How The Ranked Teams Fared- Sept. 20

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD/ The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney's Joey Copeland is pressured by a Union County defender during a recent game between the rivals at The Reservation. Gaffney is undefeated, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A.

Class 4A
1. Gaffney (5-0) - defeated Byrnes, 35-13; NEXT: at Greenville (0-4)
2. Lexington (4-0) - defeated Irmo, 48-10; NEXT: vs. Dutch Fork (4-1)
3. Goose Creek (3-1) - defeated Colleton County, 58-0; NEXT: vs. Fort Dorchester (3-1)
4. Byrnes (2-2) - lost to Gaffney, 35-13; NEXT: at T.L. Hanna (1-3)
5. North Augusta (4-0) - defeated Sumter, 41-21; NEXT: vs. Evans (Ga.)
6. Greenwood (3-1) - defeated Spartanburg, 28-13; NEXT: vs. Wren (4-0)
7. Dutch Fork (4-1) - defeated White Knoll, 45-0; NEXT: at Lexington (4-0)
8. Northwestern (3-1) - defeated Blythewood, 40-32; NEXT: vs. Nation Ford
9. Fort Dorchester (3-1) - lost to Summerville, 17-3; NEXT: at Goose Creek (3-1)
10. Easley (4-0) - defeated Eastside, 42-0; NEXT: at Westside (0-4)

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (4-0) - defeated South Florence, 31-24; NEXT: at Conway (4-1)
2. South Pointe (4-0) - defeated Rock Hill, 28-21; NEXT: vs. Spartanburg (3-1)
3. Belton-Honea Path (4-0) - defeated Ninety Six, 48-6; NEXT: vs. Clinton (1-3)
4. Bluffton (4-0) - defeated Wade Hampton (H), 55-7; NEXT: at Lake Marion (1-3)
5. Airport (4-0) - defeated Keenan, 26-0; NEXT: at South Aiken (2-2)
6. Blue Ridge (4-0) - defeated Berea, 56-0; NEXT: at Travelers Rest (0-4)
7. Fairfield Central (3-1) - defeated Crestwood, 45-7; NEXT: vs. Dreher (1-3)
8. Hartsville (3-1) - Idle; NEXT: at Cheraw (2-2)
9. Wade Hampton (2-2) - lost to Seneca, 35-17; NEXT: vs. Columbia (4-0)
10. Greer (3-1) - defeated Greenville, 59-14; NEXT: at Eastside (0-4)

Class 2A
1. Dillon (4-0) - Idle: NEXT: vs. Marlboro County (2-2)
2. Strom Thurmond (4-0) -defeated South Aiken, 31-13; NEXT: vs. Silver Bluff (3-1)
3. Woodruff (4-0) - defeated Chapman, 56-20; NEXT: at Union County (2-2)
4. Timberland (4-0) - Idle; NEXT: vs. C.E. Murray (1-3)
5. Silver Bluff (3-1) - lost to Midland Valley, 13-0; NEXT: at Strom Thurmond (4-0)
6. Columbia (4-0) - defeated Brookland-Cayce, 55-27; NEXT: at Wade Hampton (G) (2-2)
7. Manning (3-1) - lost to Berkeley, 9-6; NEXT: vs. Lakewood (4-0)
8. Central (3-1) - defeated Carolina Pride, 36-6; NEXT: at Chesterfield (3-1)
9. Indian Land (4-0) - defeated McBee, 64-6; NEXT: vs. North Central (0-4)
10. Newberry (4-0) - defeated Chapin, 25-16; NEXT: at Ninety Six (2-2)

Class A
1. Hemingway (4-0) - defeated St. James, 31-6; NEXT: at Carvers Bay (2-3)
2. Abbeville (4-1) - defeated Pendletpn, 27-3; NEXT: Sept. 30 vs. Ware Shoals (0-4)
3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (3-1) - defeated Ridgeland, 22-21 (OT); NEXT: at Bethune-Bowman (1-3)
4. Fox Creek (5-0) - defeated North, 55-40; NEXT: at Denmark-Olar (2-2)
5. Calhoun County (4-1) - defeated Denmark-Olar, 13-6; NEXT: at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler (1-3)
6. Chesterfield (3-1) - defeated Scott’s Branch, 64-6; NEXT: vs. Central (3-1)
7. Ridgeland (2-2) - lost to Bamberg-Ehrhardt, 22-21 (OT); NEXT: vs. Branchville (1-3)
8. Williston Elko (3-2) - defeated Wagener-Salley, 56-6; NEXT: vs. North (0-5)
9. Ninety Six (2-2) - lost to Belton-Honea Path, 48-6; NEXT: vs. Newberry (4-0)
10. Landrum (4-0) - defeated Dixie, 35-14; NEXT: vs. Liberty (4-0)

The S.C. Prep Media Poll is conducted by The State with voting from Ben Breiner, Greenwood Index-Journal; Bob Castello, Greenville News; Chris Dearing, The State; Ian Guerin, Myrtle Beach Sun News; Cam Huffman, Aiken Standard; Justin Jarrett, The Island Packet; Kevin Melton, Spartanburg Herald Journal; Akilah Nelson, The State and Adam Regan, Anderson Independent Mail.

