Playoffs begin on the high school gridiron
11/5/2009 11:27 PM
Staff reports
Staff reports
Crestwood (5-5) at Midland Valley (8-2)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: This will be the first game between Midland Valley and Crestwood, which opened in 1996.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Midland Valley - Marquett Carr, QB. The senior has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury but is expected to return to the lineup, where he's passed for 617 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 569 yards and eight scores in eight games this season.
Jeremy Robinson, RB. The former Aiken High School running back has carried the load for the Mustangs' offense the past few weeks, rushing for 168 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over South Aiken.
Max Kizer, NT. Was the immovable object for the Mustangs' defense last week, recording eight tackles and recovering a fumble.
Crestwood - Willie Glover, QB. A dual threat, Glover is as apt to run as he is to pass, gaining more than 500 yards in each category this season.
Robert Simon, RB. The Knights' primary weapon on offense has run for 870 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Raphael Aiken, LB. He isn't the team leader in tackles or sacks, but his season totals of 70 for the former and 10 for the latter are impressive.
WHAT THIS MEANS: This is the playoff opener for both teams, so it's win or go home. Midland Valley secured second place in Region 5-AAA last week with a 21-3 win over South Aiken, while Crestwood overcame a five-game losing streak to finish the season with back-to-back victories to finish as the No. 3 seed from Region 6-AAA. With a win tonight, Midland Valley would set a school record for most wins in a single season, something head coach Rick Knight said is extra motivation for his players.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The health of Carr will be the biggest issue for the Mustangs on offense. With backup quarterbacks Shaquille Hightower and Cole Cromer both suffering injuries last week, Carr will be called on to at least provide a steady hand on offense if he's not capable of making the spectacular plays that he delivered much of the season. Hightower broke his thumb and is out for the season while Cromer (concussion) is available if needed. Whoever the Mustangs quarterback is will need to be efficient throwing the ball to take attention away from Robinson, who has carried Midland Valley's offense the past few weeks. Knight said he'll move Robinson around to help get him the ball. Midland Valley's offensive line has been challenged to deal with the pressure Crestwood applies from a variety of angles and has been given the nickname "Chaos."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "We're in for the fight of our season. They're physical, fast and big. It's not what you'd expect for a home team in the first round of the playoffs. ... A win against a quality program like Crestwood would give us more credibility." - Midland Valley head coach Rick Knight
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Midland Valley is playing excellent defense, and I don't see Crestwood converting enough big plays to pull off the upset.
Midland Valley 24, Crestwood 13
Cam: Crestwood is capable of ending Midland Valley's playoff run a little early, but I don't think it will.
Midland Valley 23, Crestwood 20
Great Falls (3-7) at Williston-Elko (10-0)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: Great Falls defeated Williston-Elko 46-0 in 2001, the only time the two schools have previously played.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Williston-Elko - Kendric Salley, RB. With 25 carries for 190 yards in last week's win, Salley increased his season total to 1,395 rushing yards.
Rokeem Williams, WR. Williston-Elko doesn't pass a lot, but when it does, Williams is the first target, making two catches - both for touchdowns - for 117 yards last week.
Great Falls - Shaq Lamar, QB. Lamar is capable of running the ball - scoring a touchdown in last week's must-win - but is proficient in passing, connecting for three TD passes.
Zach Barber, RB. The Red Devils spread the ball around on offense but Barber is the go-to ball carrier, eclipsing 100-yards rushing in games this season.
WHAT THIS MEANS: When the Red and Blue Devils lock horns, they will be fighting to advance to the second round of the playoffs. Williston-Elko powered its way to the playoffs, completing an undefeated regular season for the Region 4-A championship while Great Falls qualified for the postseason by the skin of its teeth. The main reason the Blue Devils are still playing has to do with the number of teams in their region, opening up another berth for Region 3-A.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Blue Devils should win because of the superior caliber of their players, but they can't overlook the Red Devils, in particular their Wing-T offense. Williston-Elko's defense must avoid being victimized by a big play from the options the Wing-T creates. The Blue Devils haven't given up much all season, often overlooked because of the gaudy numbers the offense posts on the scoreboard. Offensively, Williston-Elko coach Dwayne Garrick is looking for more of the same from his team, anticipating a fast start and early scores to put pressure on Great Falls to try to keep pace. If Blue Devils quarterback Tamyn "Gator" Garrick can complement his stellar running game, this one won't be close.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Great Falls is a much better team than their record indicates. We've got a big task ahead of us, because this isn't a typical 1-8 matchup. We have to play well to win. ... You can't fool the kids once you show them film and I think they realize Great Falls is a good team." - Williston-Elko head coach Dwayne Garrick
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Like all of the Blue Devils' previous games, this one won't be close.
