2A Lower State Finals Preview
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The 2A Lower State championship game will involve one team that most observers felt would be there in the end and another that may be somewhat of a surprise. Oceanside Collegiate enters Friday’s contest in Kershaw as the state’s top-ranked…
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Continue ReadingThe 2A Lower State championship game will involve one team that most observers felt would be there in the end and another that may be somewhat of a surprise.
Oceanside Collegiate enters Friday’s contest in Kershaw as the state’s top-ranked 2A team. The Landsharks have sat atop the rankings since about midseason, having lost only to 4A state title contender South Florence, by a single point.
The home team in this matchup, the Volunteers of Andrew Jackson, have been a top 10 team for most of the season and enter the game on an 11-game winning streak after losing their first two games of the season.
The Volunteers pulled a minor surprise last week, dismantling an undefeated Barnwell team, 41-14. Oceanside Collegiate had very little trouble with Woodland, winning, 59-18.
Oceanside Collegiate (11-1) at Andrew Jackson (11-2)
This game will feature two of the top running backs in 2A in senior Vaughn Blue Vaughn Blue 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC of Oceanside Collegiate and junior Trey Thompson Trey Thompson 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Andrew Jackson | 2024 State SC of Andrew Jackson. Blue returned from injury (six weeks) last week and put up more than 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving. Thompson has been a workhorse for his squad, topping 2,500 yards on the ground. Andrew Jackson averages just under 300 yards rushing per game.
OCA is very good along the offensive and defensive lines. Top prospect Monroe Freeling Monroe Freeling 6'7" | 285 lbs | OL Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC is starting at tackle on both lines when needed. 2023 Timmy Castain is an anchor in the middle and 2024 Ben Britton Ben Britton 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate | 2024 State SC is a two-way performer.
Defensive back Zach Hagedon Zach Hagedon 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Oceanside Collegiate | 2023 State SC and linebacker Jace Kraftchick Jace Kraftchick 6'3" | 205 lbs | WR Oceanside Collegiate | 2023 State SC are two of the leaders behind the dominant line. The Landsharks allow just 11.5 points per game.
Linebackers also lead the defensive prowess for the Volunteers. Senior Fuller Sims and junior Kaden Hornsby each have more than 120 tackles this season. Senior linebacker Devontae Bracey has more than 15 sacks. Andrew Jackson’s defense limited a powerful Barnwell offense to less than 200 total yards.
Edge: Oceanside Collegiate