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

Gaffney among four Palmetto State squads listed in this week's edition of the RivalsHigh 100 poll

Photo by JOE L. HUGHES II

Gaffney's Quinshad Davis was not able to haul this pass in during the team's season opening victory over Boiling Springs, but the Indians have not missed out on much thus far in 2011, outscoring opponents to the tune of 82-14.

Impressive wins over Boiling Springs and Dorman undoubtedly earned the attention of pundits throughout the Palmetto State.
Little did the team know it also had observers nationwide admiring their body of work thus far in 2011. The Indians debuted at No. 45 in the RivalsHigh 100 poll Monday, used by Rivals to rank the top 100 football programs nationwide.
“Gaffney has been a pleasant surprise,” said RivalsHigh senior analyst Dallas Jackson. “ The defense is very stout and fast, and very physical. But their improvement fundamentally has definitely made them that much tougher to beat.”
Playing before a national audience, Gaffney trounced a good Cavaliers squad 35-14, much of it by the arm and legs of senior quarterback Joey Copeland, who had four touchdowns in the rout. Through two weeks, the Copeland-led offense has outscored opponents 82-14, with the man under center accounting for 10 touchdowns.
However, with Greenwood coming to The Reservation on Friday and a trip to Byrnes lurking over the horizon, Jackson said the Indians will have ample opportunity to prove they are worthy of their lofty status.
“They have been particularly impressive; but with Greenwood and Byrnes on the schedule, the ranking could quickly be increased or evaporated,” he said.
Defending Class 4A “Big 16” titlist Byrnes is the highest ranked team in South Carolina according to the RivalsHigh 100 poll, coming in at No. 18. Lexington is a spot in front of Gaffney, ranked at No. 44.
“I saw Byrnes over the summer, and though they do not have the national cache as they have in recent years, they have plenty of good, unsung players,” Jackson said. “As for Lexington, I have received much grief for that choice, particularly due to the success of Upper State teams in head to head match-ups with their peers in the Lower State. But Lexington has some explosive pieces on offense, and though defense is their biggest concern the Wildcats seem primed to make the next step.”
Not to be forgotten following a 51-7 beating of Irmo, Goose Creek was tabbed at No. 66 in this week’s poll. On the outside looking in is Greenwood, looking to return to the RivalsHigh 100 after being bounced before even taking the field week 1 though earning a preseason national ranking.
“We’ve taken a different philosophy when it comes to scouting teams now; summer practices and scrimmages mean a lot,” Jackson said. “If in pads and your offensive line can’t block during scrimmages, your offensive line just can’t block. Making changes based on what we saw actually prompted us to make some changes from our initial poll.

Superlative performance from Week 1

Casey Gladney, Columbia WR -- the Alabama commitment caught 12 passes for 200 yards and had two carries for 73 yards in the Capitals’ 36-26 victory over A.C. Flora.

Ryan Perkins, Woodruff QB -- in a statement game to open the season, the Wolverines’ signal caller completed 19 of 30 passes for 294 yards and six touchdowns in his team’s 51-28 rout of Greenville.

C.J. Frazier, Bluffton QB -- passed for 260 yards and the four touchdowns in the Bobcats' 60-14 win over Ridgeland.

Will Gay, T.L. Hanna RB -- the Jackets’ senior ran wild in their match-up with Westside, finishing the night with 247 yards rushing and a touchdown in Hanna’s 22-7 win.

Caleb McClain, Wren QB -- finally the leader in the Golden Hurricane’s huddle, McClain completed 13 of 19 passes for 229 yards and four touchdowns in his team’s 42-0 season opening victory over Palmetto.

Will Hunter, Lexington QB -- passed for 349 yards and four touchdowns in Lexington's 63-0 rout of Batesburg-Leesville.

Caleb Kinlaw, Goose Creek RB -- the Gators’ received a decent effort from Kinlaw in their 51-7 trouncing of Irmo, carrying the rock 12 times for 127 yards.