Williston-Elko 56, Great Falls 8
Cam: Don't look for Williston-Elko to slip up anytime soon.
Williston-Elko 53, Great Falls 14
Bishop England (4-6) at Silver Bluff (8-2)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: Bishop England defeated Silver Bluff 28-14 in 2004.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Silver Bluff - Austin Pollock, QB. Bulldog head coach Al Lown has stated that his team is going to have to throw the football a little more to reach each postseason goal. Pollock has the arm to do it, and he completed three out of four attempts last week against Barnwell.
Demarcus Lawrence, TE. If the Bulldogs do decide to go to the air, 6-foot-2, 220-pound tight end Demarcus Lawrence could be a great target. He has caught just two passes all season, but he does have good hands and can move with the football once he gets it. If he isn't involved in the passing game, he will definitely be creating space for the Silver Bluff backs to run.
Bishop England - Mikell Fosberry, QB. Bishop England's quarterback ran for 121 yards and threw for 81 more and two touchdowns in the win over Garrett last week.
Andrew Bunch, RB. The Battling Bishops' top running back, Bunch rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown last week, while also catching two passes for 15 yards and another score.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Bishop England is the fourth seed out of Region 6-AA after finishing with a 2-3 mark in region play. Silver Bluff is the top seed out of Region 5-AA after finishing a perfect 5-0 against region foes. The winner will move on to face the winner between Cheraw and Maccamaw next Friday in the second round of the Class AA Lower State Playoffs. The loser will see its season come to an end.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The most important thing for Silver Bluff is to come into the game ready to play. The Bulldogs have lofty goals for the playoffs, but a team can't win it all if it doesn't win in the first round. Bishop England's record won't strike fear into the Bulldogs, but the Battling Bishops have been around in the fourth quarter in all but two of their games. If Silver Bluff sleepwalks, it could get upset.
Aside from their mental approach, Lown's team just needs to do exactly what it has done in recent weeks. Physical football, with good blocking up front and good decision-making by the running backs on offense is what has led to Silver Bluff's success of late. If it takes that same approach, its season should continue deep into November.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "They have a pretty explosive offense, and they throw the ball more than we've seen in a while. They are well coached, too. We have to establish our running game early. If we can do that, we should be in pretty good shape.
"This time of the year, the kids just have to be focused. We've had great practices this week. We are practicing better than we have all year. We are as healthy as we can be. We won't have anybody out." -- Silver Bluff head coach Al Lown
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Silver Bluff is hitting its stride and should stick around for at least another week.
Silver Bluff 28, Bishop England 14
Cam: Silver Bluff isn't quite good enough to go through the motions and beat anybody. But when they play with focus and intensity, the Bulldogs are hard to beat. They should be ready to play tonight.
Silver Bluff 26, Bishop England 10
Eau Claire (1-9) at Strom Thurmond (8-2)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: NA
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Strom Thurmond - Nick Williamson, RB/WR. Williamson was the Rebels leading rusher and leading receiver last week against Gilbert. He ran the ball 25 times for 132 yards and caught one pass for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Cullen Rhoden, Punter. Rhoden's punts have gotten better and better each time out, and he is now playing a major factor in the field position battle.
Eau Claire - Jerry Arrington-Smith, RB. Smith scored a pair of touchdowns against a strong Columbia team earlier this season.
Dominique Taylor, LB. Taylor is one of the Shamrocks' top tacklers and is part of an experienced linebacking corps.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Eau Claire won just one game all season, on Oct. 23 against Lee Central, but that was enough to allow the Shamrocks to sneak into the playoffs with as the fourth seed out of Region 4-AA. Eau Claire actually finished in a tie for the bottom of the region with Lee Central and Andrew Jackson, but it won the tiebreaker despite its inferior overall record, making the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.
Strom Thurmond, meanwhile, punched its ticket as the No. 1 seed out of Region 3-AA with a perfect 5-0 region record, which included wins over strong teams from Batesburg-Leesville and Newberry.
The winner of tonight's game will move on to face the winner between Broome and Emerald next Friday in the second round of the Class AA Upper State Playoffs. The loser will see its season come to an end.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Thurmond is a strong favorite and just needs to make sure it stays focused and puts the game away early. It also needs to avoid injuries against an Eau Claire squad that may be playing wreckless with nothing to lose.
