Region 2-5A
Byrnes (5-1) at Spartanburg (3-3)
Region play gets underway this week and this is a huge matchup in Region II. Byrnes is coming off of their first loss of the year, while the Vikings seem to be hitting their stride as they enter the region schedule. Spartanburg rolled up over 700 yards of total offense last week against Mauldin, but it will be much tougher this Thursday against a talented Rebels defense that is allowing only 14 points per game. This game appears to be evenly matched with both teams having a talented quarterback (Colby Shaw and Raheim Jeter), as well as great team speed. This contest should come down to the wire and it may end up being a big play on special teams that proves to be the difference in this one. Whoever comes out on top will be in great position to host a playoff game.
Dorman (5-0) at Boiling Springs (2-4)
Dorman is coming off of a 39-23 victory over River Bluff, while the Bulldogs fell at Clover 26-0 last Friday. The Cavaliers appear to have the advantage on paper, as they have run for over 270 yards per game while scoring 44 points per contest. The Cavaliers have been inconsistent throwing the ball this year, but when you average 8.7 yards per rush you can get away with being somewhat one-dimensional. The Bulldogs have some injury issues, and I think that will be a problem against a deep Cavaliers team. I look for Dorman to come out and establish the ground game early and wear down the Boiling Springs defensive front. Dorman should come away with a comfortable win and start region play 1-0.
Region 2-4A
Greer (1-5) at Laurens (1-5)
Greer is looking to bounce back after a 38-13 loss to Westside last week, while Laurens fell to T.L. Hanna. This region appears to be wide open and an opening win could set up one of these teams to be in a position to host a postseason game. Greer has lost some close games early this season but they still feel like one of the better teams in this region. Laurens is allowing 36.7 points per game and has had trouble slowing down both running and passing teams so far this year. I think if the Yellow Jackets can limit turnovers they will be able to move the ball against a porous Raiders defense. Greer should control the time of possession and come away with a road win to open region play.
