Here is a look at what’s coming up in 4A/5A in our area this week.
I’ll start with the Spartanburg Nutrition Game of the Week which is Byrnes at Chapman. The Rebels enter this week coming off of an impressive 55-14 win over Greer. Quarterback Gabe Rogers led the way for the offense finishing with 239 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air, as Byrnes rolled up over 500 yards of total offense in the game.
The Panthers were off last week and will kick off year two under Coach Harry Cabaniss this Friday. Expectations are high in Inman again, as they have an explosive offense of their own led by returning quarterback Drew Settle.
This game could see plenty of offensive fireworks but I think the Byrnes defense, which held Greer to just 189 total yards, will end up being the difference. I will be at this game and I expect to see a highly competitive game for four quarters.
Another interesting game this week is Boiling Springs at Dorman. The Cavaliers fell in their season opener against Clover 20-7. The Bulldogs were off last week.
Dorman used two quarterbacks last week, with Hudson Talley finishing with 101 yards passing and Chamarrys Bomar ending up with 57 yards rushing. Neither player played particularly well as the Cavs finished with just 195 total yards in the loss. Both quarterbacks will likely play again this Friday against a Bulldogs defense that brings in very little varsity experience.
Like Dorman, Boiling Springs is a bit of a question mark at the quarterback position also. You could see as many as four different QBs in this game, as both teams try to find a number one guy. This game has the makings of a low scoring defensive struggle, but I like the Cavaliers to pull out a close one.
Elsewhere in 5A, Coach Hodge is looking for his first victory of the season as Spartanburg is at Mauldin. The Vikings dropped their season opener to Gaffney 31-12. Mauldin did not play.
The Vikings were without quarterback Rahiem Jeter last week, and he remains questionable this week as well. Whether or not Jeter can go, I expect to see a heavy dose of Drek Carter in this game. The Junior running back was excellent against the Indians, finishing with 149 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
This feels like a very even matchup with the Mavericks and if Spartanburg wants to get in the win column they’ll have to clean up some mistakes from the opener. The Vikings had a total of four kicks blocked in the loss. If they can fix those issues, I like the Vikings to come away with a tough road win.
In 4A this Friday Greer is at Blue Ridge. Greer fell to Byrnes and Blue Ridge lost to Woodmont 57-34.
Coach Will Young and his team will look to bounce back after a tough loss to the Rebels a week ago. They saw some flashes from quarterback Hollis Crosby in the opener, but will look for him to be more consistent moving forward.
Blue Ridge’s defense isn’t as athletic as the Rebels’ and I think the Yellow Jackets will have much more success moving the football on offense. I expect wide receiver Malakhi Saunders to have another big night after catching 6 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown in the opener. This time it will help lead Greer to a win.
