5 Shocking Takeaways From The Blythewood High School Football 2025 Season: A New Era Under Coach Seidel
The Blythewood High School football program is navigating a pivotal transition period, with the 2025-2026 season marking a significant chapter under Head Coach Jason Seidel. As of the current date, December 2025, the Bengals have concluded a challenging season, finishing with an overall record of 4-8 and a 1-5 mark in the highly competitive AAAAA Region 5. This record reflects the growing pains of a program committed to building a new foundation, yet it was punctuated by moments of brilliance that point toward a promising future for the Bengals faithful, especially considering the development of key underclassmen and the continuation of fierce area rivalries.
The buzz around Blythewood isn't just about the final scores; it's about the pipeline of talent and the intensity of their matchups. From standout offensive linemen drawing college attention to the perennial grudge matches against rivals like Ridge View and Sumter, the Bengals remain a central fixture in South Carolina high school football. This deep dive explores the biggest takeaways from the most recent season, the players set to define the next few years, and the coaching philosophy driving the team forward.
The New Era of Blythewood Football: Coach Seidel and the 2025 Season Recap
The 2025-2026 season was officially the first full campaign for Head Coach Jason Seidel, who took the reins of the Blythewood Bengals program. His tenure began with an immediate challenge: competing in South Carolina’s toughest classification, AAAAA Region 5. The Bengals finished the season with a 4-8 overall record, a slight step back from the previous 2024-2025 season's 6-5 finish, but the team showed flashes of the potential Seidel is working to unlock.
A major highlight of the season was the emotional victory over a key rival. Blythewood earned a hard-fought win against Ridge View in a 38-21 contest, a crucial victory that marked the first win of the Jason Seidel era and provided a massive boost to team morale. This win was a testament to the team's resilience and ability to execute under pressure. However, the Bengals later faced tough losses in region play, including a high-scoring 34-47 defeat against rival Sumter High School and a 7-39 loss to Ridge View later in the season, underscoring the parity and difficulty of the AAAAA Region 5 schedule.
The coaching staff, which includes Assistant Coach Joseph Lowe, continues to prioritize development and discipline. The shift in coaching philosophy is aimed at creating a program that consistently competes for Region 5 standings and deep playoff runs, a goal that requires time and the nurturing of young talent.
Blythewood's Future Stars: Key Players and College Recruiting Pipeline
While the team record reflects a rebuilding phase, the individual talent on the Blythewood roster is undeniable, with several players already on college recruiting radars. The program has established a strong tradition of sending players to the next level, as evidenced by the 16 members of the Class of 2025 who accepted college scholarships.
Two names in particular stand out as the cornerstones of the Bengals' future:
- Reed Paolucci (Offensive Line): Paolucci is arguably the most highly touted recruit on the roster. As a Class of 2027 Interior Offensive Lineman, he is recognized as the top lineman for the Bengals, seeing time at both guard and center. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing between 275 and 285 pounds, his size and technique have already garnered attention from major college programs, placing him among the top Midlands high school football offensive players for the 2025 season. His presence is vital for protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes.
- Landyn Strong (Running Back): Representing the future of the Bengals' backfield, Strong is a dynamic Running Back in the Class of 2028. Though still an underclassman, his potential is already being tracked by recruiting services like NCSA and Prep Redzone. Strong's development is key to a balanced offensive attack in the coming seasons, promising an exciting ground game for Blythewood fans.
Other vital players on the 2025-2026 roster who contributed significantly include Carter Coleman, Johnny Young, Johnny Collins, and Amari Fisher. The success of the team hinges on the continued growth of these core players and their ability to lead the team in the years to come.
Rivalry Showdowns: The Battle for the Axe and Region 5 Intensity
High school football in South Carolina is defined by its rivalries, and the Blythewood Bengals are central to several of the state’s most intense matchups. These games are not just about region standings; they are about community pride and history.
The Ridge View Rivalry
The rivalry with the Ridge View Blazers is a perennial battle that often defines the Bengals' season. The teams faced off multiple times in the 2025 season, including a significant 38-21 victory for Blythewood early in the year. The Blazers are a formidable opponent, often competing for state championship contention, which makes any victory over them a major achievement. The intensity of this rivalry is a major draw for fans and a key focus for the team every year.
The Battle for the Axe
Another fierce rivalry is the "Battle for the Axe" against the Westwood Redhawks. This matchup is a local grudge match that sees the two schools compete for a coveted trophy. The game against Westwood is always circled on the calendar, representing a clash of local pride and a significant moment for the community. Blythewood also maintains intense region rivalries with the Sumter Gamecocks and the West Florence Knights, further solidifying their position in a demanding conference slate.
AAAAA Region 5: The Gauntlet
Blythewood competes in AAAAA Region 5, one of the most challenging regions in the state. The region includes powerhouses and consistent playoff contenders, meaning every conference game is a playoff-caliber matchup. The Bengals’ 1-5 region record in 2025 highlights the difficulty of this schedule. Success in this region is the ultimate barometer for the program's growth and its ability to contend for a state title. The focus for Coach Seidel and the team will be to improve their region standing and secure a more favorable position for the state playoffs in the upcoming seasons.
The Path Forward for the Blythewood Bengals
The 2025 season was a crucial step in the development of the Blythewood Bengals football program under Jason Seidel. The 4-8 record is a foundation, not a ceiling. With a solid core of young, highly-recruitable talent like Reed Paolucci and Landyn Strong, the future looks bright. The program’s ability to consistently send seniors to college football programs demonstrates a strong culture of development.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on converting close losses into wins, improving the regional record, and continuing to dominate key rivalry games. The commitment to player development, coupled with the passion of the Blythewood community, suggests that the Bengals are well-positioned to climb the AAAAA Region 5 standings and return to state contention in the coming years. The 2026 season schedule, which includes early matchups against Midland Valley High School and W J Keenan High School, will be the next test for this evolving program.
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