Week 7 4A/5A Preview

Both teams are looking to bounce back from a loss last week, as the Bulldogs fell at home to Dorman 52-14, while the Rebels dropped one on the road to Spartanburg 36-23. Byrnes is the presumed favorite in this one, and as long as they don’t have their worst game of the year, I think they will be able to handle a Boiling Springs team that has struggled to score points all season. I think quarterback Colby Shaw gets back on track with a big game and the Rebels jump out early and never look back in a big win.

Spartanburg got a tough win over Byrnes, while Gaffney is coming off of a bye week. Both teams appear to be hitting their stride at the right time, as the Vikings come in having won three straight while averaging 43 points during their winning streak. Gaffney meanwhile, has won back to back games over two really good teams in Northwestern and Fort Dorchester. This game will go a long way in deciding the region champ, and should be a very entertaining game to watch. For me the key to this game will be how well Gaffney’s offense can move the ball against the Vikings defense. If Gaffney continues to be consistent and balanced on offense, like they have the last two games, this one will go down to the wire. I think this is a one possession game either way, but if I had to choose, I’ll take Spartanburg’s Raheim Jeter to make a big play late and lead the Vikings to a close win.

Dorman continued to use their potent rushing attack in a 52-14 win over Boiling Springs last week. Quarterback Hudson Talley was also very sharp throwing the football in windy conditions, finishing 11-13 for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns, while sitting out the second half in the big win. This Friday should look very similar as Dorman’s big play offense will face a Maverick’s team that comes in allowing 37 points per game. Look for Dorman to jump out to an early lead, and run away with another win this Friday. The Cavaliers should be undefeated heading into their showdown with Byrnes next week.

The Yellow Jackets were unable to hold a lead last week, falling to Laurens 20-17 in their region opener. The winner of this game will have a shot at the region title, or at least the two seed to host in the first round of the playoffs. This region still appears to be wide open, and I think Greer is finally able to turn their fortunes around and win a close one this Friday. Coach Young’s team is normally better in the second half of the season and I think the Yellow Jackets finally put it together this week to grab their first region win.