Class 3A Lower State Playoff First Round Preview
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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…
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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 Kamahrion Smith Kamahrion Smith 6'0" | 220 lbs | LB North Charleston | 2024 State SC (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 Jamarion Fling Jamarion Fling 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Dillon | 2025 State SC – 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 Grayson White Grayson White 6'0" | 240 lbs | QB Camden | 2024 State SC – who probably needs one series in this game to top 3,000 combined yards this season – tailback Averee Hickmon Averee Hickmon 5'6" | 170 lbs | RB Camden | 2024 State SC (591 yards, eight touchdowns) and receiver Jaquarius Mayrant Jaquarius Mayrant 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Camden | 2024 State SC (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 Kevon Rivera Kevon Rivera 5'9" | 215 lbs | RB Hanahan | 2024 State SC – 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 Trevon Williamson Trevon Williamson 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Gilbert | 2027 State SC and Jaylen Jay Jaylen Jay 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB Gilbert | 2025 State SC and quarterback Drake Braddock Drake Braddock 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Gilbert | 2024 State SC – 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 Jaylen 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 Will Young Will Young 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Brookland-Cayce | 2024 State SC 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 Andre McFadden-Pressley Andre McFadden-Pressley 6'0" | 305 lbs | DL Lake City | 2024 State SC (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 Jontavious 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 Sharod Williams Sharod Williams 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Philip Simmons | 2024 State SC and KJ Asbury KJ Asbury 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Philip Simmons | 2024 State SC . 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 Javion Martin Javion Martin 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Crestwood | 2024 State SC 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 Jadyn Andrews Jadyn Andrews 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Beaufort | 2024 State SC , 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 Javon Johnson Javon Johnson 6'0" | 235 lbs | DL Loris | 2025 State SC (5-foot-11, 240) should be plenty busy.