Airport football made strides in head coach Shane Fidler’s first year. The team improved from 2-8 and winless in 4A Region 4 play to 5-6 with a regional win over Aiken.

Entering his second season, Fidler’s team must rely on youth and many varsity freshmen to succeed in a new region with some rivals from other counties.

“I’m really pleased with our kids and their commitment to our program,” Fidler said. “We have sophomores and first-years that will be on the field for us. We like their talent. We like their progress in our strength training program and our off-season program. But we know there’s no substitute for experience, and we’re going to have to do everything we can to get these guys as much experience as possible as early as possible.”

The Airport region got tougher this year following the massive statewide realignment that occurred after the competitive balance debate was settled. The other Lexington County schools, Brookland-Cayce, Gray Collegiate and Gilbert, moved to the 4A classification after all having successful years in 2023.

“We probably have the toughest region, pound for pound, of any classification in the state,” Fiddler said. “The team that finishes last in our region could host playoff games from other regions. That’s how good our region is. We know that, and we know it’s going to be a slugfest every week with the team on the other side.”

Fidler is not interested in coming last in the region. The goal is the same every year: to be the best and win everything.

“The team goal is always to hang banners,” Fidler said. “If you pursue a different goal in high school football, you are doing your program and your kids a disservice.”

attack

Airport will rely heavily on young players in the offensive.

The team will use a freshman at quarterback. Jay Eady will take over the key role from Jesse Ray Hoover, last season’s starter. Eady impressed and got the job in the spring, while also receiving a Division One offer to play at Miami of Ohio.

“He was an eighth-grader, which says a lot about his talent,” Fidler said. “But of course, at the quarterback position, there are a lot of factors other than talent that make you successful there. So he’s going to have to mature really quickly for us to be successful.”

To protect Eady, a mix of experienced and young players will play on the offensive line. Last season’s starter Cooper Langford returns to the line for his senior season. He will be joined by sophomores Daniel Butts, Ben Humphries and Josiah Thompson.

“That’s going to be important, making sure these guys are honest,” Fidler said. “The guys at offensive tackle are going to be key.”

Wide receiver Avery Jones is looking to make a comeback in his final season after getting injured last year and missing about half of the games. Fidler expects him to be a top target for Eady, but is unsure if he will be on the field in the first game as he battles another injury.

defense

Airport’s defense will revolve around two returning players, Bryant Cherry and Montrelle Keys.

“They’re two of the better linebackers in the area and they do a great job of getting to the ball and being a great role model for the rest of their teammates,” Fidler said. “I think those guys in particular bring a lot of leadership qualities to our program. They bring a lot of experience. They’ve played a lot of football over the last few years. They’re one of the few guys that have done that.”

Fidler said another key player on defense is Justin Conyers. He will also play linebacker and Fidler expects him to get a lot of attention in the run game as opposing teams try to avoid Cherry and Keys.

“The kid runs, he’s big, he’s got a great attitude and he does everything we ask of him,” Fidler said. “But he’s going to be in a critical situation. So we’re going to have to ask him to step in and make plays for us early and often.”

schedule

Week 0 – at May River – August 23

Week 2 – vs. Orangeburg-Wilkinson – September 6

Week 3 – vs Westwood – September 13

Week 4 – vs. Aiken – September 20

Week 5 – in South Aiken – September 27

Week 6 – Midland Valley – October 4

Week 7 – at Gray Collegiate Academy – October 11

Week 8 – vs. North Augusta – October 18

Week 9 – vs Gilbert – October 25

Week 10 – in Brookland-Cayce – November 1st