By Tyler Shugart
The first week of region play is behind us. Some teams took big steps toward region crowns and high playoffs seeds, while others took steps in the opposite direction. Some big games this week, especially in region 3 5A, where 2 region losses real puts you behind the 8 ball when it comes to making the playoffs.
Gaffney at Dorman-Game of the Week presented by the Speed Factory
Dorman has gotten hot as of late. Last week’s win over Boiling Springs was a big one for the Cavs who struggled early. Gaffney has struggled too in the first part of the season, but looked better last week in their win over Rock Hill. Dorman’s struggles this year have been on the defensive side of the ball, and with Gaffney being good on the offensive side of the ball, led by a great quarterback, that spells trouble for Dorman. A young secondary against a veteran quarterback with a ton of talent, the best thing for Dorman to do is run the football and keep him off the field.
Pick- Gaffney
Byrnes at Boiling Springs
Both of these teams are 0-1 in region play, and going 0-2 really puts you in a bad spot in this region. Could be especially bad for Boiling Springs who will still have to face the Spartanburg Vikings, who are playing very well. The Byrnes defense was good last week and put their offense in positions to succeed but the offense couldn’t get it done. Boiling Springs struggled offensively as well last week against a Dorman defense that struggled. Byrnes’ defense is better than Boiling Springs in my opinion. If the Byrnes offense can score a couple times, they will win.
Pick-Byrnes
Woodruff at Chapman
Injuries have really piled up for the Wolverines, and the points and yardage have continued to pile up for Chapman. This Chapman senior class has never beaten Woodruff. That will change this week. The Wolverines will not be able to keep up with the Panther’s offense.
Pick-Chapman
Broome at Newbery
The Bulldogs are undefeated on the season, and the Centurions lone loss came at the hands of 5A Byrnes. The Bulldogs are always a well coached and disciplined team coached by Phil Strickland. Broome has done well replacing their injured quarterback and seem to be finding their identity again on offense. This will be a really tough test for Broome. Newberry is a tough place to play and that’s why ill give the nod to the Bulldogs.
Pick-Newberry
Landrum at St Joe’s
Landrum scored 29 points in the second half last week against Chesnee. Coach Farmer and his staff have done a good job bringing this team along this year, and they continue to improve each week. I think this is the week they put it all together and get another win.
Pick-Landrum
Blacksburg at Chesnee
Chesnee struggled last week to close out Landrum despite being up by a nice margin at the half. Blacksburg is 1-5 on the season but have faced some good teams. They are led by senior cornerback Elijah Rodgers, who is committed to play football at Indiana. Rodgers does a lot for this team and will be one player Chesnee will have to account for. Coach Owens and his defense will have to be ready for anything from a Blacksburg offense that will operate out of several different formations. With some players who will possibly be out for Chesnee, including Jake Pearson who will be out this week with an injury to his knee, I think Blacksburg will get it done in a close one.
Pick-Blacksburg