How The Ranked Teams Fared + Palmetto State Roundup

Class 4A
1. Gaffney (4-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Union County, 62-10; NEXT: vs. Byrnes
2. Lexington (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Spring Valley, 63-44; NEXT: at Irmo
3. Goose Creek (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Summerville, 19-7 NEXT: at Colleton County
4. Byrnes (2-1) --LAST WEEK: defeated Bayside (Fla.), 56-2 NEXT: vs. Gaffney
5. North Augusta (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lakeside (Evans, Ga.), 38-22; NEXT: at Sumter
6. Greenwood (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Dorman, 28-14; NEXT: at Spartanburg
7. Beaufort (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Fort Dorchester, 49-45; NEXT: at Stratford
8. Dutch Fork (3-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lugoff-Elgin, 41-0; NEXT: at White Knoll
9. Northwestern (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Ridge View, 58-31; NEXT: at Blythewood
10. Easley (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Pickens, 54-20; NEXT: at Riverside

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated West Florence, 49-13 NEXT: vs. South Florence
2. South Pointe (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated West Rowan (N.C.), 23-9; NEXT: at Rock Hill
3. Belton-Honea Path (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Palmetto, 35-14; NEXT: at Ninety Six
4. Bluffton (4-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Estill, 67-6; NEXT: vs. Wade Hampton (H)
5. Hartsville (3-1) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Airport, 21-17; NEXT: at Cheraw
6. Fairfield Central (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: Idle; NEXT: vs. Crestwood
7. Blue Ridge (2-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Pendleton, 42-14; NEXT: vs. Berea
8. Airport (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Hartsville, 21-17; NEXT: vs. Keenan
9. Wade Hampton (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Eastside, 47-0; NEXT: at Seneca
10. York (2-2) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Rock Hill, 27-24; NEXT: at Clover

Class 2A
1. Dillon (4-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Wilson, 48-0; NEXT: vs. Marlboro County
2. Strom Thurmond (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: Idle; NEXT: at South Aiken
3. Central (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Chester, 10-7; NEXT: vs. Carolina Pride (Charlotte)
4. Woodruff (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Chesnee, 49-7; NEXT: at Chapman
5. Timberland (4-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Berkeley, 41-0; NEXT: vs. C.E. Murray
6. Silver Bluff (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated South Aiken, 15-12; NEXT: vs. Midland Valley
7. Columbia (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: Idle; NEXT: vs. Brookland-Cayce
8. Manning (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Crestwood, 20-14; NEXT: vs. Berkeley
9. Indian Land (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Whitmire, 48-7; NEXT: vs. McBee
10. Newberry (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Batesburg-Leesville, 28-14; NEXT: vs. Chapin

Class A
1. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Barnwell, 24-14; NEXT: vs. Ridgeland
2. Hemingway (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated C.E. Murray, 36-13; NEXT: at St. James
3. Abbeville (3-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Emerald, 35-13; NEXT: at Pendleton
4. Calhoun County (3-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated North, 41-0; NEXT: vs. Denmark-Olar
5. Fox Creek (3-0, last week-9) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Wagener-Salley, 42-13; NEXT: at North
6. Chesterfield (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Anson (N.C.), 48-21; NEXT: vs. Scott’s Branch
7. Ridgeland (1-1, last week-7) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Wade Hampton (H), 20-19; NEXT: at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
8. Williston-Elko (2-2, last week-8) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Blackville-Hilda, 44-0; NEXT: at Wagener-Salley
9. Ninety Six (2-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Saluda, 23-20; NEXT: vs. Belton-Honea Path
10. Landrum (3-0) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Polk County (N.C.), 34-26; NEXT: at Dixie

