Class 5A Lower State Playoff Preview: Third Round

David Shelton

November 16, 2022 @ 05:15 PM

The state playoffs for prep football in the Lower State of Class 5A is down to the final four teams and each of the semi-finalist is more than capable of representing the Lower State in the state championship game in December.   Surviving round three, however, will be difficult as both Lower State contests are evenly matched and should be highly competitive battles. Here's our preview.   Carolina Forest (8-4) at Fort Dorchester (8-3)   Two of the hottest teams in Class 5A will meet in what shapes up to be a high-scoring affair. Carolina Forest is averaging 49 points per game during their current four-game winning streak. Fort Dorchester has won seven straight and is averaging 44 points in those seven victories.   The game features two of the top quarterbacks in the Lower State. Fort Dorchester senior [player_tooltip player_id='89345' first='Zolten' last='Osborne'] (pictured) is a fourth-year varsity starter and has been quite productive. Though hampered a bit by a shoulder injury early on, Osborne has been efficient when needed. He topped 1,000 passing yards last week but has attempted only 140 passes in 12 games.   Fort Dorchester's offense is anchored by a strong running game that averages close to 300 yards per outing. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='91350' first='Davian' last='Brown'] has rushed for 1,141 yards and nine touchdowns while senior Zion Reynolds has 905 yards and 16 touchdowns. Up and coming freshman Ryan Benjamin adds more than 400 yards on the ground.   Carolina Forest leans more heavily on senior quarterback Scotty Saylor, who has passed for more than 2,800 yards this season. Saylor has set school records for single season total yards and total touchdowns, and is closing in on the single season passing mark.   If the game comes down to defense, Fort Dorchester may have the edge. The athletic Patriots allow 16 points per game on the season while the Panthers give up just under 30 points per game. Either way, expect some offense in this showdown.   Edge: Fort Dorchester   Summerville (10-2) at Sumter (11-1)   While the other Lower State game looks to be high scoring, the other may well end up a defensive battle. The two teams met in September with Sumter posting a 16-0 win.   Sumter's defense has yielded only 142 points in 12 games while the Green Wave has allowed 145. Sumter senior [player_tooltip player_id='202743' first='Zyeir' last='Gamble'] is a playmaker in the secondary with more than 22 career interceptions. He also excels in the kick and punt return game.   Summerville hopes to have senior back and leading rusher Marquez Spells back for this game. Spells did not play in last week's win over Lexington but junior Trae Green took up the slack with 147 yards rushing. Spells also is a key performer on special teams.   Both teams rely on the running game with each getting complimentary play from the quarterback position. Turnovers and special teams play will be key in this contest.   Edge: Summerville

The state playoffs for prep football in the Lower State of Class 5A is down to the final four teams and each of the semi-finalist is more than capable of representing the Lower State in the state championship game in December.