Class 2A Lower State Playoff Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the Class 2A Lower State playoffs begin, there are four teams that stand out as the most legitimate contenders to reach the Class 2A state championship game in early December.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oceanside Collegiate, Barnwell, Woodland and Marion have been mainstays in the Class AA statewide rankings all season long. Oceanside Collegiate and Barnwell would have to be considered the favorites, but one should not look past Marion and Woodland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are looking for a dark horse candidate, look at the winner of a first-round matchup between Buford and Andrews.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingstree (5-5) at Timberland (2-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timberland was the region runner-up to Oceanside Collegiate and earned their only two wins in region play. The Wolves were competitive in most games but struggled offensively all season. The defense, led by Shrine Bowl linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='91142' first='Omari' last='Jenkins'], will be tested by a good offense from Kingstree. Quarterback<strong> JaShaun Dorsey </strong>has thrown for more than 1,300 yards this season, Two-way performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='123264' first='Amond' last='Myers']</strong> has 77 tackles and 21 tackles for loss as a cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: KIngstree</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop England (2-8) at Barnwell (10-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a tough draw for the Bishops, a team that has struggled mightily on offense all season. Safety <strong>Charlie Ranney</strong> leads a defense that plays with great effort but lacks overall team speed. Barnwell has no lack of speed or size, starting with 2,000-yard rusher <strong>Tyler Smith</strong>, who plays linebacker on defense. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='124455' first='Clay' last='Pender'] is a major threat in the passing game,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Barnwell</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lee Central (3-6) at Oceanside Collegiate (8-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oceanside Collegiate would have to totally meltdown to not win this game. The Landsharks are very sound defensively with linemen [player_tooltip player_id='146357' first='Tim' last='Castain'] and [player_tooltip player_id='139300' first='Ben' last='Britton'], and defensive back <strong>Zack Hagedon</strong> leading the way. Top rusher [player_tooltip player_id='89344' first='Vaughn' last='Blue'] has missed a month with a injury but should be a factor in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Oceanside Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Marion (6-4) at Woodland (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only a close loss at Barnwell has kept Woodland from the ranks of the unbeaten. Quarterback <strong>Sudarian Harrison </strong>(pictured) is having a phenomenal season and is gaining Power 5 offers almost daily. Linebacker <strong>Aaron Pulliam</strong> anchors an improving defense. Lake Marion has been inconsistent this season and will need their best game to have a chance in this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edge: Woodland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ridgeland-Hardeeville (1-9) at Andrew Jackson (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On paper, this game should not be close. Andrew Jackson has put together one of their best seasons in decades. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='317140' first='Trey' last='Thompson'], a junior, has topped 2,000 yards rushing with 27 touchdowns in 10 games. Thompson could be needed only for a half in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Andrew Jackson</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Buford (8-2) at Andrews (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the top matchup in the Lower State and should be a very competitive contest. Buford is led by the passing combination of quarterback <strong>Brody Sanders</strong> and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='208286' first='Jamari' last='Hough'], one of the top passing duos in the state. Andrews prefers to do their damage in a power running game. [player_tooltip player_id='448998' first='Lavon' last='White'] and <strong>Jermaine Smalls</strong> have combined for 1,500 yards rushing. Quarterback <strong>Cam Cumbee, </strong>however, has more than 1,300 yards passing and running and has accounted for 24 touchdowns. <strong>Tonk Dorsey</strong> has 12 receiving touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Andrews</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wade Hampton (6-4) at Central (6-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another matchup that promises to be a competitive battle. Wade Hampton relies on a power run game, led by [player_tooltip player_id='239076' first='Zion' last='Dobson']'s 14 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards. Sophomore quarterback <strong>Chris Terry</strong> has thrown for more than 1,000 yards as well. Central's running game is anchored by sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254093' first='Tray' last='Wilson']</strong> and freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639669' first='Ashten' last='Wilson'],</strong> who have combined for more than 1,300 yards. Junior <strong>Petey Blakeney</strong> is a leader for the Eagles on defense with 11 tackles for loss and six sacks. Central has 18 interceptions as a defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Central</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cheraw (3-7) at Marion (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion won an earlier season meeting with Cheraw, 76-27. The Swamp Foxes are led offensively by an efficient quarterback, <strong>Gabriel Cusack.</strong> Marion is equally effective running and throwing the football. Cheraw running back <strong>Zay Brown</strong> has rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns, but the Braves allow 41 points per game defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Marion</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->