Week Three Scores
Abbeville 35, Emerald 13
Aiken 20, Midland Valley 14, OT
Airport 21, Hartsville 17
Andrew Jackson 42, North Central 14
Andrews 20, Carvers Bay 7
Baptist Hill 48, North Charleston 12
Barnwell 24, Bamberg-Ehrhardt 14
Beaufort Academy 56, Jefferson Davis Academy 0
Belton-Honea Path 35, Palmetto 14
Berea 20, Ware Shoals 19
Blacksburg 47, Latta 6
Blue Ridge 42, Pendleton 14
Bluffton 67, Estill 6
Branchville 42, Lincoln 0
Calhoun County 41, North 0
Cane Bay 33, Edisto 20
Carolina Forest 48, Battery Creek 0
Cathedral Academy 60, Abundant Life Academy 18
Cheraw 41, Marion 7
Chester 10, Central 7
Chesterfield 48, Anson County, N.C. 21
Clinton 28, Laurens 0
Clover 49, Fort Mill 45
Conway 23, Socastee 17
Cross 50, Creek Bridge 0
D.W. Daniel 23, Westside 0
Darlington 12, Lamar 7
Denmark-Olar 26, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 0
Dillon 48, Wilson 0
Dillon Christian 13, Robert E. Lee Academy 6
Dorchester Academy 40, Pee Dee Academy 19
Dreher 42, Eau Claire 12
Dutch Fork 41, Lugoff-Elgin 0
Easley 40, Pickens 7
Fairmont, N.C. 44, Lake View 19
Fort Dorchester 49, Beaufort 45
Fox Creek 32, Wagener-Salley 13
Francis Hugh Wardlaw Academy 62, Patrick Henry Academy 6
Garrett Academy of Technology 20, Military Magnet Academy 8
Goose Creek 19, Summerville 7
Greenwood 28, Dorman 16
Hannah-Pamplico 14, Waccamaw 8, OT
Hemingway 36, C.E. Murray 13
Hilton Head 28, Hardeeville 12
Hilton Head Christian Academy 15, First Baptist 0
Indian Land 48, Whitmire 6
Irmo 3, Chapin 0, OT
J.L. Mann 21, Greenville 7
James Island Christian 46, Coastal Christian Prep 38
Johnsonville 28, Aynor 8
Lake Marion 50, Bethune-Bowman 6
Lancaster 40, Buford 6
Landrum 21, Polk County, N.C. 14
Laurence Manning Academy 21, Pinewood Prep 7
Lee Central 56, McBee 12
Lexington 63, Spring Valley 44
Liberty 35, Walhalla 7
Loris 52, Green Sea Floyds 14
Manning 20, Crestwood 14
Mid-Carolina 58, Gilbert 46
Mullins 23, Timmonsville 6
Myrtle Beach 49, West Florence 13
Nation Ford 55, Lewisville 0
Newberry 28, Batesburg-Leesville 14
Ninety Six 23, Saluda 20
North Augusta 38, Lakeside-Evans, Ga. 22
Northwestern 58, Ridge View 31
Orangeburg Prep 23, Heathwood Hall 21
Orangeburg-Wilkinson 27, Allendale-Fairfax 6
Pelion 32, C.A. Johnson 22
R.B. Stall 10, St. John's 6
Richard Winn Academy 36, Carolina Academy 12
Richland Northeast 30, Lower Richland 0
Ridgeland 20, Wade Hampton (H) 19
Rock Hill 27, York Comprehensive 24
Scott's Branch 22, Burke 20, OT
Silver Bluff 15, South Aiken 12
South Brunswick, N.C. 28, North Myrtle Beach 20
South Florence 44, Lake City 34
Southside Christian 30, McCormick 0
Spartanburg 31, Sumter 7
St. John's Christian Academy 58, Palmetto Christian Academy 44
St. Joseph 35, Calhoun Falls 20
Stratford 31, Ashley Ridge 24
Swansea 23, W.J. Keenan 20
Thomas Heyward Academy 41, Northwood Academy 14
Thomas Sumter Academy 41, Hilton Head Prep 0
Timberland 41, Berkeley 0
Union County 21, Gaffney 14
W. Wyman King Academy 62, Andrew Jackson Academy 20
Wade Hampton (G) 47, Eastside 0
West Ashley 27, Wando 25
White Knoll 45, Brookland-Cayce 16
Williston-Elko 44, Blackville-Hilda 0
Wilson Hall 21, Porter-Gaud 14
Woodland 35, Kingstree 12
Woodruff 49, Chesnee 7
Wren 45, Hillcrest 17

Palmetto State Roundup & How The Ranked Teams Fared - Week Two

Photo by JOE L. HUGHES II

Indian Land's Rondreas Truesdale looks for room Saturday against Blacksburg. The Warriors' all-purpose man burned the visitors from the Iron City for seven touchdowns and nearly 400 yards of total offense.

Class 4A
1. Gaffney (3-0, last week-3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Greenwood, 47-21; NEXT: vs. Union County
2. Lexington (2-0, last week-4) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Blythewood, 52-17; NEXT: vs. Spring Valley
3. Goose Creek (1-1, last week-2) -- LAST WEEK: lost to University (Fla.), 62-61 (2OT); NEXT: at Summerville
4. Byrnes (1-1, last week-1) --LAST WEEK: lost to Myrtle Beach, 28-21 (OT); NEXT: vs. Bayside (Fla.)
5. North Augusta (2-0, last week-7) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Dutch Fork, 49-35; NEXT: at Lakeside (Evans, Ga.)
6. Greenwood (1-1, last week-5) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Gaffney, 47-21; NEXT: vs. Dorman
7. Beaufort (2-0, last week-8) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Battery Creek, 62-6; NEXT: vs. Fort Dorchester
8. Dutch Fork (2-1, last week-6) -- LAST WEEK: lost to North Augusta, 49-35; NEXT: vs. Lugoff-Elgin
9. Northwestern (1-1, last week-10) -- LAST WEEK: defeated York, 24-5; NEXT: at Ridge View
10. Easley (2-0, last week- unranked) -- LAST WEEK: Idle; NEXT: vs. Pickens

