Region 2-5A
Dorman (8-0, 2-0) at Gaffney (5-2, 2-0)
Dorman is coming off of a thrilling 25-22 win over Byrnes, while Gaffney pulled away late for a 19-7 victory over Boiling Springs last week. Both teams are now 2-0 in region play, and Gaffney can actually wrap up a region title with a win this Friday. Dorman dominated Byrnes on the stat sheet last week, but penalties and mistakes prevented the Cavs from pulling away. They can’t afford those same mistakes this week against the defending 5A state champions. Gaffney has been rolling along since a slow start to the season, but last week they struggled to put points on the board against the Bulldogs. This game should be a heavyweight fight and I expect it to be fairly low scoring despite all the talented offensive players for these teams. I think both teams will come out and look to establish the run early and try and wear down the opposition. It should be close in the end and should be one of the more physical games of the year for both teams. I don’t know who I would pick in this game, but if it comes down to the final possession, I like quarterback Grayson Loftis to be able to make a big play down the stretch for the Indians.
Boiling Springs (2-7, 0-3) at Spartanburg (4-4, 1-1)
The Bulldogs fell to Gaffney last week, while Spartanburg was on a bye. The Vikings still have a shot at a region title, but they will have to take care of business this Friday. Boiling Springs has continued to improve throughout the season, and quarterback Lincoln Huskey appears more and more comfortable with each start. However the Bulldogs defense will have trouble slowing down an electric Vikings offense led by Shrine Bowl quarterback Raheim Jeter. This game could be close for a while, but as long as the Vikings aren’t looking ahead to next week’s showdown with Dorman, they will pull away for the win in the second half.
Wade Hampton (3-5, 0-2) at Greer (2-6, 1-1)
Wade Hampton fell to Laurens last week 45-35. The Yellow Jackets were on a bye. Greer can keep its region title hopes alive with a win this Friday. They have looked much better in recent weeks and they are hoping to build on their first region win two weeks ago, a 55-7 win over Eastside. Greer has been much more balanced on offense recently, and I look for that to continue against a Generals team that has struggled defensively. I like Greer to have another big offensive night and make it two straight region victories.
