Class A -- Championship Edition

A new champion to emerge
It seems like forever since a team besides Chesterfield would wear the Class A - Division I crown.
Abbeville and Bamberg-Ehrhardt will aim to do just that Friday afternoon, the two teams vying for the Class A- Division I title at Benedict College Stadium in Columbia.
The Red Raiders found their way to the championship game with a last second field goal off the leg of Randon Sandifer to defeat previously undefeated Hemingway in the Lower State title game. Meanwhile, the Panthers wound up as the last standing in a slugfest with Lamar in the Upper State title tilt, getting by their foes from the Pee Dee 20-12.
Both schools are trying to earn its first taste of gridiron glory in quite some time. Abbeville has not won a title since 1996, while B-E has not played for a state championship in 20 years.
The Panthers are about as smash mouth as it gets, featuring a power running game and a hard -hitting defense.
Leading the way for Abbeville is the two-headed rushing tandem of Ashton Heard and Quay Watt, which both have run for more than 1,000 yards this season and combined for 31 trips to the end zone.
Since a season opening 35-21 loss to Chester, the Panthers have not allowed more than 21 points in a game. His team being one of its victims, Blacksburg head coach Mickey Moss said that Abbeville is one of the hardest hitting teams he’s seen in quite a while.
B-E has had its share of close calls this season, beginning with an upset victory over Class AAAA rival Orangeburg-Wilkinson. Led by Demetrious Williams and Okeefe Jones -- the anchors of an attack averaging more than 356 yards on the ground and 33 points per contest-- a team has yet to defeat the Red Raiders on their way to Columbia.
Similar to Abbeville, B-E is also a well-rounded team, giving up just above 150 yards per game on defense. Three Red Raiders starters have over 100 tackles this season, including defensive lineman Randall Ransom, who has 120 tackles and 16 sacks.

Williston-Elko, Scott’s Branch meet in grudge match
Eight points were what delivered Scott’s Branch a Class A- Division II title in 2008, a 14-6 win over Williston-Elko.
The next year, that same deficit is what sunk the Eagles in their rematch with the Blue Devils, losing 34-26 in the state championship game at Benedict College.
It is becoming a quite common occurrence for these two programs to meet the day after Thanksgiving, each vying to add another trophy to its collection.
Few expected these squads not to get here; W-E one of the more dominant squads in any of the state’s four classifications, while Scott’s Branch was one of the Palmetto State’s most consistent.
The Eagles have thrown the ball all of 46 times this season, while scoring 67 touchdowns on the ground. Amassing many of the rushing scores is Traven Parker, who has run for 1,803 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Parker and his teammates better not fall too far behind the Blue Devils however, which have scored 682 points this season, most in the state.
W-E likes to air things out quite a bit more than the squad lining up across from them Friday afternoon, its aerial attack led by quarterback Tamyn Garrick. He has thrown for 2,502 yards and 31 scores this year while throwing only eight interceptions.
Equally dangerous is the Blue Devils’ supply of home run threats, which include 2,000-yard rusher Kendrick Salley and Dexter Staley, who has 962 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
In fact, last week Christ Church held W-E to its lowest points total since its season opening loss to Strom Thurmond, 7-0. During that 11-game stretch, the Blue Devils did not score less than 41 points in a contest.

Class A-Division I championship
Abbeville vs. Bamberg-Ehrhardt, noon

Class A-Division II championship
Williston-Elko vs. Scott's Branch, 3:30 p.m.

S.C. Prep Football Week 14 Schedule

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Northwestern's Justin Worley and Robert Joseph have been doing a lot of celebrating this season, season, but will the Trojans be rejoicing following their Class AAAA Division II semifinal tilt with undefeated Goose Creek?

Week 14
All games kickoff at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Class AAAA Division I semifinals
(4) Irmo at (1) Dorman
(7) Lexington at (6) Byrnes

Class AAAA Division II semifinals
(4) Greenwood at (1) Goose Creek
(3) North Augusta at (2) Greenwood

Class AAA
Upper State Final
Fairfield Central at South Pointe

Lower State Final
Bluffton at Myrtle Beach

Class AA
Upper State Final
Central at Woodruff

Lower State Final
Manning at Dillon

Class A Division I Final
Abbeville vs. Bamberg-Ehrhardt - Friday, noon

Class A Division II Final
Williston-Elko vs. Scott’s Branch - Friday, 3 p.m.

A Week 13 whip around the Palmetto State

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Rushing for more than 200 yards in his team's Class AAAA Division I second round match-up with Fort Dorchester, junior running back Raymond Smith was a big reason Dorman's offense was able to kick things into high gear last Friday night.

It’s all depends on who you ask.
According to Gaffney fans, it was bad officiating and missed opportunities. In the eyes of those backing Irmo, it was the product of a good defensive effort.
No matter the combination of those ingredients, the Yellow Jackets were happy it fell in their favor, escaping W.C. Hawkins Stadium Friday night with a 12-7 victory.
Irmo’s Kevin Baxter returned an interception in the end zone off of Indians’quarterback DeEdward Burris 70 yards the first play of the fourth quarter, setting up the game’s deciding score, a 2-yard run by Dawan Scott.
The Yellow Jacket running back would wind up with 167 yards and two touchdowns on the night. With the win, his team advances to the Class AAAA Division I semifinals against defending state champion Dorman.
“Our kids made plays when they had to,” said Irmo head coach Bob Hanna to The State (S.C.). “We gave up some yards, but when it came time to play, we found a way to get it done.”
The Indians seemingly moved the ball at will against their Midlands contemporaries, spending much of the night inside Yellow Jackets territory. However, with the exception of a DeEdward Burris connection with wide receiver Quinshad Davis in the first quarter, that is where Gaffney drives would die, the result of mental errors in the form of three turnovers, several penalties and a number of dropped passes.
“When you come on somebody else’s home field and they are 10-2, you have to play better than them. We just didn’t make the big plays when we needed them,” said Gaffney head coach Dan Jones.
“We made some mistakes, dropped some passes, made some bad decisions. We just didn’t execute,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dorman put on arguably its most impressive performance of the season, disposing of Fort Dorchester 49-28. Raymond Smith ran for 241 yards and three touchdowns, including a 94-yard romp in the game’s final stanza.
Not to be outdone, Clemson commitment Charone Peake also had a big night, hit pay dirt three times in the contest, twice on throws from Cavaliers quarterback Nelson Hughes and another by way of a punt return.

A Sleeping Giant Awakens
Class AAAA powerhouse Byrnes may be down a bit this year … but they are definitely not out.
Junior running back Shakeem Wharton was quite the dual threat for the Rebels, racking up 170 total yards and three touchdowns in the team’s 31-14 Class AAAA Division I playoff win at Dutch Fork.
The performance was quite the statement for Byrnes, perceived as a bit vulnerable after a squad laden with stars was decimated by graduation. Yet it stands 48 minutes from another appearance in the state title game.
In the Lowcountry however, a thorough beating was being given to one of the state’s most recognizable figures in high school football. Summerville’s John McKissick, the nation’s all-time leader in coaching wins at the high school level, could only describe it as the worst beating any team has given his Green Wave on the field named after him.
Lexington delivered a whipping Summerville fans are sure to remember for some time, dismantling the traditional power from the Lowcountry 45-14.
Wildcats’ running back K.J. Miller toted the pigskin 31 times for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while his teammates on defense held Summerville star to a total of 152 yards and a meaningless touchdown late in a contest seemingly never in doubt.
In the “Lower 32” tournament better known to most as Class AAAA Division II, things went as expected with each of the top four seeds advanced, setting up a (4) Northwestern - (1) Goose Creek and (3) North Augusta- (2) Greenwood state semifinal round.
North Augusta was the only one of the four to struggle on the night, erasing an early deficit and surviving a late flurry from T.L. Hanna , 28-21.

"Thriller"
When they say enjoy every moment, do so; you never know when it will be taken from you.
Belton-Honea Path could not have believed the end was near after pulling ahead 28-27 with 1:18 left to go against Fairfield Central, thinking it had delivered the final salvo in the wild Class AAA Upper State semifinal contest.
The Griffins had other ideas, turning out the lights on the Bears and their undefeated 2010 campaign with a 35-28 heart-stopping win in the state’s upcountry.
Shaquille Young hauled in a pass from Fairfield Central quarterback Danny Miller with 25 seconds left to snare victory from defeat. The miraculous 34-yard grab, caught between two Belton-Honea Path defenders and also tipped twice, earned the Griffins a rematch with region rival South Pointe in the Upper State title game, the Stallions humbling Greenville 50-7.
South Pointe dealt Fairfield Central its lone defeat in 2010, winning 17-7 in Winnsboro last month.
Lower State juggernaut Myrtle Beach put an end to Berkeley’s playoff winning streak, taking care of the Stags 42-28. Seahawks quarterback Everett Golson passed for 381 yards and four touchdowns in the game, eliminating Berkeley, last year’s winners of the Class AAAA-Division II crown.
Myrtle Beach wants a Class AAA crown of its own, however, and will earn at least the right to do so with a win in the Lower State title game Friday against Bluffton, a 40-35 winner at Hartsville.

