The schedule for week eight of the season is not as full as usual with a lot of teams on their bye week. However, there are some big games on the schedule that could determine region champions and that will help determine some playoff seedings.
Gaffney at Boiling Springs- GOTW presented by Ben Mason Nationwide
Gaffney is good. They have struggled some in the early part of the season but they definitely have it together now. The return of Shuga Jefferies appeared to be a shot in the arm for the Indian offense last week and helped lift them to a big victory over the Spartanburg Vikings.
The return of the offense coupled with the already stellar defense makes Gaffney a threat to win it all.
Boiling Springs is young and Coach Matt Reel and his squad are fighting hard and getting better and better each week. This week will be a real tough challenge for those guys.
Pick: Gaffney
Byrnes at Dorman-
Dorman struggled with Mauldin last week. Without DJ Porter the Cavalier offense struggled to produce. Porter is an outstanding athlete who I’m sure will play this week even though he may not be 100%.
The problem with Dorman is they have been one dimensional. The inability to throw the football hasn’t been that big of an issue for Dorman so far but they haven’t faced a defense with the speed and ability of the Byrnes Rebels. Being one dimensional against the Rebels is going to be a tough thing to do. Dorman wants to lean heavy on those big offense lineman and their great running game.
Can the Rebels take that away?
Pick: Byrnes
Landrum at Abbeville-
Landrum has started off the region part of the season as good as can be expected. Sitting at 2-0 and tied for first place in the region Coach Jason Farmer and his team are playing great football right now and have two-headed monster at running back that can break a touchdown on any given play.
Abbeville is the cream of the crop. Year after year the Panthers are the favorites to win not only their region but the 2A title. Like Landrum, the run an offense that is a little different from what most of us are use to watching. But they have perfected it. They are one of those places where the community and everyone had bought in to what they are doing and they have been one of the most successful programs in the state as of late. Goes to show you if coaches are allowed to coach and build offenses to their personnel what can be accomplished.
I think this could be a great game. I think though the experience and tradition give the edge to the Panthers tonight.
Pick: Abbeville
Other Picks:
Clinton will beat Woodruff.
Chapman over Travelers Rest
I think Chesnee gets their first win of the season tonight over Blacksburg
The weeks are winding down and every game is big from here on out. Can’t wait till next week when we have more big high school football games to talk about.