Man have these last two weeks without high school football really sucked. I am so glad things are starting to get back to normal around here and we get to see some football tonight. This has been a really long couple of weeks.
Growing up in Union and going to Union High School I never really has a grasp of how big the rivalry was between Spartanburg and Dorman. I knew they were rivals and knew there had been some big games between those teams. I witnessed from afar both teams have state title runs and have great teams for many years. Not until I came to work here at the station in 2016 did I learn all the history of this rivalry and how it wasn’t really much of a rivalry until Coach Dave Gutshall came along and made Dorman a relevant program. Until that point it was dominated by the Vikings, and dominated may not be a strong enough word. But since that time this game has blossomed into a clash of titans. There have been big regular season, playoff, and even a state title matchup between these two giants. It now ranks near the top if not at the top of the list of rivalries in this state. I cannot wait to see what tonight’s edition of the City Rivalry has in store.
Another great rivalry in our area is Byrnes and Gaffney. These two teams will renew their heated rivalry tonight at the Reservation. The Indians come in riding high and undefeated, but will be missing their quarterback for the first half due to suspension. Byrnes season got off to a really rough start including a loss to Greer for the first time since 2000, but the Rebels have rebounded nicely and have won the last two games, region contests against Wade Hampton and Dorman.
Byrnes defense is good but their offense still seems to be lagging behind. That will be a problem against a very good Gaffney defense. Will the Rebels be able to take advantage of Gilmore missing the first half of the game and keep Gaffney off the scoreboard while they try and find some offense?
Pick: Gaffney
Broome’s Royal Stadium sustained some damage during the hurricane a couple of weeks ago and they have been forced to move tonight’s home game against Union County to Spartanburg’s Viking Stadium. Both of these teams have seen some struggles in 2024 but those struggles seem to be a lot bigger on the Yellow Jackets side. Lack of offensive production and a defense that has given up some points is not a recipe that sees teams win many games. The Jackets are young and improving under first year head coach Quinnon Isom, but it doesn’t seem like it is quite there yet. For the Jackets to be able to win tonight, they will have to create some turnovers and run the ball effectively. Broome needs to take shots and challenge the Jackets secondary.
Pick: Broome
Boiling Springs will take care of business against Wade Hampton.
I think MVP won’t have much trouble with the Chapman Panthers.
I will take Clinton over Chesnee, and Landrum over Blacksburg.
And last but not least I think Greer continues their hot streak with a win over Blue Ridge.
As we enjoy these games tonight let’s take a few moments to remember those who have been affected by the recent hurricanes much worse than we have. Some people lost loved ones, their homes, their businesses, and so much more. Let’s continue to remember all these people in our prayers as the days and weeks roll along. If you are in a position to donate items, or money, or assistance to those in need please do so. God Bless and have a great time at the games everybody!