Thrice as Nice
Things seem to come in threes.
For Strom Thurmond and Timberland, the third time did not wind up being the charm, both falling to familiar opponents for the third consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Central (Pageland) and Dillon remained on a collision course to meet in the Class AA title game, the Eagles advancing past Strom Thurmond 35-30; while the Wildcats moved on with an impressive 31-14 win over previously undefeated Timberland.
Dillon again advances to the Lower State title game where it will host Manning, a 30-20 winner over region rival Lake City.
The Monarchs again did a good job in limiting Panthers’ star running back Shon Carson, who though gaining 137 yards and scored the 100th touchdown of his prep football career, Manning won the rushing battle as it was able to churn out 205 yards of its own on the ground -- 120 of which were contributed by Marcos Pearson -- wearing out an active Lake City defense.
Central faces a familiar foe for a second straight week, this time in the form of Woodruff, which earned a hard fought 37-30 victory over Columbia.
In Class A on the other hand, Scott’s Branch and Williston-Elko again earned the right to meet each other with a state title hanging in the balance.
Christ Church gave the Blue Devils all they could handle in the Class A Division I Upper State final, drawing to within six points after being down three touchdowns early on in the contest. However, Williston-Elko’s wishbone attack chewed valuable clock time and the Cavaliers’ final heave fell into the arms of an opposing defender, giving W-E the 27-21 win.
Scott’s Branch fell behind early, but it was only a minor setback between it and the program’s third consecutive date with the Blue Devils, defeating Hardeeville 36-20.
Might as well call it a grudge match, the teams splitting the last two Class A Division II championship games. The game is Friday at 3 p.m. at Benedict University Stadium in Columbia.
In Class A Division I play, a Randon Sandifer 22-yard field goal as time expired gave Bamberg-Ehrhardt a Lower State title, defeating Hemingway 17-14. It will face Abbeville for a championship Friday at noon in Columbia, the Panthers getting past Lamar 20-12 in a highly contested Upper State final.

Palmetto State Roundup
Class AAAA Division 2 Second Round
Goose Creek 49, Easley 0
Greenwood 35, South Florence 7
North Augusta 28, T.L. Hanna 21
Northwestern 49, Ashley Ridge 35

Class AAAA Division 1
Second Round
Irmo 12, Gaffney 7
James F. Byrnes 31, Dutch Fork 14
Lexington 35, Summerville 14
Dorman 49, Fort Dorchester 28

Upper State Class AAA
Third Round
Fairfield Central 35, Belton-Honea Path 28
South Pointe 50, Greenville 7

Lower State Class AAA
Third Round
Bluffton 40, Hartsville 35
Myrtle Beach 42, Berkeley 28

Upper State Class AA
Third Round
Central 35, Strom Thurmond 30
Woodruff 37, Columbia 30

Lower State Class AA
Third Round
Dillon 31, Timberland 14
Manning 30, Lake City 20
Upper State Class A Division I Semifinal
Abbeville 20, Lamar 12

Lower State Class A Division I
Semifinal
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 17, Hemingway 14

Upper State Class A Division II
Semifinal
Williston-Elko 27, Christ Church Episcopal 21

Lower State Class A Division II
Semifinal
Scott's Branch 36, Hardeeville 20

Hughes' Views — Week 13 outlook

Hughes' View Week 13 predictions

Class AAAA Division I
(1) Dorman over (9) Fort Dorchester, 35-10
(5) Gaffney over (4) Irmo, 38-24
(2) Summerville over (7) Lexington, 41-38
(6) Byrnes over (3) Dutch Fork, 35-31

Class AAAA Division II
(1) Goose Creek over (9) Easley, 42-21
(4) Northwestern over (12) Ashley Ridge, 49-14
(2) Greenwood over (7) South Florence, 28-10
(3) North Augusta over (6) T.L. Hanna, 34-20

Class AAA
Upper State
South Pointe over Greenville, 21-18
Belton-Honea Path over Fairfield Central, 31-21

Lower State
Hartsville over Bluffton, 31-24
Myrtle Beach over Berkeley, 41-27

Class AA
Upper State
Woodruff over Columbia, 38-17
Central over Strom Thurmond, 17-14

Lower State
Lake City over Manning, 20-13
Dillon over Timberland, 27-23

Class A Division I
Upper State final
Abbeville over Lamar, 24-13

Lower State final
Bamberg-Ehrhardt over Hemingway, 19-14

Class A Division II
Upper State final
Williston-Elko over Christ Church, 37-21

Lower State final
Scott's Branch over Hardeeville, 41-14

Class A Playoff Notebook

Photo by Scott Powell/ The Gaffney Ledger

Abbeville's defense corrals Shrine Bowler Chase Hames of Blacksburg during the teams' first round contest won by the Panthers, 56-7. The defensive unit hopes it has one more brilliant performance left in it as it faces Lamar for the Class A Division I Upper State championship.

I guess revenge is a dish better served cold.
Ironically, for the first time since 2006 it was Chesterfield left out in the cold, the Golden Rams' three-year reign atop Class A's top division brought to an end by Lamar, 28-13.
Last November, the shoe was on the other foot, with the Silver Foxes having to swallow the bitter pill of defeat in the Class A Division I title game. Lamar head coach J.R. Boyd ensured last week's match-up would not be the same, setting a physical tone from the game's outset.
The Silver Foxes ran the ball 32 times for 150 yards on the night, while the team's stifling defense never allowed Chesterfield's aerial attack to take flight.
Lamar will meet the Upper State's top seed Abbeville, which dismantled a talented Calhoun County team, 24-0.
As if there was any doubt Ridgeland had Bamberg-Ehrhardt's attention. In the teams' earlier meeting, the Red Raiders used a frantic fourth quarter rally to escape with a 35-33 win.
None of that was needed last week, as B-E pounded its Region V-A rival to submission, defeating the Jaguars 49-6 to remain undefeated and advance to the Lower State title game. Meeting them in that game will be Hemingway, which used its swarming defense to shut out Burke, 20-0.
The script went pretty much according to plan in Class A's smaller division, with each of the brackets top four seeds — Christ Church, Scott's Branch, Williston-Elko and Hardeeville — advancing to the state semifinal round.

Games to watch:
— Hemingway (12-0) at Bamberg-Ehrhardt (12-0): Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Arguably no team has been better on the defensive side of the ball this season than Hemingway, the Tigers yielding a total of 54 points this year. That is quite the task for Bamberg-Ehrhardt, yet one not too tall for the Red Raiders, who have handed out their share of blowouts as well as endured long enough to claim close, hard fought victories over the likes of Class AAAA's Orangeburg-Wilkinson and region rival Ridgeland.
Look for B-E to attempt to put points on the board early, putting Hemingway somewhere it has not been much this season — behind.
—Williston-Elko (11-1) at Christ Church (12-0): Points seem to come relatively easy for Williston-Elko, which has scored as many as points in a game this season. Slowing the Blue Devils down is the assignment for Christ Church, which earned the Upstate's top seed by sweeping through its schedule by way of its power running game. However, the Cavaliers must do their best to keep this one from becoming a track meet; if so, it is a contest they are sure to lose.
Getting off the field on third down will be key for both teams in this one.
— UPSET ALERT— Lamar (11-1) at Abbeville (11-1): No doubt, Lamar has to be riding high after eliminating three-time Class A Division I champion Chesterfield. Yet with another week comes another challenge, this time in the form of Abbeville. The Panthers have been dominant thus far in the playoffs, smothering the likes of 2,000-yard rusher Chase Hames and the Blacksburg offense in addition to totally shutting down a talented Calhoun County team.
For the Silver Foxes, the question will be whether they can match Abbeville's intensity and toughness at the line of scrimmage. If Lamar cannot somehow get ahold of the Panthers' tough, shifty defensive line, it could be a long drive home to the Pee Dee for the team and its fans.

Class AA Playoff Notebook

Contributed photo

Lake City may need another great performance by University of South Carolina commitment Shon Carson if the Panthers have any intentions of getting past region rival Manning in Friday's Class AA semifinal contest.

No doubt, Lake City will go as far as Shon Carson's legs will take them.
The University of South Carolina commitment toted the rock 29 times for 290 yards and five touchdowns in a wild affair at Hanahan which ended with a 62-41 win for the Panthers.
Carson's performance pushed him past the 2,000-yard mark for the second consecutive season, and more importantly helped his team advance to the Lower State semifinals.
Also there are Lake City's region foes Manning and Timberland, each of which notched impressive second round victories. Two-time defending Class AA champion Dillon rounds things out in the Lower State, advancing with a 56-7 drubbing of Wade Hampton (Hampton); also the Wildcats 22nd consecutive win.
Aching to get the opportunity to walk into Williams-Brice Stadium again this year, Central took another step in that direction last week with a 40-27 win over Chesnee. Strom Thurmond, a team which has its own history on the Gamecocks' home turf, may prove to be quite the obstacle for the Eagles in their quest to again represent the Upstate, the Rebels taking out a talented Mid-Carolina squad, 38-14.
Columbia needed every second to get by Palmetto in the teams' second round match-up. Quarterback Ky Tyler hit wide receiver Casey Gladney in the back of the end zone with a 45-yard scoring pass with 59 seconds left in the game to propel the Capitals past the Mustangs, 38-34. Woodruff found things a bit easier, making quick work of Cheraw 48-21.

