Class AAAA - Division II outlook

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Without 2010 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Justin Worley (left) at the controls of Northwestern's offensive arsenal, first year head coach Kyle Richardson knows his team will have a target on its back this season.

For Northwestern, the third time was truly the charm.
Two consecutive years of disappointment came to a head last December, the Trojans finally getting over the hump in resounding fashion by way of a 42-10 thumping of Greenwood. It was the first title for the program since 1993, and its first undefeated football season in school history.
The victory provided the perfect swan song for quarterback Justin Worley, who during his time at Northwestern claimed several state passing records.
In April, legendary head coach Jimmy "Moose" Wallace also decided to call it quits after 31 years roaming the sideline, 24 of those at Northwestern. Wallace finished with a 286-62 record and four state titles.
On their way to last year's Class AAAA - Division II championship, the Trojans' perfect campaign clashed with another in the Lowcountry — that of Goose Creek. The Gators ran out to a 20-7 first half lead, only to watch Northwestern's "Air Raid" assault fight back and eventually claim the game.
Goose Creek head coach Chuck Reedy and his players have yet to forget about that game.
Ahead of the curve last season, the Gators come into 2011 as the odds-on favorite to claim the "Little 32" state title. Arguably boasting the Palmetto State's best running game keyed by its big bruiser at fullback Virgil Smalls and an improved passing game, it'll be tough to figure who can put the clamps on this offensive juggernaut.
Defensively, look for the squad to be equally as stout, led by hard hitting linebacker and Clemson commitment T.J. Burrell. However, one must wonder whether Goose Creek can stop the big play, evident in last year's loss to Northwestern.
Do not be surprised if the road to Death Valley in the Class AAAA-Division II ranks passes through "The Swamp."
The Trojans may have a say in how things finish though, returning 12 starters from last season's championship winning squad. Guru of the program's renowned "Air Raid" attack Kyle Richardson has taken the headset once fitting the head of Wallace, but he definitely will not be the only one with big shoes to fill.
Among the gaping holes seeking plugging are those left by Gatorade Football Player of the Year Worley, now at Tennessee, and star defensive tackle Gerald Dixon, a South Carolina signee. Whoever is under center for the Trojans will have plenty of experience at wide receiver to count on though, among them B.J. Boyd and Rontavious McClure.
Also hungry to get the sour taste of defeat out of its mouth is Greenwood. Though Shrine Bowl linebacker Quinn Backus — a key piece of a defense which gave up under 15 points per game last season — is gone, coach Gene Cathcart's cupboard is far from bare, bringing back 11 players from a team which advanced to the state title game.
Speed will be the name of the game for Greenwood, this year expected to stretch teams out by way of weapons like all-purpose back D.J. Goodman, who can line up in the backfield and split out at wide receiver on any given play. The Eagles potentially could be even better than last year on defense, particularly at linebacker where Davon Durant and Marquavious Lewis will roam free.
Easley, North Augusta and Beaufort could also make things interesting this season, each trying to make that next step toward a title.

FAVORITE: Goose Creek
CONTENDERS: Greenwood, Northwestern, Easley, North Augusta, Beaufort, Wren
LOOK OUT FOR: Conway — After three consecutive close calls in the state title game, the Tigers fell on hard times — particularly the last seasons in which head coach Chuck Jordan's teams could not get past the five win plateau, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs each time. This year's team has the talent to break the trend, led by the versatile Mychal Moody. Look for Conway to reassert its dominance in Region VI-AAAA.

It will be here before you know it...

Byrnes' running back Shakeem Wharton, a key cog in the Rebels' state championship run a year ago, leads a talented attack that has aspirations of a repeat.

