Laurens Academy (8-3, 4-2) at Jefferson Davis Academy (12-1, 7-0) {-39}
Laurens Academy has put together a great season with many things to be proud of. They went 7-3 in the regular season, put up some insane offensive numbers and won a first round playoff game at home. However, the odds are heavily stacked against them as they travel to Blackville to take on one of, if not the best team in all of 8-man football currently. Jefferson Davis Academy lost their first game of the season to Providence Athletic Club 32-14. Since that game, they have won 12 straight, including two wins over a good team in Holly Hill Academy. The Crusaders are not completely counted out, but, at 39-point underdogs, it is going to be a challenge for them to knock off the Raiders.
Prediction: Though they have had an impressive season, Laurens Academy’s road comes to an end as they fall to Jefferson Davis Academy 56-30.
Greenwood Christian (8-2, 4-1) at Pee Dee Academy (10-0, 5-0) {-6}
Rooney’s Road Dawgs are back at it as they have a long three-hour drive ahead of them to take on the undefeated Golden Eagles of Pee Dee Academy. The Golden Eagles have only had one game within single digits this year–a 25-22 win over Bethesda Academy. The Hawks have got to prevent Pee Dee from getting hot early and play their game. Sophomore quarterback Leland Reed’s composure under the bright lights is going to be a big deciding factor as well head coach Will Rooney, who are both playing/coaching in the biggest game of their careers. If the Hawks can stay composed, they will earn themselves a ticket to the state championship.
Prediction: With Pee Dee Academy focusing most of their attention on Reed, Hamp Davis and Brady Wilson, it’s Kade Heaton who comes through with a late touchdown to send the Hawks to the state title game. Hawks over Golden Eagles, 28-24.
Calhoun Falls (2-8, 0-5) at #2 Lewisville (9-1, 5-0) {-53}
The Blue Flashes head to Richburg to take on the second-ranked Lions whose only loss of the season came to Fairfield Central, the third-ranked team in Class 2A. The lions have not missed a beat since Trent Usher took over at head coach and losing star quarterback Ian Grissom to Rock Hill last season. Calhoun Falls took a step back from 2023, but still have some bright spots to look back on. This is the second year in a row Calhoun Falls has matched up with Lewisville in the first round and the result will more than likely not be much different.
Prediction: Though Calhoun Falls can pull some tricks out of the bag, Lewisville is just too powerful for the Blue Flashes to handle. Lewisville defeats Calhoun Falls, 49-6.
McCormick (2-8, 2-3) at #7 Blackville-Hilda (8-2, 4-1) {-34}
In a rematch of the 2023 playoffs, the Chiefs hit the road to take on Blackville-Hilda for the first round of the playoffs in 2024. The Fighting Hawks lean heavily on their running game, anchored down by seniors Jaquel Holman and Samari Williams. The pair have rushed Blackville-Hilda to the No. 7 ranking in the latest media poll and will be difficult for the Chiefs defense to contain. It will take big games from the Chiefs front seven, including defensive lineman Ty Wideman. Markese Stevens will be an impact player, but his efforts will fall short for the Chiefs.
Prediction: The Chiefs have put together a decent season in head coach Leroy Collier’s second season, but do not have enough firepower to keep pace with Blackville-Hilda. Hawks over Chiefs, 35-6.
Ridge-Spring Monetta (5-5, 2-3) at Ware Shoals (4-5, 2-3) {-2}
In their first home playoff game since 2019, Ware Shoals hosts Ridge-Spring Monetta in what seems to be the most intriguing first round playoff matchup in the Lakelands. Head Coach Chris Dodson and the Hornets have put together an impressive season, securing their highest win total since the 2019 season. However, the Hornets have struggled late in games at times, though they did showcase the ability to handle themselves in a late-game situation against Whitmire. Which version of the Hornets we get tonight will be deciding factor of the game. If Ware Shoals can hang late in the game, they will be able to pull off the victory.
Prediction: Jayce Medlin goes for over 100 receiving yards as Ware Shoals takes down RSM, 30-28.
Williston-Elko (4-6, 1-4) at RV Dixie (7-2, 3-2) {-8}
Dixie has had an impressive run in Mark Sorrow’s second season at the helm. Dallas Dotson and Brandon Nance have proven to be an exceptional backfield duo, with Jayden Martin and Gabriel Cade showcasing their abilities as well. Williston-Elko won only one of their last six games, closing the season on a 20-6 loss to Blackville-Hilda. Dixie’s most recent loss came in Week 10 against Abbeville, and they have been fired up ever since. The Hornets are only favored by eight points, but expect them to win by more in their first home playoff game in three years.