PREDICTIONS
Noah: This is when many Strom Thurmond fans think the season really begins, and they should be cheering for at least another week.
Thurmond 23, Eau Claire 12
Cam: Eau Claire has no business being in the playoffs, and the Rebels should prove that tonight.
Thurmond 30, Eau Claire 8
South Aiken (4-6) at Camden (7-3)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: NA
PLAYERS TO WATCH: South Aiken - C.J. Johnson, RB. Johnson has now rushed for 100 or more yards in five straight games. He also has 10 touchdowns in the last five games.
Trevor Beard, LB. Beard led the T-Breds with seven tackles, including three tackles for loss, last week against Midland Valley.
Camden - SaVonn Wingate, RB. The Bulldogs junior is just 79 yards shy of reaching 1,000 yards on the ground this season.
Jerel Robinson, DL. The 6-foot-1, 318-pound nose guard makes it tough for opponents to find any room to run between the tackles. He has 75 tackles on the year and leads the team with 15 tackles for loss.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Camden enters the playoffs as the No. 2 seed out of Region 6-AAA. The Bulldogs lost to Marlboro County 14-7 last Friday, allowing its region foe to finish a perfect 10-0 and capture the region crown. That was Camden's only region loss of the season, though, and it had won five in a row before that narrow defeat.
South Aiken had a chance to host its opening round game, but a 21-3 loss to Midland Valley last week took away that opportunity. The T-Breds finished 3-2 in Region 5-AAA, with losses to the Mustangs and region champion Airport. They earned the No. 3 seed out of the region.
The winner of tonight's game will move on to play the winner of North Charleston and North Myrtle Beach next Friday in the second round of the Class AAA Lower State Playoffs. The loser will see its season come to an end.
KEYS TO THE GAME: South Aiken has to play its best football game of the year to have a chance, and it can't afford any mistakes. Camden's offense is physical, and it has the ability to shove the ball down an opponent's throat. South Aiken has to make it do just that. Even if Camden is scoring points, the T-Breds can hang around as long as they make the Bulldogs eat up some clock to do so. That's something South Aiken was not able to do the last time they faced such a powerful offense. Airport scored on big plays, and none of its drives ate up much clock. If Camden can do the same, it could be a long night for South Aiken.
The Thoroughbreds also have to come out on top in the turnover battle. A few miscues caused major problems last week against Midland Valley. South Aiken simply can't afford to give the ball away when it has it in its hands. To have a chance, in fact, the T-Breds really need to force Camden into making mistakes.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "They are pretty good. They run out of multiple set offensively, and they remind me a lot of Midland Valley schemewise. They have a good running back, and they play physical football. Defensively they run a 5-2, and they have a great nose guard. They are well coached, they are disciplined and they are just a great football team.
"It's going to be a challenge for us. Hopefully our kids will go up there, play physical football and see what happens. I hope they are excited about it. Not many people gave us much of a chance last year against Hilton Head, so we'll just have to see what happens. If you move the chains on offense and don't give up big plays on defense, you have a chance no matter who you are playing." -- South Aiken head coach Robert Wrightenberry
PREDICTIONS
Noah: The Thoroughbreds' inability to pass the ball effectively will hurt them again.
Camden 24, South Aiken 17
Cam: South Aiken simply doesn't have the size or the quickness to compete with a Camden team that could make a deep playoff run.
Camden 30, South Aiken 14
Aiken (4-5) at North Augusta (9-1)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: Aiken defeated North Augusta 21-7 last season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: North Augusta - Loranzo Hammonds, QB. Playing from behind for one of the few times this season, Hammonds was great last week, completing 17-of-20 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns.
Matt Hazel, WR. Hazel has been solid all season, and last week's five receptions - three for touchdowns - for 103 yards pulled him within 34 yards of a 1,000-yard season.
Aiken - Aubrey Johnson, RB. The reigning Aiken Standard Player of the Week has rushed for nearly 900 yards this season and has topped 100 yards on the ground in each of the Hornets' last three games.
Billy Vickers, QB. Aiken doesn't throw the ball a lot, but Vickers does have a big arm when he decides to let it go. The hard-nosed senior can also make plays in the running game and is the Hornets' go-to guy in short yardage situations.
WHAT THIS MEANS: North Augusta has already clinched a spot in the playoffs. It is just looking to improve its seeding and finished second in Region 5-AAAA. According to most projections, Aiken will make the postseason no matter what the result of tonight's game is as well. Head coach Carey Johnson and his staff, though, don't want to take any chances. A win would assure the Hornets a spot, as well as a .500 reugular season record.