Adrian Kollock, Spartanburg QB -- undoubtedly the wild card in the Vikings’ win over Union County, the quarterback completed 8 of 14 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to 131 yards rushing and another score.

Davon Terry, Byrnes safety -- doing his part to chip in for the Rebels, Terry scored twice in their 68-0 drubbing of Ballard (Ky.), hitting pay dirt on a 10-yard fumble return and a 30-yard interception return.

Chase Thompson and Taylor Elizondo, Timberland RBs -- helping pace the Wolves’ offense, Thompson and Elizondo ran for a combined 310 yards in their 56-14 win over Hanahan, allowing Timberland to begin the 2011 season 2-0.

Devin Washington and Jamar Stephens, Stratford RBs -- the Knights’ running game was in midseason form against Berkeley, Washington and Stephens contributing the lion’s share of the work, combining for 235 yards on 31 carries in Stratford’s 28-0 victory.

Traves Smith, Chapman RB -- ran 33 times for 167 yards in his team’s 44-42 heartbreaking loss to Seneca.

Quinshad Davis, Gaffney WR -- caught five passes for 126 yards, which includes a short slant pass on the third play of the game in which he outran Dorman defenders for a 73-yard touchdown to get things underway for the Indians in their 35-14 triumph over Dorman.

Terrence Whitmore, Calhoun County QB -- the Saints’ signal caller completed 4 of 5 passes in the second half and 9 of 16 overall for 257 yards and three touchdowns in Calhoun County’s 33-14 win over Lake Marion. He also hit pay dirt twice on the ground.

Joey Copeland, Gaffney QB -- the Indians’ quarterback continued his torrid pace to start the season, throwing for 196 yards and a touchdown in addition to three scores on the ground in Gaffney’s impressive 35-14 win over Dorman.

Gregg Johnson, St. James RB -- ran 28 times for 257 yards and four touchdowns in the Sharks' 42-14 win over Waccamaw.

How the ranked teams fared - Week One

Class 4A
1. Byrnes (1-0) - defeated Ballard (Ky.). 68-0
2. Goose Creek (1-0) - defeated Irmo, 51-7
3. Greenwood (1-0) - defeated Boiling Springs, 35-0
4. Gaffney (2-0) - defeated Dorman, 35-14
5. Dorman (0-1) - lost to Gaffney, 35-14
6. Lexington (1-0) - defeated Batesburg-Leesville, 63-0
7. Dutch Fork (2-0) - defeated Chapin, 35-0
8. Northwestern (0-1) - lost to South Pointe, 16-10
9. Beaufort (1-0) - defeated Hilton Head, 54-0
10. North Augusta (1-0) - defeated Midland Valley, 25-7

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (1-0) - defeated Carolina Forest, 31-0
2. Fairfield Central (2-0) - defeated Blythewood, 21-7
3. South Pointe (1-0) - defeated Northwestern, 16-10
4. Belton-Honea Path (1-0) - defeated Laurens, 38-10
5. Bluffton (2-0) - defeated Ridgeland, 60-14
6. Hartsville (2-0) - defeated Lamar, 45-6
7. Greenville (0-1) - lost to Woodruff, 51-28
8. Clinton (0-1) - lost to Newberry, 21-14
9. Wade Hampton (G) (0-1) - lost to Blue Ridge, 15-13
10. Blue Ridge (1-0) - defeated Wade Hampton (G), 15-13

Class 2A
1. Dillon (2-0) - defeated Lake View, 34-0
2. Strom Thurmond (2-0) - defeated Laney (Ga.), 24-16
3. Central (1-0) - defeated Anson (N.C.), 20-6
4. Woodruff (1-0) - defeated Greenville, 51-28
5. Timberland (2-0) - defeated Hanahan, 56-14
6. Silver Bluff (1-0) - defeated Aiken, 7-6
7. Columbia (2-0) - defeated A.C. Flora, 36-26
8. Manning (1-0) - defeated Scott’s Branch, 76-14
9. Indian Land (1-0) - defeated Buford, 23-13
10. Lake City (0-1) - lost to Lee Central, 38-36

