Class 2A Upper State Second Round Preview
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The second round of the Class 2A upper state playoffs feature a traditional postseason matchup, a couple of high-powered QBs doing battle, a strong offense against a powerful defense and maybe the best second round matchup of the week. Newberry…
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Continue ReadingThe second round of the Class 2A upper state playoffs feature a traditional postseason matchup, a couple of high-powered QBs doing battle, a strong offense against a powerful defense and maybe the best second round matchup of the week.
Newberry (5-6) at Abbeville (9-2)
Abbeville scored 70 points despite running just 11 offensive plays in the first round against Columbia. Antonio Harrison returned from injury and made his mark on both sides of the ball. He returned an interception for a touchdown and added a receiving TD as well. Ty Cade and Javario Tinch also had big games. Cade had a receiving TD and added an interception on defense. Tinch blocked a punt for a score. QB Zay Rayford is a threat with both his legs and arm. Newberry has won four of its last six games. OD Robinson has powered the offense with Tyrell Brown leading the defense. Shaquile Good plays both ways and is a threat. Game is scheduled to be played on Thursday night.
Edge: Abbeville
Fairfield Central (8-3) at Silver Bluff (6-5)
Fairfield Central freshman QB Cam McMillon continued his stellar play this season with 272 yards and two touchdowns in the first round win over Ninety-Six. Jai Boyd was his favorite target with three receptions for 98 yards and one score. JaShaun Manning recorded 22 tackles in the win. Donovan Watkins and TyDarion Grier TyDarion Grier 5'9" | 170 lbs | WR Fairfield Central | 2025 State SC will also play a huge factor for Fairfield Central. Maleik Williams Maleik Williams 5'8" | 165 lbs | ATH Silver Bluff | 2023 State SC (pictured) continued his stellar play for Silver Bluff in the first round of the playoffs. Williams has thrown for 1,684 yards and added 708 yards rushing. He threw for 180 yards and rushed for 100 yards last week. DesJuan McCorkle, Carson Browder and Arthur Walker have been his top receiving threats. Ricardo Jones, Malik Mozone Malik Mozone 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB Aiken | 2025 State SC and Jordan Boyd Jordan Boyd 6'3" | 215 lbs | DL Silver Bluff | 2024 State SC lead the defense.
Edge: Fairfield Central
Keenan (6-5) at Strom Thurmond (9-2)
Hernandez O’Neal had a huge night in Keenan’s first round win over Keenan. O’Neal was 21-of-22 passing for 500 yards and seven touchdowns. He also ran for 64 yards and two additional TDs. Antonio Adams, Amarii King, Tyheim McNeil and Rashard Robinson each had big games as well. Strom Thurmond will pose a different challenge as the Rebels are allowing just over 10 points a game. Only once have they allowed more than one touchdown in the last seven games of the season. The Rebels are on a 9-game winning streak. Michael Blocker, Chase Brightharp and Jayden Culbreath each had big games in the first round on defense.
Edge: Strom Thurmond
Saluda (9-2) at Gray Collegiate (8-3)
Maybe the most even match-up in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs. Saluda was ranked No. 1 earlier in the season before suffering back-to-back losses late in the season. Gray Collegiate is the defending Class 2A champions coming in on an 8-game winning streak. Drew Arant threw for 205 yards and five touchdowns for Saluda in the win over Liberty last week. Zion Wright Zion Wright 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR Saluda | 2023 State SC also returned a kickoff for a score. Tyleke Mathis Tyleke Mathis 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Saluda | 2023 State SC and Wright each caught two TD passes and Jamarcus Mobley added another. Gray Collegiate played the first round game without QB Riley Staton Riley Staton 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2024 State SC but he’s expected to be back this week. BJ Montgomery rushed for 90 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Blaine Redmond also rushed for 100 yards. Zai Offord Zai Offord 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Gray Collegiate | 2024 State SC had a 90-yard pick six as well. The game will be played at Irmo High School Friday night at 8 p.m.
Edge: Gray Collegiate