Games to watch:
—Dillon (12-0) at Timberland (12-0): It's almost as if these two squads knew they would be here. After all, each of the past three seasons have wound up with them meeting in the playoffs.
Unfortunately for Timberland, each of those contests ended in defeat. Dillon would hand the Wolves their only loss in each of the past two seasons, both of which ended with the Wildcats celebrating at Williams-Brice Stadium following wins in the Class AA title game.
The scene has again been set for the squads to fight it out for Lower State supremacy, the winner of this match-up playing host to Manning or Lake City with a ticket to Columbia on the line. Points should be at a premium in this one, with Dillon giving up seven points a game, while Timberland yields just 10 per contest.
— Manning (9-3) at Lake City (10-2): It's hard to imagine a team would be able to shut Lake City's star running back Shon Carson down twice in a year. For Manning, this is the goal when the Monarch's face the hated Panthers with a berth in the Lower State title game on the line.
In the teams' first match-up Oct. 29, Manning held Carson to 104 yards yet was unable to do much on offense themselves, losing 13-6. However, the Monarchs are riding high after two impressive playoff road wins, giving them a lot of confidence heading into the rematch.
Lake City, particularly Carson, is also coming off quite the performance, shredding the Hanahan defense en route to a 290 yard performance and 62-41 win. It's simple for both teams — if the star running back cannot move the chains with his legs, Manning gets its revenge; if Carson runs wild, the Panthers could make it a long night for the Monarchs.
— UPSET ALERT: Central (12-0) at Strom Thurmond (10-2): Little has been able to get in the way of the Central running game this season, allowing the Eagles to average nearly 40 points. Few teams have been successful going against coach Lee Sawyer and his Strom Thurmond defense, which has yielded a total of 110 points through 12 games in 2010.
One will have to give in this contest, with the winner earning a berth in the Upper State championship game. The two squads know each other quite well, meeting in the state playoffs the past two seasons, both of which were highly contested contests with Central making just enough plays to pick up the victory.
No doubt, this one has the potential to be one of the weekend's top games.

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.

Class AAAA Playoff Notebook

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris has proven to be quite the weapon for the Indians this season. Coach Dan Jones hopes he is again up to the task when they travel to Irmo Friday night.

Without doubt, the team left standing after the gauntlet that is the Class AAAA-Division II tournament will have earned it.
Each of the bracket’s top four seeds -- Goose Creek, Greenwood, North Augusta, Northwestern -- have at some time been ranked among the top 100 high school football teams in the nation, according to RivalsHigh.com.
Only the top ranked Gators struggled to get through the first round, getting by Conway 28-14. The other three squads would go on to cruise into the second round.
Each team will be a heavy favorite to advance to the state semifinals, setting up quite a night after Thanksgiving-- potentially (4)Northwestern at (1)Goose Creek - (3) North Augusta at (2)Greenwood in the semifinals-- tickets to Columbia will be punched.
The Class AAAA Big 16 bracket was had its share of close, heart-stopping finishes, with Lexington, Dutch Fork and Summerville earning hard-fought victories. Likely no two teams were as impressive as defending champion Dorman, which routed White Knoll 31-0; and its nearby rival Gaffney which also shut out its first round opponent Wando, 28-0.
Irmo should give the Indians a stern test Friday night, however, Dawan Scott and the Yellow Jackets running past Spartanburg, 39-26. The senior running back ran for 217 yards and four touchdowns against the Vikings defense last week.

Games to watch:
-- Gaffney at Irmo: The last time these two teams met was 2007 -- a state title tilt dominated by the Indians, 41-0. Little has changed about these squads since, Gaffney riding the coattails of an athletic, balanced offense and a strong, consistent defense; while the Yellow Jackets still like to run, and has done so with ease behind its big offensive line, weighing in at a combined average heavier than 260 pounds.
It will be interesting to see how Irmo’s defense performs against the versatility quarterback DeEdward Burris and the Gaffney offense possess on offense, something it has seen little of this season.
-- Byrnes at Dutch Fork: Fans of the Silver Foxes have been forced to wait till the game’s final seconds to finally exhale the past couple of weeks, just getting by rival Irmo and first round opponent Clover. Now Byrnes rides into town, confident following a 41-0 drubbing of Mauldin to open the postseason.
This one has all the potential to be a shootout, each offensive unit capable of putting up points at will. However, the Rebels must contain Dutch Fork quarterback Justin Suber if they have any intentions of moving on.
Suber has passed for 1,880 yards and rushed for 1,003 this season. As he goes, so do the Silver Foxes.
-- UPSET ALERT: Lexington at Summerville: Coach John McKissick and the Green Wave have to be thanking the man upstairs for star running back DeAngelo Henderson and a prolific offense, which has averaged 38 points per game this year. The problem, however, is its defense, which can be rather porous at times.
Giving up 34 points last week to a lower tier Midlands team in Blythewood did not help Summerville one bit, yet it advanced. Now it faces a talent in the form of Lexington all-purpose man Shaq Roland, who has caught 58 balls for 1,033 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.
Both defenses should be under assault in this one.

Mr. Football award finalists announced

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

South Pointe's Jadeveon Clowney (left) and Northwestern's Justin Worley are among the finalists for the S.C. Autombile Dealers Association Mr. Football award recognizing the state's most outstanding player.

No head scratching necessary for this one … these kids deserve the recognition they are receiving.
Noticed for their prowess on the gridiron, the field was narrowed down to eight in the running for the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association Mr. Football award.
Among those chosen was Northwestern’s record setting quarterback Justin Worley. The Tennessee commitment has led the Trojans to a 12-0 mark thus far in 2010, hoping to accomplish the one thing he has not done during his high school football career -- win a state championship.
All-American Jadeveon Clowney was also tabbed as a finalist for this year’s Mr. Football award, the defensive end (and part-time running back) serving as the focal point of a dominating South Pointe defense which currently sits atop the Class AAA Prep Writers’ Poll.
Clemson commit and Dorman standout wide receiver Charone Peake was among those honored as a finalist for the award, in addition to Myrtle Beach quarterback and North Carolina commitment Everett Golson, Greenwood linebacker Quinton Backus, Summerville running back DeAngelo Henderson, James Island wide receiver Bo Patterson, and Goose Creek offensive tackle Brandon Shell.
Current South Carolina running back and former Byrnes High School standout Marcus Lattimore won the S.C. Mr. Football award in 2009.
The Mr. Football award be handed out during the North-South awards ceremony Dec. 11 at Myrtle Beach High School.

Previous Mr. Football Winners
2009: Marcus Lattimore - Byrnes HS (South Carolina)
2008: Stephon Gilmore - South Pointe HS (South Carolina)
2007: Richard Mounce - Blythewood HS (Charleston Southern)
2006: Malcolm Long - Gaffney HS (South Carolina State)
2005: Prince Miller - Byrnes HS (Georgia)
2004: JD Melton - Myrtle Beach HS (Navy)
2003: Trey Elder - Byrnes HS (Appalachian State)
2002: Eric McCollum - Camden HS (Iowa)
2001: Moe Thompson - Stratford HS (South Carolina)
2000: Roscoe Crosby - Union HS (Clemson)
1999: Mark Logan - Greenwood HS (Georgia Tech)
1998: Derek Watson - Palmetto HS (South Carolina)
1997: Chris Hope - Rock Hill HS (Florida State)
1996: Kyle Young - Daniel HS (Clemson)
1995: Jermale Kelly - Greenwood HS (South Carolina)

Week 13-- The plot thickens around the Palmetto State

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Greenville quarterback Glenn Baston will take his shot at the South Pointe defense when the two teams meet Friday night in the Class AAA Upper State semifinals.

