2028s, 2029s Primed for Big Week 9

While everyone starts scoreboard watching and projecting what the final two weeks of the regular season will mean in terms of playoff berths and seeds, a large number of underclassmen around the state are helping to navigate their respective teams' paths to getting there.   Whether they recognize the impact of their production or not.   In Week 9 around the Palmetto State, several of those 2028s and 2029s in particular are set up nicely to have another solid game, sure, but more importantly, one at a time when the meaning behind it is heightened.   [player_tooltip player_id='1608532' first='Kingsten' last='Bibb'] RB, Daniel    Bibb's carries dropped somewhat after an August/September stretch in which he got double-digit touches for three straight games. But if last week's game showed us anything, it's that the freshman doesn't need high-volume carries to be effective. With just five, he piled up 81 yards and two touchdowns. That gave him 10 rushing touchdowns for the year. Oh, did we mention he also caught three passes for 120 yards and two more scores? While his natural position is tailback, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield also gave his coaches some confidence in splitting him out wide. Against Blue Ridge this week, Bibb will have every chance to go off again.     [player_tooltip player_id='1595010' first='Taddrick' last='Gibson'] DB, Dutch Fork    The corner has been effective in all seven of the Silver Foxes' games. He's picked off a pair of passes and made 23 stops while lining up against some talented receivers. This week, he's going to be part of a defense looking to prey on a River Bluff offense that has had some issues with turnovers this fall. Those 10 interceptions the Gators have thrown will be a point of contention, and if Gibson starts breaking them up or picking them off, this could be another Dutch Fork special in the making.     [player_tooltip player_id='1817499' first='Jay' last='Todd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1881794' first='Ethan' last='Shaw'] LBs, Loris   The much-discussed showdown with Marlboro County never took place a year ago. But the Friday match-up between these two teams should be an excellent mix of more experienced leaders and some rising stars. For Loris, the latter starts with Shaw (2029) and Todd (2028). The pair of underclassmen are leading the Lions in tackles and have already notched a combined 110 of them this season. Marlboro County doesn't always keep it on the ground, but that's where it's been most effective in 2025. That means opportunities for Todd and Shaw to impose some will.     Skyler Cornelius RB/DB, East Clarendon    Cornelius has turned into the focal point of the Wolverines' offense, rushing for 700 yards and nine touchdowns on 125 carries. And for a freshman to only have two lost fumbles in that many touches is why the coach's son has continued to thrive. This week against Atlantic Collegiate, Cornelius can inch East Clarendon one step closer to a region title, a would-be No. 1 and home field advantage for at least the first three rounds of the playoffs. The Wolverines would earn all that with wins over ACA and Marion next week, and having a freshmen's production spurring that says something. (No film available)   [player_tooltip player_id='293593' first='Michael' last='Martin'] RB, Christ Church (pictured)   There's absolutely no reason to believe the sophomore touchdown machine is going to slow down any time soon. He's reached the end zone 21 times already this season and has 30 for his career with a bare minimum three games remaining in his sophomore season. Much of that has to do with his last three games, contests in which he's scored three touchdowns each time out on the field. Martin is quickly become a bigger and bigger part of this offense, and the balance between the rushing and passing attacks should work well in his favor against Southside Christian this week, as well.     [player_tooltip player_id='1615015' first='Warnell' last='Prew'] LB, South Florence   There's a reason that Bruins' players' numbers are all being held relatively in check. Frankly, when you're blowing everyone out, it's hard to legitimize keeping starters on the field. Since losing to Northwestern on September 5, that's been the name of the game. South has won its ensuing five games by an after of 45.6 points. Still, heading into this week's game at Lower Richland, Prew is second on the team in tackles with 50 and he's starting to flex into some of the turnover game, too. His two picks, three tackles for loss and a sack are helping the top names on this roster get some extra rest.

While everyone starts scoreboard watching and projecting what the final two weeks of the regular season will mean in terms of playoff berths and seeds, a large number of underclassmen around the state are helping to navigate their respective teams' paths to getting there.