High School Quarterbacks Shine Midway Through 2026 Season
As the 2026 high school football season reaches its midpoint, numerous compelling stories have emerged, particularly concerning quarterback performances. Nearly a dozen area signal-callers are averaging at least 200 yards passing per game.
Henry Rivers of Berkeley and Aiden Manavian of Oceanside Collegiate are both in their fourth season as starting quarterbacks for their respective programs. Rivers has accumulated 1,031 yards passing and 11 touchdowns, alongside 361 rushing yards and four scores, contributing to Berkeley’s 4-1 season start. Despite football interest, Rivers plans to attend the College of Charleston next fall as a pitcher, choosing baseball for his future. Manavian, a Davidson commit with three state championship rings, has recorded 1,319 yards and 11 touchdowns through five games, even as Oceanside Collegiate holds a 2-3 record.
Pinewood Prep’s Silas Brawner, a Presbyterian commit, leads the area in passing with 1,717 yards and 20 touchdowns, aiding Pinewood’s undefeated 5-0 start. Hanahan is also 5-0, with junior Tripp Gallus throwing for 1,415 yards and 16 touchdowns, surpassing 300 yards in four games.
James Island is considered a top team in the area and is expected to contend for the Class AAAAA state title, led by first-year starting quarterback Brady Dantzler. Dantzler has posted 921 yards and 11 touchdowns in the first four games. Banks Luton, another first-year starter, has guided undefeated Bishop England, passing for nearly 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns in five games.
Northwood Academy senior Kevin Johnson, who led the Chargers to the SCISA Class AAAA state championship last season, has his team off to a 4-1 start this season, with 1,053 yards and 14 touchdown passes in five games. Philip Simmons, despite a 2-3 record, has won two consecutive games, with senior quarterback Hayes Goddard throwing for 1,247 yards and 14 touchdowns through five contests.
In SCISA, First Baptist holds a 5-1 record, propelled by first-year starting quarterback Gibbs Isom, who has thrown for 1,256 yards and 16 touchdowns with a 77 percent completion rate. Colleton Prep senior Cale Owens consistently delivers strong performances for the undefeated Warhawks, with 1,178 yards and 18 touchdowns in five games, completing 77 percent of his attempts and also leading his team in rushing.
