Photo Gallery: LHS Wildcats All Fired Up

Even across the wide expanse of the Lexington High School track and practice fields one recent morning -- while female tracksters did post-practice stretches and JV football players went through their paces -- the eyes and ears are immediately drawn to the intensity of the Wildcats' varsity football squad.

Grunts, groans, the unmistakeable popping of pads echo across the divide, as does the boisterous shouts and cheering of young men in full-contact drills, ramping up the intensity of a team that looks to improve on a successful 2010 campaign that saw the Wildcats go 10-4 and deep into the state 4-A playoffs.

(In the gallery, at right, are some photos of the Wildcats in action, with varsity boys in blue/gold/white, and the JV in all white).

Second-year coach Scott Earley, along with LHS students and fans, expect good things this year. Not only does the team return a potent offense, they also will expect to experience more greatness from senior wide receiver/cornerback Shaq Roland, who has committed to play for the USC Gamecocks in 2012.

The quiet youngster, who makes a big noise on the field, is not only the state's top football player, but also the 20th-ranked senior player in the nation, according to noted recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.

After finishing the 2010 season ranked 14th, preseason polls have LHS in the top 10. One of those polls, published by SCVarsity.com, has the Wildcats ranked as high as 7th. 

Says SCVarsity.com publisher Jim Baxter: "The Cats have one of the best offensive skill combo's in the state, with wide out Shaq Roland, running back Kevin Miller, and sophomore quarterback Will Hunter. But if they are to move up the polls and deep into the playoffs, they must get better on the corners of their defense."

If the din raised at Wednesday's practice is any indication, both the offense and the defense appear -- and sound -- ready for the challenge. The Wildcats open their regular season Aug. 26 at Batesburg-Leesville.