Class 3A Upper State Third Round Preview
In this article:
Chalk. That’s how the bracket has gone for the most part in the 3A playoffs, and that’s where we stand in the third round. All four region champions and No. 1 seeds have survived to set up a couple of…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingChalk.
That’s how the bracket has gone for the most part in the 3A playoffs, and that’s where we stand in the third round. All four region champions and No. 1 seeds have survived to set up a couple of matchups that could be absolute classics. Two teams with gunslingers for QBs and a host of weapons at their disposal will play in the top half, while two teams who look to overwhelm you with a power rushing attack and who can hit big plays downfield in spots face off at the bottom. Here’s a look at the matchups.
Daniel (12-0) at Powdersville (11-1)
This game is one that most folks who watch 3A have been pointing to all season long. Daniel is the two-time defending champion, rolling along after some graduation losses, but none on the field. Powdersville is the upstart program, perfect in last year’s regular season before a second-round exit, and with just one loss to 5A power Hillcrest this season. The two have been on a collision course.
The Lions are led by QB Blaine Simmons, who has stepped in for Trent Pearman, last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He’s got a ton of weapons at his disposal, notably speedsters Eli Merck Eli Merck 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR DW Daniel | 2023 State SC and Jaylen Brown-Wallace Jaylen Brown-Wallace 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Daniel | 2023 State SC at WR. Misun Kelley Misun Kelley 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB DW Daniel | 2023 State SC does a little bit of everything from the Lions, Bryce Smith Bryce Smith 6'4" | 265 lbs | OL Daniel | 2023 State SC is a force up front, and the defense has been solid with contributions from a bunch of guys.
Powdersville counters with one of the best two-way players in the state in Thomas Williams Thomas Williams 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Powdersville | 2023 State SC . He’s going to play DB at Virginia Tech, and is an athletic defender and run-stopper. But offense is where he’s shined for the Patriots, leading the team in rushing and threatening to score every time he touches it. QB Eli Hudgins Eli Hudgins 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Powdersville | 2024 State SC and WR Drake Sloan are the other big-time playmakers for Powdersville, and a stout defense has helped pave the way for the Region II-3A champions.
This one might be a classic, and it might come down to the moment. Daniel’s been here, and is used to the bright lights. But the Patriots look more than ready for the test.
Edge: Daniel
Chapman (8-4) at Clinton (12-0)
This is a regular-season rematch, which Clinton won handily way back in Week 4. These teams don’t look a whole lot like those did.
First off, Chapman was breaking in a ton of new starters, and getting some more healthy. Coleman Gray Coleman Gray 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Chapman | 2024 State SC has steadily improved at QB, with Devin Roe Devin Roe 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Chapman | 2023 SC and Rashawn Cunningham Rashawn Cunningham 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Chapman | 2024 State SC as his main targets. But the Panthers’ commitment to the run is what’s been startling. It looked as good as it’s looked this year in last week’s playoff win over Seneca: Chapman rushed for more than 450 yards behind Matthai Scott, Alvin Lewis, and Gray – and without sometime starter Keanu Na. Defensively Abraham Fyffe Abraham Fyffe 5'10" | 230 lbs | DL Chapman | 2023 State SC and Reece Lynch are a wrecking crew.
Clinton, meanwhile, only hit a few speedbumps along the way to a Region IV-3A title. However, the Red Devils did lose QB Austin Copeland to a season-ending injury. Bryce Young has filled in admirably, and the Clinton offense hasn’t lost a step. The Red Devils have a bunch of guys who play both ways, and the leaders are the same guys: Mr. Football finalist Bryson James makes it go, but Justin Copeland Justin Copeland 5'10" | 160 lbs | ATH Clinton | 2023 State SC , Jishun Copeland, and Jayden Robinson call all fill up the stat sheet on both sides of the ball.
Chapman head coach Harry Cabaniss said it last week: “When it’s cold, you have to run the ball and stop the run.” Gonna be cold Friday night. These teams can do both. The home team might do it just a little better.
Edge: Clinton