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (2-0, last week-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Byrnes, 28-21 (OT); NEXT: at West Florence
2. South Pointe (2-0, last week-3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated AFC Rangers (N.C.), 14-0 (game cancelled); NEXT: Rock Hill (Sept. 16)
3. Belton-Honea Path (2-0, last week-4) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Westside, 22-3; NEXT: at Palmetto
4. Bluffton (3-0, last week-5) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Hardeeville, 62-0; NEXT: at Estill
5. Hartsville (3-0, last week-6) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lee Central, 51-14; NEXT: at Airport
6. Fairfield Central (2-1, last week-2) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Airport, 24-21; NEXT: Idle
7. Blue Ridge (2-0, last week-7) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Eastside, 57-0; NEXT: at Pendleton
8. Airport (2-0, last week-10) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Fairfield Central, 24-21; NEXT: vs. Hartsville
9. Wade Hampton (1-1, last week-9) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Chapman, 7-0; NEXT: vs. Eastside
10. York (2-1, last week-8) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Northwestern, 24-5; NEXT: vs. Rock Hill
Class 2A
1. Dillon (3-0, last week-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Latta, 43-0; NEXT: vs. Wilson
2. Strom Thurmond (3-0, last week-2) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Saluda, 35-0; NEXT: Idle
3. Central (2-0, last week-4) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lewisville, 24-0; NEXT: at Chester
4. Woodruff (2-0, last week-3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Clinton, 26-23; NEXT: vs. Chesnee
5. Timberland (3-0, last week-5) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Cross, 57-0; NEXT: at Berkeley
6. Silver Bluff (2-0, last week-6) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Ninety Six, 17-14; NEXT: vs. South Aiken
7. Columbia (3-0, last week-7) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Dreher, 32-12; NEXT: Idle
8. Manning (2-0, last week-8) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Marion, 17-14; NEXT: at Crestwood
9. Indian Land (2-0, last week-9) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Blacksburg, 48-39; NEXT: at Whitmire
10. Newberry (2-0, last week-10) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Brookland-Cayce, 34-13; NEXT: vs. Batesburg-Leesville

Class A
1. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (2-0, last week-1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Edisto, 40-34; NEXT: at Barnwell
2. Hemingway (2-0, last week-2) -- LAST WEEK: Idle; NEXT: at C.E.Murray
3. Abbeville (2-1, last week-3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Crescent, 56-7; NEXT: vs. Emerald
4. Calhoun County (2-1, last week-5) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Wagener-Salley, 26-25; NEXT: vs. North
5. Fox Creek (3-0, last week-9) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Blackville-Hilda, 48-20; NEXT: vs. Wagener-Salley
6. Chesterfield (1-1, last week-4) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Cheraw, 21-7; NEXT: vs. Anson (N.C.)
7. Ridgeland (1-1, last week-7) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Hilton Head, 35-10; NEXT: vs. Wade Hampton (H)
8. Williston-Elko (1-2, last week-8) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Ridge Spring-Monetta, 52-6; NEXT: at Blackville-Hilda
9. Ninety Six (1-1, last week-10) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Silver Bluff, 17-14; NEXT: at Saluda
10. Landrum (2-0, last week-unranked) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Chesnee, 19-14; NEXT: vs. Polk County (N.C.)

WEEK TWO SCORES
Friday
Abbeville 56, Crescent 7
Academic M. 35, Branchville 12
Aiken 37, Crestwood 0
Airport 24, Fairfield Central 21
Allendale-F. 46, Bethune-B. 6
Andrews 34, Georgetown 14
Ashley Ridge 29, Socastee 25
Aynor 46, Green Sea Floyds 22
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 40, Edisto 34
Baptist Hill 40, Denmark-O. 20
Beaufort 62, Battery Creek 6
Belton-H. Path 22, Westside 3
Bishop England 49, Hanahan 35
Blue Ridge 57, Eastside 0
Bluffton 62, Hardeeville 0
Burke 34, North Charleston 20
C.E. Murray 30, Kingstree 14
Calhoun Co. 26, Wagener-S. 25
Carolina Forest 49, St. James 22
Carvers Bay 44, Waccamaw 9
Chapin 9, Swansea 6
Charlotte L.. 48, Ware Shoals 7
Cheraw 28, Chesterfield 7
Columbia 32, Dreher 12
Conway 19, Wando 14
Daniel 31, Greenville 7
Dillon 43, Latta 0
Ft. Dorchester 42, Irmo 27
Fox Creek 48, Blackville-H. 20
Gaffney 47, Greenwood 21
Greer 62, Berea 6
H.-Pamplico 34, Creek Bridge 0
Hartsville 51, Lee Central 14
Hunter-K.-Tyler 66, North 14
J.L. Mann 63, Southside 0
James Island 42, Stall 10
Johnsonville 49, E.Clarendon 22
Lake City 10, Darlington 6
Lake View 54, Dillon Christian 13
Lakewood 34, L. Richland 28, OT
Landrum 19, Chesnee 14
Laurens 21, Hillcrest 10
Lexington 52, Blythewood 17
Liberty 28, Pickens 17
Loris 17, South Columbus, 12
Manning 14, Marion 13
Mid-Carolina 35, Batesburg-L. 28
Myrtle Beach 28, Byrnes 21
Newberry 34, Brookland-Cayce 13
North Augusta 49, Dutch Fork 35
O.-Wilkinson 21, Colleton Co. 14
Palmetto C.66, Lincoln 8
Pendleton 28, West Oak 25
Ridgeland 35, Hilton Head 20
Scotland Co. 42, Marlboro Co. 7
Silver Bluff 17, Ninety Six 14
South Aiken 35, Midland Valley 18
South Florence 34, Wilson 7
Spring Valley 49, Lugoff-Elgin 28
St. John's 16, Garrett 8
Stratford 33, Sumter 10
Strom Thurmond 35, Saluda 0
Summerville 13, Berkeley 0
Timberland 57, Cross 0
Timmonsville 28, Lamar 26, OT
Union Co. 25, Broome 21
W. Hampton (G) 7, Chapman 0
W. Hampton (H) 27, Estill 14
Walhalla 13, Carolina 10
West Ashley 36, Lake Marion 12
W. Brunswick, 28, N.M. Beach 18
Whale Branch 50, Military M. 14
White Knoll 38, Gilbert 7
Williston-Elko 52, RS-Monetta 6
Woodland 38, Scott's Branch 8