It’s almost as if you can sniff it in the air… football days are near.
As the NFL and NBA divvy through paperwork in an effort to avoid work stoppages, the Friday night lights are guaranteed to shine in 2011.
Few states shone more brightly than the Palmetto State last year, sporting the nation’s top prospect in South Carolina signee defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney (South Pointe) and the Gatorade National Player of the Year in Northwestern quarterback Justin Worley, bound for Tennessee.
Bricks are being laid for the upcoming season, seen through various offseason camps and drills at the crack of dawn. Camps open at the end of the month, and with every passing day a new beginning draws closer.
Several teams will begin their respective campaigns in familiar territory; Byrnes, after dispatching rival Dorman in the state title game, again is considered an odd’s on favorite in Class 4A’s Big 16 ranks. Scott’s Branch enters a new season winners of two consecutive Class A- Division II titles, while Abbeville won its first state title since 1996.
Deep in talent, Class 2A king Central (Pageland) despite losing quite a number of players key in its title run to graduation, believe it has more than enough left in the cupboard to defend its crown in 2011.
Two other state titlists open summer camp with questions.
Gone for Northwestern, the Class 4A-Division II champion which finished ranked No. 4 nationally in the RivalsHigh 100 poll, is not only Worley --but also legendary head coach Jimmy “Moose” Wallace. Taking his headset is Kyle Richardson, whose play calling has helped turn the Trojans’ “Air Raid” attack, which in recent years has set the bar in terms of offensive production.
Two of the past three Class 3A championship trophies reside in Myrtle Beach, both having much to do with the heroics of its quarterback. A new era begins under center for the Seahawks, with inexperienced C.J. Cooper and Carolina Forest transfer Tyler Keane to vie for the job.
For the rest, hope springs anew; last year’s inadequacies meaning nothing, potential is all that matters.
The heart of the summer may be just over the horizon, but in that same location is football.

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

Northwestern makes statement - Trojans get last word against Gaffney, win dogfight 42-28

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Northwestern wide receiver Rontavious McClure hauls in his second touchdown over the outstretched arms of a Gaffney defender to clinch the Region III-AAAA title for the Trojans, who defeated the Indians 42-28.

Northwestern head coach Jimmy “Moose” Wallace warned his team in the week leading up to the Trojans’ contest with Gaffney that it would be nothing short of a war.
The two Class AAAA heavyweight went back and forth for three quarters Friday night at Rock Hill’s District 3 Stadium, however, it was Northwestern which had a little more ammo left in its chamber, defeating the Indians and claiming the Region III-AAAA title.
It took a complete team effort for the Trojans to notch the victory, as quarterback and Tennessee prospect Justin Worley found the end zone six times -- five through the air and once on the ground -- while safety Montrece Kennedy grabbed three interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter to halt Gaffney drives.
“I’m proud of our kids,” Wallace said. “We told our kids all week it was going to be a war, a dogfight. … We knew we had to play as good as we could, and our secondary did a good job.”
Things got off to a fast start for Northwestern, intercepting Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris on the game’s first play. A few plays later, Worley was able to find his favorite target, wide receiver Robert Joseph, for a 13-yard score to give the team a 7-0 advantage.
Burris and the Indians did not stay on the mat long, however, engineering a drive keyed by the star signal caller’s athleticism both with his arm and legs, with the senior hitting pay dirt on a 6-yard run to tie the game. After forcing a rare Trojans’ three-and-out, Gaffney would take the lead on a 4-yard score from C.J. Miller
During the drive, Burris separated his left (non-throwing) shoulder, an injury that would impact how he and his team played the rest of the game.
Northwestern would tie things at 14 apiece to end the first stanza, hitting Brandon Lewis 24 yards down the center of the field for the score.
With just over four minutes remaining in the first half, Gaffney’s Burris returned to a standing ovation by Indian faithful, driving the offense 56 yards to reclaim the lead at 21-14, with backup quarterback Joey Copeland doing the honors by running it in from a yard out.
A controversial call to end the first half drew the Trojans even as the teams went in for intermission, Worley hitting big target Rontavious McClure on a fade route just over the outstretched hands of a Gaffney defender to make the score 21-21.
“That was big, big, big; we’ve been wanting Rontavious to just go up and get the ball,” Wallace said.
Things slowed down quite a bit in the third quarter, as Northwestern was the only ones to score in the stanza. Following Burris’ second interception of the game, Worley directed a 12 play, 94 yard drive which ended with the quarterback crossing the goal line on a seven yard run, giving the Trojans a 28-21 lead.
As had been the case all game though, Gaffney would again return the favor, the drive ending with Copeland’s second score of the game. But Northwestern would seize control of the contest for good on its next possession, using its short passing game to chip away at the Indians’ defense before hitting it big, this time a 10-yard completion to B.J. Boyd for a 35-28 lead.
The Trojans would put things out of reach with Worley’s sixth score, a 9-yard pass lofted to McClure in the corner of the end zone to give them a 14-point advantage, one it would not relinquish.
The Northwestern quarterback finished 37 of 48 passing, throwing for 427 yards and five scores. He had one interception in the contest. Worley’s top target on the night was Boyd, who hauled in 11 balls for 112 yards.
Gaffney’s Burris was 15 of 25 for 246 yards and four interceptions, gutting things out despite sustaining a shoulder injury early in the first half. Quinshad Davis had 258 yards receiving for the Indians in a losing effort.
Northwestern improves to 10-0 (4-0 S.C. Region III-AAAA), while Gaffney falls to 7-3 (3-1).

