Lowcountry Second Round Game Balls
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Each week of the 2023 season, we’ll recognize the top players in the Lowcountry who took their game to another level. It’s time to give out our game balls for round two of the SCHSL playoffs. Zion Dobson SC #29…
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Continue ReadingEach week of the 2023 season, we’ll recognize the top players in the Lowcountry who took their game to another level. It’s time to give out our game balls for round two of the SCHSL playoffs.
Another week, another dynamite performance from Hampton County running back Zion Dobson. The senior and Mr. Football finalist provided the offense for the Hurricanes again this week, rushing for 288 yards and an impressive six touchdowns on 28 attempts. He can beat defenses with his lethal breakaway speed or his tremendous lower-body strength and showed both early on Friday night. His first score was a quick burst through an open hole down the middle, but the second was even more impressive. He fought his way down the left sideline breaking multiple tackles before using his exceptional athleticism to plunge across the goal line. Through 12 games, Dobson has put up an absurd 2,220 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns.
Highlights
Hampton County’s defense was flying all over on Friday night, forcing four turnovers to shut down the Andrews run game. After giving up two early scores, the ‘Canes dug deep and held the Yellowjackets off the board the rest of the way thanks to some relentless play from linebacker Cody Segars Cody Segars 5’10” | 175 lbs | LB Hampton County | 2024 State SC . The senior’s explosive hustle and quick lateral movement helped him seek out the ball-carrier to make textbook and efficient stops and keep the opponent behind the sticks. Sparked by Segars’ hungry play on every snap, the ‘Canes stymied the Andrews run game to just 2.58 yards per carry after the one initial 82-yard burst while forcing four fumbles. Segars’ nonstop motor and ability to keep fighting and make adjustments will continue to be vital for him and a terrific Hampton County defense the rest of the way.
Braxton Scott has risen to the challenge this year under center for the Trojans, and he was terrific when it mattered the most to advance to the SCHSL 4A third round. Scott was consistent and poised under center, completing an efficient 6-of-8 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown while adding 43 yards on six carries. He’s a determined competitor on the field who has raised his IQ and instinctiveness this season to make the right reads quickly. Scott brings an added dimension to the game as a quick and physical runner who will fight for extra yards. A determined leader who will battle for all four quarters, Scott is hoping to conjure a magical finish to his senior season at James Island.
Highlights
The Cross Trojans are rolling so far in the Class 1A postseason, and they’ve gotten a tremendous spark in the ground game from senior quarterback Tyler Mungin Tyler Mungin 6’1″ | 170 lbs | QB Cross | 2024 State SC . The dual-threat star showed a little bit of everything on the field Friday, going for 134 rushing yards and two scores while finishing 8-of-13 in passing for 102 yards and a touchdown. He’s become a fearless leader of a Trojans squad playing with confidence and looseness as they advance deeper into the playoffs. If Mungin can continue to showcase his strong accuracy and excellent decision-making under center, the Trojans will be tough to knock out in the weeks to come.
Devaughn Sutter
Devaughn Sutter
Cross’ defense has been a terrific story in Class 1A with a deep and talented unit, and it was the sophomore Devaughn Sutter who led the charge on Friday night. The young defensive end feasted in the backfield to overwhelm Allendale-Fairfax, making 6.5 total stops in the contest including three important tackles for loss. He’s become a tenacious competitor who will never give up on finishing a play, as evidenced by a massive tackle and forced fumble where he found a way to escape his block and make a play from behind to jar the ball loose. Sutter has taken a massive step forward this year and will be tough to contain the rest of the way as the Trojans look to make a surprise run to Orangeburg.
When the lights and the moments have been the brightest this season, Yannick Smith always finds a way to shine for Summerville. The senior stud wide receiver thrived on Friday night to push his Green Wave to the Class 5A lower state semifinals with a pair of touchdown grabs and a touchdown throw against Berkeley. His connection was lethal with Jaden Cummings all night, and he showed off his arm on a 33-yard pass of his own to Kemori DeWeese. A monster playmaker downfield with his speed to gain separation downfield and his proven catch radius at 6-foot-3, Smith has become a matchup dominator in this year’s SCHSL 5A postseason. Expect the Green Wave to find more avenues to get the ball his way in space and continue to unleash his motor in the return game on special teams.