Upstate South Carolina High School Football Preview
The 2026 high school football season in the Upstate is set to begin on August 28, and three Class 4A matchups are already generating buzz among coaches, players and fans.
The first of those contests pits Westside against Fountain Inn, a rivalry that will be defined by a quarterback duel between Bear Woods and Sam Holiday. Woods, who burst onto the scene as a freshman, recorded 2,318 passing yards and 22 touchdowns last year, while Holiday threw for 2,123 yards and 23 scores as a junior. Adding to the intrigue, Tajeh Watson-Martin, who transferred to Westside from a neighboring program, brings 58 receptions for 1,101 yards and 11 touchdowns to the Tigers’ offense.
Quarterback Duel in the Westside‑Fountain Inn Game
Bear Woods entered his freshman year with a spectacular 2,318 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, a performance that placed him among the top first‑year signal callers in the state. Across the sideline, Sam Holiday compiled 2,123 yards and 23 scores during his junior campaign, showcasing a strong arm and poise under pressure.
Adding a new dimension to Westside’s attack, Tajeh Watson-Martin transferred to the Tigers and logged 58 receptions for 1,101 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, giving the team a potent receiving corps heading into the new year.
Both programs view the matchup as a litmus test for their offensive schemes and early‑season momentum.
Greenville and Gaffney’s Shift to 4A
Greenville and Gaffney, traditionally 5A powerhouses, have each moved down a classification, setting the stage for fresh rivalries and new competitive balances.
Greenville’s Tristan Bryant starred in a 17‑14 comeback victory last season, engineering a game‑winning drive that highlighted his clutch performance under pressure. Meanwhile, Gaffney’s Calvin Brooks is recognized as one of the Upstate’s premier offensive linemen, having attracted 15 Division I scholarship offers.
The Raiders also benefit from the breakout sophomore campaign of Kiishawn Farrow, who posted 1,086 passing yards and 751 rushing yards, underscoring his versatility as a dual‑threat quarterback.
Riverside’s Rebuilding Path
Riverside will enter the season without Gideon Merhib, who transferred to Byrnes for his senior year, but the team retains running back Calvin McCoy, who amassed 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns in the previous season.
Greer’s Peyton Stevenson emerged as a reliable target, recording nearly 700 receiving yards as a sophomore and providing a steady outlet for the offense.
With several key players poised for growth and new strategic adjustments across the board, the Upstate’s 4A landscape promises a season filled with excitement and unexpected outcomes.