Best performances in playoffs earns players Game Balls

Some of the area's best players came up with big performances with their seasons on the line Friday night in the playoffs. Some of them helped their teams continue, while others left it all out on the field in heartbreaking defeats.

Dexter Staley, Williston-Elko

Staley ended the Class A, Division II Upper State championship game with 19 rushing yards and 126 receiving yards, and he found the end zone once on the ground and once through the air. His kicks and punts changed field position all night long in the Blue Devils' 44-20 victory.

Kendric Salley, Williston-Elko

Salley carried the ball 18 times for 136 yards and three touchdowns as the Blue Devils advanced to the Class A, Division II championship game with a win over Ware Shoals.

Marcus Bates, Williston-Elko

Williston-Elko's star linebacker was all over the field in the Blue Devils' Upper State championship win, recording 13 solo tackles to go along with nine assisted stops. Two of the tackles came behind the line of scrimmage.

Nick Williamson, Strom Thurmond

The Rebels' top play-maker did all he could to try to help his team advance into the semifinals in Class AA, picking up 60 yards on 15 carries and catching three passes for 20 yards. He also scored the Rebels' only touchdown in a 14-9 loss to Central Pageland.

Loranzo Hammonds, North Augusta

Hammonds ended what has been an incredible season with another great performance. He posted 45 rushing yards on 20 carries, while passing for 179 yards on a 22-of-34 performance. He played a part in two of North Augusta's three touchdowns in a 35-21 loss to Goose Creek.

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