By Cole Bryson
Each week I will preview and predict what will happen in 4A and 5A in our coverage area. With Week 0 upon us, it is time to look at the matchups for this Friday night.
We will start with the only 4A team that we cover and that would be the Greer Yellow Jackets. I had the chance to interview several Greer players this past Saturday as well as Will Young, Head Coach of the Yellow Jackets. Greer starts the season off with the Byrnes Rebels. Will Young vs Reggie Shaw should be more of an entertaining game this year. Greer returns several seniors in key positions, including on the defensive side of the ball. Greer will have to pride itself this Friday in stopping the run game led by Junior Tailback Rahjai Harris. With Byrnes breaking in a new QB, I expect Reggie Shaw to rely on the run game for the majority of the workload. Greer will have to first stop the run, and then worry about the outside threats that Byrnes presents. I expect a much closer game this year, but Byrnes prevailing by 14 points.
In 5A, we will start with the Vikings of Spartanburg High School. I’ve seen Nation Ford several times over the past few years. The Falcons always have solid players, but just don’t have the team that can consistently compete with the best region in the state. Spartanburg should also rely heavy on the run game and will be able to spread the field in a way that Nation Ford will not be able to defend. Spartanburg’s speed will be the death nail for the Falcons. I am very curious to see the QB situation for Spartanburg as Sophomore Seth Smith has received a bulk of the preseason snaps, but I think the Vikings have enough all around talent to take care of the Falcons.
Dorman will open the season at home vs Wade Hampton. The Cavaliers have had several preseason games this summer to get comfortable with each other. Wade Hampton has always had decent size and a good running back, but Dorman’s size, speed, and coaching will be a big problem for the Generals. Thomas Morgan & Zack Hillstock will be fed good portions and I like the size matchup for the Dorman Senior WRs Jacoby Pinckney & Kamal Desor. Dorman rolls Wade Hampton, 21 point margin.
Week 0 is here, and we are ready to roll! Tune in to hear more thoughts from me on the Saturday Sports Report from 7-10am on Fox Sports 1400 and 98.3FM.
