Class 3A Lower State Playoff First Round Preview

Ian Guerin October 30, 2023 @ 08:00 AM

It all starts here.   The opening round of the Class 3A Lower State playoffs will feature star-studded offenses and their counterparts on defense. There will be some quirky seeding match-ups that aren't reflective of overall records.   And in these eight games, there are only four teams with more losses than wins. Indeed, the battle starts here.   NO. 4 NORTH CHARLESTON (4-6) AT NO. 1 DILLON (9-1)   The turnaround at North Charleston has clearly been based around the Cougars' improved defense. And the biggest pieces there are middle linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1142642' first='Kamahrion' last='Smith'] (109 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss) and defensive end and East Carolina commit Samuel Riddy (49 tackles, 15 tackles for loss. They'll have their hands full against a powerful Dillon running game led by tailback [player_tooltip player_id='346196' first='Jamarion' last='Fling'] - who has 1,315 yards and 30 touchdowns in just eight games.   NO. 3 DREHER (5-5) AT NO. 2 CAMDEN (7-3)   For a team that dropped 40 points or more seven different times this season, it's clear Camden is a feast-or-famine bunch. Dual-threat quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='139311' first='Grayson' last='White'] - who probably needs one series in this game to top 3,000 combined yards this season - tailback [player_tooltip player_id='448993' first='Averee' last='Hickmon'] (591 yards, eight touchdowns) and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='448982' first='Jaquarius' last='Mayrant'] (1,012 yards, 10 touchdowns) are the headliners, and Dreher linebacker Jermil Sims will need to have a monster game to keep this one close.   NO. 4 AYNOR (5-5) AT NO. 1 HANAHAN (6-4)   On the surface, this looks like one of those games that could be over in a hurry. Everyone knows about the Hawks' rushing attack led by [player_tooltip player_id='91352' first='Kevon' last='Rivera'] - who is already closing in on 2,000 rushing yards this year - and Aynor's Hammer offense, led by tailback Cole Johnson and quarterback Rivers Johnson. But keep an eye on Hanahan sophomore quarterback Julius Hippensteel, who has thrown for 200-plus over the last four games.    NO. 3 DARLINGTON (4-6) AT NO. 2 GILBERT (9-1)   A year ago, Darlington earning a three seed seemed unimaginable. And while the Falcons should be considered heavy underdogs against Gilbert and tailbacks [player_tooltip player_id='1036777' first='Trevon' last='Williamson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1012653' first='Jaylen' last='Jay'] and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='782263' first='Drake' last='Braddock'] - who was recently selected for the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl - coach Jamie Johnson's squad does have some reason for hope, namely linebacker Zavion Mouton and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1395094' first='Jaylen' last='Augustus'].    NO. 4 LAKE CITY (4-6) AT NO. 1 BROOKLAND-CAYCE (8-2)   As everyone who follows the Bearcats knows by now, do-it-all [player_tooltip player_id='771224' first='Will' last='Young'] and fellow tailback Deshaun Washington can put up some points in a hurry. You don't average 40 per game by accident. But Lake City isn't coming to this party empty handed, either. Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas selection [player_tooltip player_id='267453' first='Andre' last='McFadden-Pressley'] (pictured) is having a monster year on the defensive line and could flip this game around with a small number of high-impact plays.   NO. 3 MANNING (8-2) AT NO. 2 PHILIP SIMMONS (9-1)   The Monarchs' defense has looked a lot different the last three weeks. After the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1592198' first='Jontavious' last='Canty'] and Lamar Hilton led a super-charged start to the season, Manning has given up an average of 44 points per game over the final three contests of the regular season. That's good new for a Philip Simmons and its powerful ground game, led by 1,000-yard backs [player_tooltip player_id='997204' first='Sharod' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='589051' first='KJ' last='Asbury']. If they get going, it could be a long night for Manning.   NO. 4 ORANGEBURG-WILKINSON (2-7) AT NO. 1 CRESTWOOD (9-1)   O-W is going to try to limit offensive possessions for the high-powered Crestwood offense with its wings-based offense, and that means a bunch of carries for senior Quai'vion Fairey. The 5-foot-7, 155-pound tailback has breakaway speed and only needs a sliver. However, the Knights have made a living out of huge plays and massive production behind senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='589009' first='Javion' last='Martin'] and a slew of his buddies. The Bruins allow 35 points a game, and Crestwood will look to pounce early.   NO. 3 BEAUFORT (6-4) AT NO. 2 LORIS (7-2)   Beaufort hasn't exactly replicated the running game it had during its state title run in 2022, but in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1025738' first='Jadyn' last='Andrews'], the Eagles have a 1,000-yard back who during a six-game stretch of September and October, for instance, he had 16 rushing touchdowns. He'll obviously be the focal point for a Loris defense that is undersized but highly productive. Defensive linemen Damarea Thurmond (6-foot-3, 305) and [player_tooltip player_id='464883' first='Javon' last='Johnson'] (5-foot-11, 240) should be plenty busy.

It all starts here.