Class 2A Upper State Finals Preview

Chris Dearing November 22, 2022 @ 07:13 AM

The Class 2A Upper State final between Saluda and Abbeville will feature a couple of teams that want to feature a ball-control offense and play outstanding defense. Each lost twice during the regular season but since that time, they've been lights out on both sides of the ball.   In three playoff games, Saluda has outscored opponents 94-23. Since losing to Silver Bluff on October 14, the Tigers have allowed 30 points in five games, including a 28-0 shutout of Strom Thurmond last week.   Abbeville has yet to be challenged in the postseason. In fact, their closest game since losing to Westside on September 9 was last week when they stream-rolled Fairfield Central 45-14.   Here is our look as the Tigers (11-2) take the post-Thanksgiving trip to Abbeville (11-2) this Friday.   OFFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH   Abbeville doesn't rely on one main person in its rushing attack and that is evident by the fact they have five players with six or more rushing touchdowns. Jha'Louis Hadden leads the way with 12 scores overall and Jamal Marshall is the leading rusher with 894 yards. Altavious Patterson, [player_tooltip player_id='1249809' first='Karson' last='Norman'] and Zay Rayford all are dangerous with the ball in their hands.   The Panthers don't pass it that often, but when they do, it's likely for a big play. In 68 pass attempts this season, Abbeville has scored 17 touchdowns with just one interception. Javario Tinch has 12 catches for 208 yards and five scores with Ty Cade hauling in nine receptions for 224 yards and four scores. Seven different players have a receiving touchdown.   Saluda relies heavily on [player_tooltip player_id='262674' first='Tyleke' last='Mathis'] in several different ways. The senior has 12 rushing touchdowns, nine receiving and three via special teams or defensive scores. He's a threat nearly every time he touches the ball. Mathis has 771 yards rushing and 565 yards receiving. He plays both ways and hardly ever leaves the field.   Brayden Williams and KenMane Brunson have combined to rush for over 1,000 yards between them with 10 touchdowns. Jonah McCary and Drew Arant have split time at QB for most of the postseason. The two have combined for over 1,500 yards passing and 17 scores. [player_tooltip player_id='262551' first='Zion' last='Wright'] and Jamarcus Mobley are the top two targets outside of Mathis.     DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH   Tinch and Cade lead a ball hawking secondary for the Panthers. Tinch has five interceptions and he's returned one for a score. [player_tooltip player_id='1359247' first='Gavin' last='Calhoun'], Antonio Harrison and Jackson Uldrick each have a pick-six on the season. Cade is the leading tackler with 51 stops.   Saluda will lean heavily on Mathis and Brunsonon defense, but they aren't the only ones. Jaquavious Moore, and a pair of sophomore standouts in Kyree Etheredge and JT Lott are very good and stay in position to make plays.   X FACTOR   We didn't mention Rayford much earlier, but he is the player that makes the Abbeville attack run smoothly. He rushed for 373 yards and six scores on 46 carries and completed 28-of-44 for 593 yards and 11 touchdowns. He rarely puts the Panthers in a bad position as he doesn't have a fumble on the season and only one interception. If he continues to play at that level, Abbeville will be tough to beat.   Edge: Abbeville

The Class 2A Upper State final between Saluda and Abbeville will feature a couple of teams that want to feature a ball-control offense and play outstanding defense. Each lost twice during the regular season but since that time, they've been lights out on both sides of the ball.