed to a state title last year on its strong one-two punch of Mardu Smith and Radford Robinson in the backfield, some new faces will have to pick up the slack if the team has any aspirations of making a return trip to Columbia.
“We’re not going to replace those two guys with just two guys but we feel we have six, seven or even eight players that can fill the void for us,” said Central head coach Joey Mangum to the S.C. High School Sports Report. “… We’ll be young but we have some ability.”
Nevertheless, the Eagles will remain quite nasty on defense, returning able starters such up front like Dedrick Shine, Kendrick Baker and Mark Hatten, and linebackers Tevis Funderburke and Renard Price.
Woodruff came within minutes of ending Central’s pursuit of a state title last year, its comeback bid halted in the final minutes of the 2010 Upper State championship game. The Wolverines renowned high octane offense has residents of the Upstate community excited for the upcoming campaign, which some believe can restore the program back to the glory days of famed coach W.L. Varner, who won 10 titles at the school.
Similar to Dillon, Woodruff will be able to dictate to its opponent how the game will be played, equally comfortable running or passing the pigskin. Clemson commit Javarius Leamon will anchor an offensive line whose duty is to protect quarterback Ryan Tribble and open running lanes for running backs Shun Tribble and Hermundre Rutledge.
The Wolverines are expected to pose the biggest threat to Dillon’s path to a state title in Division I, though talent laden squads such as Timberland, Strom Thurmond and Manning have the potential to give the Wildcats a run for their money. In Division II, Columbia, Silver Bluff and Indian Land will aim to shoot down the defending Class AA champs.

CLASS AA DIVISION I
FAVORITE: Dillon
CONTENDERS: Woodruff, Timberland, Strom Thurmond, Manning
LOOK OUT FOR: Cheraw -- A perennial power in Class AA, the Braves have recently fallen on hard times. Finally re-stocking the cupboard to levels reminiscent of past glory, it will be interesting to see of Cheraw can return to the top of Class AA.

CLASS AA DIVISION II
FAVORITE: Central
CONTENDERS: Silver Bluff, Columbia, Indian Land
LOOK OUT FOR: Hanahan -- The Hawks boast one of the state’s best athletes in wide receiver Chris Brown -- a true game breaker. Already receiving a number of offers from upper tier schools, Brown may be able to help Hanahan improve on its 8-4 record in 2010 and make it a legitimate player in Class AA Division II.