Five Underclassmen Who Could Make Third-Round Waves

Ian Guerin November 17, 2022 @ 08:48 AM

The seniors playing in this week's Elite 8 games are trying to extend their high school careers.   The juniors are dreaming of spring boarding their final seasons.   The freshmen and sophomores are hoping to elevate everything they know at an expedited rate.   The third round of the SCHSL playoffs presents an opportunity for all still around to accomplish their goals. And in each of the five classifications, we were able to pin-point an underclassman who could play a huge role in his respective team still practicing during the Thanksgiving break.    Class 1A   Daquan Evans LB, Lewisville   Lewisville went from a team receiving votes in the preseason media poll to one that finished the regular season ranked No. 4 in the state and one of a handful of contenders expected to be in Columbia. Evans' rise is one of the main reasons why. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound freshman has totaled 98 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, five sacks and to fumble recoveries. Against Christ Church, the highest-scoring team in Class 1A, the Lions could stand to have a big night from their freshman middle linebacker.    Class 2A   [player_tooltip player_id='272720' first='Cameron' last='Austin'] QB, Barnwell   When it comes to the Warhorses, [player_tooltip player_id='262552' first='Tyler' last='J Smith'] is the guy. And then he's usually the second guy, too. Barnwell's senior tailback is arguably the most dangerous offensive player in the state. But Austin (803 passing yards, 12 touchdowns; 215 rushing yards, two touchdowns) is going to be needed more than ever against an Andrew Jackson team that also scores points like they're going out of style. The sophomore is in the thick of it now.    Class 3A   [player_tooltip player_id='205556' first='Josiah' last='Oxendine'] QB, Dillon   The 6-foot, 175-pound freshman was handed the keys to the Dillon offense and basically told not to wreck the sports car. It's safe to say Oxendine has exceeded expectations while becoming a much more efficient passer throughout the season. He's got great touch throwing on the run (to his right or left) and if Camden gets sucked in on a whole bunch of Ty Martin runs, Oxendine can get the ball over the top.   Class 4A   Jamie Williamson DL, West Florence    Williamson walked into West this fall as a 6-foot-1, 290-pound projected starter at defensive tackle. He has earned his keep every step of the way. While he also started a few games on the offensive line (and West usually didn't go double-duty with the youngster), Williamson's had 15 solo tackles, 11 assisted stops, four tackles for loss and a sack so far. And if West is going to slow down one of the best rushing teams in the state in AC Flora, Williamson could be a big part of the equation.   Class 5A   [player_tooltip player_id='272722' first='Zion' last='Gilbert'] RB, Carolina Forest   As more and more of the focus on stopping the Panthers' offense comes down to quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='202739' first='Scott' last='Saylor'], it's important to note that Gilbert, just a sophomore, has scored at least one touchdown in seven straight games and leads Carolina Forest with 778 yards and 13 scores this year. Gilbert (pictured) has three 100-yard games in that recent stretch, so he's certainly capable of doing some damage against Fort Dorchester.

The seniors playing in this week's Elite 8 games are trying to extend their high school careers.