Region 2-5A
Spartanburg (5-4, 2-1) at Dorman (8-1, 2-1)
It’s the last week of the regular season and what a showdown this should be. Spartanburg enters this game after dominating Boiling Springs last week, while Dorman suffered their first loss of the season to Gaffney. Plenty is still at stake in this game, as the winner will clinch the number 2 seed and secure a home playoff game. The loser will open the postseason on the road at Clover. The Vikings are led by Shrine Bowl quarterback Raheim Jeter, who can beat you with his arm and his legs. Spartanburg has a very balanced offensive attack as they run the ball for around 200 yards a game as well as what Jeter can bring in the passing game. Penalties have been a problem for Spartanburg this year and they will need to clean up that area if they want to go into Roebuck and come away with a win.
Dorman struggled offensively early against the Indians early, and had several three and outs in the first half. The defense was on the field for a ton of plays and appeared worn down by the end of the game. The Cavs made the switch to DJ Porter at quarterback and he was electric with his legs finishing the game with 242 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing. Dorman can’t afford to fall behind big again, and if the run game is working early this should be a great game. I don’t know who will come out on top this Friday but penalties and turnovers will be the difference in a game that is so evenly matched. I can’t wait for Friday night at Cavalier Stadium.
Gaffney (6-2, 3-0) at Byrnes (6-3, 1-2)
Last week Gaffney wrapped up the region title with a 41-29 win over Dorman. Byrnes was on a bye. Although these two teams have locked in their playoff seeding, this is still one of the best rivalries in the upstate. Indians quarterback Grayson Loftis was excellent last week, while freshman running back Jaiden McDowell exploded for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
Gaffney is playing their best football at the right time of the season, while Byrnes should be close to full strength after their bye week. I think this game is close for all four quarters, and if the Rebels can limit their mistakes they have a chance to pull off the upset. I’ll take Gaffney to come away with a close victory, but if Byrnes can find a way to get up a couple scores early, I think they have the talent to hold off Gaffney in the second half.
Region 2-4A
Greer (3-6, 2-1) at Riverside (4-5, 3-0)
After back to back region wins Greer is in position to possibly win a region title this Friday. A win over Riverside would cause a three-way tie between Greer, Laurens and Riverside. So a win could be huge and the Yellow Jackets could possibly host a first round playoff game. Last week Greer was excellent on both sides of the ball as running back Ladanian Martin had 202 yards and 3 touchdowns running. While Bryce Foster was a monster on defense finishing with 16 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss last week.
Riverside can be explosive on offense so Greer will need to limit the big plays. I like Greer in a low scoring game, which would actually benefit the Yellow Jackets if it comes down to a tie-breaker scenario. W