KEYS TO THE GAME: North Augusta needs to start fast. The longer the Hornets can hang around, the more North Augusta is likely to think about the recent history between the two teams, which has seen Aiken win 14 of the last 17 meetings. Aiken also can't afford to make mistakes. Stopping the Yellow Jackets from driving 80 yards for a score is a difficult task on its own. If North Augusta only has to go 40 or 50 yards, it will be nearly impossible to stop.
If North Augusta can establish its running game against a Hornet defense that has given up big chunks on the ground on a number of occasions this season, it shouldn't have much trouble leaving with a win. Aiken will have no choice but to load the box and sell out against the running game. That would make Hazel's eyes light up.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:"(Aiken's) back on track. I think they lost some games there in the middle when they had some kids hurt, and everybody's healthy now." - North Augusta head coach Dan Pippin
"We're 9-1 and a lot of people have got us losing the game. I don't know how you can be 9-1 and an underdog? But they're a great program. ... This is Aiken, our rival. Our archrival." - North Augusta head coach Dan Pippin
"(North Augusta) has a pretty good football team. They have speed on defense, good receivers and the quarterbacks really good. The offensive line's not bad, either. Our kids are still practicing hard and playing with enthusiasm. That's all we can ask. Anytime you play in the county, it is exciting. The kids know each other, and they are jaw-jacking all the time. I think it will be an interesting football game." - Aiken head coach Carey Johnson
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Aiken has shown flashes of brilliance on offense but its inconsistent play on defense will turn what's usually a competitive game into a one-sided affair.
North Augusta 44, Aiken 20
Cam: The streak ends tonight.
North Augusta 36, Aiken 21
11/5/2009 11:27 PM
Staff reports
Crestwood (5-5) at Midland Valley (8-2)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: This will be the first game between Midland Valley and Crestwood, which opened in 1996.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Midland Valley - Marquett Carr, QB. The senior has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury but is expected to return to the lineup, where he's passed for 617 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 569 yards and eight scores in eight games this season.
Jeremy Robinson, RB. The former Aiken High School running back has carried the load for the Mustangs' offense the past few weeks, rushing for 168 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over South Aiken.
Max Kizer, NT. Was the immovable object for the Mustangs' defense last week, recording eight tackles and recovering a fumble.
Crestwood - Willie Glover, QB. A dual threat, Glover is as apt to run as he is to pass, gaining more than 500 yards in each category this season.
Robert Simon, RB. The Knights' primary weapon on offense has run for 870 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Raphael Aiken, LB. He isn't the team leader in tackles or sacks, but his season totals of 70 for the former and 10 for the latter are impressive.
WHAT THIS MEANS: This is the playoff opener for both teams, so it's win or go home. Midland Valley secured second place in Region 5-AAA last week with a 21-3 win over South Aiken, while Crestwood overcame a five-game losing streak to finish the season with back-to-back victories to finish as the No. 3 seed from Region 6-AAA. With a win tonight, Midland Valley would set a school record for most wins in a single season, something head coach Rick Knight said is extra motivation for his players.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The health of Carr will be the biggest issue for the Mustangs on offense. With backup quarterbacks Shaquille Hightower and Cole Cromer both suffering injuries last week, Carr will be called on to at least provide a steady hand on offense if he's not capable of making the spectacular plays that he delivered much of the season. Hightower broke his thumb and is out for the season while Cromer (concussion) is available if needed. Whoever the Mustangs quarterback is will need to be efficient throwing the ball to take attention away from Robinson, who has carried Midland Valley's offense the past few weeks. Knight said he'll move Robinson around to help get him the ball. Midland Valley's offensive line has been challenged to deal with the pressure Crestwood applies from a variety of angles and has been given the nickname "Chaos."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "We're in for the fight of our season. They're physical, fast and big. It's not what you'd expect for a home team in the first round of the playoffs. ... A win against a quality program like Crestwood would give us more credibility." - Midland Valley head coach Rick Knight
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Midland Valley is playing excellent defense, and I don't see Crestwood converting enough big plays to pull off the upset.
Midland Valley 24, Crestwood 13
Cam: Crestwood is capable of ending Midland Valley's playoff run a little early, but I don't think it will.
