Region play is here. (Insert cliche about teams being 0-0, etc). Some teams have big and important tests, some no so much. However, tonight all the games count towards the playoffs.
Spartanburg at Byrnes-Game of the Week
Spartanburg has won the last two games between these two programs. In 2021 a walk-off field goal at Nixon field, and last year Spartanburg pulled away in the second half after a close game early. However, both of these teams are different then they have been in the last two years. One thing does remain the same, both teams have a ton of speed.
Both teams have elite defenses with tons and tons of speed. Both teams have had some games were the offenses have had some issues. The offenses for both teams have found a groove the last couple of weeks albeit against some inferior opponents. Will either offense be able to get in a groove tonight and put some points on the board?
To me this game feels like a game that could come down to who makes maybe one less mistake. Like maybe it comes down to a play on special teams. Special teams has definitely been an adventure at times for the Vikings this year. When the defenses are this good on both sides you have to take care of the football and take advantage of other teams mistakes.
Boiling Springs at Dorman
Teams that seem to be heading in opposite directions as programs. Dorman has struggled this season while the Bulldogs have continued to trend upward.
Obviously this game has huge region implications. Most folks believe Gaffney, Spartanburg, and Byrnes will be top three teams in this region, meaning the 4th and final playoff spot will come done to Boiling Springs and Dorman.
The Dorman offense has really struggled all season long. They have zero consistency on that side of the ball. Last week in the first half it looked like Dorman may have found something offensively and moved the ball fairly well. Then the second half the offense completely disappeared. That cannot happen tonight. This Boiling Springs offense has some weapons and can score. If Dorman can’t put points on the board they will lose this game tonight and potentially finish last in this region.
Finishing last in the region doesn’t necessarily mean no playoffs because of the at-large bid. But make no mistake both of these teams don’t want to have to rely on that and want to win this game tonight.
I think the Boiling Springs offense will move the ball and score. I don’t think Dorman will.
Pick: Boiling Springs
Other Picks:
Greer starts their region undefeated streak tonight against Laurens. Big.
Chester picks up a region win tonight over Woodruff. The Cyclones are fast and athletic.
Chapman rolls Carolina.
Broome has no issue knocking off Travelers Rest.
Landrum and Chesnee is interesting to me tonight. I think Colton Link is the difference and the Cardinals win but they won’t put up 70+ tonight.
Clinton is pretty banged up, but not bad enough to lose a third game in a row and they will beat Union County tonight.
Region play is always exciting. The race for the playoffs starts now!