Weekend of Champions Staff Picks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The path to Orangeburg didn't start here. Not even close.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But now that the Weekend of Champions is upon us, the Prep RedZone South Carolina staff has taken all the players, teams and games we've seen and rolled that up into how we think the state finals will go. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're not simply telling you who will win. We're going to tell you why. And, more importantly, because of which players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's how we see Weekend of Champions playing out as we cap off the 2024 football season in grand fashion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CLASS 2A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 p.m. Thursday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinton (11-2) vs. Barnwell (13-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staff pick:</strong> Clinton (6-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Why the Red Devils will win: "Clinton features five different options at running back that average over 30 yards per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1161156' first='Javen' last='Cook']</strong> leads that group (136.6 yards per game, 21 touchdowns) and he is complimented by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012830' first='Tushawan' last='Richardson']</strong> (49.1 yards per game) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603772' first='Rhett' last='Gilliam']</strong> (39.0 yards per game) <strong>DJ Clark</strong> (36.9 yards per game) and <strong>Khari Vance</strong> (33.1 yards per game). Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150043' first='Brett' last='Young']</strong> (93 tackles, seven tackles for loss) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592507' first='Luke' last='Young']</strong> (85 tackles, five tackles for loss) will both be disruptors at the linebacker position. Success in the ground attack and the two leading tackles continuing what they do best, and Clinton will be the Class 2A State Champions." - <em>Andrew Wright</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CLASS A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:30 p.m. Thursday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abbeville (12-1) vs. Cross (12-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staff pick:</strong> Abbeville (6-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why the Panthers will win:</strong> "When reclassification happened last year, several people looked at the revamped Class A and thought it might turn into the Panther Invitational. Jamie Nickles has made a habit of winning state championships with eight in his 20 years at the school. He won his first title in 2011 and the last came in 2022. Plus, this team still has&nbsp;<strong>Demarcus Leach</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249809' first='Karson' last='Norman']</strong>&nbsp;on the roster. Cross also hasn't been to a state championship since winning it all in 2012. As much as it might get downplayed, experience playing on this stage makes a difference. Give me Abbeville to win its ninth title under Nickles in a close one." - <em>Chris Dearing</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CLASS 5A DIVISION I</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 p.m. Friday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dutch Fork (12-0) vs. Summerville (13-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staff pick:</strong> Dutch Fork (Unanimous)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why the Silver Foxes will win:</strong> "Dutch Fork enters this year's final winners of 20 consecutive games. It's led by a defense which has allowed a total of 78 points in 12 games, half of which ended in shutouts to set a school record. In addition, led by linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012706' first='Josh' last='Smith']</strong> (South Carolina signee), the Silver Foxes have recorded 32 sacks, have allowed just under 200 total yards a game and held opponents to 25 percent on third-down conversions. Lost in Dutch Fork's impressive defensive numbers is a balanced offense which averages 410 yards and just under 40 points a game. As for special teams, Dutch Fork has only punted twice all season. Conversely, wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='275995' first='Jayden' last='Westbrook']</strong> has returned three punts for touchdowns.&nbsp;Summerville may be the best offense Dutch Fork has faced all season. The opposite is inarguable as far as defenses the Green Wave has faced this season. Adding up all those factors put the Silver Foxes in position to claim the Division I title."- <em>Thomas Grant</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CLASS 4A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:30 p.m. Friday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westside (13-0) vs. South Florence (11-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staff pick:</strong> Westside (Unanimous)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why the Rams will win:</strong> "Westside came into the year with a ton of expectations based of last year's state title and a strong group of returners. They've more than lived up to them. The Rams are undefeated behind an explosive offense with playmakers everywhere, including all-everything QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346189' first='Cutter' last='Woods']</strong>, fast and physical RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157819' first='Sharode' last='Richardson']</strong>, and two of the best all-around athletes in the 2025 Class