S.C. Prep Football Week 10 — It's the week we've all waited for

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Byrnes' show a sign of unity prior to a game earlier this season. The Rebels will travel to Roebuck Friday night to face rival Dorman.

Trick or treat.
Undoubtedly, schedule makers in South Carolina knew what they were doing this year, arranging a slew of games sure to bring some clarity to the upcoming state playoffs.
Around the Palmetto State, programs in classes A-3A are preparing for week 10 - for many, one which will decide whether they proceed on or go home.
Preparing for the season, a quick look at the 2010 football schedule revealed the weekend just before Halloween would be a special one, revealing which teams are contenders or pretenders on the state -- and for all intents and purposes, national -- scene.
Here’s a look at what week 10 has in store:

Byrnes (7-2) at Dorman (9-0): The Cavaliers have not lost since Byrnes defeated them in the rivals’ regular season match-up in Duncan last year. Dorman likes to refer back to the last time the two met, however, a 28-17 win for the Class 4A state championship last December.
While not overly impressive, the Cavaliers have got the job done, coming into the rivalry game with an unblemished record. Analysts believed going into the year that head coach Dave Gutshall would utilize his passing game more in 2010, yet it has been his team’s running game leading the way, just as it did during Dorman’s title run last year.
Byrnes has found things a bit tougher than in previous seasons when winning seemed automatic for the team. It has also relied more on the running game this season, the Rebels personnel dictating more of a balanced offense under quarterback Zack Blair than the one under the direction of departed signal caller Chas Dodd.
In the end, Dorman is just a step ahead of Byrnes, the Cavaliers’ unsung defense bringing home the team’s third win in five games against the hated Rebels. PREDICTION: Dorman 24, Byrnes 16

Gaffney (7-2) at Northwestern (9-0): This time last year the Trojans walked into The Reservation in Gaffney as an underdog -- yet left with a 23-20 victory and the Region III-4A crown. Roles have reversed this year as the teams meet at Rock Hill’s District 3 Stadium, Northwestern branded as one of the nation’s elite teams, ranked No. 11 in the latest RivalsHigh 100 list of the country’s top high school teams nationally.
Meanwhile, the Indians follow not far behind, eagerly waiting for its chance to atone for last season’s loss on senior night.
The question for Gaffney is whether it can not only keep up with the Trojans, but also whether it can keep from turning the ball over in a big game. In contests earlier this season against nationally ranked Dorman and Greenwood, turnovers were the difference for the Indians, losing the games by a total deficit of 12 points.
Even if Gaffney does not turn the ball over, it’s hard to imagine anyone stopping Northwestern’s Justin Worley and the rest of the “Air Raid” offense, which has torched opponents all season. One team has held the Trojans under 35 points this season … that number should remain intact after Friday night. PREDICTION: Northwestern 38, Gaffney 28

Batesburg-Leesville (7-2) at Strom Thurmond (7-2): A conference title is at stake as these Region III-2A foes match-up on the gridiron. The Panthers roll into the game riding a seven game winning streak, aided by the return of quarterback K.J. Johnson three weeks into the season. However, it is the B-L defense which has led the way, using its strong defensive line and pressure packages to force opposing offenses into mistakes.
It will take a workmanlike effort to claim the conference championship against Strom Thurmond, which is averaging 30 points per game in addition to a stout defense of its own.
The Rebels have won five of the last six games in this series, and this year should be no different. PREDICTION: Strom Thurmond 31, Batesburg-Leesville 20

Predictions for other big contests around the Palmetto State:
Camden 21, Marlboro County 18
Beaufort 24, Summerville 17
Lexington 45, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 41
Irmo 35, Blythewood 17
Christ Church 37, Landrum 21

S.C.'s Top Performers (Week 7) — Quarterbacks steal show

Photo by Larry Hilliard/ The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney senior quarterback DeEdward Burris was virtually unstoppable in his team's contest against Clover, scoring five times in dropping the Eagles from the ranks of the unbeaten in the Indians' 41-27 win.