Finally, a bit of clarity.
With each new week, there is separation -- it is win … or go home.
That is both the beauty and the harsh reality of the playoffs. From week to week, immortality hinges on every single play, with athletes not knowing whether at the end they will shed tears of joy, or those of sorrow for coming oh so close, but yet so far.
With the South Carolina high school football playoffs now in full swing, we are within days of crowning state champions in Class A, the journey ending the following week for those remaining in classes AA, AAA, and AAAA in Columbia with the “Weekend of Champions” Dec. 3-4.
Prior to kicking off the “third season” as we like to call it (non-region games, and region games being the other seasons), teams hope to find themselves playing in the championship rounds. Week 13 is one of those rounds, offering up a slate chock full of games sure to play a role in deciding who hoists a title in the state capital.
Here’s a quick look at what this Friday has in store for fans around the Palmetto State:

-- Indians, Yellow Jackets meet for first time since 2007 title game - Irmo head coach Bob Hanna remembers the last time one of his teams faced off against Gaffney.
Let’s just say it is one he would rather forget.
The two squads renew acquaintances for the first time since their tilt in Columbia three years ago, this time with a berth in the Class AAAA Big 16 semifinals at stake.
-- Can the top four seeds in Class AAAA’s Division II remain on a collision course? - When the playoff brackets were announced, everyone had Nov. 26 marked, the date having the potential to be a blockbuster night around the Palmetto State.
Particularly in Class AAAA Division II, where if Goose Creek, Greenwood, North Augusta and Northwestern handle their business -- as each team if favored to -- two colossal match-ups will be set (Northwestern at Goose Creek; North Augusta at Greenwood).
-- Glenn Baston, Greenville offense take their shot at a stout South Pointe defense - All year the Stallions have relied on their defense -- particularly their pass rush led by top prospect Jadeveon Clowney. South Pointe will again rest its title hopes firmly in the hands of its defensive unit Friday night when Greenville and its prolific offense visits Rock Hill for the Class AAA Upper State semifinal battle.
Believe it or not, the Red Raiders have given up fewer points than their York County counterparts, yielding just over nine points per game.
-- Battle for supremacy in Class AA’s Lower State - Each of the past two seasons, Dillon has found its path toward a state title go through Timberland. This season is no different, as the undefeated teams match wits in St. Stephen Friday night.
Two of the Wolves’ region foes will go at it once again when Manning visits Lake City with a berth in the Lower State title game on the line. The Monarchs held South Carolina commit Shon Carson to his lowest rushing output of the season in the squads’ first meeting Oct. 29, yet found themselves on the negative side of the ledger, suffering a 13-6 loss.
-- Undefeated Bamberg-Ehrhardt, Hemingway teams meet with ticket to Columbia on line - Few teams have been stingier this season than Hemingway, allowing only 54 points through 12 games (4.5 ppg).
The Tigers should have their hands full with a Bamberg-Ehrhardt team that averaging more than 34 points a game. Whichever team walks out of this one not only leaves with an unblemished record, but a shot at the Class A Division I title a week later at Columbia’s Benedict College.
-- Will we see a Williston-Elko-Scott’s Branch III? - While it is not a sure bet, the two squads come into this week as the favorites to represent their half of the state in Columbia next weekend. Scott’s Branch hosts a Hardeeville squad which got over the .500 mark with its two postseason wins, while Williston-Elko takes on an undefeated Christ Church team averaging 50 points per game.
The Blue Devils offense isn’t too bad itself however, averaging 54.6 points per contest, putting up more than 50 points in nine of their past 11 games.

S.C. Prep Football -- Week 13
Playoff Schedule
(All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)

Division I-AAAA
Upper Bracket
Fort Dorchester at Dorman
Gaffney at Irmo
Lower Bracket
Lexington at Summerville
Byrnes at Dutch Fork

Division II-AAAA
Upper Bracket
Easley at Goose Creek
Ashley Ridge at Northwestern
Lower Bracket
South Florence at Greenwood
T.L. Hanna at North Augusta

Class AAA
Upper State
Greenville at South Pointe
Fairfield Central at Belton-Honea Path
Lower State
Bluffton at Hartsville
Berkeley at Myrtle Beach

Class AA
Upper State
Columbia at Woodruff
Central at Strom Thurmond
Lower State
Manning at Lake City
Dillon at Timberland

Class A Division I
Upper State
Lamar at Abbeville
Lower State
Hemingway at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
Class A Division II
Upper State
Williston-Elko at Christ Church
Lower State
Hardeeville at Scott’s Branch

How did the ranked teams fare... Palmetto State roundup- Week 12

NOTE: The S.C. Prep Writers’ Poll is compiled by The State with voting by Adam Regan-Anderson Independent Mail, Justin Jarrett-Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet, Bob Castello-Greenville News, Matt Anderson-Greenwood Index-Journal, Shane Bowen-Myrtle Beach Sun News, Barry Byers-Rock Hill Herald, Kevin Melton-Spartanburg Herald Journal and Akilah Nelson-The State.

CLASS AAAA
1. Dorman (12-0)-- def. White Knoll, 31-0; first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
NEXT: vs. Fort Dorchester, Class AAAA Big 16 quarterfinals
2. Northwestern (12-0)-- def. James Island, 45-14; first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
NEXT: vs. Ashley Ridge, Class AAAA Div. II quarterfinals
3. Goose Creek (12-0)-- def. Conway, 28-14; first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
NEXT: vs. Easley, Class AAAA Div. II quarterfinals
4. Greenwood (11-1)-- def. Laurens, 41-21; first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
NEXT: vs. South Florence, Class AAAA Div. II quarterfinals
5. Gaffney (9-3)-- def. Wando, 28-0; first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
NEXT: at Irmo, Class AAAA Big 16 quarterfinals
6. North Augusta (11-1)-- def. Richland NE, 52-14; first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
NEXT: vs. T.L. Hanna, Class AAAA Div. II quarterfinals
7. Irmo (10-2)-- def. Spartanburg, 39-26; first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
NEXT: vs. Gaffney, Class AAAA Big 16 quarterfinals
8. Summerville (10-2)-- def. Blythewood, 41-34; first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
NEXT: vs. Lexington; Class AAAA Big 16 quarterfinals
9. Dutch Fork (10-2)-- def. Clover, 30-25; first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
NEXT: vs. Byrnes, Class AAAA Big 16 quarterfinals
10. Beaufort (9-2)-- lost to Easley, 33-14; first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs

CLASS AAA
1. South Pointe (11-1)-- def. Daniel 20-14;
NEXT: vs. Greenville; Upper State AAA semifinals
2. Myrtle Beach (11-1)-- def. Cane Bay, 45-22
NEXT: vs. Berkeley, Lower State AAA semifinals
3. Belton-Honea Path (12-0)-- def. Chester, 34-7
NEXT: vs. Fairfield Central, Upper State AAA semifinals
4. Fairfield Central (11-1)-- def. Union County, 20-7
NEXT: at Belton-Honea Path, Upper State AAA semifinals
5. Greenville (11-1)-- def. Seneca, 51-7
NEXT: at South Pointe, Upper State AAA semifinals
6. Bluffton (11-1)-- def. A.C. Flora, 34-30
NEXT: at Hartsville, Lower State AAA semifinals
7. Union County (8-3)-- lost to Fairfield Central, 20-7
8. Berkeley (8-3)-- def. Midland Valley, 35-7
NEXT: at Myrtle Beach, Lower State AAA semifinals
9. AC Flora (10-1)-- lost to Bluffton, 34-30
10. Chester (7-4)-- lost to Belton-Honea Path, 34-7

CLASS AA
1. Dillon (12-0)-- def. Wade Hampton (H), 56-7
NEXT: at Timberland, Lower State AA semifinals
2. Central (12-0)--def. Chesnee, 40-21
NEXT: vs. Strom Thurmond, Upper State AA semifinals
3. Timberland (12-0)-- def. Woodland, 37-13
NEXT: vs. Dillon, Lower State AA semifinals
4. Silver Bluff (10-2)-- lost to Manning, 34-14
5. Lake City (9-2)-- def. Hanahan, 62-41
NEXT: vs. Manning, Lower State semifinals
6. Strom Thurmond (9-2)-- def. Mid-Carolina, 38-14
NEXT: at Central, Upper State semifinals
7. Manning (9-3)-- def. Silver Bluff, 34-14
NEXT: at LAke City, Lower State AA semifinals
8. Woodruff (9-3)-- def. Cheraw, 48-21
NEXT: vs. Columbia, Upper State AA semifinals
9. Mid-Carolina (10-2)-- lost to Strom Thurmond, 38-14
10. Woodland (9-3)-- lost to Timberland, 37-13

CLASS A
1. Williston-Elko (11-1)-- def. Great Falls, 78-27; Class A Div. II Upper State semifinals
NEXT: at Christ Church, Class A Div. II Upper State final
2. Hemingway (12-0)-- def. Burke, 20-0; Class A Div. I Lower State semifinals
NEXT: at Bamberg-Ehrhardt, Class A Div. I Lower State final
3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (12-0)-- def. Ridgeland, 49-6; Class A Div. I Lower State semifinals
NEXT: vs. Hemingway, Class A Lower State Div. I final
4. Abbeville (11-1)-- def. Calhoun County, 24-0; Class A Div. I Upper State semifinals
NEXT: vs. Lamar, Class A Div. I Upper State final
5. Lamar (11-1)-- def. Chesterfield, 28-13; Class A Div. I Upper State semifinals
NEXT: at Abbeville, Class A Div. I Upper State final
6. Scott’s Branch (10-2)-- def. Lake View, 32-6; Class A Div. II Lower State semifinals
NEXT: vs. Hardeeville, Class A Div. II Lower State final
7. Calhoun County (9-3)-- lost to Abbeville, 24-0; Class A Div.I Upper State semifinals
8. Christ Church (12-0)-- def. Fox Creek, 63-19; Class A Div. II Upper State semifinals
NEXT: vs. Williston-Elko, Class A Div. II Upper State final
9. Chesterfield (8-4)-- lost to Lamar, 28-13; Class A Div. I Upper State semifinals
10. Ridgeland (8-4)-- lost to Bamberg-Ehrhardt, 49-6; Class A Div. I Lower State semifinals