Class A
1. Abbeville (1-1) - lost to Lincoln County (Ga.), 24-14
2. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (1-0) - Idle.
3. Hemingway (2-0) - defeated Kingstree, 47-6
4. Christ Church (0-1) - lost to Liberty, 20-6
5. Scott’s Branch (0-1) - lost to Manning 76-14
6. Chesterfield (1-0) - defeated Timmonsville, 35-6
7. Ridgeland (0-1) - lost to Bluffton, 60-14
8. Calhoun County (1-1) - defeated Lake Marion, 33-14
9. Williston-Elko (0-2) (6)- lost to Barnwell, 20-18
10. Lamar (0-1) - lost to Hartsville, 45-6

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

Palmetto State Prep Football Roundup- Week One (Friday and Saturday results)

Airport 44, Brookland-Cayce 6
Barnwell 20, Williston-Elko 18
Belton-Honea Path 38, Laurens 10
Ben Lippen 29, Heathwood Hall 3
Bethune-Bowman 44, North 6
Blacksburg 33, McBee 6
Blue Ridge 15, Wade Hampton (G) 13
Bluffton 60, Ridgeland 14
Byrnes 68, Ballard (Ky.) 0
C.A. Johnson 22, Eau Claire 12
Calhoun County 33, Lake Marion 14
Camden 45, Ware Shoals 27
Central 20, Anson County, N.C. 6
Chester 35, Lewisville 13
Chesterfield 35, Timmonsville 6
Clarendon Hall Academy 56, Jefferson Davis Academy 0
Clover 35, Gastonia Forestview, N.C. 16
Columbia 36, A.C. Flora 26
Crestwood 41, Sumter 10
Dorchester Academy 46, Dillon Christian 14
Easley 22, D.W. Daniel 21
Fairfield Central 21, Blythewood 7
Forest City Chase, N.C. 35, Chesnee 14
Fort Mill 28, Lugoff-Elgin 9
Gaffney 21, Dorman 14
Goose Creek 51, Irmo 7
Greenwood 35, Boiling Springs 0
Hammond 40, Cardinal Newman 14
Hartsville 45, Lamar 6
J.L. Mann 35, Woodmont 0
Lakewood 21, Colleton County 9
Landrum 28, Travelers Rest 14
Lee Central 38, Lake City 36
Lexington 63, Batesburg-Leesville 0
Liberty 20, Christ Church Episcopal 6
Lincoln County, Ga. 24, Abbeville 13
Marlboro County 20, Cheraw 10
Mauldin 34, Hillcrest 24
Mid-Carolina 56, Whitmire 0
Nation Ford 42, Great Falls 21
Newberry 21, Clinton 14
Ninety Six 19, Emerald 14
North Augusta 25, Midland Valley 7
Orangeburg Prep 63, Calhoun Academy 0
Pee Dee Academy 28, Richard Winn Academy 26
Riverside 45, Eastside 18
Rock Hill 41, Greer 25
Seneca 44, Chapman 42
Silver Bluff 7, Aiken 6
South Aiken 24, Richland Northeast 7
South Pointe 16, Northwestern 10
Southside Christian 34, St. Joseph 31
Spartanburg 40, Union County 7
Spring Valley 35, Lower Richland 12
Strom Thurmond 24, Laney, Ga. 16
Swansea 48, Wagener-Salley 0
T.L. Hanna 22, Westside 7
Trinity Collegiate 34, Beaufort Academy 8
W. Wyman King Academy 14, Patrick Henry Academy 6
W.J. Keenan 45, Blackville-Hilda 0
Wade Hampton (H) 35, Allendale-Fairfax 16
Walhalla 21, West Oak 9
White Knoll 68, Pelion 13
Wilson Hall 35, Thomas Sumter Academy 0
Woodruff 51, Greenville 28
Wren 42, Palmetto 0
York Comprehensive 62, Broome 0

POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Academic Magnet vs. Fox Creek, ppd. to Aug 27.
Pinewood Prep vs. Northwood Academy, ppd. to Aug 27.
Hilton Head Prep vs. Charleston Collegiate, ppd. to Aug 29.
Darlington vs. Wilson, ppd. to Aug 29.
First Baptist vs. Palmetto Christian Academy, ppd. to Sep 23.

Week One Thursday Night scores

With Hurricane Irene rolling up the Atlantic coast, a number of games were rescheduled to avoid the grips of the storm. Here are the scores:

Andrews 30, Mullins 6
Ashley Ridge 49, Cane Bay 7
Battery Creek 21, Estill 16
Beach, Ga. 14, Hardeeville 0
Beaufort 54, Hilton Head 0
Cathedral Academy 40, Summerville Faith Christian 12
Colleton Prep 41, St. John's Christian Academy 21
Cross 24, C.E. Murray 6
Dillon 34, Lake View 0
East Clarendon 47, Latta 24
Hemingway 47, Kingstree 6
James Island 37, St. John's 12
Johnsonville 32, Hannah-Pamplico 6
Manning 76, Scott's Branch 14
Marion 20, Burke 6
Military Magnet Academy 22, North Charleston 19
Myrtle Beach 31, Carolina Forest 0
Orangeburg-Wilkinson 26, Edisto 6
R.B. Stall 21, Baptist Hill 20
Saluda 42, Ridge Spring-Monetta 0
Socastee 49, West Brunswick, N.C. 21
South Florence 24, West Florence 7
Stratford 28, Berkeley 0
Summerville 34, Conway 19
Wando 37, Ridge View 6
West Ashley 14, Bishop England 12
Whale Branch 48, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 12

GAMES OF THE WEEK + WEEK ONE SCHEDULE

Photo by JOE L. HUGHES II

Offensive lineman Patrick DeStefano leads the way for running back Raymond Smith during Dorman's win last season over Greenwood. The two hope to plow past Gaffney Friday night.

After a week in which a select few schools hit the gridiron for their first contests of the 2011 season, the rest of the state join the fray this weekend. A few teams opened things with a bang week zero, particularly Gaffney, which throttled Boiling Springs 47-0. This week the Indians will get a much stiffer test, taking on rival Dorman.

— GAFFNEY (1-0) AT DORMAN (0-0)
Dorman Stadium, Roebuck; 8 p.m.
KEY PLAYERS: GAFFNEY — Quinshad Davis, WR; Savon Dukes, MLB; Joey Copeland QB. DORMAN — Raymond Smith, RB; Patrick DeStefano, OL; Trey Robinson, QB
Participating in each of the past two Class 4A "Big 16" title games and a notoriety for its tough brand of football, Dorman looks to continue its recent string of dominance over Gaffney. With their 21-12 defeat of the Indians last year, the Cavaliers extended their win streak to four over their rivals just across the line in Cherokee County. Raymond Smith was key in last year's game, rushing 19 times for 124 yards.
KEY MATCHUP: In last season's meeting at The Reservation, Dorman, playing much of the contest without star wide receiver Charone Peake, chose to pound away at Gaffney's defensive line, allowing it to obtain key first downs and dominate time of possession. Do not be surprised if the Cavaliers do the same this time, picking up yards behind Patrick DeStefano and other members of the team's mammoth offensive line. However, a much stronger, speedy Gaffney defensive unit awaits this season, one bent on not allowing Dorman to dictate play.
IMPACT PLAYER: Joey Copeland, Gaffney QB — All eyes will be on him after a dazzling performance to open the season against Boiling Springs. The difference in the past few meetings between Dorman and Gaffney has been quarterback play, the Cavaliers getting the upper hand each time. If able to limit turnovers and distribute the ball to the weapons he has at his disposal, Gaffney will be in good shape to come away with a victory.
PREDICTION: Gaffney 27, Dorman 21

