Week 0 Preview: Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties
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Rivalries everywhere. That’s what’s on tap for Week 0 matchups in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties, as historic, cross-region, and cross-classification rivalries make up the bulk of the seven-game schedule. One matchup that will draw a ton of attention is…
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Continue ReadingRivalries everywhere.
That’s what’s on tap for Week 0 matchups in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties, as historic, cross-region, and cross-classification rivalries make up the bulk of the seven-game schedule.
One matchup that will draw a ton of attention is Gaffney at Spartanburg. The rivalry is one of the state’s fiercest and oldest, and when the teams share a region it’s usually the last game of the regular season. This year, though, it’s first out of the gate as the Indians and Vikings inhabit different 5A regions.
This one isn’t about the history, it’s about the present. Two of the state’s most highly heralded QBs in the 2023 class will square off, in different spots from where they were expected to be. Spartanburg’s Raheim Jeter Raheim Jeter 6'3" | 220 lbs | QB Spartanburg | 2023 State SC has a big body and a big arm to go with it, and settled into the Vikings’ job after transferring from Greer, then taking over for an injured Seth Smith Seth Smith 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Spartanburg | 2021 State SC a year ago. Meanwhile, Grayson Loftis Grayson Loftis 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2023 State SC transferred from Blue Ridge, and has stepped into the starting QB role for the Indians. Both are highly sought-after recruits, both had major college offers before taking a high school snap, and both look to be gems in a deep, talented QB class in 2023. When their high school careers began, they were slated to share a region. Now, they’ll share the Week Zero spotlight.
There’s ranked talent all over the field for both teams, too. Gaffney RB Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2022 State SC will share the backfield with Loftis, with Sawyer Whitman Sawyer Whitman 6'0" | 265 lbs | OL Gaffney | 2022 State SC anchoring the offensive line. Jesus Dowdle Jesus Dowdle 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Gaffney | 2022 State SC will lead Gaffney’s defense from the LB position, while Spartanburg’s Judah McJimpsey Judah McJimpsey 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Spartanburg | 2022 State SC is a playmaker for the Vikings at LB. While there’s not as much at stake as there would be if this was a region matchup there’s still plenty of pride on the line, and the game could be a measuring stick for the season.
Other area matchups include:
Byrnes at Greer – Separated by about seven miles and one classification, there’s plenty of good, old-fashioned hate in this one. When Byrnes had success during last year’s shortened season, it was behind a mammoth offensive line led by Eli Henderson Eli Henderson 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Byrnes | 2022 State SC and Dakota Quinonez Dakota Quinonez 6'1" | 280 lbs | OL Byrnes | 2022 State SC . Look to see plenty more of that this season, but the Rebels will add an improved vertical attack as Gabe Rogers has full summer of 7-on-7 under his belt. Greer’s Hollis Crosby is back at quarterback, and he’ll be surrounded by a lot of new faces on offense. The Yellow Jackets’ strength is on the defensive side, where they return eight starters from their 3-4 attack, including the entire defensive line of Jerrell Robinson, Marquarious Parks-Higgins, and Laybryis Cohen; and all four in the secondary with Israel Rhodes, Peyton Diggins, Alston McGee, and Malakye Pearson all back.
Clover at Dorman – The Cavaliers are expected to contend for a title this year, behind an experience offense with Markee Anderson Markee Anderson 6'5" | 280 lbs | OL Dorman | 2023 State SC up front. Dorman has worked three QBs in the pre-season, and must replace Chance Black Chance Black 6'1" | 190 lbs | RB Dorman | 2021 State SC in the backfield. Defensively, Hudson Lee Hudson Lee 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Dorman | 2022 State SC is a force for the Cavaliers. Brian Lane’s Clover team is capable of scoring points in bunches, and in a hurry.
Broome at Powdersville – This game presents one of the most intriguing matchups of Week Zero. Broome’s Dylan Ramirez Dylan Ramirez 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Broome | 2022 State SC is a do-everything kind of quarterback, capable of staying patient in the pocket but taking off when he needs to. Across the line for the Patriots is Jalen Rambert Jalen Rambert 6'1" | 240 lbs | LB Powdersville | 2023 State SC , the PRZ’s No. 1 recruit in the state in the 2023 class.
Chesnee at Woodruff – The Eagles will look to defend their Region I-2A title despite heavy graduation losses, and will count on new faces including RB Bryson Thompson. For Woodruff, QB Carson Tucker had a breakout season last year, and will be counted on to lead the way after the loss of Shamare Dendy, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in seven games. Jailen Tribble Jailen Tribble 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Woodruff | 2022 State SC is back to lead the defense for the Wolverines.
Seneca at Blacksburg – The Wildcats will be in their second year under Jet Turner’s double-wing offense, an attack that usually takes a giant leap from year one to year two. The Bobcats are looking to rebound from a tough season, and hope to take advantage of the talents of WR Elijah Evett Elijah Evett 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Seneca | 2022 State SC .