PALMETTO STATE ROUNDUP- WEEK 13
Class AAAA Division I
First Round
Dorman 31, White Knoll 0
Dutch Fork 30, Clover 25
Fort Dorchester 31, Stratford 17
Gaffney 28, Wando 0
Irmo 39, Spartanburg 26
James F. Byrnes 44, Mauldin 14
Lexington 22, Boiling Springs 21
Summerville 41, Blythewood 34

Class AAAA Division II
First Round
Ashley Ridge 28, Lugoff-Elgin 24
Easley 33, Beaufort 14
Goose Creek 28, Conway 14
Greenwood 41, Laurens 21
North Augusta 52, Richland Northeast 14
Northwestern 45, James Island 14
South Florence 24, Wren 21
T.L. Hanna 41, J.L. Mann 7

Upper State Class AAA
Second Round
Belton-Honea Path 37, Chester 7
Fairfield Central 20, Union County 7
Greenville 51, Seneca 7
South Pointe 20, D.W. Daniel 14

Lower State Class AAA
Second Round
Berkeley 35, Midland Valley 7
Bluffton 34, A.C. Flora 30
Hartsville 20, Airport 17
Myrtle Beach 45, Cane Bay 22

Upper State Class AA
Second Round
Central 40, Chesnee 21
Columbia 38, Palmetto 34
Strom Thurmond 38, Mid-Carolina 14
Woodruff 48, Cheraw 21

Lower State Class AA
Second Round
Dillon 56, Wade Hampton (H) 7
Lake City 62, Hanahan 41
Manning 34, Silver Bluff 14
Timberland 37, Woodland 13

Upper State Class A Division I
Second Round
Abbeville 24, Calhoun County 0
Lamar 28, Chesterfield 13

Lower State Class A Division I
Second Round
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 49, Ridgeland 6
Hemingway 20, Burke 0

Upper State Class A Division II
Second Round
Christ Church Episcopal 63, Fox Creek 19
Williston-Elko 78, Great Falls 27

Lower State Class A Division II
Second Round
Hardeeville 24, Denmark-Olar 7
Scott's Branch 32, Lake View 6

S.C. Prep Football Writers' Poll-- Nov. 10

Photo By Joe L. Hughes II

Crosstown rivals South Pointe and Northwestern roll into the playoffs ranked highly in South Carolina and nationally, the squads being two of five the Palmetto State recognized in the RivalsHigh 100 weekly countdown.

Apparently, kids in the Palmetto State know how to play them some football.
Five programs -- Dorman, Northwestern, Goose Creek, Greenwood, and the latest entrant Class AAA powerhouse South Pointe -- were listed among the nation's top programs in the latest RivalsHigh 100 poll. Byrnes and North Augusta were previously included in the poll, released weekly by writers with Rivals.com.
While being showered with praise and adoration is great, teams around the state have their eyes fixed toward Columbia, each of them in the home stretch toward a championship.
As for the polls, Class AAAA's top four teams remained as they have for the past several weeks, but following the losses of Irmo and Beaufort in week 11 things up a bit, with the likes of Gaffney and North Augusta being the chief recipients of such good fortune in the opinion of S.C. prep football writers.
Class AAA was relatively unchanged with the exception of the return to prominence for Berkeley and Chester, both of whom returned the poll after impressive road wins the first weekend of the playoffs.
Like a broken record, the Class AA poll again is headed by Dillon and Central, followed by undefeated Timberland and a one-loss Silver Bluff squad. Lake City, Strom Thurmond and Manning follow those teams, with Woodruff breaking into things at No. 8 as it rides the wings of a six-game winning streak.
Everything held to form for the most part in Class A, with the only ranked team to drop out of the poll being Johnsonville, which was replaced by the squad that defeated it last week, Ridgeland.

CLASS 4A
1. Dorman (11-0)-- vs. White Knoll, first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
2. Northwestern (11-0)-- vs. James Island, first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
3. Goose Creek (11-0)-- vs. Conway, first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
4. Greenwood (10-1)-- vs. Laurens, first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
5. Gaffney (8-3)-- vs. Wando, first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
6. North Augusta (10-1)-- vs. Richland Northeast, first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs
7. Irmo (9-2)-- vs. Spartanburg, first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
8. Summerville (9-2)-- vs. Blythewood, first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
9. Dutch Fork (9-2)-- vs. Clover, first round Class AAAA Big 16 playoffs
10. Beaufort (9-2)-- vs. Easley, first round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs

CLASS 3A
1. South Pointe (10-1)-- vs. Daniel
2. Myrtle Beach (10-1)-- vs. Cane Bay
3. Belton-Honea Path (11-0)-- vs. Chester
4. Fairfield Central (10-1)-- at Union County
5. Greenville (10-1)-- vs. Seneca
6. Bluffton (10-1)-- vs. A.C. Flora
7. Union County (8-3)-- vs. Fairfield Central
8. Berkeley (8-3)-- at Midland Valley
9. AC Flora (10-1)-- at Bluffton
10. Chester (7-4)-- at Belton-Honea Path

CLASS 2A
1. Dillon (11-0)--vs. Wade Hampton (H)
2. Central (11-0)--vs. Chesnee
3. Timberland (11-0)-- vs. Woodland
4. Silver Bluff (10-1)-- vs. Manning
5. Lake City (9-2)-- at Hanahan
6. Strom Thurmond (9-2)-- vs. Mid-Carolina
7. Manning (8-3)-- at Silver Bluff
8. Woodruff (8-3)-- vs. Cheraw
9. Mid-Carolina (10-1)-- at Strom Thurmond
10. Woodland (9-2)-- at Timberland

CLASS A
1. Williston-Elko (10-1)-- vs. Great Falls, Class A Div. II Lower State semifinals
2. Hemingway (11-0)-- vs. Burke, Class A Div. I Lower State semifinals
3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (11-0)-- vs. Ridgeland, Class A Div. I Lower State semifinals
4. Abbeville (10-1)-- vs. Calhoun County, Class A Div. I Upper State semifinals
5. Lamar (10-1)-- at Chesterfield, Class A Div. I Upper State semifinals
6. Scott’s Branch (9-2)-- vs. Lake View, Class A Div. II Lower State semifinals
7. Calhoun County (9-2)-- at Abbeville, Class A Div.I Upper State semifinals
8. Christ Church (11-0)-- vs. Fox Creek, Class A Div. II Upper State semifinals
9. Chesterfield (8-3)-- vs. Lamar, Class A Div. I Upper State semifinals
10. Ridgeland (8-3)-- at Bamberg-Ehrhardt, Class A Div. I Lower State semifinals

The S.C. Prep Writers’ Poll is compiled by The State with voting by Adam Regan-Anderson Independent Mail, Justin Jarrett-Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet, Bob Castello-Greenville News, Matt Anderson-Greenwood Index-Journal, Shane Bowen-Myrtle Beach Sun News, Barry Byers-Rock Hill Herald, Kevin Melton-Spartanburg Herald Journal and Akilah Nelson-The State.

North-South All Star Game, Shrine Bowl rosters announced

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Northwestern's record setting quarterback and Tennessee prospect Justin Worley recently earned the honor of being chosen to be participate in the 2010 Shrine Bowl.

A state title is the ultimate goal when high school football players report for the first of many summer drills. However, individual honors are pretty nice as well.
Hundreds of football players took the field this season for schools around South Carolina, but only a select few were chosen for the two elite all-star contests on the gridiron -- the North-South All Star Game in Myrtle Beach and the Shrine Bowl contest between North Carolina and the Palmetto State's Sandlappers at Spartanburg's Gibbs Stadium.
I'm particularly proud of the accomplishments of players I've seen grow through the years such as Gaffney's DeEdward Burris and Blacksburg's Chase Hames, who surpassed the 2,000 yard mark in rushing this season for the Wildcats. Both Cherokee County football players were honored with a trip to the Shrine Bowl.
Others like South Pointe's Jadeveon Clowney and Northwestern's Justin Worley were also awarded with the honor.
Of course, there are many others which were honored by having their names chosen to take part in these prestigious contests.
Click here for rosters of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association North-South All-Star Game.
The Spartanburg Herald-Journal has extended coverage of the Shrine Bowl. Check it out by clicking this link.