— BLYTHEWOOD (1-0) AT FAIRFIELD CENTRAL (1-0)
E.K. McClendon Stadium, Winnsboro; 7:30 p.m.
KEY PLAYERS: BLYTHEWOOD — Demetric Gray, QB; Jerrod Davis, RB; Kyle Edwards, SS. FAIRFIELD CENTRAL —Davontre Parnell, CB; Jimmy Walker, RB; Ryan Raley, OL.
Toughness. Out of the many things taken away from last season's game between Blythewood, it is something Fairfield Central believed the Bengals lacked. Insert head coach Reggie Kennedy, the genius behind one of the Griffins' most successful seasons since the school repeated as Class 3A champions more than a decade ago, leaving for greener pastures across the Richland County line. Through one game, it seems his infusion has added quite the edge to Blythewood, becoming a team dedicated to pounding teams into submission through a smashmouth running game. It will receive quite the test this week, however, as Kennedy returns to Winnsboro to face his former team, which boasts a defensive unit intent on limiting the Bengals ground game.
KEY MATCHUP: As if we didn't give it away, it is the Blythewood offensive line doing its part to open holes for its running backs against a fast, athletic Fairfield Central defense. Blessed with an experienced defensive secondary in the likes of Davontre Parnell, Randall Adams and Shaferrell Jones, yards through the air will be hard to come by for the Bengals. That is unless it can be successful running at the Griffins early on through Jerrod Davis, who dazzled in the team's season opening victory over South Florence. If so, the play action game could open up for Blythewood, causing Fairfield Central to wonder what is coming next.
IMPACT PLAYER: Demetric Gray, Blythewood QB — All Kennedy asks of his veteran signal caller is consistency. Against an opportunistic defense, it is paramount that Gray limits turnovers and manage the game in a way that will best position his team for a victory. In other words, prepare for a lot of handing off to your stable of running backs, but also be ready to pass when your number is called.
PREDICTION: Blythewood 21, Fairfield Central 18

— GREENVILLE (0-0) AT WOODRUFF (0-0)
W.L. Varner Stadium, Woodruff; 7:30 p.m.
KEY PLAYERS: GREENVILLE — Glenn Baston, QB; Jake Smith, DE; Gray Tollison, LB. WOODRUFF — Ryan Perkins, QB; Caleb Smith, OL; Shun Tribble, RB.
Two of the Upstate’s most prolific offenses match wits in an early season showdown. Last season, Greenville put the clamps on the Woodruff offense, yielding only a touchdown in a 21-7 win. Confident after a deep run in the Class 2A playoffs, the Wolverines hope not to duplicate another 0-2 start to their season.
KEY MATCHUP: In order to accomplish the balance which Woodruff hopes to have on offense, the Wolverines must first get their backfield tandem of Shun Tribble and Hermundre Rutledge going. In other words, the team’s offensive line must dominate the line of scrimmage, taking advantage of an inexperienced Greenville defensive line. Caleb Smith and Javarius Leamon lead a set of big offensive linemen more than capable of doing so, thus dominating time of possession and keeping the multidimensional Glenn Baston off the field — whose matchup with the Woodruff defense is equally intriguing.
IMPACT PLAYER: Glenn Baston, Greenville QB — An accurate passer and equally dangerous when outside the pocket, the Greenville signalman last season brought an explosive dimension to the Red Raiders offense. No doubt, if given ample time to survey the defense or given a lane to run, Baston will make life difficult for the Woodruff defense.
PREDICTION: Woodruff 31, Greenville 27

