We saw some really good football games in week one last week. Byrnes vs Chapman was an epic contest just like we thought it would be. Mack Long stepped up and made some big plays when his team needed them to help lift Byrnes to the win.
I was at Broome Chesnee last week and it was a barn-burner as well with plenty of offense and two really talented quarterbacks, both of whom I really came away impressed with.
I went 5-1 with my picks last week bringing my overall record to 7-3 on the season. Hopefully week 2 will be as kind to me as week 1.
Dutch Fork at Byrnes
The Rebels have been impressive in the first couple of weeks of the season knocking off Greer and Chapman. The Rebels have been able to execute their offense and their defense looks as fast as advertised. Last week was a good test for the Rebels but this week is the big test.
Everybody knows about Dutch Fork and the power they have been in high school football recently. Tom Knotts has turned the Silver Foxes into the premier program in South Carolina. Five consecutive 5A titles and they are on a quest for number six. There is no doubt that the last couple of weeks have been very emotional for Dutch Fork after the loss of one of their players. I think Dutch Fork will be playing inspired football this week.
Pick: Dutch Fork
Boiling Springs vs Chapman
Both teams got their seasons underway last week and both teams were handed their first loss. Boiling Springs fell to Dorman 33-0 while Chapman lost to Byrnes 37-27.
The Bulldogs are a young team and I absolutely expect them to go through some growing pains this year. They will have to be able to find some offense this week to keep up with the Chapman Panthers.
The Panthers had their chances last week to beat Byrnes. The Rebels made some big plays to keep Chapman out of the end zone and get the win. I think Chapman will get back on track this week and put more points on the board.
Pick: Chapman
Spartanburg vs Hillcrest
Raheim Jeter returned to the field for the Vikings last Friday night against Mauldin and is expected to start this week against Hillcrest.
The Rams have a really good running back who they leaned on heavy last week in a win over the Woodruff Wolverines. I think the Vikings will get a heavy dose of him. The Rams defense likes to try to confuse opposing quarterbacks with a lot of pre-snap movement. So reading the defense and paying attention will be key.
Raheim and Drek Carter could be a dominate one-two punch for the Vikings once this offense finds it rhythm.
Union at Laurens
The Yellow Jackets have waited a long time to get back out on the football field. After finishing third last year in the region and missing the playoffs and having a two week COVID layoff to start the season, the Jackets and itching to get back on the gridiron, We have seen a lot of teams struggle after coming off a COVID layoff so we really don’t know what to expect from the Yellow Jackets with this being their first game. We know they have a talented quarterback in JaBryson Hunter who is quite the runner and a talented passer as well. Coach Brian Thompson told me that he expects the offense to be “very balanced,” this season.
Laurens is coming off a week one loss to Clinton in which the turnover bug bit them a little bit. They also lost in week zero to TL Hanna. Laurens has some athletes and should make this game interesting
Pick: Union
Broome at BHP
I got to see the Centurions last week take on Chesnee as I mentioned earlier. I had heard a lot about Dylan Ramirez and how good he was and every bit of it was true he was very impressive. This Broome offense definitely has some talent and are going to put some points up this season. However, their defense is missing something and they are going to give up some points too.
Pick- Broome
Other Picks:
I’ve got Fort D over Dorman. I’m not sure the Cavs have figured out their offensive issues yet.
I think Landrum gets their first win of the season over Crescent.
Fairfield Central over Chesnee in another close one for the Eagles.
Greer get in the win column with a win over the Westside Rams.
Can’t wait to see what this week has in store for us and what surprise my happen. Should be a good week of high school football!