Mitch Campbell, Myrtle Beach: Stepping in for injured Seahawks' starting quarterback Everett Golson, the senior again made the most of his playing time in Myrtle Beach's 62-7 win over Socastee. Campbell was nearly perfect in the game, going 10-for-12 for 246 yards and five touchdowns for the Seahawks.
Daiquone Ford, Myrtle Beach: Not to be outdone, Ford also had a game to remember vs. Socastee, rushing for 163 years on four carries, including a 99-yard touchdown run in the 62-7 romp. He nearly reached the century mark for reception yards in the contest, catching three passes for 96 yards and a touchdown grab.
Robert Joseph, Northwestern: Joseph continues to be Trojans' quarterback Justin Worley's top target in the team's "Air Raid" offense, last week catching six balls for 122 yards in Northwestern's 35-12 win over region for Spartanburg. The scoring receptions were from 22, 86 and 20 yards.
Justin Worley, Northwestern: You can only describe the Tennessee commitment in one word: special. Worley, though not showing his typical pinpoint accuracy, went 19 for 34 for 321 yards in the Trojans' 35-12 win over Spartanburg last week.
In addition, the Northwestern senior signal caller set a new state record against the Vikings, eclipsing Byrnes standout quarterback Willy Korn's mark (123) by throwing his 124th touchdown pass in the contest.
Shamier Jeffery, Calhoun County: The beginning of a good weekend for Calhoun County kids with the last name of "Jeffery," Saints' quarterback Shamier Jeffery made his mark last Friday night in passing for 338 yards on 21 of 27 passing in the teams' 50-0 drubbing of Fox Creek. He also passed for five touchdowns in the game.
Cyril Davis, Orangeburg-Wilkinson: The Bruins' offense remained hot under the direction of Davis, who was 15 of 28 for 361 yards and four touchdowns in O-W's 36-21 victory over South Aiken.
DeEdward Burris, Gaffney: The dual threat under center for the Indians wreaked havoc all night on the Clover defense, scoring three times with his legs and twice with his arm to give the Eagles their first loss of the season, 41-27. Burris ran for 129 yards in the game, while throwing for 248 more.

Week 5 — Irmo's Scott, Summerville's Henderson continue to stuff stat book

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Gaffney's Khris Brown (middle) is mobbed by teammates after hauling in an interception to seal a 33-31 win for the Indians.

Justin Suber, Dutch Fork: The senior quarterback came up big for the Silver Foxes last Friday night, posting 435 yards of total offense as the team defeated cross-county rival Lexington, 49-43. Suber threw for 219 yards while gaining 216 more on the ground.

Dawan Scott, Irmo: It seems every week the senior running back is asked to carry the Yellow Jackets offense -- and every week he delivers. Last Friday was no different as Scott ran for 303 yards and five touchdowns in Irmo’s win over Aiken.
The victory was the fifth straight for the Yellow Jackets, the 10th ranked team in Class 4A according to state prep writers.

Justin Worley, Northwestern: The Tennessee commit continues to light up opposing defenses, the latest victim being cross-county rival Nation Ford. Worley torched the Falcons last Friday, completing 27 of 35 attempts for 332 yards and four scores to lead his Trojans to a 45-35 win.

Khris Brown, Gaffney: The Indians, looking to take a little pressure off of talented receiver Quinshad Davis, got just that Friday night as the senior hauled in six receptions for 168 yards and two scores. His final touchdown would wind up deciding the game, capping off a comeback for Gaffney in its 33-31 victory over Greenville.
Brown also hauled in an interception with seconds to go, ending the Red Raiders' final drive.

Brandon Cannon, Landrum: Cannon was a dual threat for Cardinals in their contest against Liberty, accounting for 301 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in the team’s 56-14 win.

De’Angelo Henderson, Summerville: The Green Wave senior seems to get compared to former University of Georgia Garrison Hearst these days. If he keeps accumulating yards in bunches like he did last week in his team’s 41-27 win over Stratford, the comparison undoubtedly will continue.
Henderson ran for 300 yards and four touchdowns against the Knights, pushing his no. 4-ranked Summerville squad its fourth win in five games.

Cyril Davis, Orangeburg-Wilkinson: The Bruins' quarterback completed 21-of-29 passes for 410 yards and five touchdowns to lead his team to a 48-34 win over previously undefeated Richland Northeast. The performance pushed Davis past the 2,000 yards passing for the season.

Week 4- Several players put up HUGE numbers

Photo by Scott Powell/ The Gaffney Ledger

Blacksburg's Chase Hames followed up a 364 yard effort with another performance Wildcats fans will not soon forget.

