Week 1 was full of upsets and excitement. Here is what’s coming up in Week 2.
5A
Chapman (2-0) at Boiling Springs (1-1)
Last week, Chapman’s defense was unbelievable as they did the unthinkable, and knocked off Byrnes 17-14. Boiling Springs rolled over Mauldin 55-0 for their first win of the season.
The Panthers allowed 14 first quarter points, and then shutout the Rebels for the final three quarters to pull off a come from behind win. Chapman is one of the best teams in 3A and they will look to make it two in a row this week over a Region 2-5A team. While the Panthers are normally known for their offense, it was their defense that forced some key turnovers late to give the offense opportunities to put points on the board.
Chapman’s defense will need to be that great again if they want to knock off the Bulldogs. The Boiling Springs offense is humming right now, and quarterback Lincoln Huskey was on fire last week, finishing with 333 yards and 5 touchdowns passing. The Bulldogs defense held up their end last week as well, holding the Mavericks to 0 points, and 150 total yards.
This is our Game of the Week and for good reason. This should be a fantastic football game for 4 quarters. Chapman is coming off of a big emotional high, and I’m not sure they can maintain it again. The Bulldogs are athletic, and appear to be a more disciplined team in year 2 under Matt Reel. This should be a back and forth game and may end up needing overtime before it’s decided.
Broome (2-0) at Spartanburg (1-1)
Last Friday, Broome dominated Chesnee for a 49-20 win, while the Vikings went on the road and beat Dutch Fork 17-6.
Wow. That’s all I can say about Spartanburg’s win. Going on the road and holding Dutch Fork to 6 points is unheard of. Coach Hodge’s team bounced back from a close loss in the biggest way possible. Aside from the defense, TJ Johnson hit Justin Rice with a big time touchdown in crunch time, while Will Love punted the Silver Foxes down on their own 1 late in the game to seal the deal. The Vikings got contributions from all three phases and beat a team who many think is the best in the state.
The Centurions bullied their way to a win over Chesnee, led by running back Jaylen McGill, who finished his night with 4 touchdowns and over 200 yards from scrimmage. Broome’s defense was able to handle the Eagles spread attack, but they will face a different type of speed with the Vikings. Broome’s best chance to pull the upset is to control the time of possession and wear down the Vikings defense. Much easier said than done. Spartanburg should win this game by a couple of scores, but I don’t see it being a blowout because of how well Broome is playing. KBB and McGill missed this game a year ago, and they will make a difference, but I don’t think it’ll be enough to get the win.
Greenville (1-1) at Byrnes (1-1)
Greenville fell to TL Hanna 28-17, while Byrnes lost to Chapman 17-14.
Byrnes jumped out to an early lead over Chapman but were unable to hold on. The offense went cold, as dropped passes and turnovers proved to be too much for the Rebels to overcome. I expect Byrnes to be hungry this week as they host a Greenville team that is 1-1, both games coming against 5A teams expected to make the playoffs. Coach Reggie Shaw and his staff will make some adjustments this week, and I expect to see far less mistakes from this Byrnes team.
This Greenville team has D-1 talent at offensive tackle and receiver on offense, and the defense is big up front, while being fast at the back 7 positions. It will be a great test for Byrnes as they look to get back in the win column. I like the Rebels to bounce back in a big way, and knock off one of the best 4A teams in the state. Byrnes is still one of the best teams in the state, and they will put everyone on notice that last week was just a bad game, not a bad team.
Dorman (1-1) at Greenwood (1-1)
Coach Jake Morris got win number 1 last week, 34-13 over North Augusta. Greenwood fell to Sandy Creek (GA) 41-7.
The Cavaliers were much better in their second game under Coach Morris. They ran the ball better and had some explosive plays in the passing game, including a 60 yard touchdown catch by KD Hainesworth, who didn’t play in week zero. The defense was also better, especially in the second half when they forced three turnovers to put the game away.
This Friday, the Cavaliers should be a bigger, stronger team than the Eagles. I look for the Cavs to top 200 yards on the ground and roll to a comfortable win.
South Pointe (2-0) at Gaffney (1-1)
South Pointe defeated Rock Hill 35-13, while Gaffney cruised to a 63-7 win over Union County.
This is going to be an interesting game. Both teams have speed all over the field. Both teams have a terrific defense. Both teams rolled last week after a tough opening game. I don’t know what to think. I can’t clearly find an area where one team has an advantage over the other. This one is going to come down to opportunities. Which team can win the turnover battle and take advantage? Which team can win the field position game? Which team is better on third downs?
If Gaffney wants to win, these are the areas they need to excel. I know it sounds like “coach speak” but they need to run the ball well and limit their mistakes. If they can do that and get just a few explosive plays, I like the Indians chances.
4A
Greer (0-2) at Blue Ridge (0-2)
Greer fell to Hillcrest 41-20, while Blue Ridge lost to Liberty 41-19.
One team will get their first win of the season. Greer has played two very tough opponents to start the year, and I believe they get on the right track this week. They are a little beat up, but I think the Yellow Jackets are more talented in almost every area. Blue Ridge has allowed over 40 points in each of their first two games, and Greer should approach that number as well.
The Jackets get the win, and I don’t think it’s close in the second half.
