Photo by Ridge View High School – The 2026 Homecoming court King: Gavin Henry, Queen: Sydney Middleton, 1st Runner-Up Queen: Kaidynn Parker, Prince: Luis Rosales Martinez and Princess: Talayia Johnson

By Thomas Grant Jr.

Last Friday’s “Homecoming” celebration at Ridge View High School proved memorable for a few reasons.

For openers, the school crowned its 2026 “King and Queen” Homecoming honorees Gavin Henry and Sydney Middleton.

More important, the bad weather that plagued the Midlands again did not bring a complete halt to the on-field festivities. In fact, the Blazers had their best showing this season in a 37-0 victory over winless Nation Ford.

The first victory of the season saw quarterback Tre Howard throw four touchdowns. Both wide receivers Isaiah Smalls and Kanye Reed were recipients of two scoring receptions.

It was also a memorable evening for senior running back Spencer Bobain. He not only scored twice, but also became the school’s all-time leading rusher.

Ridge View heads back on the road for another matchup with a Top 10 opponent. This time, it faces undefeated Rock Hill which has posted wins over Irmo, Hilton Head Island and defending Class 4A champion South Pointe.

Bengals win

3rd straight

A week after regaining the “Axe” from rival Westwood, Blythewood rallied from a 23-6 deficit to defeat Woodmont 27-25.

The Bengals scored 21 straight points in the second half to improve to 3-1 on the season. Quarterback Caleb Martinez’s touchdown pass to Cason Holloway in the final minute was the difference.

Meanwhile, Westwood remained winless following a 45-7 loss to Catawba Ridge. In four games, the Redhawks have managed to score just 14 points.

Vikings play Saturday

Spring Valley found itself coming back to Lexington Saturday after its initial matchup was called due to weather conditions.

The Vikings fell 34-12 to the Wildcats to drop to 0-4 on the season. Kameron Thompson had a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.

OTHER WEEK 4 SCORES

Fairfield Central 40, Richland Northeast 15

Ben Lippen 45, Cardinal Newman 0

WEEK 5 SCHEDULE

Blythewood at Laurens

Cardinal Newman at Augusta Christian

Ridge View at Rock Hill

Richland Northeast at Lower Richland

Spring Valley at Chapin