Tyler Shugart
It seems like forever ago since high school football came to an end last season. It was an awful ending at that with all of our local teams getting eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. This year we hope things get back to normal in more ways than one. Hopefully we will have at least one team, hopefully more, representing our area in the state championships.
Week Zero Picks
Spartanburg Nutrition Game of the Week: Gaffney at Spartanburg
Old rivals. Really old rivals. This game is one that didn’t get to happen last year due to covid schedule changes. I really hate it too because we missed out on seeing a really good player in Undre Lindsay in his senior year. The Vikings in year two under Mark Hodge should be an improved football team with junior Raheim Jeter under center. This team showed signs of improvement throughout the season last year and should do so again this year, having a full offseason to learn and grow under Coach Mark Hodge.
Gaffney has a new quarterback, a transfer from Blue Ridge. The Indians are very high on him but he has big shoes to fill. I expect Gaffney to be really fast, aren’t the always? They have high expectations as always at the Reservation, lets see if maybe this year they can live up to them.
I won’t pick this game since I will be on the call Friday night.
Doman vs Clover
This was a massive matchup a couple of years ago late in the playoffs. Clover had a loaded team that year with some big time players and Dorman got the win. Most of those kids were seniors for Clover and the Blue Eagles took a step back last season.
This Dorman team is one of the most intriguing of the last few years. The main reason for that is that heading into the season, Coach Dave Gutshall doesn’t know who his quarterback is. Coach mentioned on the radio this week that they could have three quarterbacks play here in the first week, but is confident he will settle on one eventually, saying that “The cream rises to the top.” (No doubt in my mind the the coach was channeling his inner Macho Man Randy Savage with that quote). Dorman will have to rely heavily on the run and the good news there is they offensive line is huge.
Pick: Dorman
Byrnes at Greer
Dooley Field is one of the toughest places to play in the state. Fans are passionate and they let you hear it from the time you step foot off the bus. Byrnes is no stranger to that. They play at Nixon Field. It will be loud and exciting Friday night when these two rivals get together.
Greer has a returning quarterback in senior Hollis Crosby. They also have a way every single year of finding a great running back and Coach Will Young knows how to grow and cultivate a great offensive line. The departure of Jaleel Skinner to IMG really hurt this team though.
Byrnes will hand the offense over to Gabe Rogers, who last year shard the quarterback duties for the Rebels. Fortunately for Rogers he gets to share the backfield with Mack Long, who will be a consistent player of the week candidate this year. I think Long will make the difference in a lot of games this year including this one.
Pick: Byrnes
Chesnee at Woodruff
These two teams had great season last year. Both made the playoffs and surprised a lot of people. Chesnee has to replace some great players from a year ago and Woodruff looks to find a replacement for Shamar Dendy, who was one of the best running back in the area last year.
Chesnee’s style of offense is always tricky for defenses. However I expect the defense for Woodruff to have a decent season. They have some size up front they are excited about and they have some experience at the second level. The Wolverines have a returning quarterback for the first time in Coach Bradley Adams’ time at the school which should provide the team a leg up in this game.
Pick: Woodruff
Broome at Powdersville
One of the things I have been looking forward to the most this offseason is how will Dylan Ramirez play in his senior year. The Broome quarterback is one of the more exciting players in our area. He makes the plays with both his legs and his arm.
Broome had one of the toughest 2020 seasons being shutdown multiple times for COVID. Then they had to make up a bunch of games in just a short time. Coach Lynn Fleming seems excited about this team and for the first time in his tenure at Broome he says they have some pretty good depth.
Pick: Broome
So pumped that the season is finally here. There are going to be changes and challenges along the way, we just have to take them in stride and as the great Joe Dirt always says we have to just “Keep on keeping on.” Here is to a great 2021 season and hopefully multiple state champions! FOOOOOTTTTBALLLLL!!