Class AA playoff notebook (Nov. 9)

It wasn't supposed to end this early for Indian Land or Batesburg-Leesville. However, both squads with aspirations of a state title saw those dreams fall short in the first round of the state playoffs.
Batesburg-Leesville, coming off of a 31-0 drubbing at the hands of region foe Strom Thurmond, was unable to recover that winning feeling last Friday night in a 21-7 loss to Cheraw.
The teams' first meeting since their 2005 meeting in the Class AA state championship game, the Panthers were their worst enemy, turning the ball over seven times.
Though it has a record below .500 for the year, Cheraw (4-7) advances to the second round to take on Woodruff, winners of six straight and eight of their last nine games.
Indian Land, a team whose only loss during the 2010 regular season was to undefeated Central, seemed poised to make a run in the Upper State portion of the bracket. Apparently Columbia did not get the memo, leaving York County with a 28-21 victory.
The Capitals' Deerik Bradley rushed for 183 yards on 34 carries while quarterback Ty Tyler completed each of his seven passes to Casey Gladney — including a 56-yard touchdown strike just prior to intermission. Columbia moves on to face Palmetto in the second round.
Most of the second round's top match-ups take place in the Lower State, highlighted with Manning taking quite the trip to Aiken to face off against Silver Bluff, and Shon Carson and his Lake City teammates try to take down Region VI-AA champion Hanahan.
Here is a rundown of the first round of the Class AA playoffs and match-ups for the second round of action:
Upper State
Palmetto 21, Emerald 14
Columbia 28, Indian Land 21
Woodruff 44, Carolina 10
Cheraw 21, Batesburg-Leesville 7
Strom Thurmond 55, Lee Central 8
Mid-Carolina 14, Pendleton 7
Central 47, Gilbert 0
Chesnee 27, Newberry 20

Upper State quarterfinals
Columbia at Palmetto
Cheraw at Woodruff
Mid-Carolina at Woodruff
Chesnee at Central

Lower State
Silver Bluff 38, Stall 13
Manning 55, Mullins 24
Hanahan 48, Barnwell 6
Lake City 28, Loris 17
Timberland 35, Marion 6
Woodland 49, Swansea 21
Dillon 31, Bishop England 17
Wade Hampton 38, Garrett 15

Lower State quarterfinals
Manning at Silver Bluff
Lake City at Hanahan
Woodland at Timberland
Wade Hampton (H) at Dillon

Class AAAA playoff brackets released, present potential for great matchups

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Dorman's Rodney Agnew makes an acrobatic catch to score a touchdown earlier this season against Greenwood. The Cavaliers were awarded the top seed in Class AAAA Division I when the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) announced playoff pairings on Saturday.

Mathematics was not necessarily my strong point during school. So it should not come as a surprise that I am not a fan of the systems to use determine participants in the Class A and Class AAAA playoffs.
It kills me that we never get the opportunity to see what team is a head above the rest, rather than splitting a classification’s title.
However, this Class AAAA playoff run has the potential to be one of the best, with no overwhelming favorite to hoist a trophy the first weekend in December.
The closest team to playing the role, however, is Class AAAA Big 16 champion Dorman (11-0), which was awarded Division I’s top seed for this year’s playoffs. Led by Shrine Bowlers Charone Peak and Adam Humphries, the Cavaliers should not get a real scare until the semifinal round where a matchup with Irmo (9-2) or Gaffney (8-3) may await.
Defeating the rival Yellow Jackets may have earned Dutch Fork (9-2) a region title, but in the process drew it a date with Clover (9-2). As dangerous a 14-seed as there can be, the Eagles’ Wing-T offense is sure to give the Silver Foxes problems; can we say upset alert?
Regardless, most critics would bet their money on a Byrnes-Summerville semifinal in the lower bracket, both programs getting pretty favorable draws to advance through.
The Division II bracket, on the other hand, will be nothing short of a dogfight to Columbia.
Goose Creek (11-0) earned the division’s top seed, therefore receiving home field advantage through the state semifinal round. This may come in handy as Northwestern (11-0) and its “Air Raid” offense was placed on its side of the bracket, setting up a potential clash down in the Lowcountry Nov. 26 with a ticket to Williams-Brice Stadium at stake.
Seeded just behind the Gators is Greenwood, which rides into the playoffs with a 10-1 record, its only blemish a 35-28 loss at Dorman. Similar to Goose Creek on the other side of the bracket, a stiff opponent also will try to block the Eagles’ way to Columbia, this one in the form of North Augusta, which also is 10-1 on the year.

Class AAAA Division I (Big 16) matchups
Upper bracket
(16) White Knoll at (1)Dorman
(9) Fort Dorchester at (8)Stratford
(13)Spartanburg at (4)Irmo
(12)Wando at (5)Gaffney

Lower bracket
(15)Blythewood at (2)Summerville
(10)Boiling Springs at (7)Lexington
(14)Clover at (3)Dutch Fork
(11)Mauldin at (6)Byrnes

Class AAAA Division II matchups
Upper bracket
(16)Conway at (1)Goose Creek
(9)Easley at (8)Beaufort
(13)James Island at (4)Northwestern
(12)Ashley Ridge at (5)Lugoff-Elgin

Lower bracket
(15)Laurens at (2)Greenwood
(10)Wren at (7)South Florence
(14)Richland Northeast at (3)North Augusta
(11)JL Mann at (6)T.L. Hanna

Class AAA Playoff Notebook (Nov. 6)

Each of the classification’s top eight seeds held serve the first night of the postseason, with Lowcountry powerhouse Myrtle Beach looking the most impressive.
Welcoming back star quarterback Everett Golson, who was sidelined much of the season with foot and hand injuries, the senior accounted for seven touchdowns in the Seahawks’ rout of Brookland-Cayce, 70-0.
Golson went 13 for 21 for 281 yards before calling it a night at halftime.
Things this year haven’t necessarily gone the way D.W. Daniel head coach Randy Robinson and his team had hoped this season, but the coach constantly stressed to his team last week anything can happen during the postseason.
His Lions proved this to be true Friday night, ousting defending Class AAA champion Clinton in overtime 21-14. Lined up in the Wildcat formation, Daniel’s C.J. Davidson scampered into the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown in the extra period's first possession.
The Red Devils were unable to answer back, thus ending their reign as state champions. Daniel will travel to the Upper State’s top ranked team, South Pointe, on Friday.
Another surprise in the Upper State bracket was Chester’s defeat of Wade Hampton (Greenville), the Cyclones coming back from double digits in the second half to advance, 33-28.
In the Lower State, Berkeley survived a slugfest at Camden, 36-28. The Stags took the lead with just over five minutes to go in the contest on a Tevin Bradshaw 3-yard run to pay dirt.
Bradshaw would add another touchdown, giving the game its final margin. He wound up with 135 yards on the night.

Other scores from the opening round of the Class AAA playoffs:
Upper State
South Pointe 49, Eastside 6
Clinton 21, Daniel 14 (OT)
Greenville 26, Fort Mill 23
Seneca 35, Chapin 14
Union County 42, Pickens 16
Fairfield Central 38, Berea 16
Belton-Honea Path 42, Greer 10
Chester 33, Wade Hampton (G) 28

Upper State quarterfinals (Nov. 12)
Daniel at South Pointe
Seneca at Greenville
Fairfield Central at Union County
Chester at Belton-Honea Path

Lower State
Hartsville 63, Hilton Head Island 9
Airport 42, Socastee 40
Bluffton 24, Lakewood 21
A.C. Flora 52, Wilson 30
Midland Valley 21, St. James 0
Berkeley 36, Camden 28
Myrtle Beach 70, Brookland-Cayce 0
Cane Bay 28, Marlboro County 27

Lower State quarterfinals (Nov. 12)
Airport at Hartsville
A.C. Flora at Bluffton
Berkeley at Midland Valley
Cane Bay at Myrtle Beach

Week 12 -- All In .. Playoffs in full swing

Class AAAA Division I (Big 16) playoffs
Upper Bracket
(16)White Knoll at (1)Dorman
(8)Fort Dorchester at (9) Stratford
(13)Spartanburg at (4)Irmo
(12) Wando at (5)Gaffney

Lower Bracket
(15)Blythewood at (2)Summerville
(10)Boiling Springs at (7)Lexington
(14)Clover at (3)Dutch Fork
(11)Mauldin at (6)Byrnes

Class AAAA Division II playoffs
Upper Bracket
(16)Conway at (1)Goose Creek
(9)Easley at (8)Beaufort
(13)James Island at (4)Northwestern
(12)Ashley Ridge at (5)Lugoff-Elgin

Lower Bracket
(15)Laurens at (2)Greenwood
(10)Wren at (7)South Florence
(14)Richland Northeast at (3)North Augusta
(11)JL Mann at (6)T.L. Hanna

Class AAA
Upper State quarterfinals
Daniel at South Pointe
Seneca at Greenville
Fairfield Central at Union County
Chester at Belton-Honea Path

Lower State quarterfinals
Airport at Hartsville
A.C. Flora at Bluffton
Berkeley at Midland Valley
Cane Bay at Myrtle Beach

Class AA
Upper State quarterfinals
Columbia at Palmetto
Cheraw at Woodruff
Mid-Carolina at Strom Thurmond
Chesnee at Central

Lower State quarterfinals
Manning at Silver Bluff
Lake City at Hanahan
Woodland at Timberland
Wade Hampton (H) at Dillon

Class A Division I playoffs
Upper State semifinals
(4)Calhoun County at (1)Abbeville
(3)Lamar at (2)Chesterfield

Lower State semifinals
(4)Ridgeland at (1)Bamberg-Ehrhardt
(3)Burke at (2)Hemingway

Class A Division I playoffs
Upper State semifinals
(4)Fox Creek at (1)Christ Church
(3)Great Falls at (2)Williston-Elko

Lower State semifinals
(4)Lake View at (1)Scott's Branch
(6)Denmark-Olar at (2)Hardeeville