Saturday
Chester 21, Lancaster 12
Indian Land 48, Blacksburg 39
Northwestern 24, York 5
Ridge View 27, Fort Mill 7
Rock Hill 32, Nation Ford 14

Monday
A. Jackson 30,. Great Falls 27
Ashbrook 10, Clover 7 (3 OTs)

Games of the Week: Week Two

GREENWOOD AT GAFFNEY
7:30 p.m. — The Reservation, Gaffney
LAST MEETING: 2010 — Greenwood won 10-7
Another week, another night in the spotlight for Gaffney. Last week before a national audience, the Indians dismantled a talented Dorman squad, embarrassing their rivals from Roebuck en route to a 35-14 victory. The team has outscored its opponents 82-14 through two games. Meanwhile, Greenwood looked equally impressive in its win over Boiling Springs, multiple ball carriers toting the ball into the end zone in a 35-0 win at Boiling Springs.
Last season's meeting between the squads was quite the nightmare for Gaffney, turnovers and mental mistakes dooming the team in a 10-7 loss. However, afterward the Indians reeled off six consecutive victories, including a 26-16 triumph over eventual state champion Byrnes. Meanwhile, the Eagles used momentum from their conquest of Gaffney to springboard the team to a berth in the Class 4A Division II title game.
Both teams are equally talented; but differ in what they hope to accomplish. Greenwood hopes to bog things down, using a "ground and pound attack which chews up clock and limit opponents' possessions. Gaffney on the other hand hopes to turn it into a track meet, striking quickly by air or ground.
KEY MATCHUP: Call it strength on strength. Gaffney's offense has been virtually unstoppable through two contests, running up and down the field with ease. The Indians may get a little resistance from Greenwood in this one, the Eagles blessed with an abundance of team speed. However, it is nothing Joey Copeland and his teammates have not seen, taking on a similar type of defensive unit last week in Dorman.
PREDICTION: Gaffney may not operate like the well-oiled machine it has for the past two weeks, but in a game where points will come at a premium, the Indians will have the last word. — Gaffney 21, Greenwood 18

MYRTLE BEACH AT BYRNES
7:30 p.m. — Nixon Field, Duncan
LAST MEETING: 2010 — Byrnes won 21-14
Everything must be right in the world if Byrnes and Myrtle Beach are sitting on the throne of their respective classifications. For the second time in three years, both the Rebels (Class 4A –Big 16) and Seahawks (Class 3A) claimed state championships. Th squads were similarly successful in their season debuts last week, Byrnes taking its road show to Kentucky and demolishing a Ballard (Ky.) team, 68-0. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach began life without legendary quarterback Everett Golson, by smothering nearby Carolina Forest in a 31-0 rout.
Both squads know this week's game will be much closer and infinitely tougher, facing off against a quality opponent equally steeped in history.
While a lot has changed on offense for Myrtle Beach after losing a number of key cogs to graduation, its defense remains intact, expected to lead the team until its offensive unit can get on its feet. Byrnes, on the other hand, returns virtually everyone from last season's championship squad — that is, at every position but quarterback, where sophomore Shuler Bentley is hoping to etch his name as the next Rebel quarterback to lead the program to the promised land.
The teams played to a virtual stalemate last year in Myrtle Beach, a late touchdown giving Byrnes a 21-14 win. An equally close game could be in store for the teams this time as well.
KEY MATCHUP: Myrtle Beach's defense will cause plenty of problems for Byrnes' young quarterback, but expect the Rebels to have a few opportunities down the field against an aggressive Seahawks unit. That is not where this game will be decided, however, as the only way Myrtle Beach returns home is if it gets some sort of production on offense. Coach Mickey Wilson has been worried about the unit, claiming it is not clicking on all cylinders as it has in past years. Guess what coach? Golson's not walking back through the door. Just don't leave it open for a fast Byrnes' defense, which is still seeking to get out of the shadow of its peers on offense.
PREDICTION: Myrtle Beach's defense will keep it in the game for a while. But it can bend for so long before breaking under the pressure to which Byrnes will exert on offense, particularly due to the inefficient play of the Seahawks' own offensive unit. This will not be the 65-14 debacle of a few years ago, but the Rebels will get the job done nevertheless. — Byrnes 27, Myrtle Beach 17

