Upper State Semifinal Game Balls
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<p>The Weekend of Champions is set, but we saw some nice performances in the semifinal round that propel the winning team to have a chance to hoist a state championship trophy. Here's a look at who stood out from the semifinal round:</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165108' first='Zori' last='Pierce'] </strong>QB, Lamar</p>
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<p>Pierce found a spark throwing and running, going for six total touchdowns as Lamar <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/lamar-cruises-to-1a-title-behind-pierces-six-tds/">cruised to the 1A title game with a win over Lewisville</a>. He did a lot of his damage on the ground with four on the ground and two through the air – one to <strong>Kamil McCoy </strong>and the other to <strong>Julian Morris.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1822769' first='Jalen' last='Culp']</strong> QB, Lewisville</p>
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<p>Despite a losing effort, Culp came up big in the second half to try and keep the Lions within striking distance, connecting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1817572' first='Jaylin' last='Douglas'] </strong>for two touchdowns.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823705' first='Jaxon' last='Knotts'] </strong>QB, Dutch Fork</p>
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<p>Knotts went 17-of-22 for 137 yards and found the end zone once on the ground in the Silver Foxes' 30-10 win over Dorman. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1821111' first='Quintin' last='Wilson'] </strong>found the end zone on the ground himself twice with scores of 14 and 6 yards. </p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1820530' first='Deonte' last='Phillips'] </strong>RB, Strom Thurmond</p>
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<p>Phillips ran for 84 yards on 17 carries for one touchdown in the Rebels' slim 15-13 win over Fairfield Central. <strong>Brishaun Lee </strong>was second on the team with 48 yards on the night.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824427' first='Grady' last='Stone'] </strong>ATH, Strom Thurmond</p>
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<p>Stone led the way defensively for the Rebels with nine total tackles in the win.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232624' first='Xavier' last='Means'] </strong>QB, Northwestern</p>
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<p>Means ran for 164 yards and four touchdowns, while throwing for 157 yards as the Trojans routed Indian Land for the second time this season, 51-19. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1267200' first='Tamarion' last='Watkins'] </strong>(pictured above)<strong> </strong>had a 34-yard pick six in the fourth quarter.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467825' first='Matt' last='Kucia'] </strong>QB, Indian Land</p>
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<p>Despite a losing effort, Kucia had a solid night, going 23-of-42 for 212 yards and three touchdowns, two going to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1819992' first='Sequel' last='Patterson'] </strong>and the other going to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1042719' first='Hayden' last='Morris']</strong> who had a strong showing (13 catches, 138 yards and one touchdown).</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639798' first='MJ' last='Earl'] </strong>RB, Belton-Honea Path</p>
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<p>Earle ran for 212 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries as the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/11/earl-belton-honea-path-run-past-powdersville/">Bears routed Powdersville 35-7</a> to advance to the state championship game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1823141' first='Malachi' last='Hester'] </strong>found the end zone once as well.</p>
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<p></p>
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The Weekend of Champions is set, but we saw some nice performances in the semifinal round that propel the winning team to have a chance to hoist a state championship trophy. Here's a look at who stood out from the semifinal round:
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