Class 2A Lower State Playoff Preview: Third Round

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offense, offense and more offense should be the prevailing theme in the two games of the third round in the Class 2A Lower State playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All four of the remaining teams in the bracket boasts explosive offenses so the potential for points is high. However, two of the final four teams are fairly solid defensively as well. Will those defenses be able to stand up to the offensive firepower? We shall see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barnwell (12-0) at Andrew Jackson (10-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup features two of the leading rushers in Class AA so expect the run game to be featured early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnwell senior <strong>Tyler Smith</strong> has rushed for 2,795 yards and a whopping 45 touchdowns in 12 games this season. Andrew Jackson junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317140' first='Trey' last='Thompson']</strong> has gained 2,285 yards and has scored 34 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the focus will be on the running game, both teams are better than average when they have to put the ball in the air. Barnwell senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124455' first='Clay' last='Pender']</strong> has eight touchdown receptions among his 30 catches. Andrew Jackson's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448986' first='Banks' last='Helms']</strong> has seven receiving scores. Both offenses average better than 40 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnwell's defense has been the stronger unit overall this season, allowing 12.4 points per game. The Volunteers are allowing 21.1 points per game but do have 19 interceptions as a unit. Andrew Jackson is riding a 10-game winning streak since opening the season with two losses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though on the road, Barnwell is the defending Lower State champion and that experience will mean something in the end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Barnwell</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodland (11-1) at Oceanside Collegiate (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will feature playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodland quarterback <strong>Sudarian Harrison</strong>, who also excels at cornerback, has been lighting up opposing defenses all season. Harrison has passed for more than 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for more than 1,100 yards and 19 scores. The Wolverines also have two backs, <strong>Jalen Ingram</strong> and <strong>Jaiden Gardner</strong>, with more than 600 rushing yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Obviously, Woodland is good up front with 2024 top prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139286' first='Kam' last='Pringle']</strong> leading the way at tackle. Two seniors, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336116' first='James' last='Moseley']</strong> and <strong>Gannon Kepley</strong>, are key two-way performers in the trenches. Woodland averages 43.4 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oceanside Collegiate played the toughest non-region schedule of any team in Class 2A and owns wins over 5A Carolina Forest, 5A Sumter and 2A defending state champion Gray Collegiate. The lone loss this season came to 4A top-ranked and undefeated South Florence by a single point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linemen [player_tooltip player_id='89337' first='Monroe' last='Freeling'] (pictured) and [player_tooltip player_id='146357' first='Tim' last='Castain'] are two of the best in the state at their position. Defensive back <strong>Zage Hagedon</strong> has made huge plays defensively and on special teams all season. Junior quarterback <strong>Ed Reidenbach</strong> has been efficient and consistent, and top 2023 running back [player_tooltip player_id='89344' first='Vaughn' last='Blue'] is returning from an injury just in time for the final stretch run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Landsharks have a clear edge defensively, allowing only 10.9 points per game. As good as Woodland is offensively, Oceanside Collegiate has seen plenty of good offenses this season and has answered the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Oceanside Collegiate</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->