By Thomas Grant Jr.
Region 4-5A is considered among the most competitive in South Carolina high school soccer.
Not surprisingly, the preseason rankings for the South Carolina High School Soccer Coaches Association prominently include those teams both in boys and girls.
River Bluff and Chapin are ranked third and fifth, respectively, in the Class 5A boys’ poll. The Gators are entering their final season under legendary head coach Phil Savitz, who hopes to retire with his 16th state title and second with the Gators.
The Eagles finished tied for first with River Bluff for the region title last year.
Both teams are host sites for the 2024 Capital City Cup taking place Feb. 21-23. Chapin will open against Blythewood, while River Bluff faces nemesis Wando on the same night.
On the girls side, Dutch Fork, Lexington and River Bluff hold the 7-9 position. Ironically, the three teams finished last season in the reverse order behind region champion Chapin which was unranked.
The Lady Wildcats and Lady Gators will open the season in the Spring Valley Cup starting Feb. 21. Dutch Fork will face Lugoff-Elgin in its March 1 opener.
S.C. HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION PRESEASON RANKINGS
BOYS
(Class 5A)
1.Ashley Ridge, 2. Clover, 3. River Bluff, 4. J.L. Mann, 5. Chapin, 6. Carolina Forest, 7. Hillcrest, 8. Mauldin, 9. Wando, 10. Nation Ford
(Class 2A)
1.Oceanside Collegiate, 2. Gray Collegiate, 3. Bishop England, 4. Academic Magnet, 5. Andrew Jackson, 6. Greenville Tech Charter, 7. Greer Middle College, 8. Ridgeland-Hardeeville, 9. Buford, 10. Silver Bluff
GIRLS
(Class 5A)
1.J.L. Mann, 2. Wando, 3. Blythewood, 4. Nation Ford, 5. Mauldin, 6. West Ashley, 7. Dutch Fork, 8. Lexington, 9. River Bluff, 10. St. James
(Class 3A)
1.Waccamaw, 2. Powdersville, 3. Camden, 4. Travelers Rest, 5. Dreher, 6. Phillip Simmons, 7. Gilbert, 8. D.W. Daniel, 9. Chapman, 10. Beaufort
Photo courtesy of Goflashwin.com