Week 4 was one for the books as several players around the Palmetto State put up big numbers. Here are just a few of whom stuffed the stat sheet on the gridiron:

Chase Hames, Blacksburg: If the run is working, there’s no need to change what you’re doing.
Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss definitely has done that the past two weeks, his gameplan solely built on the strong running of Hames, who rushed for 437 yards and five touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 41-27 victory over Liberty. He also was the recipient of a touchdown pass.
It was the senior running back’s second consecutive standout performance, running for 364 yards and seven touchdowns the previous week.

Dawan Scott, Irmo: Few schools in South Carolina lean on the run like the Yellow Jackets, and this year is no different.
The latest running back to prosper in head coach Bob Hanna’s system is Dawan Scott, now 20 yards from the 1,000 yard mark following a 295 yard performance in Irmo’s 45-28 victory over Lexington.
Scott scored on runs of 70, 67 and 26 yards in the win, the Yellow Jackets’ 11th straight win the “Battle of the Dam.”

DeEdward Burris, Gaffney: Has Gaffney lost a bit of its swagger?
Burris did his best to silence pundits, going 24 for 37 for 215 yards and three touchdowns in the Indians’ 26-16 win over hated Byrnes. The senior also added 65 yards and a score on the ground in the win, Gaffney first over the Rebels since 2006.

Dayton Ayers, Chapman: The Panthers did not have enough to keep up with Woodruff last Friday, but it wasn’t because of Ayers, who caught seven passes for 224 yards and touchdowns passes of 61 and 59 yards in his team‘s 64-40 loss.

Nick Rodgers, Dorman: Defense led the Cavaliers all the way to a state crown last year. Rodgers’ head coach undoubtedly was proud of his effort vs. T.L. Hanna last Friday, racking up 16 tackles, including one for a loss in Dorman’s 31-14 win.

Randon Sandifer, Bamberg-Ehrhardt: Sandifer needed each of his 387 passing yards and three touchdowns last Friday, which proved to be just enough for the Red Raiders to pull out a 35-33 win over Ridgeland.

Justin Worley, Northwestern: Worley continues to put up big numbers in the Trojans’ “Air Raid” offense, going 29-of-39 for 365 yards in their 36-24 win over Blythewood. The Tennessee commit connected with six different receivers and threw for five touchdowns in the contest.

Byrnes-Gaffney: Two of S.C.'s top programs enter annual rivalry game with something to prove

Photo by Larry B. Littlejohn/ The Gaffney Ledger

A Gaffney defender attempts to run down Byrnes quarterback Willy Korn (right) during the first of two contests between the rival programs in 2006. The Indians won both games en route to claiming a second consecutive state title. However, Byrnes has dominated the rivalry and ran roughshod over state competition since, winning the Class 4A crown in two of the past three years.

If there is one thing for sure, kids in the Upstate know how to play some football.
Particularly in South Carolina’s top classification, Class 4A, in which the likes of Byrnes, Dorman, Gaffney, Greenwood, and Rock Hill each won multiple championships last decade.
In fact, only two teams from outside the region left Columbia or Clemson with a hold of the state’s top prize in that time, Marlboro County in 2001 and Berkeley last season.
No two schools achieved more success during the first decade of the new century like Byrnes and Gaffney, the Upstate rivals combining for nine state titles -- sharing Class 4A supremacy twice during the span.
In 2006, the South Carolina High School League amended new rules changing the former playoff format allowing the state’s largest 16 schools -- the “Big 16” -- into the postseason, regardless of record. The revision finally allowed the schools the opportunity to settle their debate as to who was best on the field with everything on the line.
Gaffney prevailed in both meetings that season, the first in front of a national television audience and the second in the state quarterfinals, ending the Rebels pursuit of setting a new state record with its fifth consecutive championship.
The Indians would earn their 16th state crown, it in itself a S.C. record. However, since trouncing Irmo at Columbia's Williams-Brice Stadium in Dec. 2006, Gaffney has not defeated its rivals from Lyman.
Nor have too many other schools around the Palmetto State in the three years since, as the likes of Marcus Lattimore and Chas Dodd helped Byrnes run roughshod through competition en route to a 42-3 record and two state titles. Meanwhile, the Indians have gone 28-13 over that stretch, making no appearances in the Class 4A championship game and losing three straight games to the Rebels, including a 60-7 spanking last season at Nixon Field.
Without a doubt, Gaffney fans are hungry to end the streak. Already having lost two games this season, albeit to two of the state’s traditional powers Dorman and Greenwood, the Indians can ill afford another defeat.
Byrnes also has a blemish to its record, a 14-0 loss to nationally ranked Hoover (Ala.). Since then, it seems the Rebels have regained some of the swagger which they earned in winning six championships last decade, claiming a last second victory over Class 3A power Myrtle Beach and drubbing Forestview (N.C.) 52-6.
The game will mark the second time Byrnes has traveled to “The New Reservation,” the Indians on-campus facility which replaced venerable W.K. Brumbach Stadium in 2008. Gaffney hopes to call up some of the spirits which enabled it to down the Rebels’ in their final two appearances at “The Old Reservation,” the contest sure to provide a good litmus test as to how things will go in South Carolina’s top classification this season.
They’ll have a chance to decide all of that and more at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Third quarter explosion pushes Northwestern past rival South Pointe

