Midlands Games to Watch: Week 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the blink of an eye, teams are nearing the midway point on their respective seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This also means the end of non-region schedules is fast approaching for most teams. For much of the Palmetto State, the next two weeks will be their final preparations for the all-important region contests. This week, we have a few matchups that will simulate playoff intensity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brookland-Cayce (2-0) at AC Flora (1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams should be close to full strength coming off an off week. Each team was dominant in their respective Week 2 victories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bearcats rolled past rival Airport 49-0 once again sparked by their running game. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771218' first='Deshaun' last='Washington']</strong> has rushed for for 245 yards and four touchdowns and quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771224' first='Will' last='Young'] </strong>adds to the potent wing-T attack for Brookland-Cayce out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons provides a more two-dimensional attack. Running back <strong>Noah Kelson</strong> is coming off a 220-yard, 3 touchdown performance versus Dreher and quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1025784' first='Roper' last='Wentzky'] </strong>appears settled in the starting position since the second half of the loss to Greenwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This puts both defenses on the spot to lead the way. The Falcons' linebacking corps of <strong>John Dew</strong>, <strong>Jermonte Williams</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771222' first='Eric' last='McClain']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771227' first='Albert' last='Perkins']</strong> can make things difficult in forcing turnovers and shutting down the run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexington (3-0) at Blythewood (2-1) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats are riding high off to their best start since 2017. They are also coming off a 25-24 come-from-behind win over Blythewood on a field goal by [player_tooltip player_id='800020' first='Tyler' last='Chavis'] in the final seconds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='208887' first='Taiden' last='Mines']</strong> sparked the fourth quarter comeback. He had a touchdown pass and converted two first downs on the final drive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Not only do you need your quarterback to lead, but we also have a lot of new faces on offense, and they need to see confidence in his eyes when we face adversity,” Lexington head coach Dustin Curtis said. “He had that [against Blythewood] late in the game and made some great throws and timely runs to give us a chance. Excellent game by our senior quarterback.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lexington has gotten consistent play from its wide receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464895' first='Brandon' last='Cromer']</strong> and <strong>Lincoln Hill</strong> and <strong>Cam Sutton</strong> at tight end. Defensively, linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997334' first='Montrell' last='Byrd']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='836316' first='Matthew' last='McAulay']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448988' first='Christian' last='Sexton']</strong> and <strong>Dylan Bolin </strong>are active and physical at the line of scrimmage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following a season-opening loss to Ridge View, the Bengals have rebounded with two straight wins. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='440461' first='Harrison' last='Collins']</strong> has accounted for six touchdowns in those victories and running back <strong>Zahir Jones</strong> has found success in the no-huddle offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blythewood has depth at wide receiver with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804333' first='Kaleb' last='Kelly']</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1262771' first='Desmond' last='Macklin']</strong>, <strong>Kayne Reed</strong> and <strong>Nate Rabon</strong>. On defense, the Bengals return eight starters with&nbsp;<strong>Jalen Briggs</strong> and <strong>Jabari Collins</strong> on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camden (2-1) at Gray Collegiate (3-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With all six fellow Region III-2A teams appearing like they will forfeit those games against Gray Collegiate as a protest to what they perceive is the unfair advantage based upon the charter's exemptions to its attendance zone, this may also be its last regular season game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Adam Holmes indicated his school has agreements with two other schools as replacement options. For now, the War Eagles' focus is on a Bulldogs' team looking to rebound from a 55-21 loss at longtime rival Hartsville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to last week, Camden had not allowed an offensive touchdown and forced 14 turnovers in three games. Against the Red Foxes, the Bulldogs gave up eight touchdowns and had no turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139311' first='Grayson' last='White']</strong> completed 10-21 passes for 242 yards but had an interception. He and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448982' first='Jaquarius' last='Mayrant']</strong> had connected on 15 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns prior to the loss and running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448993' first='Averee' last='Hickmon']</strong> has provided another threat on the ground besides White.