Class 5A, Division II Upper State Third Round Preview

When the bracket came out a few weeks ago, we had a feeling this is what the final four would look like in Class 5A Division II. There's some intrigue with the matchups because of the contrast of styles. One is a high flying offense that wants to get the ball out to their receivers, while mixing in the run game. Two of them like to spread folks out and run the ball and the other one is an old school, grind-it-out type run style.   All of the defenses have shown the ability to dominate the opposition and make plays when it counts the most.   This is what late November play should be like and the third round playoff games in Class 5A Division II should be a lot of fun the day after Thanksgiving. Let's break down the two games:   NO. 4 GREENWOOD (9-2) AT NO. 1 NORTHWESTERN (11-0)   Greenwood held on late with a first down pass from [player_tooltip player_id='1639712' first='Triston' last='Lewis'] to [player_tooltip player_id='1743674' first='Bryce' last='Seaborn'], sealing a second round win over Hillcrest, 28-21. The Eagles will want to keep the ball on the ground, as they ran for 259 yards on 47 attempts in last week's win. [player_tooltip player_id='1360096' first='Robert' last='Stevens'] will lead the way on the offensive line, while [player_tooltip player_id='1743679' first='Trey' last='Crawford'] will be the steady hand at running back. But they can put it in the air when they need to – Lewis launched a deep ball to Jayden Adams, which set up the Eagles' first score of the night. He is the downfield threat for the Eagles along with Landen Still. [player_tooltip player_id='1360068' first='Shuvioues' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='1732593' first='Dyson' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1247862' first='Khamari' last='Griffin'] on the defensive line and [player_tooltip player_id='828831' first='Damarion' last='Roman'] at linebacker, who has over 22 tackles for loss on the season. They will look to affect the Trojans' offense on Friday.   Northwestern made a quick dispatch of Indian Land in the second round with a 49-6 win. The Trojans scored in a variety of ways, which could spell trouble for future opponents down the road – [player_tooltip player_id='1267334' first='Kameron' last='Vance'] took a blocked punt back for a score while Joshua Singleton took an interception back 73 yards for a touchdown. Daniel Caldwell led the way in receiving with four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown from [player_tooltip player_id='241044' first='Finley' last='Polk']. Jayce Joseph had two tackles and a pass breakup – he has 18 tackles on the year along with a forced fumble. Zymier Gordon Miles had four scores on the night to go along with 117 yards on the evening. The Trojans have only been held under 45 points one time – against South Pointe back on September 13.    Matchup Within The Matchup: Lewis is a dual threat for Greenwood, as he had a 60-yard rushing touchdown last week and has ran for over 800 yards this year. If the Eagles are going to pull off the upset in Rock Hill, his running ability will need to be a factor with designed quarterback runs and scrambles. It's something that [player_tooltip player_id='1267200' first='Tamarion' last='Watkins'] at linebacker has 18 solo tackles along with the defensive line of [player_tooltip player_id='1360210' first='Mason' last='Grier'], [player_tooltip player_id='1360156' first='Andre' last='Pickett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='605531' first='Will' last='Massey'] will be aware of.   Underclassmen Impact: Desiray Christian is a freshman wide receiver for Greenwood who has proven that the bright lights on Friday night are not too big for him. He can line up on the outside and run a skinny post for a big gain, like we saw on his film against Lexington earlier in the season. He also excels in the quick game in being able to get up field.    NO. 3 TL HANNA (9-2) AT NO. 2 GAFFNEY (9-1)   TL Hanna pulled away in a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/11/what-we-saw-tl-hanna-57-catawba-ridge-34/">shootout against Catawba Ridge in the second round last week to advance, 57-34</a>. The Wing-T option attack is running smooth, thanks to the play from guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1254105' first='Brandon' last='Cunningham'], [player_tooltip player_id='1157743' first='KD' last='Patterson'] and Matt Boseman. You also have to keep your eye on Daylan Williams, who had two rushing scores and ran with good speed and power throughout the evening. If you get too caught up in the run game, Walker Kelley can beat you over the top at tight end, and make an impact on defense from his linebacker spot. Speaking of the Yellow Jackets' defense, keep an eye on Jamarion Oliver (pick six last week) and Travon Johnson (several pass breakups) as well as Shondriques Vance (blocked punt for a touchdown) and NC State commit Cam Strong (pictured above) in the secondary.   Shane Davidson got the Indians on the board first with a receiving touchdown in Gaffney's 41-21 rout of Riverside in the second round, to go along with 17 yards receiving on the night. The other skill on the Indians' offense is fun to watch with [player_tooltip player_id='1254122' first='Jamarcus' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] (14-yard touchdown run last week). Everything will be kickstarted by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='284134' first='Jayvon' last='Gilmore'], who threw for 203 yards last week.   Matchup Within The Matchup: Both teams will want to line up and run the football, so this game will be won in the trenches. We will start with the Gaffney defensive line, who has an anchor up front with linebackers Sherman Tate and Josh Corry. [player_tooltip player_id='797158' first='Shedrick' last='Sarratt'] primarily plays at offensive line and will be key to open up holes for the run game, but don't be surprised if the Indians' coaching staff lines him up at defensive line. Jamizeyeh Harkness can wreak havoc up front for the Jackets, as he had a sack and forced a fumble last week.   Underclassmen Impact: [player_tooltip player_id='1036755' first='Kendaris' last='Bailey'] may only be a sophomore for Gaffney, but he sure doesn't play like one. He attacks the line of scrimmage with a level of aggression that fights through the blocks of opposing linemen quickly. He reacts to pass plays quickly and can limit the gain there as well.

When the bracket came out a few weeks ago, we had a feeling this is what the final four would look like in Class 5A Division II. There's some intrigue with the matchups because of the contrast of styles. One is a high flying offense that wants to get the ball out to their receivers, while mixing in the run game. Two of them like to spread folks out and run the ball and the other one is an old school, grind-it-out type run style.