Class 1A Lower State Third Round Preview
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The chalk has held through the first two rounds of the SCHSL 1A Lower State playoffs. But there’s no clear favorite on who will survive from here. We could make a case for any of these four teams to make…
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Continue ReadingThe chalk has held through the first two rounds of the SCHSL 1A Lower State playoffs.
But there’s no clear favorite on who will survive from here.
We could make a case for any of these four teams to make their way to SC State two weeks from now, but we’ll let you decide for yourselves. It’s time to preview this week’s intriguing Class 1A Lower State semis.
No. 1 Johnsonville (9-2) at No.1 Lamar (9-3)
They made it all the way to the Weekend of Champions a season ago. And the Johnsonville Flashes have the leaders and pure talent to make it happen again. Standing in their way of another 1A Lower State final appearance is a determined Lamar Silver Foxes squad that has played hard-nosed defense this fall. The Flashes will lean on veteran quarterback Malik Shippy Malik Shippy 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Johnsonville | 2024 State SC to make plays under center who provides an explosive burst and elusiveness with the ball in his hands to break long runs, while Neal Martin Neal Martin 5'11" | 215 lbs | LB Johnsonville | 2024 State SC brings a surge of power and quick legs from the backfield.
But Johnsonville will be tested by a disciplined and athletic Lamar defense averaging just a hair over 14 points per game allowed with electric and speedy linebacker Freddy Cruz and powerful defensive end Nazir Stevenson who can take over a game at a moment’s notice with his elite size and footwork. They’ll look to get the ball back to an emerging offense led by impressive sophomore quarterback Zori Pierce Zori Pierce 6'0" | 160 lbs | QB Lamar | 2026 State SC with 19 touchdowns and just one interception to his name. His efficiency has ignited the flashy and elusive play of Tavis Dolford Tavis Dolford 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Lamar | 2024 State SC who has been difficult to slow down with his quick cuts and agility in the open field.
Look for Johnsonville senior defensive end Travis Wilson Travis Wilson 6'2" | 220 lbs | DL Johnsonville | 2024 State SC to try to create pressure on Pierce and give opportunities for stellar defensive backs Quandrell Woodberry and CJ Woodbury to make game-defining plays.
No. 1 Bamberg-Ehrhardt (11-1) at No. 1 Cross (11-1)
It’s not quite unstoppable force-versus-immovable object territory, but Cross’ exceptional defense will have its biggest test of the season on Friday night against a confident and red-hot Red Raider attack for a spot in the Lower State title game. Bamberg-Ehrhardt’s ground-and-pound success with standout back Nick Folk Nick Folk 5'11" | 200 lbs | ATH Bamberg-Ehrhardt | 2024 State SC and two-way stud Jamie Downing Jamie Downing 5'10" | 205 lbs | LB Bamberg-Ehrhardt | 2024 State SC has been working tremendously down the stretch, and don’t sleep on Chanston Crosby Chanston Crosby 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Bamberg-Ehrhardt | 2025 State SC ‘s ability to make big throws on passing downs.
Cross has won with its elite defense this year, powered by tenacious junior Karmello Jones Karmello Jones 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Cross | 2025 State SC who added another sack to his lofty total last week at outside linebacker. Devaughn Sutter has become a relentless beast at defensive end with his ability to elude blockers and rush into the backfield, and Jayden Middleton‘s strength and hustle were noticeable last week with seven stops and a fumble recovery. But the Red Raiders have the defensive core to make it tough on the other end with sensational 288-pound nose guard Y’Zorion Washington Y’Zorion Washington 6'2" | 290 lbs | DL Bamberg-Ehrhardt | 2024 State SC and consistent senior linebacking standout Eric Lee alongside the explosiveness of Downing. It will have to start up front for Cross, with veteran senior center Caleb Cornell and tremendous 300-pound center Trejur Jones looking to open up space and time for gifted and efficient senior Tyler Mungin Tyler Mungin 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Cross | 2024 State SC averaging 8.9 yards per carry.