AIRPORT AT FAIRFIELD CENTRAL
8 p.m. — E.K. McClendon Stadium, Winnsboro
LAST MEETING: 2010 — Fairfield Central won 47-13
Former Fairfield Central and current Blythewood head coach Reggie Kennedy may know all of the tricks of the trade. But sometimes you have no answer for speed. He found that out last week in facing the band of Griffins he left this past offseason, physically manhandling his Bengals squad in a 21-7 loss. Though still trying to adjust to new head man Demetrius Davis' scheme, FC's physicality ruled the day, pummeling their rivals from just a few miles up Interstate 77 in their final meeting for some time.
Airport was similarly successful, using its own smashmouth brand of football to utterly destroy Brookland-Cayce 44-6.
The Griffins dismantled the Eagles with a balanced attack last season, but don’t expect too much passing this season as this one is expected to be won in the trenches. FC quarterback Nyjawoh McKinstry threw for two touchdowns and passed for another in the team’s win against Blythewood. But without a doubt, the Griffins would rather run than pass. Kirk Burnett’s offense has a similar philosophy, running until the other defense can stop it. Quarterback Kelvin Harris ran for 106 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 55 more and another score last week vs. B-C.
KEY MATCHUP: It will be quite interesting to see how both of these offenses deal with the overall team speed exhibited by both defensive units. The Griffins’ ability to swarm to the ball overwhelmed the strong running attack of Blythewood last week, and is a very confident group going into this week’s contest with Airport. The Eagles had no answer for the speed and intensity displayed by FC last season, and if it wants to win, it must match it or it could be a long night.
PREDICTION: Airport will put together a better performance than it did in last season’s debacle. But it still will not be enough as the Griffins’ dominance at home continues. — Fairfield Central 28, Airport 21

OTHER PREDICTIONS:
Woodruff 35, Clinton 21
Dorman 28, Spartanburg 24
Daniel 31, Greenville 21
Dutch Fork 33, North Augusta 27
Summerville 21, Berkeley 13

S.C. Prep Football -- Week Two schedule

Thursday
Camden at West Florence
Eau Claire at A. C. Flora

Friday
Academic Magnet at Branchville
AFC Rangers (N.C.) at South Pointe
Andrew JacksonGreat Falls
Ashbrook (N.C.) at Clover
Bamberg-Ehrhardt at Edisto
Batesburg-Leesville at Mid-Carolina
Battery Creek at Beaufort
Belton-Honea Path at Westside
Berea at Greer
Bethune-Bowman at Allendale-Fairfax
Blacksburg at Indian Land
Blackville-Hilda at Fox Creek
Brookland Cayce at Newberry
Buford at McBee
Burke at North Charleston
C. E. Murray at Kingstree
Calhoun County at Wagener-Salley
Calhoun Falls Charter at Whitmire
Carvers Bay at Waccamaw
Central at Lewisville
ChapinSwansea
Charlotte Latin at Ware Shoals
Chesnee at Landrum
Chester at Lancaster
Chesterfield at Cheraw
Colleton County at Orangeburg Wilkinson
Columbia at Dreher
Conway at Wando
Creek Bridge at Hannah-Pamplico
Crescent at Abbeville
Crestwood at Aiken
Cross at Timberland
Denmark-Olar at Baptist Hill
Dillon at Latta
Dorman at Spartanburg
Dutch Fork at North Augusta
Eastside at Blue Ridge
Emerald at Pelion
Estill at Wade Hampton (H)
Georgetown at Andrews
Green Sea-Floyds at Aynor
Greenville at Daniel
Greenwood at Gaffney
Hanahan at Bishop England
Hanna at Boiling Springs
Hardeeville at Bluffton
Hebron Christian at Southside Christian
Hillcrest at Laurens
Hilton Head at Ridgeland
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler at North
Irmo at Fort Dorchester
James Island at Stall
Johnsonville at East Clarendon
Keenan at C. A. Johnson
Lake City at Darlington
Lakewood at Lower Richland
Lamar at Timmonsville
Lee Central at Hartsville
Lexington at Blythewood
Liberty at Pickens
Lugoff-Elgin at Spring Valley
Manning at Marion
Mauldin at Woodmont
Midland Valley at South Aiken
Myrtle Beach at Byrnes
North Central at St. Joseph’s
Palmetto at Dixie
Ridge Spring-Monetta at Williston-Elko
Ridge View at Fort Mill
Rock Hill at Nation Ford
S. Columbus (N.C.) at Loris
Scotland County (N.C.) at Marlboro County
Silver Bluff at Ninety Six
Socastee at Ashley Ridge
South Florence at Wilson
Southside at J L Mann
St. James at Carolina Forest
St. John’s at Garrett
Stratford at Sumter
Strom Thurmond at Saluda
Summerville at Berkeley
Union County at Broome
Wade Hampton (G) at Chapman
Walhalla at Carolina Academy
West Ashley at Lake Marion
West-Oak at Pendleton
Whale Branch at Military Magnet
White Knoll at Gilbert
Woodland at Scott’s Branch
Woodruff at Clinton
Wren at Riverside
Airport at Fairfield Central
Northwestern at York

Saturday
Wando at Ashley Ridge

S.C. Prep Football Stock Report -- Week One

Photo by JOE L. HUGHES II

High fives have been in abundance for Gaffney early on in 2011, the Indians thoroughly dominating stout opponents such as Boiling Springs and Dorman. It will get another tough test Friday against Greenwood.

