Week 0 Upstate Games To Watch

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It's time.

With the 2023 football season set to kick off on Friday, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the Upstate area. Four, in particular, jump off the page. There are a couple of inter-classification Top 10 matchups, one game that crosses state lines for a rivalry, and a matchup that's become familiar over the past couple of seasons.

Here's a look at four Week 0 games that are sure to draw a lot of attention in the Upstate.

No. 2 Gaffney at Crest (NC)

For a pair of historical powerhouses separated by fewer than 20 miles, there's a stunning lack of history between the two programs: they've played just twice. This third matchup will be a good one. Gaffney is absolutely loaded, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='459546' first='Quashon' last='Tate'] and [player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] are the latest version of a two-headed beast at RB for the Indians, while transfer QB [player_tooltip player_id='119009' first='Riley' last='Staton'] can sling it around. He'll have a wealth of targets outside, with Drew Medley and [player_tooltip player_id='448239' first='Emazon' last='Littlejohn'] among his chief targets.

Defensively, junior LBs [player_tooltip player_id='605523' first='Clay' last='Cook'] (pictured) and [player_tooltip player_id='605522' first='Andrew' last='Ruppe'] were the Indians' top two tacklers a year ago, and they return to lead a group that's fast, physical, and stingy. The Chargers have some eye-popping talent of their own, including WR Javarius Green, who's being recruited by the likes of Alabama, North Carolina, Michigan State, and Virginia Tech, among others. AJ Adams and Malachi Addison will complement Green at receiver, while QB Ny'Tavius Huskey is a dynamic playmaker.

Broome at No. 8 Powdersville

In Powdersville's program history-making two-year run, the Patriots' record has followed a formula. All but a handful of Powdersville's wins have been by multiple TDs. Broome, however, has played Powdersville considerably closer than most opponents. This should be another good one. The Centurions return a ton of talent, and it starts with RB [player_tooltip player_id='473001' first='Jaylen' last='McGill']. Add in true dual-threat QB Kamajay Brackett-Brannon and a massive line including Steven O'Dell, Hayden Rothrock, and DT Thompson, and the Centurions can be a problem for defenses.

The Patriots present a test as well. QB [player_tooltip player_id='448984' first='Eli' last='Hudgins'] is one of the most accomplished guys in the area, and can hurt you with his arm or his legs. Transfer RB [player_tooltip player_id='209382' first='Jayden' last='Pepper'] is rock-solid, as is WR [player_tooltip player_id='1253958' first='Elijah' last='Huggins']. Up front, Anderson County Offensive Lineman of the Year Dajuan Wardell leads the way. Defensively, LB [player_tooltip player_id='267456' first='Harrison' last='Jeffries'] looks ready to go after bouncing back from an injury, Joshaun Knuckles leads the secondary, and Javier Mills provides a physical presence up front.

No. 4 South Pointe at No. 8 Spartanburg

This is as big a matchup as Week 0 offers. The Stallions have talent galore, and feature standout players on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='771038' first='Malachi' last='Marshall'] controls the offense at QB, with more than 2,100 passing yards last season, and he's the unquestioned leader on that side of the ball. Mikey Mann will be a weapon on the outside for South Pointe, while the Stallions have Aiden Turner, Zy Pickett, and Mason Pickett-Hicks in the backfield, while Ethan McNutt will step into a big role up front. Defensively, DL [player_tooltip player_id='139304' first='Chris' last='Dixon'] and DB [player_tooltip player_id='212416' first='J'Zavien' last='Currence'] give South Pointe plenty of star power, while [player_tooltip player_id='996932' first='Evan' last='Ervin'] will take on a bigger role at LB.

The Vikings have to replace a ton of production on offense, and will turn to some new faces. TJ Johnson will take over at QB, while Ra'el Senghor and Khamari Cunningham look to provide some punch at WR. Senior Trey Harris will have a chance to shine in the backfield. The Vikings do have some experience up front, as Jayden Foster Peake, Joseph Flores, and Trey Weathers return. Defense is a different story, as Spartanburg is loaded with returners. [player_tooltip player_id='589014' first='Demario' last='Bookhart'] will patrol the secondary at safety along with La'Charles Woodruff, while Joshua Mattison is an active, disruptive force on the DL. In the middle is where Spartanburg shines, though. LBs [player_tooltip player_id='624354' first='Cam'Rich' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='448978' first='Bennie' last='Littlejohn'] are as good as any two you'll find, anywhere.

No. 10 Dorman at No. 2 Greenville

Another heavyweight matchup, this one has the potential to be great. After nearly three decades of stability at the helm, Dorman has a third different head coach in as many seasons. This time, though, there's a Dorman guy in the head job, as Jake Morris takes over. At QB, he'll turn to David Sorensen, who showed great flashes when pressed into service at the end of last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1359211' first='Keenan' last='Arcega-Whiteside'] and Travon Fernandez are the playmakers at WR, while Cason Gilliam returns at TE as a field-stretcher. Jarvis Pearson is shifting from TE to RB, while [player_tooltip player_id='809750' first='Landon' last='Greene'] and Anish Patel return to lead the way up front. Defensively, the Cavaliers are in great shape in the back. [player_tooltip player_id='1144090' first='Brannon' last='Teamer'] is a three-year starter at safety, and leads the way in the secondary with speedsters Sammy Brannon and Shane Nash at corner. Three LBs are back for Dorman, with Adam Goudelock, Chason Braddy and returning Dorman defensive Player of the Year Owen Hendricks all back. Greenville is loaded.

The Red Raiders have a do-everything guy in [player_tooltip player_id='163871' first='Mazeo' last='Bennett Jr'] and a returning QB in [player_tooltip player_id='349806' first='Bryson' last='Drummond']. Most importantly for Greenville, the entire OL returns. [player_tooltip player_id='448975' first='Blake' last='Franks'] leads the deep, talented group, with [player_tooltip player_id='274871' first='Julius' last='Tate'], [player_tooltip player_id='1359112' first='Hunter' last='Taylor'], Zane Spence, and Mason Owens all back for the Red Raiders. Defensively, Greenville looks just as strong. [player_tooltip player_id='242787' first='Bruce' last='Knauber'] and [player_tooltip player_id='209617' first='Jayden' last='Wilson-Abrams'] are monsters up front, with Ramani Bruton, [player_tooltip player_id='276660' first='Christian' last='Henderson'], and Raymone Whitner leading the secondary. The Red Raiders had heavy losses at LB, but Daylon Johnson, a transfer from Atlanta, looks to be something special.