We’re almost to the midway point of the regular season. Here is what’s coming up this Friday night.
Greer (1-3) at Boiling Springs (2-2)
Greer fell to Byrnes 49-13, while the Bulldogs lost to Hillcrest 21-6 last Friday.
Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses last week. Greer struggled to get anything going against Byrnes on offense last week, despite the return of running back LaDanian Martin. They fell behind early and couldn’t get it close in the second half. It won’t be much better this week, as they face a Bulldogs defense that held an explosive Hillcrest team to just 21 points.
Boiling Springs was stifled offensively last week, but I expect a much better output from quarterback Lincoln Huskey and co. this Friday. The Bulldogs should be able to throw the ball effectively against the Jackets, and I like them to come away with a convincing victory to top last season’s win total at the halfway point of the year.
Wren (1-2) at Byrnes (3-1)
The Rebels rolled Greer, while Wren fell to T.L. Hanna last week by a score of 35-23.
Byrnes used a balanced offensive attack last week to jump up big early, and never looked back. Quarterback Andrew Stevens was super-efficient, finishing 16-18 for 241 yards and 2 scores through the air. He spread the ball around to the playmakers, and they did the rest in the big win over Greer. The Rebels offense has found their rhythm while the defense remains one of the best in the state.
The Rebels should keep rolling this week with a big win over Wren. As long as they continue to take care of the football, the points will continue to pile up in non-region play.
Clover (1-2) at Dorman (1-2)
The Cavaliers are coming off of a bye week, while Clover knocked off York 21-14.
This should be a defensive struggle. Clover is averaging 13 points per game on the year, and the Cavs scored just 7 in a loss to Greenwood two weeks ago. Dorman will be going with Riley Scruggs at quarterback this week, and I expect them to throw the ball more than the first three games. They have struggled running the football this season, and with playmakers K.D. Hainesworth, Arcega-Whiteside and Smoke Fernandez on the outside, I expect them to find ways to get them more touches.
I think the Cavaliers get back into the win column this Friday, and while it might not be pretty, I think the offense does enough to come away with 20+ points, which should be enough to hold off the Blue Eagles.
Northwestern (2-1) at Gaffney (3-1)
The Trojans smashed Nation Ford 62-0, while Gaffney knocked off Mallard Creek 24-7 last Friday.
This should be a great game. Gaffney looks like one of the best teams in the state, while Northwestern’s offense has been rolling so far this season. This will be a tough test for the Indians defense, as the Trojans can score in bunches. If Gaffney can limit their mistakes, they should be able to get enough stops to come out with a close win. If turnovers are a problem, Northwestern will take advantage and find a way to steal a win at the Reservation.
Spartanburg (2-2) at Riverside (3-1)
Riverside defeated Christ Church 48-28, while Spartanburg fell to Grayson 21-19.
The Vikings defense was outstanding once again last week, holding a nationally ranked team to just 21 points, 2 of which came on a safety. The offense looked better than it has all year, and I expect them to take another step forward on that side of the ball this week. Riverside has played well this year, but Spartanburg is a huge step up in competition from what they have seen so far.
The Vikings offense will come to life this week and the defense will be dominant once again, in what I expect to be a comfortable win for Coach Hodge and the Vikings.