WEEK ONE SCHEDULE
A.C. Flora at Columbia
AFC Rangers NC at Southside
Academic Magnet at Fox Creek, 7:30 pm
Allendale-Fairfax at Wade Hampton (H)
Andrews at Mullins
Anson HS at Central , 7:30 pm
Aynor at Creek Bridge, 7:30 pm
Barnwell at Williston-Elko
Berkeley at Stratford
Blacksburg at McBee, 7:30 pm
Blue Ridge at Wade Hampton (G), 7:30 pm
Blythewood at Fairfield Central, 8:00 pm
Brookland-Cayce at Airport, 7:30 pm
Burke at Marion, 7:30 pm
C.A. Johnson at Eau Claire, 7:30 pm
C.E. Murray at Cross, 7:30 pm
Calhoun County at Lake Marion, 7:30 pm
Cane Bay at Ashley Ridge, 7:30 pm
Carolina at Berea, 7:30 pm
Carolina Forest at Myrtle Beach
Carver's Bay at Georgetown, 7:00 pm
Chapin at Dutch Fork, 7:30 pm
Chase HS at Chesnee, 7:30 pm
Cheraw at Marlboro County
Christ Church at Liberty
Colleton County at Lakewood, 7:30 pm
Dillon at Lake View, 8:00 pm
Easley at D.W.Daniel, 7:30 pm
East Clarendon at Latta , 7:30 pm
Edisto at Orangeburg-Wilkinson
Estill at Battery Creek, 7:30 pm
Forestview HS, NC at Clover, 7:30 pm
Fort Dorchester at Woodland, 7:30 pm
Fort Mill at Lugoff-Elgin, 7:30 pm
Gaffney at Dorman, 8:00 pm
Garrett Academy at Lincoln, 7:30 pm
Goose Creek at Irmo
Greenwood at Boiling Springs, 7:30 pm
Hannah-Pamplico at Johnsonville
Hillcrest at Mauldin
Hilton Head at Beaufort, 7:30 pm
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler at Whale Branch
Indian Land at Buford, 7:30 pm
Keenan at Blackville-Hilda
Kingstree at Hemingway
Lake City at Lee Central
Lamar at Hartsville
Lancaster at Andrew Jackson, 7:30 pm
Landrum at Traveler's Rest
Laurens District 55 at Belton-Honea Path, 7:30 pm
Lewisville at Chester
Lexington at Batesburg-Leesville, 7:30 pm
Nation Ford at Great Falls, 7:30 pm
Newberry at Clinton, 7:30 pm
Ninety Six at Emerald, 7:30 pm
North at Bowman, 7:30 pm
North Augusta at Midland Valley
North Central at Green Sea-Floyds
North Charleston at Military Magnet
North Myrtle Beach at Loris
Northwestern at South Pointe
Palmetto at Wren
Pelion at White Knoll
Pendleton at Pickens
R.B. Stall at Baptist Hill
Ridgeland at Bluffton
Riverside at Eastside, 7:30 pm
Rock Hill at Greer
Saluda at Ridge Spring-Monetta
Scott's Branch at Manning
Seneca at Chapman, 7:30 pm
Silver Bluff at Aiken, 7:30 pm
South Aiken at Richland Northeast
Southside Christian at St. Joseph's
Spartanburg at Union County
Spring Valley at Lower Richland
St. Johns at James Island
Summerville at Conway
Sumter at Crestwood
TBA at Calhoun Falls
Timberland at Hanahan
Timmonsville at Chesterfield, 7:30 pm
Waccamaw at St. James
Wagener-Salley at Swansea
Wando at Ridge View
Ware Shoals at Camden
West Brunswick at Socastee
West Florence at South Florence
West-Oak at Walhalla
Westside at Hanna
Whitmire at Mid-Carolina
Woodmont at J.L. Mann, 7:30 pm
Greenville at Woodruff, 7:30 pm
York Comprehensive at Broome, 7:30 pm

Prep Writer's Poll- Week One (Aug. 26)

Photo by JOE L. HUGHES

Gaffney running back C.J. Miller is caught from behind by a Boiling Springs defender during the Indians' 47-0 rout last week at The Reservation. Gaffney, ranked No. 4 in Class 4A, takes on rival Dorman this Friday.

