How The Ranked Teams Fared -- Week Zero

Class 4A
1. Byrnes (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 27 vs. Ballard (Ky.) in Louisville, Ky.
2. Goose Creek (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Irmo
3. Dorman (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Gaffney
4. Greenwood (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Boiling Springs
5. Gaffney (1-0) -- def. Boiling Springs, 47-0; NEXT: Friday at Dorman
6. Lexington (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Batesburg-Leesville
7. Dutch Fork (1-0) -- def. Irmo, 24-0; NEXT: Friday vs. Chapin
8. Northwestern (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at South Pointe
9. Irmo (0-1) -- lost to Dutch Fork, 24-0; NEXT: vs. Goose Creek
10. Beaufort (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Hilton Head Island

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Carolina Forest
2. Fairfield Central (1-0) -- def. Eau Claire, 32-0; NEXT: Friday vs. Blythewood
3. South Pointe (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Northwestern
4. Belton-Honea Path (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Laurens
5. Bluffton (1-0) -- def. Hilton Head, 76-0; NEXT: Friday vs. Ridgeland
6. Hartsville (1-0) -- def. Hanahan, 42-19; NEXT: vs. Lamar
7. Greenville (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Woodruff
8. Clinton (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Newberry
9. Blue Ridge (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Wade Hampton (G)
10. Wade Hampton -- (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Blue Ridge

Class 2A
1. Dillon (1-0) -- def. Cheraw, 42-0; NEXT: Friday at Lake View
2. Strom Thurmond (1-0) -- def. Williston-Elko, 45-8; NEXT: Friday at Saluda
3. Woodruff (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Greenville
4. Central (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Anson (N.C.)
5. Silver Bluff (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Aiken
6. Timberland (1-0) -- def. Carver’s Bay, 49-6; NEXT: Friday at Hanahan
7. Columbia (1-0) -- def. Lower Richland, 31-14; NEXT: Friday vs. A.C. Flora
8. Manning (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 vs. Scott’s Branch
9. Cheraw (0-1) -- lost to Dillon, 42-0; NEXT: Friday at Marlboro County
10. Indian Land (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Buford

Class 1A
1. Abbeville (1-0) -- def. Chester, 15-7; NEXT: Friday at Crescent
2. Bamberg-Erhardt (1-0) -- def. Orangeburg-Wilkinson, 35-7; NEXT: Friday at Edisto
3. Hemingway (1-0) -- def. Hannah-Pamplico, 52-6; NEXT: Friday at Kingstree
4. Christ Church (1-0) -- def. Travelers Rest 52-14; NEXT: at Liberty
5. Scott’s Branch (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Manning
6. Williston-Elko (0-1) -- lost to Strom Thurmond, 45-8; NEXT: Friday vs. Barnwell
7. Calhoun County (0-1) -- lost to Marlboro County, 38-34; NEXT: at Lake Marion
8. Ridgeland (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Bluffton
9. Chesterfield (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Timmonsville
10. Lamar (0-0) -- season begins Aug. 26 at Hartsville

Voters include Adam Regan (Anderson Independent-Mail), Justin Jarrett (Beaufort Gazette/Hilton Head Island-Packet), Cam Huffman (Aiken Standard), Ben Breiner (Greenwood Index-Journal), Bob Castello (Greenville News), Kevin Melton (Herald-Journal) and Akilah Nelson (The State).

Week Zero scores from around the Palmetto State

A.C. Flora 53, Gilbert 14
Abbeville 15, Chester 7
Allendale-Fairfax 28, Hilton Head Christian Academy 6
Andrews 41, Johnsonville 20
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 35, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 7
Barnwell 40, Blackville-Hilda 0
Bluffton 76, Hilton Head 0
Blythewood 37, South Florence 22
C.A. Johnson def. North, forfeit
Carolina Forest 34, Socastee 7
Cathedral Academy 46, Beaufort Academy 14
Christ Church Episcopal 52, Travelers Rest 14
Columbia 31, Lower Richland 14
Conway 41, North Myrtle Beach 0
Cross 46, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 14
Denmark-Olar 20, Lake Marion 13
Dillon 42, Cheraw 0
Dillon Christian 36, Pee Dee Academy 8
Dutch Fork 24, Irmo 0
Easley 70, West Oak 0
Edisto 34, McCormick 14
Fairfield Central 32, Eau Claire 0
Fox Creek 18, Branchville 0
Gaffney 47, Boiling Springs 0Georgetown 26, Mullins 14
Green Sea Floyds 12, West Columbus, N.C. 6
Greer 34, Seneca 10
Hartsville 47, Hanahan 19
Hemingway 42, Hannah-Pamplico 6
James Island Christian 35, Trinity Collegiate 18
Lake View 6, Aynor 0
Laurence Manning Academy 51, First Baptist 0
Loris 23, St. James 14
Nation Ford 34, Gastonia Forestview, N.C. 27
Orangeburg Prep 42, Thomas Sumter Academy 34
Patrick Henry Academy 38, Greenwood Christian 8
Pelion 19, Wagener-Salley 6
Ridge Spring-Monetta 20, Whitmire 6
Southside Christian 49, Dixie 19
Spring Valley 20, Camden 16
Timberland 49, Carvers Bay 6
Waccamaw 54, Latta 21
Walhalla 14, Palmetto 0
Whale Branch 29, Baptist Hill 19
Williamsburg Academy 18, Colleton Prep 14
Wilson Hall 42, Byrnes School 0

Byrnes begins season No. 1 in SC, top 25 nationally

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Byrnes begins another season at the top of the heap in South Carolina, and joins elite company as one of the nation's top 25 teams, according to the RivalsHigh 100 preseason poll.

