Class 3A Lower State Third Round Preview
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The Class 3A lower state playoffs have four schools that have found a lot of recent success on the football field. Dillon has played in eight state title games since 20212 with five state championships during that time. Camden has…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 3A lower state playoffs have four schools that have found a lot of recent success on the football field. Dillon has played in eight state title games since 20212 with five state championships during that time. Camden has played for the past two Class 3A state championships, coming up short against Daniel. Beaufort lost to South Pointe in the Class 4A finals last year. Gilbert has made deep playoff runs under Chad Leaphart the last several years. We take a look at this year’s state quarterfinal matchups.
Dillon (12-0) at Camden (9-3)
This is a rematch from the second round last year in which Camden knocked off previously undefeated Dillon 13-7. You can expect a lot of the same this year. Dillon again comes in undefeated after a 35-21 win over Brookland-Cayce last week. The Wildcats are averaging almost 44 points a game and allowing 17 points per game. Sophomore Jamarion Fling Jamarion Fling 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Dillon | 2025 State SC had three rushing scores last week with Ty Martin and Chris McCollum each adding one. Sirmod McCallum Sirmod McCallum 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH Dillon | 2024 SC , Xzavion Davis and Anthony Grant will be the catalyst on defense. Camden on the other hand comes in with a 7-game winning streak. The Bulldogs average 37.2 points per game and allow 15 points per game. QB Grayson White Grayson White 6'0" | 240 lbs | QB Camden | 2024 State SC was injured early last week but returned to lead Camden to a come-from-behind 29-26 win over Lower Richland. RB Avaree Hickman, WRs Cortez Lane Cortez Lane 5'11" | 170 lbs | RB Cardinal Newman | 2024 State SC and Jah Mayrant around him. DE David Copley David Copley 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Camden | 2023 State SC , LB Zack Earle and DT Xzavier McLeod Xzavier McLeod 6'5" | 320 lbs | DL Camden | 2023 State SC allowed big plays last week but will need to be better against the run this week.
Edge: Dillon
Gilbert (10-2) at Beaufort (11-1)
When you discuss Gilbert football, it must start with the running back duo of Alias Graham-Woodberry Alias Graham-Woodberry 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Gilbert | 2023 State SC (pictured) and Jaden Allen-Hendrix Jaden Allen-Hendrix 6'2" | 230 lbs | RB Irmo | 2024 State SC . They’ve combined for 3,144 yards rushing this season along with 46 touchdowns on the ground. Gilbert is nearing 4,000 yards rushing a team. That has helped the Indians outscore their opponents 43.6-17.3 on average. Chance Jennings Chance Jennings 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Gilbert | 2023 State SC gives them another weapon. The senior has rushed for 352 yards, has 257 yards receiving and 218 yards passing despite missing time earlier in the year. Drake Braddock has grown at the QB position and could be a key against Beaufort. Defensively, Gilbert will need big games from Landon Browning, Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 5'10" | 175 lbs | DB Gilbert | 2023 State SC , Jake Torbett, and Brendan Boatwright. Beaufort overcame an 18-point second half deficit to rally for a 45-42 win over Crestwood last week. RB Kacy Fields Kacy Fields 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Beaufort | 2023 State SC scored three second half rushing touchdowns to go along with a first half kickoff return for a score. He finished 151 yards rushing. QB Samari Bonds Samari Bonds 6'1" | 160 lbs | QB Beaufort | 2025 State SC added 88 yards and a TD, but he limped off late in the game. Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC stepped in at QB and had a TD along with four tackles, two pass breakups and an interception on defense. Jack Sumner will need another nig game to slow down the Gilbert ground attack.
Edge: Beaufort