I was on hand to watch the Wildcats defeat region foe Loris (6-2 entering the game) 35-6. Despite winning the last two AA state championships, Dillon came into this game with an 8-0 start for the first time since the 2004 season, which saw the Wildcats rip off a 14-0 start, only to fall to Belton Honea-Path in the AAA state final. Since 2004, Dillon has moved down in classification, but has struggled against Pee Dee powers Cheraw, Marlboro County, and Myrtle Beach. The Wildcats were 56-13 from 2005-2009, with 11 of those 13 losses shared between the aforementioned three teams. The 2010 season has seen Dillon exorcise those demons; the Wildcats have soundly beaten Cheraw and Marlboro County and removed Myrtle Beach from their schedule after the Seahawks scored the most points for a team visiting Dillon in memory.
This year's team might not be Dillon's deepest, but has the most high-end talent in years. It's been a while since Dillon has had a sure-fire FBS player (to my knowledge, Derrick Hamilton (Clemson) was the last).
Kwinton Smith, WR, (2012)- Despite only catching 3 or 4 balls, I was very impressed with what I saw from Smith. For starters, Smith passes the eye test. He's in the 6'4 range, has long arms, and is a bouncy athlete. Smith displayed great concentration, hands, and speed on a slant pattern, extending to catch the ball and finishing the play with an impressive spin move. He also showed willingness to block and even recorded a pancake on one occasion. I've seen some early film on Smith from this season, and I was surprised by his speed. There's no doubt in my mind that Smith is positioning himself along Gaffney's Quinshad Davis as the early favorites for the top receiver in South Carolina for the 2012 cycle.
DJ Park, OL, (2013)- Park, like Smith, passes the eyeball test. He has very little fat on his body, is solidly built, and moves very well. Park lined up at left tackle for the Wildcats, and played well for the most part, but is understandably raw from a technique standpoint. He has a tendency to block with his forearms, and like almost all young linemen, he doesn't yet realize how much more powerful he than his competition. Park is the early favorite for the top offensive lineman in South Carolina for the 2013 cycle.
Others from Dillon to watch:
Jabo Lee, RB, (2012)
Bryce King, OL, (2013)
Breden Alford, OL, (2013)
Tyquan Hayes, ATH/QB, (2011)
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