Fab Five Games — Week 8

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

South Pointe's Jadeveon Clowney (left) and the rest of the Stallion's defensive unit will get quite the test Friday, facing off against undefeated Fairfield Central and its balanced offensive attack.

South Pointe (6-1) at Fairfield Central (7-0): Top prospect Jadeveon Clowney has undoubtedly been worth the hype this season, running roughshod through opposing defenses and helping the Stallions get off to a 6-1 start.
His team will aim to prove it is worthy of its No. 1 ranking in Class 3A as it travels to undefeated region rival Fairfield Central. The Griffins will do their best to figure out the South Pointe defense using a balanced attack managed by quarterback Danny Miller, who is 80 of 117 for 1,583 yards and 18 touchdowns this year.
Since giving up 69 points in consecutive games to Northwestern and Independence (N.C.), the Stallions have been rather stout on defense, giving up 27 points in their last four games. Expect some scoring from the Griffins, but can they score enough to defeat a talented, proud defense the caliber of South Pointe? They will have to prove it to me. PREDICTION: South Pointe 24, Fairfield Central 14

Calhoun County (6-1) at Williston-Elko (7-1): Arguably no one has been more dominant in this season than the Blue Devils, who have outscored opponents 422-67 this season en route to earning the respect of the state’s prep football writers, who have tabbed the team No.1 in Class A.
Equally impressive has been their region rival Calhoun County, which since a week one loss to Marlboro County has reeled off six consecutive wins.
This one could come down to the final possession as both squads sport talented senior signal callers in Williston-Elko’s Tamyn Garrick and the Saints’ Shamier Jeffery. The team that plays the best defense will undoubtedly win this one. PREDICTION: Williston-Elko 35, Calhoun County 31

Central (7-0) at Indian Land (7-0): More than an undefeated regular season slate is at stake in this one, as both teams are jockeying for a region title and positioning best suiting them for a run at the Class 2A championship.
The Eagles have lost the last two Class 2A state title games by a single point to Dillon. Little if anything has got in the way of the team this season for Central en route to a 7-0 record, its closest contest an impressive 36-28 come from behind win over Chester. Expect more of the same in this one, as the Warriors simply do not have the firepower to keep up with a team on a mission. PREDICTION: Central 42, Indian Land 17

Lake City (6-1) at Timberland (7-0): It seems with every week the Wolves are faced with another challenge … and they pass it with flying colors. Tested last week in going to region rival Manning, Timberland had just enough offense to get past the Monarchs, 10-8.
This week Lake City pays the Wolves a visit in a game sure to decide the Region 7-AA title. The teams seem to be rather even, playing at a high level at the right time. Lake City is a bit more explosive on offense, however, and should have enough to just get past a stout Timberland defensive unit. PREDICTION: Lake City 20, Timberland 16

Spartanburg (3-4) at Clover (6-1): Despite running up and down the field at will against Gaffney, Clover came away from The Reservation with little to show for their effort, losing its first game of the season 41-27. The Eagles will attempt to get on track against Spartanburg, which limped out of the gate in its region opener, a 35-12 loss to nationally-ranked Northwestern.
No one has been able to rein in Clover’s Wing-T attack this year, and this one should be no different. PREDICTION: Clover 35, Spartanburg 17