Cross Schools (2-8, 1-4) at Laurens Academy (7-3, 4-2) {-29}
The only team that Cross Schools has defeated is Conway Christian. Laurens Academy looks to avoid that list in the first round of the SCISA 8-Man playoffs. Do not expect anything less if Garrett Murphy has anything to say about it. The senior has been on a tear this year, taking snaps at almost every position and is the heart of the Crusaders. At 29-point favorites, expect the Crusaders to cruise past that in a victory.
Prediction: Murphy goes for over 200 yards on the ground as Laurens Academy defeats Cross Schools, 48-14.
St. John’s Christian at Greenwood Christian {-21}
For a full breakdown of this game, check out the preview of the SK Media Game of the Week presented by Mitchell Enterprises!
Ware Shoals (3-5, 2-2) at Whitmire (3-6, 2-2) {-3}
This game is huge for both teams, but Whitmire has the most to lose. A win would give them second place in the region and a chance to host a home playoff game. Ware SHoals would then finish fourth in the region. A Hornets win would put them at third in the region behind Abbeville and Dixie and Whitmire would drop all the way to fourth.
It’s no secret what the Wolverines do and that’s run the football. They have rushed for more than 2,200 yards this season while only passing for a touch over 250 yards. It has mostly been the Kayhsaun Schumpert show for Whitmire, as he has rushed for 838 yards and six touchdowns on the season. However, Ware Shoals has a lot of offensive talent as well. Jayce Medlin still found a way to score against Abbeville and Jayden Johnson continues to be the dual-threat leader they need him to be. Holding Schumpert is going to be the deciding factor for the Hornets.
Prediction: Despite, Schumpert having a big game, Ware Shoals prevails in a shootout, 47-41.
#1 Abbeville (7-1, 4-0) at McCormick (2-7, 2-2) {+46}
Abbeville should run away with this one early. Karson Norman continues to look dominant behind a big and highly skilled Panther front. And while the defense has bent at times, they still have this week to clean some things up. Markese Stevens and Quantrell Hearst of McCormick have both had big seasons and even if the Chiefs lose, those two will shine.
Prediction: Panthers sit the starters early in this one. Abbeville rolls 56-8.
#1 Batesburg-Leesville (9-0, 4-0) at #9 Strom Thurmond (6-2, 3-1) {+10}
For the third straight week, Region 2-2A has one of the best games in the state when top-ranked Batesburg-Leesville rolls into the Peach Fields Friday night. The Panthers are coming off a big win over Saluda, who was ranked second heading into the last week’s clash. The Rebels are coming off a win against Ninety Six and are hungry to throw chaos into the region title race. If B-L wins, they are the outright region champs. If the Rebels win, then there will be a three-way tie for first place. The region champ would then be determined by the points scored in the contests against the other two teams. The Rebels offense will need to play with more consistency against a very underrated Panthers defense if they want to pull out a win. Ultimately, however, it will be up to the Blue Steel defense to stop Tanner Watkins and Amadre Wooden.
Prediction: Bri’Shaun Lee and Jay Sewell connect for a couple big scores and the Rebels pull off the upset at home over Batesburg-Leesville, 34-28.
American Leadership Academy (0-8, 0-4) at #5 Saluda (7-1, 3-1) {-56}
Following their loss to Batesburg-Leesville, the Tigers are hungry to get back in the win column. They have a great opportunity against a winless ALA team. Who most recently lost to Pelion 28-6, a team Saluda beat 50-0. The Tigers are going to be paying more attention to the Batesburg-Leesville-Strom Thurmond game, as that matchup will determine the region champion.
Prediction: Not much to say about this one. Starters are out by the second quarter and Saluda cruises to a victory, 56-0.
#4 Clinton (6-2, 3-0) at Liberty (5-3, 2-1) {+15}
After a week off, the Red Devils are itching to get back on the field, especially when a victory means a region championship. Clinton has swept region play thus far, and are favored to pick up another win tonight. Expect the big boys up front for the Big Red Machine to come out eager to get dirty as they have all season, allowing the Clinton rushing attack to shine. So much so that quarterback Tushawan Richardson has rarely been forced to throw forward passes for the team to win. This could be another one of those nights. If not, however, wideouts Chris Boyd and Devin Swindler can make something shake if necessary.
Prediction: The REAL Red Devils prevail as Clinton defeats LIberty, 49-14.
Fountain Inn (5-4, 1-3) at Laurens (1-8, 1-3) {+7}
After a close loss last week to Emerald, Laurens has one more shot to get in the win column in the regular season. They have clinched their playoff spot, but a win here would definitely feel good heading into the postseason. Quarterback Will Thompson is coming off one of his best games as a Raider where he posted 176 passing yards with a passing and rushing touchdown. Now is the perfect time to build on that performance, as Fountain Inn has not fared well in region play with a 1-3 record. If Thompson brings his best stuff tonight and the offensive line gives him time to make plays, the Raiders are in good position to take home a win.
Prediction: Laurens ends their regular season on a high note as they defeat Fountain Inn, 21-14.
#10 Wren (6-2, 3-1) at Emerald (5-4, 3-1) {+14}
Prayers for Wren’s Isaac Wigington
The Vikings and Hurricanes are currently tied for second in the region behind Westside. The winner of this matchup will have a home playoff game, something both squads would love. The Hurricanes continue to play with heavy hearts and it is going to be tough for the Vikings to squeak out a win here. Emerald has proven they can handle themselves in big games, however. Just two weeks ago, they took home an exciting double overtime victory over Fountain Inn. In Week 0, they were able to come out victorious over Ninety Six in a game that went down to the final whistle. Emerald is going to have to bring the heat tonight, and judging from their past games, do not expect anything less.
Prediction: Upset of the week. Vikings claim second place in the region with a win over Wren, 31-28.
Mauldin (2-7, 2-4) at #10 Greenwood (7-2, 5-1) {-37}
The Eagles have put together an impressive season, knocking off some tough opponents in games where they were underdogs. Tonight, it is the complete opposite. Mauldin has struggled this season and tonight is a great opportunity for Greenwood to roll into the postseason with confidence. While the Eagles tend to start off slow, expect the starters to be pulled by the third quarter and the defense to shine, per usual.
Prediction: Grayson Ellenburg finds the endzone late in the fourth as Greenwood defeats Mauldin, 49-7.