Midland Valley 23, Crestwood 20
Great Falls (3-7) at Williston-Elko (10-0)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: Great Falls defeated Williston-Elko 46-0 in 2001, the only time the two schools have previously played.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Williston-Elko - Kendric Salley, RB. With 25 carries for 190 yards in last week's win, Salley increased his season total to 1,395 rushing yards.
Rokeem Williams, WR. Williston-Elko doesn't pass a lot, but when it does, Williams is the first target, making two catches - both for touchdowns - for 117 yards last week.
Great Falls - Shaq Lamar, QB. Lamar is capable of running the ball - scoring a touchdown in last week's must-win - but is proficient in passing, connecting for three TD passes.
Zach Barber, RB. The Red Devils spread the ball around on offense but Barber is the go-to ball carrier, eclipsing 100-yards rushing in games this season.
WHAT THIS MEANS: When the Red and Blue Devils lock horns, they will be fighting to advance to the second round of the playoffs. Williston-Elko powered its way to the playoffs, completing an undefeated regular season for the Region 4-A championship while Great Falls qualified for the postseason by the skin of its teeth. The main reason the Blue Devils are still playing has to do with the number of teams in their region, opening up another berth for Region 3-A.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Blue Devils should win because of the superior caliber of their players, but they can't overlook the Red Devils, in particular their Wing-T offense. Williston-Elko's defense must avoid being victimized by a big play from the options the Wing-T creates. The Blue Devils haven't given up much all season, often overlooked because of the gaudy numbers the offense posts on the scoreboard. Offensively, Williston-Elko coach Dwayne Garrick is looking for more of the same from his team, anticipating a fast start and early scores to put pressure on Great Falls to try to keep pace. If Blue Devils quarterback Tamyn "Gator" Garrick can complement his stellar running game, this one won't be close.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Great Falls is a much better team than their record indicates. We've got a big task ahead of us, because this isn't a typical 1-8 matchup. We have to play well to win. ... You can't fool the kids once you show them film and I think they realize Great Falls is a good team." - Williston-Elko head coach Dwayne Garrick
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Like all of the Blue Devils' previous games, this one won't be close.
Williston-Elko 56, Great Falls 8
Cam: Don't look for Williston-Elko to slip up anytime soon.
Williston-Elko 53, Great Falls 14
Bishop England (4-6) at Silver Bluff (8-2)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: Bishop England defeated Silver Bluff 28-14 in 2004.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Silver Bluff - Austin Pollock, QB. Bulldog head coach Al Lown has stated that his team is going to have to throw the football a little more to reach each postseason goal. Pollock has the arm to do it, and he completed three out of four attempts last week against Barnwell.
Demarcus Lawrence, TE. If the Bulldogs do decide to go to the air, 6-foot-2, 220-pound tight end Demarcus Lawrence could be a great target. He has caught just two passes all season, but he does have good hands and can move with the football once he gets it. If he isn't involved in the passing game, he will definitely be creating space for the Silver Bluff backs to run.
Bishop England - Mikell Fosberry, QB. Bishop England's quarterback ran for 121 yards and threw for 81 more and two touchdowns in the win over Garrett last week.
Andrew Bunch, RB. The Battling Bishops' top running back, Bunch rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown last week, while also catching two passes for 15 yards and another score.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Bishop England is the fourth seed out of Region 6-AA after finishing with a 2-3 mark in region play. Silver Bluff is the top seed out of Region 5-AA after finishing a perfect 5-0 against region foes. The winner will move on to face the winner between Cheraw and Maccamaw next Friday in the second round of the Class AA Lower State Playoffs. The loser will see its season come to an end.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The most important thing for Silver Bluff is to come into the game ready to play. The Bulldogs have lofty goals for the playoffs, but a team can't win it all if it doesn't win in the first round. Bishop England's record won't strike fear into the Bulldogs, but the Battling Bishops have been around in the fourth quarter in all but two of their games. If Silver Bluff sleepwalks, it could get upset.
Aside from their mental approach, Lown's team just needs to do exactly what it has done in recent weeks. Physical football, with good blocking up front and good decision-making by the running backs on offense is what has led to Silver Bluff's success of late. If it takes that same approach, its season should continue deep into November.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "They have a pretty explosive offense, and they throw the ball more than we've seen in a while. They are well coached, too. We have to establish our running game early. If we can do that, we should be in pretty good shape.
"This time of the year, the kids just have to be focused. We've had great practices this week. We are practicing better than we have all year. We are as healthy as we can be. We won't have anybody out." -- Silver Bluff head coach Al Lown
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Silver Bluff is hitting its stride and should stick around for at least another week.