Again … it’s Byrnes.

Earning the respect of pundits nationwide by way of its dominance of the Palmetto State over the past decade, the Rebels will begin the season in a familiar spot — No. 1, in South Carolina at least.

Byrnes was featured Thursday in the RivalsHigh 100 countdown, a preseason poll listing the nation’s top 100 high school football programs coming into the 2011 campaign. The Rebels begin this season at No. 25 on the list.

Following an unexpected Class 4A Big 16 title run last year, Byrnes finished No. 40 in the RivalsHigh 100. It returns many cogs from that championship team, including running back Shakeem Wharton and wide receiver Akia Booker.

While the Rebels have become known for its endless cupboard of talent on offense, this year’s team may find its strength on the defensive side of the ball, according to RivalsHigh senior analyst Dallas Jackson.

“The defensive line — Doc Dillard, Von Ownes and Jamaa Johnson— is very good and the linebacker group — Melvin Armstrong, Marcus Mohrman and Travis Thomas— may be the most physical collection in a decade,” Jackson said. “This year’s team may not have as many Division I athletes, but definitely has a high number of very good high school football players.”

Though the squad begins on top, it also has its share of questions, beginning at the most important position — quarterback. Shuler Bentley will likely take the reins of Byrnes’ historically prolific offense, expected to follow the path of past Rebel signal callers in delivering a state title back to Duncan.

Joining the Rebels on the list are the likes of Goose Creek and Greenwood, ranked at No. 45 and No. 74, respectively.

To see RivalsHigh's full analysis of Byrnes, click here.

Gaffney to rejoin Region II-4A, Blacksburg to Skyline 2A

Reunited, and it feels so good.

Separated for the past several years due to realignment by the S.C. High School League (SCHSL), Region II-4A may again become whole next season, welcoming back the likes of Gaffney and Spartanburg.

SCHSL officials released the proposal on Monday. Schools wishing to appeal the decision must do so in writing by Aug. 12, to which the league's executive committee will convene Sept. 21 to make its final decision.

After competing in the region for a number of years, the Indians were moved to Region III-4A in 2008, joining a contingent consisting primarily of York County schools including Clover, Rock Hill and Northwestern. The Vikings joined the region following the 2010 realignment process.

Perennial rivals Byrnes and Dorman will join Gaffney and Spartanburg in the region, in addition to Boiling Springs, Mauldin, Riverside, and Class 4A newcomer Wade Hampton of Greenville. According to head coach Dan Jones, the conference could possibly be the state's toughest by far.

"Personally, I think it is the best," he said. "How many regions have the past two state champions, both of whom have played each other in Columbia the past two years in the same conference? Add us and Spartanburg into the mix, and that makes for a lot of history and intrigue. I assure you that it can't get any better than that."

Though separated for the past four years, Gaffney has kept many of its former Region II-4A foes on its schedule, keeping old flames ablaze.

"Of course, Boiling Springs, Dorman and Byrnes are old rivalries; with the possibility of joining them once again I know the kids are excited and I most definitely am excited. It's just the way things are supposed to be," Jones said.

Blacksburg is also on the move, jumping from its familiar digs in Class A to that in Skyline (Region I) 2A, joining Carolina, Chesnee, Crescent, Landrum, Liberty, Pendleton and Powdersville.

As part of the SCHSL's new realignment plan in which classifications consist of 52 schools instead of the typical 48, the Wildcats —the largest school in Class A according to the league's 135-day numbers—become one of the smaller programs in Class 2A. The football program will be part of the classification's lower tier for its football playoffs, which beginning this season is open to all.

Gaffney's Davis lands another scholarship offer

Photo by Larry Hilliard/ The Gaffney Ledger

Shortly after walking off the practice field Tuesday, Gaffney's Quinshad Davis learned he had received another scholarship offer, this time from Illinois.

