Week 0 Preview: Lowcountry & Pee Dee
In this article:
A slew of game cancellations and postponements leaves South Carolina coast limping into the Week 0 slate. Still, a number of solid contests remain, meaning we’re going to get some great looks at how team merge into 2021 after last…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingA slew of game cancellations and postponements leaves South Carolina coast limping into the Week 0 slate.
Still, a number of solid contests remain, meaning we’re going to get some great looks at how team merge into 2021 after last year’s graduations. These are four games we’ll be tracking closely.
THURSDAY
Marion at Carvers Bay – Marion’s run to the Class 2A state championship game last year had as much to do with then-running back Qualiek Crawford as anyone else. Now, with Crawford (and former head coach Randall State) now gone, the Swamp Foxes need to adjust in a hurry. They will likely turn to sophomore quarterback Gabriel Cusack, running back Rodrick McRae and receiver Jamorious Wilson, all of whom saw time as freshmen last year. Cavers Bay’s job will be to control the clock, and the Bears will look to chew up yards and time behind a pair of huge linemen, 6-foot-5, 300-pounder Savion Brown and the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Perry Javon Walker.
FRIDAY
Carolina Forest at West Brunswick (N.C.) – Like we saw in the CNB Kickoff Classic last week, expect to hear Luke Janack Luke Janack 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Carolina Forest | 2022 State SC ’s (pictured above) name called early and often while Carolina Forest is on offense or defense. The Panthers’ success in this game (and many others this year) will depend on the balance of its defensive line. Peyton Bridges, M.J. Charles and Noah Chudyk could be a stabilizing force on a team that lost a ton after last season.
Goose Creek at Oceanside Collegiate – When these two meet at The Citadel on Friday, it’ll be arguably the best crop of talent up and down the coast. Goose Creek is led by offensive lineman Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL Goose Creek | 2022 State SC , tailback Demetri Simmons Demetri Simmons 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Goose Creek | 2022 State SC , receiver Khyon Smith Khyon Smith 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Khyon E Smith | 2022 State SC , all seniors, and junior quarterback Drew Moore Drew Moore 6'3" | 175 lbs | QB Goose Creek | 2023 State SC . Oceanside counters with 6-foot-7 offensive lineman Monroe Freeling Monroe Freeling 6'7" | 285 lbs | OL Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC and fellow line mate Jacob Ashley Jacob Ashley 6'5" | 305 lbs | OL Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2022 State SC – both of whom will be opening holes for running back Vaughn Blue Vaughn Blue 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC – as well as defensive lineman James Deveaux James Deveaux 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2022 State SC and an impressive linebacker in Carson Arnold Carson Arnold 6'4" | 225 lbs | LB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2022 State SC .
SATURDAY
Hilton Head at Wilson – Among a handful of Saturday Week 0 games, these two teams both have their eyes on the playoffs, even if neither of them is considered their respective region’s favorite. Hilton Head will head to Florence fresh off linebacker Jaylen Sneed Jaylen Sneed 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Hilton Head | 2022 State SC ’s commitment to Notre Dame and some significant interest and a few offers for offensive lineman Braylen Kitty Braylen Kitty 6'4" | 240 lbs | TE Hilton Head | 2024 State SC . Wilson’s showing in a scrimmage last week wasn’t so hot, so the Tigers will be looking to get receiver Donnell Williamson Donnell Williamson 5'11" | 170 lbs | ATH Catawba Ridge | 2023 State SC and defensive lineman Chance Cummings Chance Cummings 6'0" | 250 lbs | DL Wilson | 2023 State SC cranked up.