STOCKS UP:
-- Gaffney: Probably no team in South Carolina has been more impressive through two games than the Indians, dominating Boiling Springs en route to a 47-0 victory as well as a 35-14 demolition of Dorman in front of a national audience. Putting to rest all doubts regarding the Gaffney quarterback position, Joey Copeland has scored 10 touchdowns and thrown for more than 500 yards. Most importantly, he’s been relatively mistake-free, an attribute lacking in the man he replaced, Shrine Bowl nominee DeEdward Burris.
-- Dillon: Despite their youth last season, the Wildcats came minutes from a third consecutive state title. With Jabo Lee and Kwinton Smith making plays on offense and the defensive unit flying all over the field, this is definitely a squad which could contend for another state title. Through two games, Dillon has yet to allow a point. Tougher tests will come down the road, but team will not be an easy out.
-- York: Bobby Carroll was able to work his magic at South Pointe, winning a state title and coming close to claiming another last season. It seems he’s well on his way to doing the same at York, the Cougars annihilating Lewisville and Broome by a combined score of 137-0. While it is early on the 2011 season, the team is already a win away from equaling its total for last year’s campaign. Going 3-0 will be quite the task, however, York and Northwestern renewing acquaintances.
-- Newberry: Leaving Gaffney on the most awkward of terms, head coach Phil Strickland found things a bit tough in his first season in Newberry, leading the Bulldogs to a 4-7 record. The team competed hard in its playoff loss at Chesnee, however, yielding hope things could quickly turn around for a program used to good results on the gridiron. Strickland has typically been the author of quick turnarounds, and at least through one week Newberry is on the right track, defeating perennial Class 3A powerhouse Clinton, 21-14. The Bulldogs dominated things on both sides of the ball, matching the Red Devils’ toughness, something that is rarely seen at any time.
-- Woodruff: We all expected a dynamic Wolverines’ squad capable of making a deep run in the Class 2A playoffs. Following a 51-28 beat down of Greenville, sky’s the limit for Woodruff, appearing to be in midseason form. Quarterback Ryan Perkins befuddled the Red Raiders’ defense, hurling the pigskin around the lot to the tune of 294 yards and six touchdowns. It has been a long time since the Wolverines added a trophy to the vast collection at the school; this may be the year that changes.

STOCKS TO WATCH: Chesterfield, Dorman, Dutch Fork, Myrtle Beach, Northwestern, Strom Thurmond

STOCKS DOWN:
-- Irmo: It wasn’t long ago the Yellow Jackets were celebrating their conquest of Gaffney, pushing the team to within a 48 minutes of a date in the state title game. That cold November night also was the last time Irmo tasted victory, which includes consecutive losses to begin the 2011 campaign by a combined score of 75-7. Head coach Bob Hanna’s vaunted rushing attack, a staple in the Yellow Jackets’ offensive scheme gained next to nothing against Dutch Fork and Goose Creek, both tough opponents. If this team cannot get off the mat soon, it could be a long season for Irmo with meetings against Lexington and the Silver Foxes remaining on the schedule.
-- Williston-Elko: It is one thing to receive a thorough beat down from one of the state’s perennial powerhouses. But the Blue Devils are singing another tune after losing a 20-18 decision to Barnwell, dropping the team to 0-2. The losses also mark the first time W-E has been dealt consecutive losses since 2006. A prolific offense last season, the team has found it tough moving the ball thus far, unable to block opponents and allowing them to corral South Carolina commitment Kendric Salley. He was able to get loose for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Barnwell, but he can’t do it by himself. If Salley doesn’t get help, don’t count on the Blue Devils to be among the select few left in Class A later this season.
-- Daniel: The Lions built an early lead only to watch it crumble, the result of their own mistakes. Penalties wound up costing Daniel its season opening contest and their first in brand new Singleton Field, allowing Easley to drive 75-yards in the game’s final minutes to and come away with a 22-21 victory. A lot of good things could be taken from the game, particularly that the Lions kept a good Green Wave offense in check for three quarters. But it is treading on dangerous ground early, and facing off against another squad which lost its opener in Greenville.
-- Greenville: It was relatively known the Red Raiders would be rebuilding. But to receive a 51-28 beating at the hands of Woodruff in the opener definitely was not expected. The team’s vaunted offensive attack was rendered useless against a stifling Wolverines’ defense, firmly intent on making a run at a state title. Things go from bad to worse this week for Greenville, the squad facing off against fellow Class 3A powerhouse Daniel, also featuring quite a defensive front which can get after the quarterback. Don’t look now, but the Red Raiders could fall to 0-2 with several other strong Upstate teams down the road.
-- Christ Church: A team with championship aspirations, the Cavaliers’s second game of the season was nothing more than a proverbial thud, dropping a 20-6 decision to perennial doormat Liberty. While the Red Devils are seeking a change of attitude under new coach Kyle Stewart, this is a game Christ Church should win. However, it shows what happens when teams don’t come to play. Championship teams come to play regardless of the situation; it will be interesting to see how the Cavaliers rebound from this loss.

