Class 3A Upper State Third Round Playoff Preview

Photo: Prep Redzone

Jed Blackwell November 16, 2021 @ 08:42 PM

Chester and Powdersville both rallied from double-digit deficits, Clinton outscored its opponent 27-7 to blow open a second round game, and Daniel put away a stubborn Woodruff team to set the 3A Upper State semifinals. Here's a look at this week's third round games.   No. 2 Chester (8-3) at No. 1 Powdersville (12-0) The Cyclones were two feet from just about done last week, but recovered a fumble into the end zone to avoid an 18-point deficit, then rallied from 11 down to defeat No. 1 seed Chapman. [player_tooltip player_id="59469" first="Zan" last="Dunham"] was all over the place for Chester, accounting for 335 total offensive yards and notching four touchdowns - two on the ground and two in the air. Shydem McCullough provided an effective counterpunch, providing 110 yards of offense and helping keep the Panthers off-balance. Dunham also played well in the middle of the Chester defense, bolstering the efforts of DE Darius Head and DL DeMarrion Carter. Powdersville got a big contribution from its own two-way player last week, with [player_tooltip player_id="89333" first="Jalen" last="Rambert"] taking time off from absolutely wrecking things on the defensive side of the ball to rush for a crucial touchdown for the second straight week. Rambert will have to play a huge role in defending against Chester’s power rushing attack, but can be counted upon for offense, as well. [player_tooltip player_id="91152" first="Thomas" last="Williams"] is the hammer for the Patriots in the backfield, grinding out tough yards, and Eli Hudgins runs the offense well for Powdersville.   No. 2 Clinton (11-1) at No. 1 Daniel (11-0) All the Red Devils did last week was rally for a 27-7 advantage in the second half to defeat No. 1 seed Lower Richland. Clinton presents a matchup problem for just about anyone, as their option-based attack isn’t one that’s seen often, and the Red Devils run it to near perfection. Last week, that entailed 311 rushing yards and 480 yards of total offense. Four rushers combined for 44 carries, with incredible balance among Jishun Copeland, Bryson James, and [player_tooltip player_id="91249" first="Jykorie" last="Gary"]. Davis Wilson runs the offense for the Devils, and threw for 139 yards and a score on Friday. Defensively, Justin Copeland continued his strong play for Clinton. Across the bracket is Daniel, the defending state champion. The Lions have looked untouchable at times this season, as QB [player_tooltip player_id="153264" first="Trent" last="Pearman"] and company have rolled through their schedule. However, Woodruff put up a fight last week, and Daniel had to turn to backups to step up for injured leading rusher Chris Edge. Tory Shaw and Jarius Cleveland were more than up to the task, and [player_tooltip player_id="91231" first="Boston" last="Miller"] provided a spark with a pick-6. Pearman also showed a different wrinkle, rushing for a 50-yard score.