Photo by Joe L. Hughes II

Northwestern quarterback Justin Worley celebrates with receiver Brandon Lewis after the two connected for a touchdown in the third quarter of the team's nationally-televised contest with rival South Pointe. The Trojans would go on to win the game 42-20.

Sometimes it takes a little adversity to reveal the true character of a team.

It didn't take long for Northwestern head coach Jimmy Wallace to get his answer — and he could not be more pleased.

Down 20-7 midway through the third quarter to crosstown rival South Pointe, the Trojans exploded for touchdowns on their next five possessions en route to a 42-20 victory to open the season at Rock Hill's District Three Stadium.

For much of the first half, Northwestern's fans — and more notably its "Air Raid" offense — was silent, helpless as the Stallions defense dominated play. South Pointe forced three turnovers on the afternoon, each of which was converted to points for the team.

Top prospect Jadeveon Clowney, who wreaked havoc in the Trojan backfield all day, was responsible for the the final turnover, stripping Northwestern running back LaThomas Long of the ball a few plays into the third quarter. It didn't take the Stallions long to cash in, with Brian Jennings fighting his way into the end zone to give the team a 13-point advantage, seemingly insurmountable at the time.

"At halftime, I didn't think our kids were handling adversity well," Wallace said. "To win games, you must be able to do so ... I'm sure glad our kids responded like they did."

On the Trojans' next possession, a short slant pass by quarterback Justin Worley to wide receiver Brandon Lewis turned into a 47-yard completion, helping move the ball into the red zone and providing the team a spark. A few plays later, Worley used his escapability to shake free of Clowney, giving the Tennessee commit enough time to find Stewart Hunt for the score.

Now within six points, it would take only three plays for Northwestern to again reach pay dirt and reclaim the lead.

Blessed with good field possession after the Stallions' James Jackson could not control the ensuing kickoff, a long completion by Worley drew the ball within five yards of the goal line. From there, Worley found Long on a screen pass around right end for the score, giving the Trojans a 21-20 lead.

Things went from bad to worse for South Pointe, its next possession also ending with a turnover as Northwestern's Nicholas Cousar intercepted a pass from quarterback Tay Hacklin, returning the ball to the Stallions' 24-yard line. The Trojans' Lewis would win a jump ball in the end zone with an opposing defender on the very next play, pushing the squad's lead to eight points, 28-20.

Northwestern's star quarterback would continue his third quarter mastery of the South Pointe (1-1) defense the next drive, as following another fumble he completed a 51-yard pass to Long before finding his favorite target Robert Joseph in the end zone for a short touchdown pass. The aerial assault would end with a flourish for the Trojans as Worley from the Trojans' 43-yard line hit Lewis in stride, the receiver outrunning a Stallions defender up the sideline for a touchdown, the final salvo in a 42-20 victory.

"We really had a good scheme," said Lewis, who caught six balls for 172 yards and two touchdowns on the day. "I think we gelled well because we had confidence in this team, and the momentum we could create at any time. We believed we could had more will to win this than they did, we just had to bring it out on the field. I think we did just that."

Worley completed 24 of his 33 attempts in the game, passing for 310 yards. He also had five touchdowns and two interceptions on the day.

Each team's defensive front dominated play in the first half, making running the ball difficult for both teams. During the first 24 minutes, however, the Stallions' secondary forced the Northwestern (1-0) aerial attack to be more patient than it wanted to be, holding it scoreless in the first half with the squad's only score coming by way of a fumble return for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

However, like a ticking time bomb, it was only a matter of when — not if— the Trojans' offense would explode ... and boy did it do just that.

"It looked like it would be a defensive game for a while," Wallace said. "But I have to give credit to our offensive coordinators, they did a great job. This was a good win; we're going to celebrate but we know it's on to the next one; we'll have to be ready."