Crazy to think that the Hs football playoffs are already here! It has been another fun and exciting season but now it’s time to see who the last team will be standing in each classification. Let’s take a look at the first-round matchups from the 2A/3A games in our local listening area.
Blue Ridge @ Chapman
The Chapman Panthers haven’t won the past two weeks in their typical fashion where they are blowing out their opponents, they have been involved in high-scoring affairs, but they have been able to come out on top.
This week the Panthers are hosting Blue Ridge in the first round of the playoffs, Blue Ridge is coming into this game with a 2-7 overall record. I simply do not see the Chapman Panthers having any struggles in this game and I see the Panthers winning big and having a big offensive day like they typically do from Drew Settle and DJ Black.
Broome @ Powdersville
The Broom Centurions will be on the road in the first round of the high school playoffs to take on the undefeated Powdersville Patriots this Friday night.
These two teams met for the first game of the season and Powdersville won by a final score of 46-28. This game was close early on and Broome had a lead in the third quarter, but Powdersville would outscore the Centurions 29-6 in the second half.
I believe Broome will give Powdersville a real good fight but, in the end, I think it will be Powdersville pulling out the victory.
Woodruff @ Southside
The Wolverines finished off their regular season falling to the Clinton Red Devils last Friday night. If the Wolverines were able to pick up a win in that game, they would’ve been the two seed in the region and would’ve been hosting a home playoff game. But instead, they will be on the road this Friday night against Southside.
Southside this year had a record of 4-6 overall and were 4-1 inside region play. I don’t view the Southside region being that deep like Woodruff’s region is and because of that, I feel the Wolverines are more battled tested.
I like the Wolverines to win this matchup on the road and to move on to the second round of the high school playoffs.
Crescent @ Chesnee
The Chesnee Eagles did not finish the season off a good note as they fell in a non-region matchup game last week by a final score of 35-14 to Mid-Carolina. They did however finish second in their region and now get to host a home playoff game against Crescent this Friday night.
I look at this game and feel it is a very evenly matched game that could go either way. Crescent is averaging around 28 ppg while giving up 26 ppg. Chesnee is averaging 24 ppg but giving up around 34 ppg.
I think this game will be close but, in the end, but right now I am leaning towards the Eagles to pick up the win at home. They will need a much better defensive effort than what they showed last week though.
Landrum @ Newberry
Landrum has struggled down the stretch this season as they have dropped three straight games as their latest loss came last Friday night to St. Joseph 21-17. Now the Cardinals will be on the road this Friday night for the first round of the playoffs against Newberry
Newberry is 4-5 on the season and 3-2 inside region play. This is another game where both teams are evenly matched but I think the difference is the Landrum defense who I see putting in another great effort and as long as the Cardinals offense doesn’t turn over the ball I see the Cardinals winning this one.
