By Alex Smith
It’s hard to believe but we have finally reached the end of the regular season. Here is a look at what is coming up in 3A and 2A this Friday.
This week the Chapman Panthers will look to wrap up a third consecutive region title as they travel to take on the Chesnee Eagles. The Panthers showed no signs of rust after a bye week, as they rolled over Southside by a score of 69-20. Coach Clay Lewis and the Eagles were on a bye last week, and won in their last action 45-14 over Carolina Academy. Chesnee has had some impressive moments in their first year under Coach Lewis, and locked up a playoff birth with the win two weeks ago. While Chesnee has had some great moments, the Panthers have been outstanding week after week, and a victory this Friday would give them a third straight undefeated regular season. I expect Chesnee to come in this game looking to dominate time of possession, and do everything in their power to keep Mr. Football finalist Mikele Colasurdo and company on the sidelines as much as possible. It is a great plan, but executing it will be difficult. I look for Chapman to score early and often, and pull away early in the third quarter as they will move to 10-0 on the season. Chesnee could be a tough match up for someone in the playoffs, but the Panthers have too much talent, and are too well coached to overlook the Eagles with the playoffs just one week away.
Over in Region III-3A, the Union County Yellow Jackets have already wrapped up the region title and will finish the regular season at home against Emerald. I expect Union to roll in this game against a Viking team that has just one victory on the season. Look for Kesean Glover and Junior Owens to have a big first half, and most likely be rested in the second half as the Jackets prepare for the postseason.
The Woodruff Wolverines will close out the regular season at home against the Clinton Red Devils. While Woodruff should be the second seed in the region even if they lose this game, I don’t see Clinton doing enough to get a victory on the Wolverines’ Senior Night. B.J. Bailey and Shamare Dendy should be able to do more than enough on offense, even with the injuries along the offensive line for Woodruff. As long as Bradley Adams has his team in the right mindset, I don’t see the Red Devils keeping this game close after halftime.
The Landrum Cardinals have lost back to back heartbreaking games that unfortunately have eliminated them from playoff contention. It won’t get any easier as they host an 8-1 Southside Christian team on Senior Night. I expect Jason Farmer’s team to come out and play hard, as the that is the character of this Cardinals team. While I don’t think Landrum will do enough to earn a victory, I don’t think the 18 seniors will be hanging their heads after this game. It’s been a good season for Landrum this year, however the ending will be disappointing as they will miss out on the postseason.
Playoffs are just one week away and I can’t wait to get to some win or go home situations in 3A.
