CSRA’S Best Bets For Big Games In Week 2
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We’ve already seen that some guys may just produce no matter who they’re playing. The CSRA docket this week also lends itself to even more players who might just be in position to take advantage of certain match-ups. In some…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve already seen that some guys may just produce no matter who they’re playing.
The CSRA docket this week also lends itself to even more players who might just be in position to take advantage of certain match-ups. In some cases, it’s both of the above scenarios.
The Week 2 schedule is going to be much like the opening weeks of the season, and these players are contenders to again put up huge numbers.
Terrence Smith Terrence Smith 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB South Aiken | 2024 State SC , South Aiken (vs. Gilbert)
The Indians could hold Smith to half of his totals from last week, and onlookers from around the state would still be impressed. That’s because against Lexington, the Thoroughbreds quarterback ran for 416 yards and six touchdowns. Between the combination of designed runs and scrambles, Smith is proving himself to be one of the most elusive ball carriers in the state so far in 2022. His nine rushing touchdowns equalled his tally from his sophomore year. Gilbert can pump out some points, so this one might be another barn burner.
Antrone Butler Antrone Butler 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Midland Valley | 2024 State SC , Midland Valley (vs. Silver Bluff)
Even though this week’s opponent is 0-2, arguably the most dangerous player in all of Class 2A is going to be lining up on the other side of the ball. Bulldogs DE Jordan Boyd Jordan Boyd 6'3" | 215 lbs | DL Silver Bluff | 2024 State SC proved last week how quickly he can alter the direction of a season, as he knocked Socastee’s quarterback out for the year. Midland Valley is going to likely counter by getting the ball out of the hands of TJ McElmurray Jr TJ McElmurray Jr 6'4" | 195 lbs | QB Midland Valley | 2023 State SC quickly. And that means a lot of touches for Butler, the biggest slash on this roster. He could easily see 15 carries/receptions in this game.
DJ Curry, North Augusta (vs. Lakeside, Ga.)
During the opening games of 2022, the 5-foot-11, 225-pound tailback has proved himself just as valuable as he was a year ago. The Yellow Jackets are 0-2, but they’ve had a couple of respectable showings against solid competition (Evans, Ga., and Dorman). This week, it’s another foe from across the state line in Lakeside. Curry has averaged 161 yards per game and 7.7 yards per carry. No reason for North Augusta to quit now.
Clay Pender Clay Pender 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Barnwell | 2023 SC , Barnwell (vs. Bamberg-Ehrhardt)
As if everyone wasn’t focused on Barnwell tailback Tyler Smith enough, he started off the year by rushing for 407 yards and eight touchdowns in the team’s first two games. And if there’s any reason to believe Bamberg-Ehrhardt is going to be a title contender again this year, it’s because of its defense’s ability to shut down stars. Whether or not that is the case, the Warhorses will surely look to Pender more. He could to get one-on-one coverages if B-E elects to jam the box, and he can run slant on opposing defenses with the best of them.
Tyleke Mathis Tyleke Mathis 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Saluda | 2023 State SC , Saluda (vs. Ninety Six)
It took Mathis all of two games to find a way to score in three different ways. Against Mid-Carolina and Ridge Spring-Monetta, he caught, rushed and returned touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder never stops moving his feet until he finds a crease, and then it’s a high probability that he’s gone. Against Ninety Six, he could find space in a hurry, be it from the Wildcat, fielding a punt or on a deep pass play. He’s that dangerous.
OTHERS WHO COULD PUMP OUT SOME STATS
DeAnte Hopkins, LB/RB, Ridge Spring-Monetta
Jevon Edwards Jevon Edwards 5'9" | 195 lbs | RB South Aiken | 2025 State SC , RB, South Aiken
Jaydon Eason, DT, North Augusta