Class 2A Upper State First Round Preview
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The Class 2A upper state playoff bracket is the home to a few heavyweights – Abbeville, Gray Collegiate, Strom Thurmond and Saluda come to mind first. But the other 12 teams in the bracket hope to have something else to…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 2A upper state playoff bracket is the home to a few heavyweights – Abbeville, Gray Collegiate, Strom Thurmond and Saluda come to mind first. But the other 12 teams in the bracket hope to have something else to say about who will be playing in Columbia in early December. Here is a look at each opening round game.
Columbia (2-8) at Abbeville (8-2)
The Capitals come in on a 4-game losing streak having scored just 20 points and allowing 223 points during that span. DreVon Leonard will need to have a huge game on the defensive front to try and slow Abbeville if Columbia hopes to keep it close. Abbeville Zay Rayford is an elusive runner that has playoff experience. Defensive lineman/linebacker Ty Cade is a North-South selection. Kicker Addison Nickles is also a weapon for the Panthers.
Edge: Abbeville
Batesburg-Leesville (4-6) at Newberry (4-6)
These teams have staged some classic playoffs battles in the past. They played in the regular season with Batesburg-Leesville holding on for a 16-14 win. Shaquil Good and Jamel Howse are a pair of talented WR for Newberry. The Bulldogs also get nice production from RB OD Robinson and QB Bryce Satterwhite. Batesburg-Leesville TE/DE Patrick Swygert is a force on both sides of the ball. Korey Williams will be counted on to pace the Panthers ground attack.
Edge: Batesburg-Leesville
Mid-Carolina (3-7) at Silver Bluff (5-5)
Maleik Williams Maleik Williams 5'8" | 165 lbs | ATH Silver Bluff | 2023 State SC is a force with his arm and legs for Silver Bluff. He has two solid wide receivers in Arthur Walker and Dentray McCorkle. Anthony Wicker paces the Mid-Carolina ground attack. The Rebels use two QBs in AJ Jackson and Daniel Long.
Edge: Silver Bluff
Ninety-Six (5-5) at Fairfield Central (7-3)
Fairfield Central freshman QB Cameron McMillon Cameron McMillon 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB South Pointe | 2026 State SC has been sensational this season with 2,648 yards passing and 29 touchdown passes. He has three top-flight receivers in TyDarion Grier TyDarion Grier 5'9" | 170 lbs | WR Fairfield Central | 2025 State SC , Jai Boyd and Donovan Watkins. Defensively, Watkins and JaShaun Manning have been key factors. If Ninety-Six hopes to keep up, QB Braden Mitchell will have to try and match McMillon.
Edge: Fairfield Central
Chesnee (2-8) at Strom Thurmond (8-2)
The Rebels come into the playoffs on an 8-game winning streak. WR/DB Tre Clark has been good for Strom Thurmond as evidence of his two interceptions in the regular season finale. RB Michael Blocker and Lewis Lee will see the bulk of the carries. Chesnee QB KJ Proctor throws it more than most quarterbacks in a Wing variation offense, but they want to run with Proctor leading the way. Austin Bigford and Kyle Martin will see plenty of carries too.
Edge: Strom Thurmond
Keenan (5-5) at Landrum (6-4)
Keenan had to forfeit one game during the regular season, or the Raiders might have a home game here. Hernandez O’Neal has thrown for 2,132 yards and 21 touchdowns to go along with 867 yards rushing. Antonio Adams, Amarii King, Tyheim McNeil and Rashard Robinson are big-time pass catchers for the Raiders. Colton Link and Braden Mashtare form a solid 1-2 RB combination for Landrum.
Edge: Keenan
Fox Creek (2-8) at Gray Collegiate (7-3)
The defending Class 2A champions have won seven in a row after starting the season off with three straight losses. Riley Staton Riley Staton 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2024 State SC leads a potent passing attack that includes WRs Devin Johnson, Zai Offord Zai Offord 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Gray Collegiate | 2024 State SC (pictured) and Savion Smith. BJ Montgomery leads the rushing attack. Fox Creek will need a huge game from RB Julian Collier if they hope to keep pace.
Edge: Gray Collegiate
Liberty (4-6) at Saluda (8-2)
Saluda lost two in a row after holding the No. 1 spot in the rankings for several weeks. Jonah McCary has been good at QB for the Tigers and freshman RB Brayden Williams is getting better as the season has gone along. Liberty will rely on the run for the most part. RB Seth Terry and QB Peyton Reed will do the bulk of the work.
Edge: Saluda