Requests for Quinshad Davis’ services keep rolling in.
Illinois was the latest to offer the Gaffney standout a scholarship, according to head coach Dan Jones, who received the offer by way of a fax on Tuesday.
“We are quite excited for him; Quinshad’s talent will be able to write him a check to go to the college of his choice,” Jones said.
The Fighting Illini join a crowd of schools including Clemson, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Wake Forest hoping the talented receiver chooses them come National Signing Day in February.
Davis earned quite a name for himself last season, hauling in 86 balls for 1,380 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 6-foot-3 wide receiver was ranked No. 250 among the nation’s top prep football players in the Class of 2012 on a list compiled by Rivals.com.
“You’ve got to like his size, a little bit like former Georgia and recently drafted Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green; he provides quite the target for an offense to work with, which is important,” said Rivals Southeast football recruiting analyst Keith Niebuhr. “He definitely will be difficult to cover, as he knows how to separate from defenders using his body, and times the ball well. Also, he’s quite the weapon in the red zone.”
The list also features Palmetto State talents like Allendale-Fairfax defensive back Ronald Geohaghan (No. 216), Bamberg-Ehrhardt defensive end Martin Aiken (No. 189), and Lexington all-purpose man Shaq Roland (No. 63).
While players don’t typically announce their college intentions prior to the end of their senior season, Jones admits times have changed — and the time is drawing near that Davis will have to make a decision.
“He’s got to make a decision; but he had a good visit at Wake (Forest), and really seems to like them,” Jones said. “They are definitely in the mix.”

Class A outlook

It was a return to greatness last December for Abbeville, the football program winning its first state championship since 2002.
But one ring may just not be enough for the greedy Panthers, who return several key cogs in last season’s title-winning squad.
At the head of the list is running back Ashton Heard, who ran for over 1,200 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Equally responsible for the team’s success last season was its tough defense, which held opponents to just under 11 points per game. Eight starters return from that unit, one which should be among the state’s best in 2011.
At the head of the list to dethrone Abbeville is Hemingway, who came just short of the Class A Division I title game, losing on a last second field goal to Bamberg-Ehrhardt. With 26 seniors laden with experience, the program is primed to make a run this upcoming season.
The Tigers boast one of the top talents in the state in dual threat Jabril Solomon, who caught 51 passes for 1,142 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also recorded 83 tackles and 10 interceptions.
Bamberg-Ehrhardt and Ridgeland also are expected to be contenders for the Class A Division I crown.
Christ Church begins the season as the favorite in the classification‘s lower tier, putting its hope in arguably Class A’s top signal caller Hunter Townes. Accounting for more than 60 touchdowns last year, fans are predicting big things for the Cavaliers.
Scott’s Branch and Williston-Elko also remain teams to beat, the two programs meeting in each of the past three Class A Division II title games, of which the Eagles have taken two close contests, including last season’s 34-32 triumph in Columbia.
Perennial powerhouses Great Falls and Blackville-Hilda may play a part in who wins the Class A Division II championship.

CLASS A DIVISION I
FAVORITE: Abbeville
CONTENDERS: Hemingway, Bamberg-Ehrhardt, Ridgeland, Calhoun County, Lamar, Allendale-Fairfax
LOOK OUT FOR: Chesterfield - After winning three consecutive Class A Division I crowns, the Rams took a step back last season, bowing out in the second round of the state playoffs to Lamar. Though Chesterfield is breaking in a new quarterback, expect Steve Taneyhill’s squad to remain a major player in the classification and with a few breaks, who knows?

CLASS A DIVISION II
FAVORITE: Christ Church
CONTENDERS: Scott’s Branch, Williston-Elko, Great Falls, Blackville-Hilda
LOOK OUT FOR: Fox Creek- With 14 starters returning - eight of which are on defense - the Predators have potential to improve on last season’s 8-4 record, and potentially contend for Region IV-A.

Goose Creek tabbed as No. 45 in Rivals High 100 poll

Arguably the best team the Palmetto State has to offer this year, Goose Creek earned national distinction by being ranked No. 45 among the RivalsHigh 100 preseason poll, a list of the nation’s top 100 high school football programs.
Ranked nationally for much of the 2010 season, the Gators won their first 13 games before falling to eventual state champion Northwestern in the Class AAAA Division II semifinal. It earned the squad a No. 36 ranking to end the campaign, but this season it hopes to finish the deal with a state championship.
Most impressive to RivalsHigh senior analyst Dallas Jackson and other scouts is the Goose Creek power game, which rung up nearly 600 points last season. However, in contests against top tier opponents the defensive unit gave up 154 points, including 41 to the Trojans in its state semifinal loss.
“It is pretty obvious that the offensive line and the running attack is what helps make this team go. The stats speak to both - with over 600 carries last season, the team still averaged nearly seven yards per carry and 335 yards per game. With the ability to break big runs and keep the clock moving in its direction, it is no small wonder why the team has elevated from a solid South Carolina team to a nationally-recognized group,” Jackson said. “…Goose Creek should be better defensively this season - and it may need to be. … The team was able to dominate inferior competition but gave up a lot of points against quality squads.”
With talented athletes like Clemson commitment T.J. Burrell at linebacker and bruising fullback Virgil Smalls returning for one last run at the gold, Goose Creek may have the ingredients to finally seal the deal.
Click here to see what RivalsHigh said about Goose Creek.