How Did the ranked teams fare? ... Palmetto State roundup -- Week 11

Class AAAA
1. Dorman (11-0) - def. Woodmont, 47-0; NEXT: vs. First Round Class AAAA Div. I playoffs vs. White Knoll
2. Northwestern (11-0) - def. Rock Hill, 42-0; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs vs. James Island
3. Goose Creek (11-0) - def. Beaufort, 49-14; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs vs. Conway
4. Greenwood (10-1) - def. Laurens, 27-6; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs vs. Laurens
5. Beaufort (9-2) - lost to Goose Creek, 49-14; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs vs. Easley
6. Irmo (9-2) - lost to Dutch Fork, 38-35; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. I playoffs vs. Spartanburg
7. Gaffney (8-3) - def. Spartanburg, 48-20; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. I playoffs vs. Wando
8. North Augusta (10-1) - def. Orangeburg-Wilkinson, 43-30; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. II playoffs vs. Richland Northeast
9. Summerville (9-2) - def. Colleton County, 49-14; NEXT: First Round Class AAAA Div. I playoffs vs. Blythewood
10. Byrnes (8-3) - def. Boiling Springs, 38-21; First Round Class AAAA Div. I playoffs vs. Mauldin

Class AAA
1. South Pointe (10-1) - def. Eastside, 49-6; NEXT: vs. Daniel
2. Myrtle Beach (10-1) - def. Brookland-Cayce, 70-0; NEXT: vs. Cane Bay
3. Belton Honea Path (11-0) - def. Greer, 42-10; NEXT: vs. Chester
4. Greenville (10-1) - def. Fort Mill, 26-23; NEXT: vs. Seneca
5. Fairfield Central (10-1)- def. Berea, 38-16; NEXT: at Union County
6. Bluffton (10-1) - def. Lakewood, 24-21; NEXT: vs. A.C. Flora
7. Camden (9-2) - lost to Berkeley, 36-28; season over
8. Wade Hampton (G) (9-1) - lost to Chester, 33-28; season over
9. Union County (8-3) - def. Pickens, 42-16; NEXT: vs. Fairfield Central
10. AC Flora (10-1) - def. Wilson, 52-30; NEXT: at Bluffton

Class AA
1. Dillon (10-0) - def. Bishop England, 31-17; NEXT: vs. Wade Hampton (H)
2. Central (10-0) - def. Gilbert, 47-0; NEXT: vs. Chesnee
3. Timberland (11-0) - def. Marion, 35-6
4. Silver Bluff (10-1) - def. Stall, 38-13; NEXT: vs. Manning
5. Lake City (9-2) - def. Loris, 28-17; NEXT: vs. at Hanahan
6. Strom Thurmond (9-2) - def. Lee Central, 55-8; NEXT: vs. Mid-Carolina
7. Indian Land (9-2) - lost to Columbia, 28-21; season over
8. Manning (8-3) - def. Mullins, 55-24; NEXT: at Silver Bluff
9. Woodruff (8-3) - def. Carolina, 44-10; NEXT: vs. Cheraw
10.Mid-Carolina (10-1) - def. Pendleton, 14-7; NEXT: at Strom Thurmond

Class A
1. Williston-Elko (10-1) - def. McCormick, 64-0; NEXT: Class A Div. II quarterfinal vs. Great Falls
2. Hemingway (11-0) - def. Allendale-Fairfax, 13-6; NEXT: Class A Div. I quarterfinal vs. Burke
3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (11-0) - def. C.E. Murray, 38-6; NEXT: Class A Div. I quarterfinalvs. Ridgeland
4. Abbeville (10-1) - def. Blacksburg, 56-7; NEXT: Class A Div. I quarterfinal vs. Calhoun County
5. Lamar (10-1) - def. Ninety Six, 23-0; NEXT: Class A Div. I quarterfinal at Chesterfield
6. Calhoun County (9-2) - def. Landrum, 42-28; NEXT: Class A Div. I quarterfinal at Abbeville
7. Scott's Branch (9-2) - def. Bethune-Bowman, 58-8; NEXT: Class A Div. II quarterfinal vs. Lake View
8. Christ Church (11-0) - def. Ridge Spring-Monetta, 49-6; NEXT: Class A Div. II quarterfinal vs. Fox Creek
9. Johnsonville (9-2) - lost to Ridgeland, 24-15; season over
10. Chesterfield (8-3) - def. Ware Shoals, 37-9; NEXT: Class A Div. I quarterfinal vs. Lamar

Palmetto State Roundup -- Week 11
REGULAR SEASON
CLASS 4A
Fort Dorchester 40, Ashley Ridge 33
Goose Creek 49, Beaufort 14
Byrnes 38, Boiling Springs 21
Summerville 49, Colleton County 14
Carolina Forest 46, Conway 42
Dorman 47, Woodmont 0
Mauldin 48, Hillcrest 20
Dutch Fork 38, Irmo 35
Clover 31, Lancaster 6
Greenwood 27, Laurens 6
Lugoff-Elgin 41, Sumter 32
North Augusta 43, Orangeburg Wilkinson 30
Northwestern 42, Rock Hill 0
Blythewood 21, Ridge View 2
J L Mann 38, Riverside 7
Aiken 34, South Aiken 21
Gaffney 48, Spartanburg 20
Richland Northeast 27, Spring Valley 22
Stratford 14, Wando 12
James Island 30, West Ashley 13
South Florence 49, West Florence 7
Hanna 40, Westside 15
Lexington 32, White Knoll 22
Easley 30, Wren 21
Playoffs

CLASS 3A
Upper State
South Pointe 49, Eastside 6
Daniel 21, Clinton 14
Greenville 26, Fort Mill 23
Seneca 35, Chapin 14
Union County 42, Pickens 16
Fairfield Central 38, Berea 16
Belton-Honea Path 42, Greer 10
Chester 33, Wade Hampton 28

Lower State
Hartsville 63, Hilton Head Island 9
Airport 42, Socastee 40
Bluffton 24, Lakewood 21
A.C. Flora 52, Wilson 30
Midland Valley 21, St. James 0
Berkeley 36, Camden 28
Myrtle Beach 70, Brookland-Cayce 0
Cane Bay 28, Marlboro County 2

CLASS 2A
Upper State
Palmetto 21, Emerald 14
Columbia 28, Indian Land 21
Woodruff 44, Carolina 10
Cheraw 21, Batesburg-Leesville 7
Strom Thurmond 55, Lee Central 8
Mid-Carolina 14, Pendleton 7
Central 47, Gilbert 0
Chesnee 27, Newberry 20

Lower State
Silver Bluff 38, Stall 13
Manning 55, Mullins 24
Hanahan 48, Barnwell 6
Lake City 28, Loris 17
Timberland 35, Marion 6
Woodland 49, Swansea 21
Dillon 31, Bishop England 17
Wade Hampton 38, Garrett 15

CLASS A DIVISION I
Upper State
Abbeville 56, Blacksburg 7
Calhoun County 42, Landrum 28
Lamar 23, Ninety Six 0
Chesterfield 37, Ware Shoals 9

Lower State
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 38, C.E. Murray 6
Ridgeland 27, Johnsonville 15
Burke 18, Baptist Hill 7
Hemingway 13, Allendale-Fairfax 6

CLASS A DIVISION II
Upper State
Christ Church 49, Ridge Spring Monetta 6
Fox Creek 32, Calhoun Falls 16
Great Falls 55, Southside Christian 8
Williston-Elko 64, McCormick 0

Lower State
Scott’s Branch 58, Bethune-Bowman 8
Lake View 35, Cross 16
Denmark-Olar 15, Blackville-Hilda 14
Hardeeville 33, Whale Branch 12

Northwestern's Worley, Blacksburg's Hames lead list of dazzling Week 10 performances

Photo by Scott Powell/ The Gaffney Ledger

Blacksburg running back Chase Hames became the program's single season leading rusher last Friday night, running for 212 yards in a 26-14 victory qualifying the Wildcats for postseason play. The senior has 2,155 yards this season.

