Spring drills close with optimism for Aiken High
Spring football practice wrapped up across the Central Savannah River Area, drawing fans to watch intramural scrimmages that served as a litmus test for teams preparing for the fall. At Aiken High, the Hornets gathered under second‑year head coach Steve Hibbitts, whose program is still feeling the after‑effects of a 2‑8 season in 2025 — the first two‑win campaign since 2021.
The close games from last year offered more than just a win column; they provided a glimpse of resilience and a foundation to build upon. Hibbitts emphasized that the priority this offseason is to get the rest of the roster up to speed and to find ways to finish games rather than merely compete in them.
A handful of playmakers are set to return and add depth to the offense. Edge rusher Brandon Poston, a rising junior, already holds an offer from Southern, while Gray Kitchings, Tanner Padgett and senior wide receiver Allen Cummings are expected to contribute. Cummings, who transferred back to Aiken from Midland Valley, brings experience and a proven track record that the coaching staff hopes will translate into more consistent production.
Midland Valley, another program in the region, showed it remains a running‑back‑centric team, with senior Preston Smith leading the way in its spring scrimmage. Senior quarterback Xavier Geter also displayed a developing passing attack, especially when targeting Cam Gleaton, suggesting a more balanced offensive approach heading into the new season.
The Hornets open the season against Lakeside, a familiar opponent where Hibbitts previously served as head coach. That matchup adds an extra layer of narrative to the schedule, as Aiken looks to capitalize on home‑field familiarity and the momentum generated by a productive spring.
Overall, the message from the coaching staff is clear: the work done in the offseason must translate into wins when the lights are on in the fall. With a core group of returning talent and a renewed focus on finishing games, Aiken High hopes to turn the optimism from spring drills into a competitive edge on game day.