SCISA 1A and 2A State Championship Previews

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Florence Christian-Pee Dee Academy game moved to West Florence High School, we'll have just two championship games on the docket for Saturday at Charleston Southern University. We'll see a dynasty looking to win a fifth straight and an up-and-coming power vying to finish off an undefeated season. Let's dive into Saturday's SCISA 1A and 2A state championship games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CLASS 1A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thomas Heyward (8-3) vs. Lee Academy (11-0), 1 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the third straight year that the Rebels and Cavaliers will meet for the 1A crown, but we expect this edition to be the closest one yet. Thomas Heyward has taken the last four consecutive titles and will showcase a speedy and athletic offense as the Rebels look to complete their drive for five. Nic Shuford's team has been battle-tested, dropping three games to upper-level SCISA competition throughout the season.&nbsp; Sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268686' first='Dietrich' last='Shuford']</strong> will play in his first title game after suffering a season-ending injury a year ago. He brings a strong arm and some elusive rushing abilities and should take advantage of some screens and swing passes to <strong>Tyshon Mansell</strong>, <strong>Cutter Williams</strong>, and <strong>Tony O'Banner</strong>. After a big performance in last year's title game, O'Banner's speed and agility could be a factor again in 2022. This might be the best Lee Academy team we've seen in the last three years, and the Cavs are peaking at the right time after an impressive 28-0 downing of St. John's Christian in the semifinals. Lee Academy is strong up front and will try to outwork the Rebels at the line to power its strong run game. But <strong>Lawson Hewlett</strong> and a battle-tested Thomas Heyward defense will be up for the challenge, and a key stop could be all that the Rebels need to get rolling. Lee Academy is playing its best football yet, but it's hard to bet against Nic Shuford and the Rebels with a state title on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Thomas Heyward</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CLASS 2A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Williamsburg Academy (11-0) vs. Colleton Prep (11-1), 4:30 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by junior sensation <strong>Cole Davis</strong>, the Colleton Prep War Hawks have conjured a surprising run to the 2A state championship game. But now they'll have to face a Williamsburg Academy team that has been a near juggernaut in 2022. After falling short a year ago to Hilton Head Christian in the title game a year ago, the Stallions have made their way back in dominant fashion, winning their first 11 games of the year including victories over both SCISA 3A finalists. Colleton Prep will need to find an answer for junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322302' first='Teague' last='Ward']</strong>, who has shined at running back with his breakaway quickness and athleticism. <strong>Conrad Balder</strong> is an efficient quarterback who has grown with his maturity and production this year, giving a massive test to Colleton Prep's stout defensive line of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='434712' first='Noah' last='Catterton']</strong> and <strong>Gus Warren</strong>. They'll look to create pressure on Balder and make the quarterback get rid of the ball quickly. On offense, the War Hawks should continue to rely on <strong>Cole Davis</strong>' ground attack while trying to shorten the game by eating up the clock. But don't be surprised to see Davis take some shots downfield to <strong>Caden Crosby</strong> or <strong>Walker Bryan</strong>. If Colleton Prep can recreate its stingy defense from a week ago, the War Hawks could be a tougher-than-anticipated matchup. But Williamsburg's stars should find a way to show up and propel the Stallions to a state title and an undefeated season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Edge: Williamsburg Academy</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->