Week 10 was chock full of dazzling performances around the Palmetto State, as players hoped to drive their teams toward region titles and favorable playoff positioning. Here are a few of the noteworthy performances last Friday night:

Kevin Miller, Lexington: The Wildcats' leading rusher had a night to remember last Friday at Wildcat Hollow, running through the Orangeburg-Wilkinson defense to the tune of 407 yards and five touchdowns in Lexington's 69-20 victory. He scored on runs of 12, 64,16, 27, and 6 yards.
And to think, Miller did that much damage in three quarters of play.
Montrece Kennedy, Northwestern: Likely a name Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris will not soon forget. The Trojans' safety picked off three passes during Northwestern's 42-28 win, lifting his team to the Region III-AAAA title.
Daiquone Ford, Myrtle Beach: There was little capable of stopping the Seahawks' running back last week, Ford accounting for 199 yards and four scores on the ground as well as an 85-yard kickoff return for a score in Myrtle Beach's rout of rival North Myrtle Beach.
Chase Hames, Blacksburg: Already recognized by MaxPreps as the nation's player of the week earlier this year, Hames added another honor last Friday, becoming the school's single season rushing leader during a 26-14 win over Southside Christian. The senior ran for 212 yards in the contest, upping his total for the 2010 season to 2,155 yards on the ground.
Justin Worley, Northwestern: No matter how much Gaffney tried, there was no stopping the Trojans' Worley last Friday night. The Tennessee prospect was 37 of 48 for 427 yards and five touchdowns, in addition to another score on the ground to help Northwestern claim the Region III-AAAA championship in a 42-28 victory over the Indians.
Rondreas Truesdale, Indian Land: Truesdale scored twice on the ground and passed for a touchdown in Indian Land's 41-13 win over Buford. He wound up with 214 yards on 14 carries on the night for the Warriors.
Quinshad Davis, Gaffney: Northwestern's Jimmy "Moose" Wallace became the latest coach around the state to rave about Gaffney's Davis. The junior wide receiver torched the Trojans' defense last Friday night, catching 13 passes for 258 yards in the Indians' 42-28 loss.
Hunter Townes, Christ Church: Accounting for more than 400 yards passing and seven touchdowns is more than enough to make our list, the Christ Church quarterback leading his team to a Region II-A title and top seed in the Class A playoffs with a 57-26 drubbing of rival Landrum.

S.C. Prep Writers Poll — Nov. 2

NOTE: The polls are compiled by The State with voting by Adam Regan, Anderson Independent Mail; Justin Jarrett, Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet; Bob Castello, Greenville News; Matt Anderson, Greenwood Index-Journal; Shane Bowen, Myrtle Beach Sun News; Barry Byers, Rock Hill Herald and Akilah Nelson, The State.

Class AAAA

1. Dorman (10-0) - at Woodmont

2. Northwestern (10-0) - at Rock Hill

3. Goose Creek (10-0) - vs. Beaufort

4. Greenwood (9-1) - vs. Laurens

5. Beaufort (9-1) - at Goose Creek

6. Irmo (9-1) - at Dutch Fork

7. Gaffney (7-3) - vs. Spartanburg

8. North Augusta (9-1) - at Orangeburg-Wilkinson

9. Summerville (8-2) - vs. Colleton County

10. Byrnes (7-3) - vs. Boiling Springs

Class AAA

1. South Pointe (9-1) - vs. Eastside

2. Myrtle Beach (9-1) - vs. Brookland-Cayce

3. Belton Honea Path (10-0) - vs. Greer

4. Greenville (9-1) - vs. Fort Mill

5. Fairfield Central (9-1)- vs. Berea

6. Bluffton (9-1) - vs. Lakewood

7. Camden (9-1) - vs. Berkeley

8. Wade Hampton (G) (9-1) - vs. Chester

9. Union County (7-3) - vs. Pickens

10. AC Flora (9-1) - at Wilson

Class AA

1. Dillon (10-0) - vs. Bishop England

2. Central (10-0) - vs. Gilbert

3. Timberland (10-0) - vs. Marion

4. Silver Bluff (9-1) - vs. Stall

5. Lake City (8-2) - vs. Loris

6. Strom Thurmond (8-2) - vs. Lee Central

7. Indian Land (9-1) - vs. Columbia

8. Manning (7-3) - at Mullins

9. Woodruff (7-3) - vs. Carolina

10.Mid-Carolina (9-1) - vs. Pendleton

Class A

1. Williston-Elko (9-1) - vs. McCormick

2. Hemingway (10-0) - vs. Allendale-Fairfax

3. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (10-0) - vs. C.E. Murray

4. Abbeville (9-1) - vs. Blacksburg

5. Lamar (9-1) - vs. Ninety Six

6. Calhoun County (8-2) - vs. Landrum

7. Scott's Branch (8-2) - vs. Bethune-Bowman

8. Christ Church (10-0) - vs. Ridge Spring-Monetta

9. Johnsonville (9-1) - at Ridgeland

10. Chesterfield (7-3) - vs. Ware Shoals

Class AAAA Playoffs -- I'm not a big fan of this system

Photo contributed by Larry B. Littlejohn/ The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney and Byrnes faced off in two highly contested games in 2006, yet neither was for their classification's top prize. The current Class 4A system has been greatly scrutinized, yet remains the one deciding the classification's two champions.

Published: Oct. 23, 2009--The Gaffney Ledger

NOTE: At the time this editorial was written, Region V-AAAA was the only conference which was represented by four teams in the classification's postseason, leaving seven at-large bids. Since realignment took effect this year, Class AAAA's four programs from Region I and Region II qualify for the playoffs, leaving six at-large spots.
In addition, Phil Strickland was preparing Gaffney for another deep run through the postseason instead of taking a Newberry team on the road for the first round of the Class AA playoffs.
Even now, I remain a critic of the classification's method of deciding a champion -- or in its case, two. Now as the Class AAAA postseason prepares to begin, here is my argument for a system that does less crunching numbers, instead settling things out on the field.

Without a doubt, those who constructed the web called the Bowl Championship Series knew exactly what they were doing.
Every year before the football season starts, prognosticators look into their proverbial crystal ball hoping to predict the sport’s next champion. In no sport are the opinions of sports writers, coaches and other pundits (including computers) more important than college football, specifically the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), where their thoughts actually hold weight — in fact, they go a long way toward deciding who’ll raise the trophy at season’s end.
And we all know that anything built or created by man can and often does fail.
The goal of the BCS was to create a true national champion.
Has it lived up to its mission statement? Not at all. True, in some years the BCS has gotten lucky, being bailed out by matchups like Miami (Fla.) - Ohio State in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, or the Texas-Southern California classic at the Rose Bowl in 2006. But for each accomplishment, the next two years have created more turmoil than doing what the system was supposed to, and that is find the best team in the land.
However, BCS commissioners are likely laughing the controversy right to the bank, knowing despite the way us fans feel that we will still sell out their venues for such high-profile contests.
On a more local level, we have our own problem as the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) does its own job of “crunching numbers.”
Through the years, I’ve been lucky to be on the field for several state championship games; my first at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., in 1996, one in Georgia, and of course, several at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Walking onto the field for the contests in Alabama and Georgia, I knew these were the best teams the state had to offer. In each case, the schools beat out dozens of others in their half of the state for the right to play for a championships.
Here in the Palmetto State, you get the sense the best two teams in the state have arrived in Columbia (or sometimes Clemson) for the Class 3A & 2A title tilts, knowing that each of them have won their respective portions of the state — whether it be Upper State or Lower State.
A lot of people in-state, and likely many others outside of South Carolina, do not understand why we have two divisions that crown a champion for Class 4A. Furthermore, I do not understand the need for a points system.
Creating two divisions in Class 4A does little to figure out who the true champion is in what’s supposed to be this state’s elite level of high school football. To me, it’s almost like sharing; and championships are earned by one team, not two.
It doesn’t happen in basketball, baseball or softball, where one team walks away as champion.
Currently, Class 4A schools play 11 weeks of football, with 32 teams being invited to the postseason. Schools are seeded according to a points system devised by the SCHSL, which does reward winning teams, but also the effort of a program to schedule top-level competition.
Region champions and runners-up are awarded with home games the first round of the playoffs, with the third seed in each of Class 4A’s eight regions also earning a postseason berth (with the exception of Region V, which takes four teams due to its size). The final seven slots are decided by the points system.
From there, the schools are divided — the largest 16 to Division I, the smaller 16 to Division II.
Gaffney head coach Phil Strickland should be applauded for scheduling such opponents like Dorman, Greenville, Byrnes and others. Such foresight has enabled the Indians to rack up points whether they win or lose, every one of which come in handy at playoff time.
If you think I’m simply trying to stir the pot a little bit, you’re entitled to your opinion. But I’m simply not a fan of this points system.
As I said earlier, I believe the two best teams from their respective half of the state should clash at the end of season for the championship. In my opinion, that’s what makes regional rivalries like that between Gaffney and Summerville so special; usually playing in the title game, the matchup is one that fans of both teams look forward to and often expect.
But the points system puts matchups between the Upper State’s best against the Lower State’s elite team in danger each year. Scrapping the current playoff system would be a step in the right direction. Here’s what I would do:
— Make the Class 4A schedule 10 games, similar to that of all other classifications. This would allow the SCHSL to continue inviting 32 teams to the playoffs, with the first week of the playoffs beginning week 11, the final week of play for 4A schools.
— Invite the top 4 teams from each region. The top two seeds earn playoff berths, with the Nos. 3 and 4 teams going on the road the first round. From there, home teams will be determined upon their record during the season, or in the case of a tie-breaker, a coin flip.
Yes, at times you would have a team with an awful record fall through the cracks, but for the most part fans are getting what they want — competitive football.
The system has been pretty beneficial to states like Alabama and Georgia, where traditional powers reign supreme. With schools meeting in the playoffs on a yearly basis, rivalries decades long have been built, with fans and players knowing before the season what type of road they will have on the way to a title.
It’s probably wishful thinking on my part, but I’m all for championships being decided on the field. We’re already a society dependent on technology and computers are already necessary in most facets of our lives.
Let’s hope they don’t take football too.