Week 5 Games & Players To Watch: Catawba River
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We have entered the final week of non-region play before the all important region slate begins. You’ve got a rivalry showdown that may have more excitement to it than it has in previous years, while you have a cross county…
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Continue ReadingWe have entered the final week of non-region play before the all important region slate begins. You’ve got a rivalry showdown that may have more excitement to it than it has in previous years, while you have a cross county matchup where both teams are looking to build off of exciting wins last week.
Fort Mill (1-3) at York (3-1)
The Yellow Jackets will look to ride the momentum from last week’s win over Lugoff-Elgin. It was a coming out party for quarterback Quinn Kelly, who threw for two touchdowns and looked efficient moving Fort Mill down the field. He’s got better wheels than you may realize. Jackson Smith and Tanner Mays Tanner Mays SC will be the two go-to targets for Kelly. Smith has the ability to take a slant and go get yards after the catch, while Mays is your downfield threat.
On defense, Gavin Brandwood Gavin Brandwood 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Fort Mill | 2024 State SC was all over the field with tackles for loss and excellent gap integrity. Keep an eye on Jaylin Chambers, who had an interception last week along with Braylon Thomas, who was active in the secondary.
York is coming off a tight win over Rock Hill in what was a 51-48 shootout. Javarus Guthrie Javarus Guthrie 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB York | 2024 State SC had a big night last week, including a 60-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Guthrie has a physical running style where he’s tough to bring down once he gets into the open field. If the game comes down to special teams, the advantage may be with the home team. Ayden Davis Ayden Davis 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB York | 2024 State SC and Jay McCoy each had kickoff returns to the paint. Michael McConell had the game winning score on a quarterback run.
Keep an eye on Debo Hall Debo Hall 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB York | 2024 State SC defensively. Hall was selected to the Shrine Bowl over the weekend, which will occur in December in Spartanburg. Hall is an enforcer at his safety position – he had an interception and the game clinching forced fumble last week against the Bearcats. Zadarrius Carter recovered that fumble to go along with his 10 tackles on the night. DeMaurion Stewart DeMaurion Stewart 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB York | 2024 State SC , who was selected for a Game Ball last week, recovered a fumble on special teams.
Northwestern (3-1) at Rock Hill (2-2)
Rock Hill put up points in bunches, but couldn’t finish the deal against York last week. They’ll have a chance to right the ship against their cross town rival at District 3 Stadium on Friday. Quarterback and App State commit Matthew Wilson Matthew Wilson 6'1" | 200 lbs | QB Rock Hill | 2024 State SC (pictured above) is the straw that stirs the drink for the Bearcats offensively. He had 3 rushing touchdowns, including a 69-yard touchdown run. But don’t get too caught up in his running ability as he can make plays with his feet. He hit Dante Reid on a 12-yard pass for a score. Keep your eye on Malik Clark Malik Clark 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Rock Hill | 2025 State SC at receiver and Daylen Boulware in the run game as well. Boulware had two touchdowns last week.
Northwestern went on the road to the Upstate and made a quick dispatch of Gaffney in a 49-24 win last week. Turbo Richard Turbo Richard 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Northwestern | 2024 State SC made plays on special teams, which led to Game Ball honors last week. He finished with 114 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Finley Polk Finley Polk 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Northwestern | 2025 State SC went 19-of-27 for 228 yards and 1 touchdown last and was efficient in getting the Trojans down field. He hooked up with Kameron Vance who is quickly becoming a favorite target for Polk.
Jamarr Perry and Jayden Woods who had five tackles last week and the defensive front, which includes Tomarion Watkins and Will Massey Will Massey 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB Northwestern | 2025 State SC , who had three tackles each in the rout of the Indians.
Notable Week 5 Games To Watch In The Catawba River Region
Nation Ford at Richland Northeast
Chester at Batesburg-Leesville
BYE WEEK: Catawba Ridge & South Pointe