Class AAA Playoff Notebook

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Shrine Bowl linebacker Ralph Cooper will lead Fairfield Central to Belton-Honea Path for a Class AAA Upstate semifinal tussle Friday night, with the winner advancing one step closer to Columbia and the "Weekend of Champions."

Lightning nearly did strike twice.
Daniel, which in the first round was able to eliminate defending Class AAA state champion Clinton, pushed top ranked South Pointe to the brink last Friday night before bowing out of the playoffs, losing to the Stallions 20-14.
Greenville and Belton-Honea Path emerged as potential roadblocks to South Pointe's road to Columbia, both posting impressive second round victories in the Upstate portion of the bracket.
Lower State powerhouse Myrtle Beach held serve as well, besting a good Cane Bay squad to advance. It moves on to face Berkeley, which earned a second consecutive victory on the road at Midland Valley.
Hartsville, however still has the inside track to hosting the Lower State title game, getting a measure of revenge on Airport from a loss earlier this season.

Games to watch
Greenville (11-1) at South Pointe (11-1): Few weaknesses come to mind when talking about these two teams, both of whom are matter of points (Greenville) or a mere quarter (South Pointe) from being undefeated.
While the Stallions want to keep their power running game in motion, its counterparts like to mix it up a bit. Lining up in 5 wide receiver sets, Red Raider quarterback Glenn Baston is a threat to run or pass.
Stopping him will be the task of South Pointe star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and the rest of the Stallions defense, which has seemingly risen to the occasion each time it has been called upon this year.
Berkeley (9-3) at Myrtle Beach (11-1): One would think Myrtle Beach quarterback Everett Golson would need a little time to get back in tune with his receivers after missing most of the season with multiple leg injuries. That couldn't be further from the truth, as the North Carolina commitment has not missed a beat, leading the Seahawks to blowout wins in the first two rounds. Berkeley rides in after impressive road wins over Camden and Midland Valley to open the playoffs, extending its playoff win streak to six games dating back to last year — one which ended with the Stags hoisting a state championship.
UPSET ALERT — Fairfield Central (11-1) at Belton-Honea Path (12-0): Though I've have listed this as a possible upset, people from around the state would not be surprised if Fairfield Central somehow left Anderson County with a win Friday night.

The Bears looked mighty impressive in their second round contest against Chester, running up 434 yards of total offense in the 37-7 win. Equally impressive were the Griffins, dominating Region II-AAA champion Union County 20-7.
It will be FC's speed against a balanced BHP attack coming off arguably its best games of the year. Of course, the defense that can make key stops will be the one to advance in this contest.