in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272705' first='Armoni' last='Weaver']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272708' first='Chamarryus' last='Bomar']</strong> - both of whom made the leap from Byrnes. Weaver and Bomar are lock-down defenders as well, complementing the play of guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346197' first='Jameson' last='Wilson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809749' first='RJ' last='Livingston']</strong> in front of them. The Rams are outstanding in all three phases and they're battle-tested. That's why they're our pick in 4A." - <em>Jed Blackwell</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CLASS 3A</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12 p.m. Saturday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belton-Honea Path (13-1) vs. Oceanside Collegiate (10-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staff pick:</strong> Belton-Honea Path (4-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why the Bears will win:</strong> "it feels like the destiny of&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605525' first='Marquise' last='Henderson']</strong>&nbsp;is to cap his incredible, four-year career with a state championship. In last Friday's 30-22 win over Mountain View Prep, Henderson accounted for 159 of the Bears' 176 yards rushing, had four catches for 64 of their 66 yards passing and scored all four of their touchdowns. The last of those touchdowns came on a fumble return in the final seconds to seal the win. While it was the first time he ever scored on a fumble return, it was the 98th touchdown of his career. Henderson has rushed for 1,934 yards this season giving him 6,392 in his career to go along with a 10.9 yards per carry career average. One player alone can't win a state title though. BHP junior quarterback&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283891' first='Noah' last='Thomas']</strong>&nbsp;(1,791 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, seven interceptions; 387 yards rushing, five touchdowns) and sophomore wide receiver&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='779428' first='Tajeh' last='Watson-Martin']</strong>&nbsp;(41 receptions, 883 yards, 13 touchdowns) can burn opposing defenses that are too focused on Henderson. The Bears defense, led by&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249760' first='Tye' last='Kelly']</strong>&nbsp;(67 tackles) and&nbsp;<strong>KJ Miles</strong>&nbsp;(five interceptions), is coming off holding MVP to its lowest scoring output of the season." - <em>Scott Keeler</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLASS 5A DIVISION II</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6 p.m. Saturday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northwestern (13-0) vs. Irmo (13-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staff pick:</strong> Northwestern (6-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why the Trojans will win:</strong> "Northwestern's offense is averaging 50.5 points per game with quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='241044' first='Finley' last='Polk']</strong> - who has thrown for 42 touchdowns and 3,284 yards. He has a plethora of receivers to throw to, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753896' first='Jayden' last='Nichols']</strong> (957 yards &amp; 10 touchdowns) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267334' first='Kameron' last='Vance']</strong> (962 yards &amp; 14 touchdowns) and <strong>TaDarrian Knox</strong> (510 yards, seven touchdowns). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603697' first='Zymier' last='Gordon-Miles']</strong> provides a steady hand in the backfield. The Trojans' defense is only allowing 16.2 points per game and it all starts with their stout defensive front of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605531' first='Will' last='Massey']</strong> (37 solo tackles), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360156' first='Andre' last='Pickett'] </strong>(21), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360210' first='Mason' last='Grier']</strong> (27) and <strong>Dmitri Putman</strong> (20) along with tackling machine <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267200' first='Tamarion' last='Watkins']</strong> at linebacker. When you look at all of the talent across the board, expect the Trojans to cap off a perfect season." - <em>Brandon Stockdale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>EDITOR'S NOTE: Here's how all seven members of the Prep RedZone South Carolina staff voted in each of the six state championship games. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Jed Blackwell</strong></td><td><strong>Chris Dearing</strong></td><td><strong>Thomas Grant</strong></td><td><strong>Ian Guerin</strong></td><td><strong>Scott Keeler</strong></td><td><strong>Brandon Stockdale</strong></td><td><strong>Andrew Wright</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Abbeville</td><td>Abbeville</td><td>Cross</td><td>Abbeville</td><td>Abbeville</td><td>Abbeville</td><td>Abbeville</td></tr><tr><td>Clinton</td><td>Clinton</td><td>Clinton</td><td>Clinton</td><td>Clinton</td><td>Clinton</td><td>Barnwell</td></tr><tr><td>Belton-Honea Path</td><td>Belton-Honea Path</td><td>Oceanside</td><td>Oceanside</td><td>Belton-Honea Path</td><td>Belton-Honea Path</td><td>Oceanside</td></tr><tr><td>Westside</td><td>Westside</td><td>Westside</td><td>Westside</td><td>Westside</td><td>Westside</td><td>Westside</td></tr><tr><td>Northwestern</td><td>Northwestern</td><td>Irmo</td><td>Northwestern</td><td>Northwestern</td><td>Northwestern</td><td>Northwestern</td></tr><tr><td>Dutch Fork</td><td>Dutch Fork</td><td>Dutch Fork</td><td>Dutch Fork</td><td>Dutch Fork</td><td>Dutch Fork</td><td>Dutch Fork</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table -->