Class 4A

1. Byrnes (0-0) (1) - Saturday vs. Ballard (Ky.) in Louisville, Ky.
2. Goose Creek (0-0) (2) - Friday at Irmo (0-1)
3. Greenwood (0-0) (4) - Friday at Boiling Springs (0-1)
4. Gaffney (1-0) (5) - LAST WEEK: def. Boiling Springs, 47-0; NEXT: Friday at Dorman
5. Dorman (0-0) (3) - Friday vs. Gaffney (1-0)
6. Lexington (0-0) (6) - Friday at Batesburg- Leesville
7. Dutch Fork (1-0) (7) - LAST WEEK: def. Irmo, 24-0; NEXT: Friday vs. Chapin
8. Northwestern (0-0) (8) - Friday at South Pointe
9. Beaufort (0-0) (10) - Friday vs. Hilton Head Island (0-1)
10. North Augusta (0-0) (NR) - Friday at Midland Valley
DROPPED OUT: Irmo (0-1) - lost to Dutch Fork, 24-0

Class 3A
1. Myrtle Beach (0-0) (1) - Friday vs. Carolina Forest (1-0)
2. Fairfield Central (1-0) (2) - Friday vs. Blythewood (1-0)
3. South Pointe (0-0) (3) - Friday vs. Northwestern
4. Belton-Honea Path (0-0) (4) - Friday vs. Laurens
5. Bluffton (1-0) (5) - LAST WEEK: def. Hilton Head Island, 76-0; NEXT: Friday at Ridgeland
6. Hartsville (1-0) (6)- LAST WEEK: def. Hanahan, 42-19; NEXT: vs. Lamar
7. Greenville (0-0) (7) - Friday at Woodruff
8. Clinton (0-0) (8) - Friday vs. Newberry
9. Wade Hampton (0-0) (10) - Friday vs. Blue Ridge
10. Blue Ridge (0-0) (9) - Friday at Wade Hampton (G)
DROPPED OUT: None

Class 2A
1. Dillon (1-0) (1) - LAST WEEK: def. Cheraw, 42-0; NEXT: at Lake View (1-0)
2. Strom Thurmond (1-0) (2) - LAST WEEK: def. Williston-Elko, 45-8; NEXT: Friday at Laney (Ga.)
3. Central (0-0) (4) - Friday vs. Anson (N.C.)
4. Woodruff (0-0) (3) - Friday vs. Greenville
5. Timberland (1-0) (6) LAST WEEK: def. Carver’s Bay, 49-6; NEXT: at Hanahan (0-1)
6. Silver Bluff (0-0) (5) - Friday at Aiken
7. Columbia (1-0) (7) LAST WEEK: def. Lower Richland, 31-14; NEXT: Friday vs. A.C. Flora (1-0)
8. Manning (0-0) (8) - Friday vs. Scott’s Branch
9. Indian Land (0-0) (10) - Friday at Buford
10. Lake City (0-0) (NR) - Friday at Lee Central
DROPPED OUT: Cheraw (0-1) - lost to Dillon, 42-0
Class A
1. Abbeville (1-0) (1)- LAST WEEK: def. Chester, 15-7; NEXT: at Crescent (1-0)
2. Bamberg-Ehrhardt (1-0) (2)- LAST WEEK: def. Orangeburg-Wilkinson, 35-7; NEXT: at Edisto (1-0)
3. Hemingway (1-0) (3)- LAST WEEK: def. Hannah-Pamplico, 52-6; NEXT: Friday at Kingstree
4. Christ Church (0-0) (4) - Friday at Liberty
5. Scott’s Branch (0-0) (5) - Friday at Manning
6. Chesterfield (0-0) (9) - Friday at Timmonsville
7. Ridgeland (0-0) (8) - Friday at Bluffton (1-0)
8. Calhoun County (0-1) (7)- LAST WEEK: lost to Marlboro County, 38-34; NEXT: Friday at Lake Marion
9. Williston-Elko (0-1) (6)- LAST WEEK: lost to Strom Thurmond, 45-8; NEXT: Friday vs. Barnwell (1-0)
10. Lamar (0-0) (10) - Friday at Hartsville (1-0)
DROPPED OUT: None

