Class 3A Upper State Playoff Preview
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The 3A classification just might be the most competitive in the state. Two of the No. 1 seeds are undefeated, and two of the No. 2 seeds are among the favorites to make deep playoff runs. Daniel, the defending state…
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Continue ReadingThe 3A classification just might be the most competitive in the state. Two of the No. 1 seeds are undefeated, and two of the No. 2 seeds are among the favorites to make deep playoff runs. Daniel, the defending state champion, has been ranked No. 1 all season, most weeks unanimously, but Chapman and Chester both have designs on the Upper State title, Clinton is capable of bending other teams to its will, and upstarts Powdersville and Lower Richland look to translate excellent regular seasons into playoff success.
Here’s a look at the entire 3A Upper State bracket:
No. 4 Blue Ridge (2-7) at No. 1 Chapman (7-2)
The Tigers put together a good performance in the last game of the season to beat Berea and claim the No. 4 spot from Region II-3A. Braeden Enloe has been a bright spot for Blue Ridge, and the Tigers’ running game goes through him. Chapman’s explosive offense has put up records this season: led by a deep and talented line, Derrick Miller broke the single-game rushing record last week. DJ Black DJ Black 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Chapman | 2022 State SC took down the single-game receiving mark earlier this year, and Drew Settle Drew Settle 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Chapman | 2022 State SC has the single season marks for touchdowns and passing yards.
No. 3 Belton-Honea Path (4-6) at No. 2 Chester (6-4)
The Bears struggled early, got hot as region play began, and dropped their final two to fall to third place in Region I-3A. BHP relies on QB AJ Pendleton, who’s turned into one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the area. Chester took second place in Region IV-3A, and have been sparked by the play of Zan Dunham Zan Dunham 6'2" | 215 lbs | ATH Chester | 2022 State SC . Dunham has more than 1,000 yards of total offense from his QB position, while leading the Cyclones on the defensive side of the ball as well.
No. 4 Broome (4-6) at No. 1 Powdersville (10-0)
This game is a first-round rematch, as the teams met back in Week 0, with Powdersville taking a 46-28 win. The Centurions have been explosive on offense this season, piling up 36 points per game. Dylan Ramirez Dylan Ramirez 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Broome | 2022 State SC (pictured) is responsible for a lot of that damage, with nearly 3,700 combined offensive yards. Jamir Dewberry has contributed more than 1,500 all-purpose yards for Broome. Powdersville is enjoying the best season in school history, led in part by RB Thomas Williams Thomas Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Powdersville | 2023 State SC and by standout LB Jalen Rambert Jalen Rambert 6'1" | 240 lbs | LB Powdersville | 2023 State SC , along with North All-Star Angus Fisher.
No. 3 Fairfield Central (5-3) at No. 2 Wren (5-5)
The Griffins have been led by Stephon Gadsden Stephon Gadsden 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Fairfield Central | 2022 State SC , who’s thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and rushed for 500 more, and who’s accounted for 16 total touchdowns. Samaj Young provides some punch as well, with more than 400 yards rushing and four scores. The Hurricanes had a dreadful start, but have bounced back behind freshman QB Gavin Owens and junior Trey Horne Trey Horne 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Rabun Gap | 2024 State GA , who’s played QB, RB, and WR for Wren, accounting for nearly 800 all-purpose yards.
No. 4 Keenan (4-3) and No. 1 Daniel (9-0)
Hernandez O’neal has put up a big season for the Raiders, throwing for more than 1,500 yards and accounting for 19 total touchdowns. Three Keenan receivers have at least 330 yards, and RB Marquece Williams Marquece Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Keenan | 2022 State SC has topped the 1,000-yard mark. However, the Raiders will have some work to do to defeat reigning 3A champion Daniel. The Lions are undefeated at 9-0, and average 46 points and more than 400 yards of offense per contest behind reigning Gatorade Player of the Year Trent Pearman Trent Pearman 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Daniel | 2022 State SC .
No. 3 Woodruff (4-4) at No. 2 Southside (4-6)
The Wolverines suffered a big loss during the middle of the season, losing starting QB Carson Tucker. He’s bounced back, and Damarrian Elmore has stepped up to shoulder the load at RB, making the Wolverines a dangerous 3 seed. Southside reeled off four straight region wins before falling to Powdersville to claim the No. 2 seed. The Tigers have been led offensively by the do-everything Chance Gamble.
No. 4 Seneca (6-4 at No. 1 Lower Richland (7-1)
Seneca is an absolute matchup nightmare as a No. 4 seed. The Bobcats average 43 points per game, and their only losses are to playoff-bound teams in Easley, Daniel, Wren, and BHP. Adrian Lewis and Camsley Campbell lead the way out of the backfield for the Bobcats. Lower Richland, meanwhile ,has just one loss on the year and emerged from a good Region IV-3A as the region champ. QB Robert Adams has thrown for nearly 1,200 yards for the Diamond Hornets, while backs Lamarion Pearson and Jeremy Barney are both near the 700-yard rushing mark, and have combined for 19 touchdowns and a 6.5 yards per carry average.
No. 3 Palmetto (3-6) at No. 2 Clinton (9-1)
The Mustangs bounced back from a tough start to take the No. 3 seed from Region II-3A. Ragen Davenport leads the way for Palmetto, with 1,000 passing yards, while Zach Edwards has rushed for 691 yards and a 6.1 yards per carry average for the Mustangs. Clinton’s only blemish is a one-point defeat at the hands of Chapman. The Devils’ Jykorie Gary Jykorie Gary 5'9" | 155 lbs | RB Clinton | 2022 State SC and Bryson James lead a talented stable of backs in Clinton’s wing-based offense, while QB Davis Wilson is efficient when the Devils pass.