Here is a look at what is coming up in Week 8 for 4A and 5A teams in our area.
I’ll start with a big matchup in Region II-5A which is Dorman at Byrnes. Dorman fell to undefeated Gaffney last week 42-35, while the Rebels dominated Riverside 70-0.
The Cavaliers led for most of the game against the Indians, before Gaffney came alive late and scored the final 21 points in the second half. The Cavs once again ran the ball effectively, finishing with 290 yards while averaging over seven yards per carry. However, it was a second half fumble and a blocked punt that ended up giving Gaffney an opportunity to come from behind and steal the win. Defensively the Cavs were led by defensive back Armoni Weaver who had two interceptions on the night.
While the Cavaliers were tested by a great Indians team, the Rebels had no such trouble with the Warriors. After the game was moved to Saturday, Coach Reggie Shaw and his team put on quite the show in their first region win of the year. Quarterback Gabe Rogers was unbelievable in the game, finishing 20-24 for 601 yards and 7, yes seven touchdown passes. Wide receiver Kyai Cook made big play after big play, finishing his day with 7 catches for 324 yards and 4 touchdowns. The surprise in this game was how well the Rebels defense played, holding the Warriors to just 135 total yards and zero points, while forcing three turnovers.
This game has huge region title implications and I expect it to be a very entertaining contest, as most of the games between these two teams are. Dorman will try and run the football and control the time of possession in hopes of keeping Rogers and company on the sideline as much as possible. In each of the Cavaliers losses they have struggled with turnovers, something they can’t afford to do with this explosive Rebels team. I think both offenses look good on Friday, and it may come down to the final possession of the game. I can see a path for both these teams to get the victory, but I think Rebels quarterback Gabe Rogers will be the difference maker late. If he has the ball in his hands in a one score game, I like Byrnes’ chances of coming away with a close win. Dorman’s defense was worn down in the second half last week and I could see something similar playing out this Friday night.
Gaffney will look to stay unbeaten on the year as they host Nation Ford this week. The Indians scored late to beat Dorman, while Nation Ford defeated Boiling Springs 56-27.
This is another game that could end up deciding the region champion. Gaffney came alive in the second half against the Cavs last week, with big plays being the spark they needed. Wide receiver Deshun Corry had a 90 yard touchdown in the game, on his way to 124 receiving yards on just three catches. Running back Tyler Smith was effective on the ground once again, finishing with 154 rushing yards in what turned out to be a very balanced offensive attack for the Indians.
Nation Ford put up a ton of points last week against the Bulldogs, but I think it will be much tougher against the big front seven of the Indians. Unlike last week I don’t think Gaffney falls behind in this one, and quarterback Grayson Loftis won’t be asked to do as much with the team not trailing by two touchdowns. Run game and defense will get it done this Friday, and I believe the Indians roll in this one.
Boiling Springs is still looking for their first win of the year as they host Clover. The Bulldogs fell at Nation Ford, while Clover beat Fort Mill 42-7.
This is going to be another tough week for the Bulldogs. Despite scoring 27 points last week, they still have plenty of issues on the offensive side. It will probably only take one region win to get into the playoffs, but I don’t think it will come this week. Clover will win this one by double digits and the Bulldogs will head into Week 9 still searching for a win.
In 4A, Greer is on the road at Greenwood. Greer beat BHP 24-14, while Greenwood dominated Eastside 46-8.
The Yellow Jackets get back to region play after a tough win over a good team last week. The winner of this game will put themselves in great position to host a first round playoff game. While Greer has been playing much better in the last month, I don’t know if it will be enough to beat a very talented Greenwood team. If Greer can win the turnover battle and bust off a couple of big scoring plays, they will have a chance. I just don’t think it will happen. Greenwood will put up over 30 points and come away with a win over the Yellow Jackets.
