Class 2A Lower State Second Round Preview
It took just one wild Friday night of action to cut the Class 2A field from 32 to 16. But the five-round gauntlet that is the SCHSL playoffs is just getting started. The matchups step up a notch with every…
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Continue ReadingIt took just one wild Friday night of action to cut the Class 2A field from 32 to 16.
But the five-round gauntlet that is the SCHSL playoffs is just getting started.
The matchups step up a notch with every passing week, and we’ve got some good ones on the docket this Friday. Let’s run through the four Lower State clashes coming up in round two.
No. 3 Kingstree (5-6) at No.1 Andrew Jackson (8-3)
After a surprising upset over Timberland on the road, the Kingstree Blazers are ready to take their best shot at Andrew Jackson. It’s been an impressive defensive effort down the stretch for the Blazers, with monstrous defensive tackle James Brockington patrolling the trenches with an impressive 18 tackles for loss this year. They’ll be a tough out against the Volunteers, who will need another strong showing from elite power running back Trey Thompson with some help from terrific senior tight end Hayden Williams leading the way. Andrew Jackson’s defense could be the difference in this one if dynamic sophomore Kamron McGill can force some pressure on and contain senior Blazer quarterback Ja’Shaun Dorsey averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
No.2 Andrews (8-3) at No.1 Hampton County (10-1)
The Hampton County Hurricanes stormed through the SCHSL 2A first round in dominant form against Bishop England, and they should get right back to work at home on Friday against Andrews. Look for the ‘Canes to ride Mr. Football finalist Zion Dobson early, who has reached a new gear this season with his vision and phenomenal burst through the hole, but quarterback Chris Terry is more than capable of doing it himself and hitting dynamic freshman Jordan Bovain over the top. Explosive Mandrell Sanders and a high-flying Hampton defense allowing just 8.2 points per game will look to stymie a strong Andrews rushing attack led by 1100-yard rusher AJ Lee. Quarterback Brandon Cumbee will need to be smart with the football and avoid negative plays with dangerous game-wrecker Ka’Von Chisolm lurking on the other side.
No.3 Woodland (8-2) at No.1 Oceanside Collegiate (8-2)
In what could be the most intriguing matchup of the 2A Lower State second round, the Oceanside Collegiate Landsharks will face a formidable offensive threat this Friday in Woodland. The Wolverines will need their top talents to step up, and it all starts with monstrous Kam Pringle and Antonio Ford on the line to open up room for TJ Wright to showcase his electric running. But Oceanside’s Ben Britton will have other plans and has excelled playing both ways on the line with a strong 6-foot-3 and 250-pound frame. The Landsharks were dealt a tough blow with the injury to senior quarterback Edward Reidenbach, but junior signal-caller Tanner Swisher looked the part last week with a pair of touchdown passes. The defense has been relentless down the stretch and has the talent to shut down the opposing run game with physical two-way standout Trey Brown at the helm.
No. 2 Barnwell (7-4) at No. 1 Marion (10-1)
We’ve got an exciting clash over in Marion between two squads that have shown dark-horse potential in November. The Swamp Foxes have rolled through the last four weeks, allowing just 14 combined points on defense thanks to an explosive Jamorius Wilson who’s found success both at linebacker and defensive end. Quarterback Gabriel Cusak has put it all together under center during his senior year, making quick and efficient throws while averaging 5.9 yards per carry on the ground. Alongside quick and athletic wideout Quay’Sheed Scott who has dangerous breakaway speed in space, the Swamp Foxes are primed for another strong night on offense, putting the pressure on emerging dual-threat Barnwell junior Cameron Austin to keep up behind excellent offensive lineman Slaton Ragsdale.