Maybe I've just gotten too comfortable blogging on FanIQ.  Maybe it's the eye infection in each eye I picked up while on vacation.  Maybe it's a combination.  But for some reason, writing a blog about my Region Predictions this year sounded like a good idea.  I'm quite certain that this idea will come back to haunt me.  But what the heck.  I can't do worse than I did last year.  And certainly I'm used to being the Dunce of the polls.  So here goes nothing.


Region 1-AAAA
I've gotta go with Greenwood.  Why?  Well, I'm not really sure, other than Greenwood is always pretty good.  Of all the regions in AAAA, this is the one I know the least about.  If nothing else, I figured that if I didn't pick Greenwood, Candice would get me.  And I wouldn't want that.
:-)  REGION 1-AAAA PREDICTION POLL.

Region 2-AAAA
It's hard to pick against the defending state champs.  They were great last year and stand to be just as good this year with their young RB & QB returning.  They've played with that national ranking in the past and I think they'll carry it well again this year.  I think Dorman will give them a good run, but the Rebels will be too much for them.  Spartanburg is going to get back into the swing of things this year now that the drama surrounding last year is over.  REGION 2-AAAA PREDICTION POLL

Region 3-AAAA
Wow, this region is going to be tough.  As much as I want to pick Northwestern, I've learned at least one thing during my short time in South Carolina - you don't pick against Gaffney.  I hate not putting Clover higher, but I think these two teams are the two to beat.  I say Gaffney beats Northwestern out for the region crown, but that could be one of the best games of the year in the state.   REGION 3-AAAA PREDICTION POLL 

Region 4-AAAA
Because I'm a total homer, I'm going to refrain from picking this one.  This region should be pretty good, though.  South Pointe is loaded, even without their transfers.  Ridge View made a good run in the playoffs last year, losing to Clover in the Upperstate Game.  Rock Hill is always tough.  Spring Valley has to be better this year.  And you can never count out Coach McMurray at Lancaster.  And then there's Blythewood, transitioning to AAAA.  They lost a lot of talent, but should still be pretty solid on the defensive front.  Should be an exciting region to watch this year!  REGION 4-AAAA PREDICTION POLL

Region 5-AAAA
Ah, the eight team region.  Eight teams!  That's nuts.  These guys are going to have to start region play pretty early.  I think this region comes down to Irmo, North Augusta (why not?) and Richland Northeast.  I think Irmo has the tools needed to get it done in the region, but with so many region games I think anything can happen.  Go ahead and put me down for the Yellow Jackets, but I won't be surprised to see the Cavaliers claiming the region title if they can get their offense going early.  REGION 5-AAAA PREDICTION POLL

Region 6-AAAA
Is this finally going to be the year for Conway?  They've been close to the state title a number of times in recent history, but they haven't been able to seal the deal.  I think the Tigers are looking good in this region.  An early trip to Summerville will help them get ready to host Hartsville and Sumter later in the season in key region games.  REGION 6-AAAA PREDICTION POLL

Region 7-AAAA
I know that CitySlicker is going to be disappointed with me if I don't pick the Stags here, but I just don't know.  Seems like they lost a lot of talent from last year, especially at RB.  For some reason, Goose Creek is standing out to me.  I don't know a ton about this region and I'll be the first to admit that.  My wife went to Stratford, so maybe I should go with them.  Ugh....  I'll go with my gut.  Goose Creek wins.  This is going to be one of the ones I look back on and shake my head.  Come on, Gators.  Make my guess work out!   REGION 7-AAAA PREDICTION POLL

Region 8-AAAA
How do you pick against John McKissick?  You may not love him, but the man wins.  I know they lost a lot of big-time players from last year.  But my logic is that the Green Wave aren't going to be happy after the beating they took in the state championship game last year.  Hopefully that fuels the fire to make this pick a smart one.  Summerville wins.  I figure Fort Dorchester and Beaufort will battle it out for second.   REGION 8-AAAA PREDICTION POLL


OK.  There they are.  I hope all of you have made your picks!  Surely you can't do worse than me!