Class 2A Lower State Playoff Preview
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As the Class 2A Lower State playoffs begin, there are four teams that stand out as the most legitimate contenders to reach the Class 2A state championship game in early December. Oceanside Collegiate, Barnwell, Woodland and Marion have been mainstays…
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Continue ReadingAs the Class 2A Lower State playoffs begin, there are four teams that stand out as the most legitimate contenders to reach the Class 2A state championship game in early December.
Oceanside Collegiate, Barnwell, Woodland and Marion have been mainstays in the Class AA statewide rankings all season long. Oceanside Collegiate and Barnwell would have to be considered the favorites, but one should not look past Marion and Woodland.
If you are looking for a dark horse candidate, look at the winner of a first-round matchup between Buford and Andrews.
Kingstree (5-5) at Timberland (2-7)
Timberland was the region runner-up to Oceanside Collegiate and earned their only two wins in region play. The Wolves were competitive in most games but struggled offensively all season. The defense, led by Shrine Bowl linebacker Omari Jenkins Omari Jenkins 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Timberland | 2023 State SC , will be tested by a good offense from Kingstree. Quarterback JaShaun Dorsey has thrown for more than 1,300 yards this season, Two-way performer Amond Myers Amond Myers 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH C E Murray | 2023 State SC has 77 tackles and 21 tackles for loss as a cornerback.
Edge: KIngstree
Bishop England (2-8) at Barnwell (10-0)
This is a tough draw for the Bishops, a team that has struggled mightily on offense all season. Safety Charlie Ranney leads a defense that plays with great effort but lacks overall team speed. Barnwell has no lack of speed or size, starting with 2,000-yard rusher Tyler Smith, who plays linebacker on defense. Wide receiver Clay Pender Clay Pender 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Barnwell | 2023 SC is a major threat in the passing game,
Edge: Barnwell
Lee Central (3-6) at Oceanside Collegiate (8-1)
Oceanside Collegiate would have to totally meltdown to not win this game. The Landsharks are very sound defensively with linemen Tim Castain Tim Castain 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate | 2023 State SC and Ben Britton Ben Britton 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate | 2024 State SC , and defensive back Zack Hagedon leading the way. Top rusher Vaughn Blue Vaughn Blue 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC has missed a month with a injury but should be a factor in the postseason.
Edge: Oceanside Collegiate
Lake Marion (6-4) at Woodland (9-1)
Only a close loss at Barnwell has kept Woodland from the ranks of the unbeaten. Quarterback Sudarian Harrison (pictured) is having a phenomenal season and is gaining Power 5 offers almost daily. Linebacker Aaron Pulliam anchors an improving defense. Lake Marion has been inconsistent this season and will need their best game to have a chance in this matchup.
Edge: Woodland
Ridgeland-Hardeeville (1-9) at Andrew Jackson (8-2)
On paper, this game should not be close. Andrew Jackson has put together one of their best seasons in decades. Running back Trey Thompson Trey Thompson 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Andrew Jackson | 2024 State SC , a junior, has topped 2,000 yards rushing with 27 touchdowns in 10 games. Thompson could be needed only for a half in this game.
Edge: Andrew Jackson
Buford (8-2) at Andrews (8-2)
This is the top matchup in the Lower State and should be a very competitive contest. Buford is led by the passing combination of quarterback Brody Sanders and receiver Jamari Hough Jamari Hough 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR Buford | 2023 State SC , one of the top passing duos in the state. Andrews prefers to do their damage in a power running game. Lavon White Lavon White 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Andrews | 2024 State SC and Jermaine Smalls have combined for 1,500 yards rushing. Quarterback Cam Cumbee, however, has more than 1,300 yards passing and running and has accounted for 24 touchdowns. Tonk Dorsey has 12 receiving touchdowns.
Edge: Andrews
Wade Hampton (6-4) at Central (6-4)
Another matchup that promises to be a competitive battle. Wade Hampton relies on a power run game, led by Zion Dobson Zion Dobson 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Hampton County | 2024 State SC ‘s 14 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards. Sophomore quarterback Chris Terry has thrown for more than 1,000 yards as well. Central’s running game is anchored by sophomore Tray Wilson Tray Wilson 5'9" | 175 lbs | ATH Central | 2025 State SC and freshman Ashten Wilson, who have combined for more than 1,300 yards. Junior Petey Blakeney is a leader for the Eagles on defense with 11 tackles for loss and six sacks. Central has 18 interceptions as a defense.
Edge: Central
Cheraw (3-7) at Marion (8-2)
Marion won an earlier season meeting with Cheraw, 76-27. The Swamp Foxes are led offensively by an efficient quarterback, Gabriel Cusack. Marion is equally effective running and throwing the football. Cheraw running back Zay Brown has rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns, but the Braves allow 41 points per game defensively.
Edge: Marion