Our preseason Midlands Top 10: The best high school football teams for 2023 are ...

High school football is getting close to kicking off the 2023 season.

Here is a look at The State’s preseason power rankings of Columbia-area schools for the upcoming season across all leagues and classifications.

1. Dutch Fork

Last year’s record: 14-1

Why they are ranked: Dutch Fork won its sixth state championship in the last seven years and is a favorite to do it again. Coach Tom Knotts and the Silver Foxes will be breaking in a new quarterback and Maurice McQuire will look to replace running back Jarvis Green, a Clemson signee who had more than 3,000 all-purpose yards and 41 touchdowns last season. The offensive line should be strong. The defense lost a lot of its top playmakers but returns the likes of Tyler Jones, Terrence Wells, Elgin Sessions and Derrick McBride.

2. Camden

Last year’s record: 9-4

Why they are ranked: The Bulldogs made it to the third round of the playoffs after back-to-back state title trips the previous two years. Camden returns most of its offense, led by senior quarterback Grayson White who had more than 3,000 yards of offense and 33 TDs. The Bulldogs return 1,000-yard rusher Avaree Hickmon and 1,000-yard receiver Jaquarius Mayrant. The biggest question will be replacing Division I signees on defense in Mr. Football winner Xzavier McLeod (South Carolina) and Shymeik Jones (Georgia Tech).

3. AC Flora

Last year’s record: 13-1

Why they are ranked: The Falcons were a win away from playing for the Class 4A championship in Ken Floyd’s first season last year. AC Flora lost a lot of firepower on offense with 2,000-yard back Markel Townsend and Division I signees Chris Lofton (James Madison) and offensive lineman Ben Holmes (Wofford). While the Falcons will be breaking in a lot of new faces on offense, Floyd said the defense will be the team’s strong suit led by Albert Perkins, Eric McClain, Tracy Borden-Bryant and Ryan Bickerstaff.

4. Irmo

Last year’s record: 8-4

Why they are ranked: The Yellow Jackets made it to the second of the 4A playoffs last year and should contend for Region 5-4A championship and a deep run in the playoffs. Division I prospect AJ Brand is back for his second year as starting QB and 1,000-yard running back Jaden Allen-Hendrix moved in from Gilbert. Telvin Smith and Donovan Murphy, who moved in from Maryland, give Brand a pair of strong targets at receivers. Georgia State commit Elijah Williams anchors the offensive line. All-state selection Jylil Favor will help anchor the defense.

5. Gray Collegiate

Last year’s record: 8-4

Why they are ranked: The War Eagles lost only a handful of players from last year’s squad, which made it to the second round of the playoffs. Gray has a talented 1-2 punch at running back in BJ Montgomery and Caleb Ford, who is back healthy after suffering a season-ending injury late in the season. Zai Offord will be a factor on both sides of the ball and Appalachian State commit JT Sowell will help anchor the offensive line. The biggest question mark will be who will start at quarterback.

6. Fairfield Central

Last year’s record: 9-4

Why they are ranked: Griffins coach Demetrius Davis calls this year’s group one of the more talented teams he has had in the last several years. They remind him of his 2012 squad that played for the 2A state championship. Sophomore Cam McMillon threw for 3,300 yards and 33 touchdowns as a freshman last year and is poised for another big year.

7. Lexington

Last year’s record: 9-3

Why they are ranked: Dustin Curtis returns to the Midlands and is coaching at his alma mater. The Wildcats have won 19 games over the past two seasons and have a three-year starter, Taiden Mines, back at quarterback. Mines had more than 2,600 yards of offense and 29 touchdowns last season. The biggest questions will be replacing several skill guys on offense including Mr. Football finalist Jonah Norris.

8. Blythewood

Last year’s record: 10-2

Why they are ranked: The Bengals have a new coach in James Martin and are coming off their first region title since 2012. Harrison Collins is back at quarterback and Bengals return area sack leader Edward Robinson and Division I prospect Sterling Sanders on defense. Blythewood gave up more than 13 points just three times all season last year.

9. Gilbert

Last year’s record: 10-3

Why they are ranked: The Indians have been a model of consistency since Chad Leaphart took over the program with four 10-win seasons since 2016. Drake Braddock is back at quarterback and the Indians will look to replace 1,000-yard backs Alias Graham-Woodberry, Jaden Allen Hendrix and Chance Jennings.

10. Hammond

Last year’s record: 11-2

Why they are ranked: SCISA’s most dominant program is poised to make another run at a championship. Hammond is going for its seventh straight championship and former Gamecocks assistant G.A. Mangus takes over at offensive coordinator. The Skyhawks will be breaking in a new quarterback this season but have Manny Johnson and Naeem Newton back at running back. Division I prospect Mike Tyler could be poised for a breakout season on offense. Will McQueen, the team’s top tackler from last season, is back on defense.

Others considered: Brookland-Cayce, Ridge View, River Bluff, White Knoll