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The Gilbert Indians looked as good as I have ever seen them look – ever – on Friday night. They had a game plan for South Aiken and put a good ole’ fashioned whupping on them. The defense played fast and was impressive and the running backs shredded the South Aiken defense. Those two Gilbert running backs are as good as any running backs in the state. They could very well be the best 3A team in the lower state. This week they take on a 3-0 Pelion team and you may not want to let the children watch this one as it will be a massacre.
Camden lost to the best 4A team in the lower state, Hartsville, and it was a close one. These guys continue to play very good football on both sides of the ball and I believe they will recover just fine. They host Gray Collegiate this week and their secondary will be tested but their offense is going to have a field day, as the War Eagles are struggling to stop anyone with their defense. Look for QB Grayson White and RB Avaree Hickman to have big games.
Crestwood got a very good win over Andrew Jackson in an overtime game this past week and got a big game from QB Javion Martin, who threw for 4 touchdowns. The Knights struggled with the AJ ground game and this week they face off with cross town rival Sumter, who will run the ball at them, as well. This could be an interesting game but if Crestwood wins, it will be an upset.
Brookland-Cayce got beaten badly by Northwestern and I don’t understand playing Byrnes and Northwestern for the Bearcats. I understand the saying “iron sharpens iron” but have you ever watched a blacksmith work? Iron also beats the hell out of iron at times and that is what has happened in a couple of these match ups. This week, it doesn’t get any easier when they host AC Flora. The Bearcats have to be more consistent on offense and not play for the big play, but rather chew up some clock with some scoring drives. The game plan should be to limit the number of offensive touches the Falcons get AND do NOT kick the ball to #1.
Swansea was off this past week but will take on 1A Wagener-Salley this week. The Tigers are deeper than the War Eagles, but they will see one of the better athletes they have seen in War Eagle quarterback Cam Davis. He’s their leading rusher, as well, and one of the defensive leaders for that team. The defensive front for the War Eagles is strong and will challenge the Tigers’ offensive line, but in the end, Swansea will have too many athletes to give this game up.
After a season opening lost to Sumter, Lakewood has rattled off two wins and this past week, put up 47 points in the win over Dreher. This Gator team has not reached their peak yet and I believe they have the potential to be on eof the better 3A teams in the Midlands. They are strong defensively and will take on a 1-1 Aynor team this week. In Week one, Aynor played a very good Wilson team to a 1 point loss so this may be a tougher match than people think.
Lower Richland lost to Ridge View this past week and I find myself struggling to predict good things for them until something changes on the offensive side of the football. This team has the potential to be one of the more exciting offense in the Midlands but have not come close to that potential yet. They take on a winless Rock Hill team this week that may not be as an easy of a game as people anticipate. The Diamond Hornets must get the ball into the hands of their playmaker, Nate Branch, even if they have to snap him the ball.
OW ran into a buzz saw this past week with South Florence and will try to regroup this week. South Flo completely shut down OW’s offense and it will not get easier this week as they take on a tough Barnwell team. They are offensive minded and have outscored their opponents 137 to 14 in three weeks. Watch the Warhorse passing game as they have dangerous receivers.
Dreher is 1-2, dropping their last two games. They are struggling and it is not a surprise. Everyone knew this was a year of reconstructing a program. Coach Corey Jenkins has his hands full but be patient and give him time and this team will continue to improve. This week, however, will not be pretty as they play West Florence, who is one of the top 4A teams in the lower state. Strong ground game and a dangerous quarterback will be a challenge for this young Dreher team.
IMPACT PLAYERS
QB Chance Jennings, Gilbert
RB Alias Graham-Woodberry, Gilbert
RB Jaden Allen-Hendrix, Gilbert
QB Grayswon White, Camden
RB Avaree Hickman, Camden
QB Javion Martin, Crestwood
WR Nigel Johnson, Crestwood
QB Tanner Staton, Brookland-Cayce
DL Traquan Singleton, Brookland-Cayce
QB Jacob Harper, Swansea
LB Ricky Tyler, Swansea
DB Brandon Cisse, Lakewood
QB Anthony Mack, OW
QB Colby Fuller, Dreher
WR Caleb Timmons, Dreher
