Class AAAAA Lower State: Second Round Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first round of the Class AAAAAA Lower State playoffs did not have many surprises, unless you count Berkeley's win at St. James. The Stags were 2-8 going into the contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second round will have a few more competitive contests with the top four favorites still in contention. The X-factor in round two will be the weather but come hell or high water, the games will be played at some point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cane Bay (8-2) at Sumter (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cane Bay put their running game on display in a big way in a first-round win over Ashley Ridge. The Cobras rushed for more than 370 yards, using six different backs on 77 carries. You can bet that has the attention of a good Sumter defense. If Sumter can't slow down the running game, they will be in trouble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sumter relies on its defense, which has scored some touchdowns and has created turnovers. Playing from the back, Appalachian State commit [player_tooltip player_id='202743' first='Zyeir' last='Gamble'] is one of the state's top overall athletes. Gamble also has a huge impact on kick and punt returns and as a receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cane Bay's defense has been solid against the run, led by Shrine Bowl linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='146380' first='Cameron' last='Avery'] (120 tackles). The Cobras have been susceptible to passing games so Sumter will test that weakness if they can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Sumter</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexington (9-2) at Summerville (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One really solid team will be done after this game. Both teams are legitimate contenders to win the Lower State title but only one will keep hope alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have outstanding playmakers at running back. Summerville senior <strong>Marquez Spells</strong> is a game-breaker, either in the run game, as a receiver, or in the return game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington's offense centers around the power running of senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443502' first='Jonah' last='Norris']</strong> (pictured), who is closing in on 2,000 yards with 27 touchdowns for the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game could come down to which quarterback plays best. Summerville's [player_tooltip player_id='262638' first='Campbell' last='McCurry'] and Lexington's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208887' first='Taiden' last='Mines']</strong> have had their fair share of big moments but neither has been particularly good against the best competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In fact, both teams have losses in their biggest games of the season. Summerville's two losses came to Sumter and Fort Dorchester while Lexington's two defeats came to West Florence and Dutch Fork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summerville may have the overall edge defensively, which may be the deciding factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Summerville</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carolina Forest (7-4) at Goose Creek (5-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It would be wise not to look at overall records but more so to recent success when evaluating this matchup. Both teams are playing their best football of the season, each led by outstanding quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goose Creek's [player_tooltip player_id='91143' first='Drew' last='Moore'] and Carolina Forest's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='202739' first='Scott' last='Saylor']</strong> have each surpassed 2,000 passing yards and clearly are the most important players on their team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore has three quality pass-catchers and spreads the ball around effectively, and the Gators have an improved running game as well with sophomore <strong>Johoava Willams</strong> and freshman <strong>Maliq McGowans</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both defenses have been suspect at times against better competition so the key to the game will be which defense can hold up against constant offensive pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If it matters, Carolina Forest has eliminated Goose Creek in two previous playoff meetings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Goose Creek</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Berkeley (3-8) at Fort Dorchester (8-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will be played on Wednesday (Nov. 9) to beat the potential bad weather. It really won't matter when the game is played. Fort Dorchester is the heavy favorite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots beat Berkeley handily in a game played a month ago. The experience and talent level weighs heavily in favor of Fort Dorchester.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berkeley has played their best football over the last few weeks, picking up wins over Stratford and St. James. Quarterback <strong>McCray Driggers</strong> is a steady hand and efficient player, but Fort Dorchester has too much team speed, a punishing running game, and a top quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='89345' first='Zolten' last='Osborne'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Fort Dorchester</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->