Class 3A Lower State Third Round Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 3A lower state playoffs have four schools that have found a lot of recent success on the football field. Dillon has played in eight state title games since 20212 with five state championships during that time. Camden has played for the past two Class 3A state championships, coming up short against Daniel. Beaufort lost to South Pointe in the Class 4A finals last year. Gilbert has made deep playoff runs under Chad Leaphart the last several years. We take a look at this year's state quarterfinal matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dillon (12-0) at Camden (9-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a rematch from the second round last year in which Camden knocked off previously undefeated Dillon 13-7. You can expect a lot of the same this year. Dillon again comes in undefeated after a 35-21 win over Brookland-Cayce last week. The Wildcats are averaging almost 44 points a game and allowing 17 points per game. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346196' first='Jamarion' last='Fling']</strong> had three rushing scores last week with <strong>Ty Martin </strong>and <strong>Chris McCollum</strong> each adding one. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1056203' first='Sirmod' last='McCallum']</strong>, <strong>Xzavion Davis</strong> and <strong>Anthony Grant</strong> will be the catalyst on defense. Camden on the other hand comes in with a 7-game winning streak. The Bulldogs average 37.2 points per game and allow 15 points per game. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139311' first='Grayson' last='White']</strong> was injured early last week but returned to lead Camden to a come-from-behind 29-26 win over Lower Richland. RB <strong>Avaree Hickman</strong>, WRs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139303' first='Cortez' last='Lane']</strong> and <strong>Jah Mayrant</strong> around him. DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='91155' first='David' last='Copley']</strong>, LB <strong>Zack Earle</strong> and DT <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='89338' first='Xzavier' last='McLeod']</strong> allowed big plays last week but will need to be better against the run this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>&nbsp;Edge: Dillon</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gilbert (10-2) at Beaufort (11-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you discuss Gilbert football, it must start with the running back duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='262635' first='Alias' last='Graham-Woodberry']</strong> (pictured) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267430' first='Jaden' last='Allen-Hendrix']</strong>. They've combined for 3,144 yards rushing this season along with 46 touchdowns on the ground. Gilbert is nearing 4,000 yards rushing a team. That has helped the Indians outscore their opponents 43.6-17.3 on average. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='262616' first='Chance' last='Jennings']</strong> gives them another weapon. The senior has rushed for 352 yards, has 257 yards receiving and 218 yards passing despite missing time earlier in the year. <strong>Drake Braddock</strong> has grown at the QB position and could be a key against Beaufort. Defensively, Gilbert will need big games from <strong>Landon Browning</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='262639' first='Jordan' last='Smith'], Jake Torbett</strong>, and <strong>Brendan Boatwright. </strong>Beaufort overcame an 18-point second half deficit to rally for a 45-42 win over Crestwood last week. RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336146' first='Kacy' last='Fields']</strong> scored three second half rushing touchdowns to go along with a first half kickoff return for a score. He finished 151 yards rushing. QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254143' first='Samari' last='Bonds'] </strong>added 88 yards and a TD, but he limped off late in the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336140' first='Colton' last='Phares']</strong> stepped in at QB and had a TD along with four tackles, two pass breakups and an interception on defense. <strong>Jack Sumner</strong> will need another nig game to slow down the Gilbert ground attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Beaufort</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->