Week 5 is here. Second week of region games fro 4A and 5A and the last tuneup of non region contests for the rest of our local teams. We have obviously learned a lot about our teams since week zero but I believe there is still a lot to learn.
Some teams have taken the approach of scheduling a very difficulty non-region slate that has their teams tried and tested. Other teams have scheduled a much softer schedule to get wins and build confidence. There are benefits and downsides of both types of scheduling and I have seen teams over the years benefit from both and also fail because of both. Only time will tell.
This week we have some good matchups to be excited about and some not so much. Of course with some games already played on Wednesday we have a smaller slate to be played on Friday or whatever day we end up getting them in.
The big one on the schedule this week is Spartanburg at Gaffney. The big story in this game is an unfortunate one. Gaffney’s talented quarterback Jayvon Gilmore will miss the game vs Spartanburg and next weeks contest vs Eastside from a sideline incident last Friday night in Boiling Springs. This obviously changes things for the Indians offensively. When he left the game on Friday against Boiling Springs the Gaffney passing attack went with him. The Indians were able to win the game with great defense and running the football and the talent of Jamarcus Smith. I would expect a heavy dose of him this week in the wildcat along with some Andrew Ruppe running the football especially deep in the rezone and in short yardage situations.
For the Vikings, they finally look to be healthy on the offensive side of the football. Justin Rice looked like himself on Friday against Eastside and Trenton Lynch looks to be a lot closer to 100% and looks explosive again. The offensive line will be tested this week against a good Gaffney front. Can they give Trey Burke enough time to use his big arm to make plays.
This should be an epic contest at the Reservation.
Boiling Springs is coming off an emotional overtime loss to Gaffney last week. The key this week for the Bulldogs is to not let that loss linger. When we are talking about high school kids we know those kind of losses can linger in your mind. If Boiling Springs can shake it off and play a solid game they should roll over the Eastside Eagles this week. Eastside has a couple of good players on defense but were pretty one dimensional last week against Spartanburg. Eagles could run at times but the passing game just wasn’t there. They couldn’t hit wide open receivers.
Pick: Boiling Springs
I like the Greer Yellow Jackets to continue their winning streak and defeat Travelers Rest
Clinton’s offense is too powerful for Union, so the Red Devils roll the Jackets.
Wren has had a tough week with one of their players critically injured in a car wreck. Our thoughts and our prayers for healing for that young man, and comfort for that school and community, will continue. Hopefully he makes a full recovery and is back soon.
Woodruff has been really good in the first half of the season. I think that continues tonight against the Hurricanes.
Finally, on Monday Night I like Landrum to knock off Blue Ridge. This new look Landrum offense is fun and they are putting up some numbers. Let’s see if they can keep it up!
Have fun at the games everybody! Last half of the regular season should be a fun one.
