Class 2A Lower State Third Round Preview
In this article:
We’re down to just eight teams left across our five classifications, and four in the Lower State bracket. This is when it really gets fun. The margins are thin this time of year, and every play is magnified even more.…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re down to just eight teams left across our five classifications, and four in the Lower State bracket.
This is when it really gets fun.
The margins are thin this time of year, and every play is magnified even more. Who will take that next elusive step to the Lower State finals? It’s time to preview our pair of SCHSL 2A Lower State third-round matchups.
No. 1 Andrew Jackson (9-3) at No. 1 Hampton County (11-1)
The Hampton County Hurricanes expected to see themselves here in the third round of the playoffs, but not many others did. Now, Rob Hanna’s ferocious ‘Canes have earned the right to host Andrew Jackson for a spot in the Lower State final next week. Hampton made quick work of Andrews last Friday, paced by another monster game from Mr.Football finalist Zion Dobson Zion Dobson 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Hampton County | 2024 State SC with stellar work up front by reliable senior center Ty’jae Wright. Dobson is the perfect mix of lethal speed and explosive power, and he can take it the distance if he finds the open chunk of green grass he needs.
Despite a slow start, the Hurricanes defense showed up late with four forced turnovers thanks to the menacing linebacking corps of Mandrell Sanders Mandrell Sanders 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Hampton County | 2025 State SC and Cody Segars Cody Segars 5'10" | 175 lbs | LB Hampton County | 2024 State SC patrolling the middle with Ka’Von Chisolm showing his dominant strength and athleticism up front. The Volunteers will need a quick start offensively to keep up with the ‘Canes, meaning a heavy dose of 1,950-yard rusher Trey Thompson Trey Thompson 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Andrew Jackson | 2024 State SC should be in order.
Brooks Horton Brooks Horton 6'6" | 315 lbs | OL Andrew Jackson | 2024 State SC will need to play his best game yet on the road, and he’s shown he’s been capable of opening up holes at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds alongside his stellar teammate and tight end Hayden Williams Hayden Williams 6'1" | 220 lbs | TE Andrew Jackson | 2024 SC . Reliable senior linebacker Kaden Hornsby will likely be called upon to keep an eye on Dobson and limit explosive runs at the second level.
No.2 Barnwell (8-4) at No. 1 Oceanside Collegiate (9-2)
After another dominant victory at home in round two, Oceanside Collegiate will look to take another step closer to a SCHSL 2A title against a surprise Barnwell team that knocked off Marion. The Landsharks were landed a tough blow with the season-ending injury to dynamic quarterback Edward Reidenbach, but Tanner Swisher and standout two-way lineman
Ben Britton
Ben
Britton
6'3" | 240 lbs | DL
Oceanside Collegiate | 2024
State
SC
led the charge in a shutout victory over Woodland. The athleticism and physicality of linebacker
Max Moorman
Max
Moorman
6'3" | 200 lbs | LB
Oceanside Collegiate | 2025
State
SC
will lead the way defensively, adding a nifty interception return for a score against the Wolverines.
They’ll tangle with a Barnwell team that rose to the challenge on the road last Friday at Marion thanks to a 108-yard night on the ground from steady junior running back Jordan Peeples. The Warhorses will need a mistake-free night from junior signal-caller Cameron Austin Cameron Austin 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Barnwell | 2025 State SC , who has found his rhythm down the stretch hooking up with dynamic 6-foot target Logan Sturkie who should get his fair share of touches with his excellent catch radius and explosiveness downfield. But the Landsharks will test Austin and company with a high-octane and physical secondary with junior Kyle Baldwin Kyle Baldwin 5'10" | 190 lbs | DB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2025 State SC and versatile safety Grayson Freeling Grayson Freeling 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Oceanside Collegiate | 2025 State SC .