Class 5A Upper State Final Preview
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This is the one. When realignment reshuffled the Region IV-5A champion into the Upper State bracket, when Dutch Fork seemed headed for that seed, when Gaffney emerged from the annual dogfight that is Region II-5A, this is the one everybody…
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Continue ReadingThis is the one.
When realignment reshuffled the Region IV-5A champion into the Upper State bracket, when Dutch Fork seemed headed for that seed, when Gaffney emerged from the annual dogfight that is Region II-5A, this is the one everybody circled.
The team that has dominated the state’s biggest class for the last half-decade, visiting the team that knocked them off last season, for a spot in the 5A state championship game.
Dutch Fork (12-1) at Gaffney (9-3)
The Silver Foxes have been their usual steamrolling selves this season, averaging more than 43 points per play. They had a couple of squeakers early on, and fell to national power St. Frances, but they’ve been more than stellar defensively as well, giving up just 12.5 points per game. So, statistically, if the Silver Foxes score twice, you’re done. They’ve been more than able to do that, averaging 8.9 yards per play, and an eye-popping 8.5 yards per carry. It would be easy, and accurate, to attribute most of that to Jarvis Green Jarvis Green 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Dutch Fork | 2023 State SC . The Mr. Football finalist has been spectacular, rushing for 1,849 yards, a 9.8 yards per carry average, and 29 TDs on the ground. But Green’s had plenty of help. QB Aliam Appler Aliam Appler 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB Dutch Fork | 2023 State SC rushes for more than 7 yards per carry and has 10 scores. Maurice McQuire has rushed for close to 400 yards, while Trenton Lodge and Landon Danley Landon Danley 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Dutch Fork | 2023 State SC have each topped 275. Appler has also been solid in the passing game, throwing for more than 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. Isaiah Jones is is big target, while Green and Jacob Hamilton Jacob Hamilton 5'9" | 180 lbs | WR Dutch Fork | 2024 State SC have hauled in some big catches as well. Defensively, Dutch Fork has been superb. J’Von Mack has three interceptions, tied for the team lead with Danley, who’s been all over the field. Chandler Perry Chandler Perry 5'9" | 200 lbs | LB Dutch Fork High | 2023 State SC , John Buetow John Buetow 5'10" | 195 lbs | LB Dutch Fork | 2023 State SC , and Dakota Jordan Dakota Jordan 6'1" | 215 lbs | DL Dutch Fork | 2024 State SC have all played well on the defensive side for the Silver Foxes.
Gaffney’s defense, meanwhile, has been on another planet, particularly in the playoffs. The Indians give up some points, but they create a LOT of chaos along the way. The big names are Nathan Johnson Nathan Johnson 6'6" | 225 lbs | DL Gaffney | 2023 State SC at DE and Brayshawn Littlejohn Brayshawn Littlejohn 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Gaffney | 2023 State SC at LB. They’re both healthy after some nagging injuries, and they dominated last week’s matchup with Byrnes, combining for 19 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble. They’ve controlled the Gaffney front all season, while the Indians have been ball hawks on the back end. Tre Smith has snagged four interceptions, Kaliber Hoey and Jayden Sims have three each, King Dowdle has two, and three more Indians are tied with one each, and the Indians are plus-7 in turnovers. Offensively, Quashon Tate Quashon Tate 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2024 SC has rushed for more than 900 yards, while freshman sensation Jaiden McDowell Jaiden McDowell 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Gaffney | 2026 State SC has 562 and Chas Smith has 267 in just four games. Duke commit Grayson Loftis Grayson Loftis 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Gaffney | 2023 State SC has thrown for 2,650 yards and 21 scores, with four Gaffney receivers at more than 400 yards, including big-play threat Drew Medley. Edward Jefferies does a little of everything.
Gaffney’s got a tremendous home field advantage, but Dutch Fork is battle tested. Green will likely be the best player on the field, but Gaffney might have the next two or three. In a game that’s been as anticipated as this one, it’s hard to define a true edge. But the difference might be giving the nod to the team that’s got the rings – or at least the last one.
Edge: Gaffney