S.C. Prep Writer's Poll - Week Two

Class 4A
1. Byrnes (1-0) (1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Ballard (Ky.), 68-0; NEXT: vs. Myrtle Beach
2. Goose Creek (1-0) (2) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Irmo, 51-7; NEXT: Sat. vs. University (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)
3. Gaffney (2-0) (4) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Dorman, 35-14; NEXT: vs. Greenwood
4. Lexington (1-0) (6) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Batesburg-Leesville, 63-0; NEXT: at Blythewood
5. Greenwood (1-0) (3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Boiling Springs, 35-0; NEXT: at Gaffney
6. Dutch Fork (1-0) (7) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Chapin, 35-0; NEXT: at North Augusta
7. North Augusta (1-0) (10) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Midland Valley, 25-7; NEXT: vs. Dutch Fork
8. Beaufort (1-0) (9) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Hilton Head Island, 54-0; NEXT: vs. Battery Creek
9. Dorman (0-1) (5) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Gaffney, 35-14; NEXT: at Spartanburg
10. Northwestern (0-1) (8) -- LAST WEEK: lost to South Pointe, 16-10; NEXT: at York

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (1-0) (1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Carolina Forest, 31-0; NEXT: at Byrnes
2. Fairfield Central (2-0) (2) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Blythewood, 21-7; NEXT: vs. Airport
3. South Pointe (1-0) (3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Northwestern, 16-10; NEXT: vs. AFC Rangers (N.C.)
4. Belton-Honea Path (1-0) (4) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Laurens, 38-10; NEXT: at Westside
5. Bluffton (2-0) (5) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Ridgeland, 60-14; NEXT: vs. Hardeeville
6. Hartsville (2-0) (6) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lamar, 45-6; NEXT: vs. Lee Central
7. Blue Ridge (1-0) (10) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Wade Hampton (G), 15-13; NEXT: vs. Eastside
8. York (2-0) (NR) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Broome, 62-0; NEXT: vs. Northwestern
9. Wade Hampton (0-1) (9) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Blue Ridge, 15-13; NEXT: at Chapman
10. Greenville (0-1) (7) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Woodruff, 51-28; NEXT: at Daniel

Class 2A
1. Dillon (2-0) (1) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lake View, 34-0; NEXT: at Latta
2. Strom Thurmond (2-0) (2) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Laney (Ga.); NEXT: at Saluda
3. Woodruff (1-0) (4) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Greenville, 51-28; NEXT: at Clinton
4. Central (1-0) (3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Anson (N.C.), 20-6; NEXT: at Lewisville
5. Timberland (2-0) (5) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Hanahan, 56-14; NEXT: vs. Cross
6. Silver Bluff (1-0) (6) -- defeated Aiken, 7-6; NEXT: at Ninety Six
7. Columbia (2-0) (7) -- defeated A.C. Flora, 36-26; NEXT: at Dreher
8. Manning (1-0) (8) -- defeated Scott’s Branch, 76-14; NEXT: at Marion
9. Indian Land (1-0) (9) -- defeated Buford, 23-13; NEXT: vs. Blacksburg
10. Newberry (1-0) (NR) -- defeated Clinton, 21-14; NEXT: vs. Brookland-Cayce

Class 1A
1. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (1-0) (2) LAST WEEK: Idle; NEXT: at Edisto
2. Hemingway (2-0) (3) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Hemingway, 47-6; NEXT: at C.E. Murray
3. Abbeville (1-1) (1) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Lincoln Co. (Ga.), 24-14; NEXT: at Crescent
4. Chesterfield (1-0) (6) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Chesterfield, 35-7; NEXT: at Cheraw
5. Calhoun County (1-1) (8) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Lake Marion, 33-14; NEXT: at Wagener-Salley
6. Scott’s Branch (0-1) (5) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Manning, 76-14; NEXT: vs. Woodland
7. Ridgeland (0-1) (7) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Bluffton, 60-14; NEXT: vs. Hilton Head Island
8. Williston Elko (0-2) (9) -- LAST WEEK: lost to Barnwell, 20-18; NEXT: vs. Ridge Sping-Monetta
9. Fox Creek (2-0) (NR) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Academic Magnet, 42-39; NEXT: vs. Blackville-Hilda
10. Ninety Six (1-0) (NR) -- LAST WEEK: defeated Emerald, 19-14; NEXT: vs. Silver Bluff

The S.C. Prep Media Poll is conducted by The State with voting from Ben Breiner, Greenwood Index-Journal; Phil Bowman, Charleston Post and Courier; Bob Castello, Greenville News; Chris Dearing, The State; Cam Huffman, Aiken Standard; Justin Jarrett, Hilton Head Island Packet; Kevin Melton, Spartanburg Herald Journal; Akilah Nelson, The State and Adam Regan, Anderson Independent Mail