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, senior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448983' first='Wilson' last='Nash']</strong> continues to lead the team in tackles. Camden faces a task slowing down a War Eagles' offense which has averaged 54.3 points a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore quarterbacks <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232668' first='Tyler' last='Waller']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860400' first='Dre'Von' last='Dopson']</strong> have thrived with wide receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='91353' first='Jamarious' last='Lockett']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139316' first='Zai' last='Offord']</strong>. It also helps to have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605529' first='BJ' last='Montgomery']</strong> in the backfield and an experienced offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997269' first='Kaine' last='Williams']</strong> has scored a touchdown off a turnover in two straight games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crestwood (2-1) at Sumter (3-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's an in-town battle of the high-powered offense of the Knights versus the stingy defense of the Gamecocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589009' first='Javion' last='Martin']</strong> is 90 yards shy of reaching 6,000 career passing yards. It's helped him this season to have targets like <strong>Khalil Moody</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012863' first='Jeremie' last='Richardson']</strong>, who had five receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns last week against Andrew Jackson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997149' first='Azarian' last='Yates']</strong> has been on a tear the past two weeks. He's rushed for four touchdowns against Gray Collegiate and Andrew Jackson, running behind the likes of <strong>Armante</strong> <strong>Bradford</strong>, who graded out 88% last week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After giving up 41 offensive points against the War Eagles, Crestwood's defense held the Volunteers to just one score in the 56-7 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crestwood's offense will get tested against a Sumter team which is holding opponents to 14 points a game. Defensive ends <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595702' first='Anthony' last='Addison']</strong> and <strong>Jordan Lowery</strong> provides a bookend physical presence upfront in their ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gamecocks' offensive line is also active and deep with <strong>AJ Bracey</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997137' first='Bryson' last='Cuffie']</strong>, <strong>Tymaries Thompson Durant</strong> and <strong>Jaheim Rose</strong> upfront.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Sumter presents a double threat at running back in <strong>John Peoples</strong> and <strong>Kam Fortune</strong>. The duo combined for six touchdowns and 176 yards against Andrew Jackson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997237' first='Pate' last='Merchant']</strong> has orchestrated the offense in throwing for 522 yards on a 69 percent completion percentage and five touchdowns. Senior <strong>Dazuan Jackson</strong> leads the team with eight receptions for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore <strong>Jamirth Bey</strong> has a team-high three touchdown receptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gilbert (2-0) at Pelion (2-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh off becoming the school's career leader in victories, Gilbert head coach Chad Leaphart has his team on an offensive roll.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='782263' first='Drake' last='Braddock']</strong> continues to show his growth. He's coming off a career game against South Aiken where he threw for 329 yards and five touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His main target so far is <strong>Chance Guthrie</strong> with seven receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even more pleasing for Leaphart is the continued production at running back. The graduation of <strong>Alias Graham-Woodberry</strong> and transfer of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267430' first='Jaden' last='Allen-Hendrix']</strong> meant replacing over 3,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012653' first='Jaylen' last='Jay']</strong>, who leads the team with 378 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and <strong>Kelvin Blackwell</strong> have stepped in to fill the void.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers are led at quarterback by dual threat <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='267470' first='Luke' last='New']</strong>. He and <strong>Michael Cottrell </strong>serve as the running game for Pelion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laurence Manning (2-1) at Hammond (1-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams look to rebound from losses in a rematch of last year's SCISA Class 4A final won by the Skyhawks 52-0. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Skyhawks fell to Class 2A second-ranked Gray Collegiate Academy 52-14 as the offense committed four turnovers. They continue to utilize multiple quarterbacks with senior&nbsp;<strong>Robert Malanuk</strong>, junior&nbsp;<strong>Charlie Allen</strong>&nbsp;and sophomore&nbsp;<strong>Ben Muela Kiser</strong> taking turns on plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Jack Croft and finished 10-18 passing for 118 yards. Hammond will look for more run production from <strong>Manny Johnson</strong>, who had the other touchdown against Gray Collegiate, and <strong>Vinson Holland.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Swampcats suffered their first loss of the season to Wilson Hall on a last-second field goal by Jackson Broner. </strong>Quarterback&nbsp;<strong>Tyler June</strong>&nbsp;leads the offense which is averaging 27 points a contest. He faces the linebacker duo of&nbsp;<strong>Brewer LaMotte</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong><u>[player_tooltip player_id='947684' first='Will' last='McQueen']</u>&nbsp;</strong>of the Skyhawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->