One week of high school football is behind us and we saw some very interesting things in week zero. The old worn out cliche is that teams grow the most between the first game and the second game. We saw last week that a lot of our area teams really have some growing to do over the next few weeks before we get into region play. I cannot wait to see what the second week or week one has in store for us.
Union at Gaffney-GOTW
Both of these teams started the season with a loss last week, but to me these losses were very different. Gaffney lost a close hard fought game to a good Crest team and Union was dominated by a 2A Newberry squad. Gaffney has a few things to still work out but seem to be further along than last year at this point. Union County appears to be in trouble. They are really one dimensional as expected and the defense is full of holes. This one could get ugly.
Pick-Gaffney
Spartanburg at Dutch Fork-
Last week we really saw some good and bad from the Vikings. The defense looked good especially the linebackers. Vikings also had a special teams touchdown on a blocked punt. I also liked the ability of TJ Johnson to make things happen when plays were breaking down. You can really tell this kid as a special ability to get out of some danger and make things happen with is feet. That’s probably a good thing because he is probably going to have to do that a lot this year, unless this offensive line gets a whole lot better. The line was the weak spot for the Vikings in week zero, although I will say that South Pointe has one of the better defensive lines they will see all year.
Dutch Fork is dealing with some injuries to some crucial players, but they are Dutch Fork they have a lot more. Look for them to try and overwhelm the Vikings offensive line and try to stay in the backfield all night. Their offense can run, and they lost last week which is nearly un-chartered territory for what has become the premiere football program in the state.
Pick-Dutch Fork
Chesnee at Broome-
As I followed along with the score last week I was blown away by both of these teams. Chesnee dominated and rack up some points against 3A Blue Ridge last week with their new look offense. Broome went on the road and defeated the defending upper state champs Powdersville. Both were very impressive wins.
Tonight should be a great matchup between these two teams. Both teams will look to come out early and assert dominance up front and try to get their explosive running games going. I think the advantage will be upfront for Broome with Odell and that offensive line, but I like for this game to be good.
Pick-Broome
Byrnes at Chapman-
Last year when these two teams got together all the talk beforehand was who had the most high powered offense. This year its really a little different. After watching Byrnes last week against Hough it verified what we all thought about the Rebels, that defense is fast, and good. While both teams do have the potential to score a lot of points with the weapons they have on that side of the ball I really think the Byrnes defense could be the story here tonight. I really like this Chapman offense and thing they are going to have a really big year, but not a really big night tonight.
Pick-Byrnes
Other Picks:
I like Landrum to start off their season with a win tonight in Coach Brent Bridges’ first game at the helm of the Cardinals.
I like Boiling Springs to surprise some folks tonight and beat Mauldin
I think Hillcrest will get the better of Greer tonight
Dorman will get Coach Morris his first win tonight over North Augusta
And
Woodruff rebounds from their loss last week to Chapman with a win over Fountain Inn.
Let’s hope that this weeks picks goes better than last week. Have fun at the games tonight, try to stay cool and drink plenty of water!