Prediction: A big first quarter leaves Williston-Elko unable to claw their way back as Dixie advances to the second round, 31-14.
C.A. Johnson (2-8, 1-4) at #1 Abbeville (8-1, 5-0) {-49}
The Abbeville Panther offense has been on another level this season, averaging just over 52 points per game. In region play, Abbeville’s offense averaged 59 points per game. The only mark on the Panthers’ season so far is the loss to Batesburg-Leesville in Week 2, but they have not missed a beat since then. C.A. Johnson has not won in a month, and Abbeville is going to make sure that they continue that streak.
Prediction: Starters are out by the second quarter as Abbeville advances with a win, 56-6.
Ninety Six (3-7, 2-3) at Chesnee (5-5, 3-1) {-5}
Chesnee is a team that Ninety Six is very familiar with as the two schools shared a football region for two seasons. The two teams split the two matchups, with the largest victory coming from Ninety Six last season with a 27-20 victory. This season, things are different. Chesnee has improved while Ninety Six lost a good chunk of talent and has taken a step back this season. Nonetheless, if you have Zay King on your side, you have a good chance to win the football game. If King or Gabe Hackett can get going, the Wildcats are going to be a tough team to stop.
Prediction: Ninety Six bounces back from their first round playoff loss last season and knocks off Chesnee, 28-21.
Mid-Carolina (5-5, 2-2) at #5 Saluda (8-1, 4-1) {-33}
The Tigers were able to flush their loss to Batesburg-Leesville with a big win over American Leadership Academy last week. The Tigers host a Mid-Carolina team that has not been particularly good in 2024, but they will need a better performance out of their offense than they got against B-L to win this one and make a deep run in the playoffs. We know the defense is elite and they will need to continue to be elite if the Tigers hope to play for a title in December.
Prediction: A couple of big plays in the passing game early on make way for a heavy dose of Brayden Williams and Tristan Daniels on the ground. Tigers big in this one, 49-16.
Pelion (2-8, 1-4) at #4 Clinton (7-2, 4-0) {-61}
The Red Devils cruised their way to a region championship, winning by an average of 31.5 points. That is largely thanks to the dominant rushing attack Clinton has shown time and time again this season. Javen Cook was able to eclipse 100 yards on the ground on just seven attempts in Clinton’s final regular season contest against Liberty, something that has become a trend as the season has progressed. Cook will not be the only Red Devil to tote the rock, however. Expect at least four other Red Devils to see carries as Clinton should be able to call the dogs off considerably early as 61-point favorites.
Prediction: Not much to say about this one. Clinton advances to the second round with a dominant showing over Pelion, 56-0.
Strom Thurmond (6-3, 3-2) at Chester (4-5, 3-1) {+4}
Chester started the season ranked at the top of the Class 2A poll, but it has been a disappointing spiral out of the rankings for the Cyclones in 2024. Senior running back–and son of Cyclones Head Coach Victor Floyd–has not had the season he had hoped and the Cyclones have gone as he has gone. The Rebels had top-ranked Batesburg-Leesville on the ropes, led by the Blue Steel defense that carried a shutout unflinchingly into the fourth quarter with the Panthers. They are probably the best three-seed in the bracket and should move on to a potential matchup with Clinton in Round 2.
Prediction: Chester has not lived up to the hype in 2024 and their train comes to an end Friday when the Rebels visit. Big games from Jay Sewell and Bri’Shaun Lee lead the Rebels to an easy win over Chester, 27-14.
Emerald (5-5, 3-2) at RV A.C. Flora (7-3, 4-2) {-15}
Despite the bump up to the Class 4A, the Vikings have taken a major step up from their 2023 campaign where they only were victorious in one game. Throughout 2024, Emerald has proven they can hang with the big dogs of Class 4A, including Westside and Wren. If the Vikings can bring the same intensity and competitiveness they brought in those two games, they have got a good shot to come out on top. How freshman quarterback Beau Hite fares in his first playoff game will also be crucial for the Vikings if they want to advance.
Prediction: Emerald starts out slow, but comes thundering back in the second half to take home the victory over A.C. Flora, 26-20.
