Class 1A Upper State Playoff Preview
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There are “prohibitive favorites”, and then there’s what’s expected of Southside Christian in this year’s 1A football playoffs. The Sabres have been the wire-to-wire No. 1, are the defending state champs, and could probably be competitive for a deep run…
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Continue ReadingThere are “prohibitive favorites”, and then there’s what’s expected of Southside Christian in this year’s 1A football playoffs. The Sabres have been the wire-to-wire No. 1, are the defending state champs, and could probably be competitive for a deep run in several classes, as evidenced by a couple of hallmark wins on their schedule.
Still, playoff season is the reason we play the games. Here’s a look at the 1A Upper State bracket, and the teams that will attempt to challenge Southside Christian.
No. 6 Williston-Elko (3-7) at No. 1 Southside Christian (8-0)
Williston-Elko has a tough task. Merkel Sanders and Kentrell Brown are standouts at receiver for the Blue Devils, with Bryce Washington Bryce Washington 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Williston-Elko | 2022 State SC providing some punch at RB. The Sabres are as close to complete as it gets. DT Michael Kennedy Michael Kennedy 6'2" | 280 lbs | DL Southside Christian | 2022 State SC , a North All-Star, leads a loaded defense that has allowed 28 points all year, 15 of those in one game against 4A Greer. Offensively, dual-threat QB Ja’Corey Martin Ja’Corey Martin 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Southside Christian | 2023 State SC (pictured) makes it go.
No. 4 Wagener-Salley (4-6) at No. 2 C.A. Johnson (5-3)
The Hornets are a legit threat in the bracket. Isom Harris Isom Harris 5'10" | 215 lbs | QB C.A. Johnson | 2022 State SC is a three-year starter at QB, with Dawan Rice and Cecilius Bailey each filling time in C.A. Johnson’s split-back rushing attack. Wagener-Salley is a little bit down after a couple of deep playoff runs. The War Eagles are big up front and want to keep it on the ground, with Ian Stroman Ian Stroman 5'9" | 150 lbs | RB Wagener-Salley | 2023 State SC and Cameron Davis both putting up good rushing numbers.
No. 1 Calhoun County, Bye
The Saints were to take on Military Magnet, but the 0-9 Eagles have opted out of the postseason. When they’re back in action, Calhoun County will be led by North All-Star Russell Brunson.
No. 4 Ware Shoals (3-7) at No. 3 McBee (2-5)
Ware Shoals will look to playmaker Myles Nelson on both sides of the ball at WR and SS. Justice Lomax gives the Hornets big-play potential from the RB position. McBee is a straight wishbone team, rarely varying from that offensive look. They use multiple backs, with Evan Sullivan and James Goodie leading the way. Gabe Caston, the Panthers’ kicker, could make a difference in a tight game.
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No. 5 Whitmire (2-6) at No. 2 Ridge Spring-Monetta (7-2)
Whitmire is young, and has struggled on both sides of the ball at times. Last week against Dixie, QB Blake Stribble opened up the offense, throwing 28 times. Kayshaun Schumpert, Trey Brewer, and Wyatt Harsha handle most of the duties at RB. The Trojans have one of the best 1A QBs in the state in Remedee Leaphart. Jamarious Lockett Jamarious Lockett 5'10" | 160 lbs | ATH Gray Collegiate | 2024 State SC is a do-everything guy for Ridge Spring – Monetta, playing RB and catching a lot of passes.
No. 4 Great Falls (6-3) at No. 2 Dixie (7-2)
For the Red Devils, the offense begins and ends with QB Xavier Brown and RB Foxx Moore. Both average over 8 yards a carry, both have 10 rushing scores, Brown has 1,891 total yards (in 9 games) and Moore has 1,324. Both are explosive and can break one whenever they touch it and both start on defense. Dixie is a double wing team that milks the clock and plays good defense. LS Landon Mitchell made the North-South team. .
No. 5 Blackville-Hilda (3-5) at No. 1 Lamar (6-3)
Blackville-Hilda was down defensively this season, particularly in comparison with recent years. Omarion Buckmon has been one of the bright spots for the Hawks, with a four-touchdown game at RB in a close loss to Denmark-Olar. Lamar operates offensively out of both the spread and the wishbone, with QB Tyler McManus leading the way. He’s battled injuries, and when Montavis Dolford fills in, the Foxes show more of a wishbone look. Ja’quan Toney is the guy at RB for Lamar, and is outstanding.
No. 3 McCormick (3-4) at No. 3 Denmark-Olar (6-3)
The Chiefs have leaned on junior RB A’Chean Durant A’Chean Durant 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB McCormick | 2023 State SC , with Omarium Key at WR/DB and freshman Markese Stevens at QB. Denmark-Olar has put up a ton of yardage and points this year. Keithan Washington is the Vikings’ QB, with T.J. Williams and Chris Sanders at RB. All three are athletic and make a bunch of big plays, and all three also start on defense.