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

Week Zero Superlative Performances

-- Joey Copeland, QB, Gaffney- completed 22 of 32 passes for 369 yards in the Indians’ 47-0 rout of Boiling Springs. The Gaffney signal caller scored six times on the night, four through the air and two more on the ground.
-- Darius Paulk, RB, Richland Northeast- rushed for 212 yards on 20 carries for the Cavaliers and scoring a touchdown in the team’s 28-13 victory to open the season.
-- Jerrod Davis, RB, Blythewood- ran for 149 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns in the Bengals’ 36-22 win over South Florence on Friday night. Davis keyed the Bengals’ attack, particularly in the third quarter of the game racking up 96 yards, 54 of which came on a six play, 74 yards drive clinching the team’s season opening victory.
-- Jabo Lee, RB, Dillon- took advantage of an overmatched Cheraw defense to the tune of 141 yards rushing, which included a 79-yard touchdown scamper in the second quarter, leading the Wildcats to a 42-0 rout in their season opener. Dillon ran its regular season winning streak to 16 games, its last loss a 28-0 defeat to Marlboro County on Sept. 25, 2009.
-- Lee Wright, RB, York- the Cougars’ back filled the stat sheet in his team’s 75-0 win over Lewisville, rushing for 191 yards on 11 carries and four touchdowns. He also had a reception for 13 yards on the night.
-- Dijuan Ussery, WR, Nations Ford- Falcons’ quarterback Cameron Wells connected with the speedster four times for 126 yards in the team’s 34-27 win over Forestview (N.C). Three of the receptions went for touchdowns, the last of which proved to be the game-winning score. He also returned a punt 35 yards for a touchdown on the night.
-- Shaq Price, WR, Dutch Fork- The wide receiver’s 66-yard touchdown reception set the tone for the Silver Foxes in their annual tilt with hated Irmo, winding up with 129 yards on six receptions to help lead Dutch Fork to a 24-0 win.
-- Chip Wannamaker, RB, Bamberg-Ehrhardt- The Red Raiders’ running back injured his shoulder early on in its contest with rival Orangeburg-Wilkinson, but would not be denied later on when his team needed him the most. The 5-10, 180 pound running back gained seven yards on a fourth-and-1 play keeping a drive alive for B-E, one putting the finishing touch on a 35-7 triumph over the Bruins. Wannamker finished the night with 163 yards on 22 carries and four touchdowns on the night.
-- Darius Hammond, RB, Strom Thurmond- The multi-talented back racked up 264 yards and three touchdowns for the Rebels in a 45-8 romp of Class A powerhouse Williston-Elko.
-- Patrick Alston, WR, Hanahan- caught five passes for 157 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort for the Hawks, a 47-19 defeat at the hands of Class AAA’s Hartsville in its season opener.
-- Clayton Little and Derek Olenchuk, QB, Dutch Fork- The Silver Fox signal callers combined for 277 yards, completing 15 of 24 passing attempts and a touchdown to lead Dutch Fork past rival Irmo 24-0 on Friday night.

How The Ranked Teams Fared -- Week Zero

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

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

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

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

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

Week Zero scores from around the Palmetto State

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

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

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

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

Again … it’s Byrnes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reunited, and it feels so good.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gaffney's Davis lands another scholarship offer

Photo by Larry Hilliard/ The Gaffney Ledger

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

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

Class A outlook

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

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

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

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

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