Silver Bluff 28, Bishop England 14
Cam: Silver Bluff isn't quite good enough to go through the motions and beat anybody. But when they play with focus and intensity, the Bulldogs are hard to beat. They should be ready to play tonight.
Silver Bluff 26, Bishop England 10
Eau Claire (1-9) at Strom Thurmond (8-2)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: NA
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Strom Thurmond - Nick Williamson, RB/WR. Williamson was the Rebels leading rusher and leading receiver last week against Gilbert. He ran the ball 25 times for 132 yards and caught one pass for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Cullen Rhoden, Punter. Rhoden's punts have gotten better and better each time out, and he is now playing a major factor in the field position battle.
Eau Claire - Jerry Arrington-Smith, RB. Smith scored a pair of touchdowns against a strong Columbia team earlier this season.
Dominique Taylor, LB. Taylor is one of the Shamrocks' top tacklers and is part of an experienced linebacking corps.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Eau Claire won just one game all season, on Oct. 23 against Lee Central, but that was enough to allow the Shamrocks to sneak into the playoffs with as the fourth seed out of Region 4-AA. Eau Claire actually finished in a tie for the bottom of the region with Lee Central and Andrew Jackson, but it won the tiebreaker despite its inferior overall record, making the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.
Strom Thurmond, meanwhile, punched its ticket as the No. 1 seed out of Region 3-AA with a perfect 5-0 region record, which included wins over strong teams from Batesburg-Leesville and Newberry.
The winner of tonight's game will move on to face the winner between Broome and Emerald next Friday in the second round of the Class AA Upper State Playoffs. The loser will see its season come to an end.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Thurmond is a strong favorite and just needs to make sure it stays focused and puts the game away early. It also needs to avoid injuries against an Eau Claire squad that may be playing wreckless with nothing to lose.
PREDICTIONS
Noah: This is when many Strom Thurmond fans think the season really begins, and they should be cheering for at least another week.
Thurmond 23, Eau Claire 12
Cam: Eau Claire has no business being in the playoffs, and the Rebels should prove that tonight.
Thurmond 30, Eau Claire 8
South Aiken (4-6) at Camden (7-3)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: NA
PLAYERS TO WATCH: South Aiken - C.J. Johnson, RB. Johnson has now rushed for 100 or more yards in five straight games. He also has 10 touchdowns in the last five games.
Trevor Beard, LB. Beard led the T-Breds with seven tackles, including three tackles for loss, last week against Midland Valley.
Camden - SaVonn Wingate, RB. The Bulldogs junior is just 79 yards shy of reaching 1,000 yards on the ground this season.
Jerel Robinson, DL. The 6-foot-1, 318-pound nose guard makes it tough for opponents to find any room to run between the tackles. He has 75 tackles on the year and leads the team with 15 tackles for loss.
WHAT THIS MEANS: Camden enters the playoffs as the No. 2 seed out of Region 6-AAA. The Bulldogs lost to Marlboro County 14-7 last Friday, allowing its region foe to finish a perfect 10-0 and capture the region crown. That was Camden's only region loss of the season, though, and it had won five in a row before that narrow defeat.
South Aiken had a chance to host its opening round game, but a 21-3 loss to Midland Valley last week took away that opportunity. The T-Breds finished 3-2 in Region 5-AAA, with losses to the Mustangs and region champion Airport. They earned the No. 3 seed out of the region.
The winner of tonight's game will move on to play the winner of North Charleston and North Myrtle Beach next Friday in the second round of the Class AAA Lower State Playoffs. The loser will see its season come to an end.
KEYS TO THE GAME: South Aiken has to play its best football game of the year to have a chance, and it can't afford any mistakes. Camden's offense is physical, and it has the ability to shove the ball down an opponent's throat. South Aiken has to make it do just that. Even if Camden is scoring points, the T-Breds can hang around as long as they make the Bulldogs eat up some clock to do so. That's something South Aiken was not able to do the last time they faced such a powerful offense. Airport scored on big plays, and none of its drives ate up much clock. If Camden can do the same, it could be a long night for South Aiken.
The Thoroughbreds also have to come out on top in the turnover battle. A few miscues caused major problems last week against Midland Valley. South Aiken simply can't afford to give the ball away when it has it in its hands. To have a chance, in fact, the T-Breds really need to force Camden into making mistakes.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "They are pretty good. They run out of multiple set offensively, and they remind me a lot of Midland Valley schemewise. They have a good running back, and they play physical football. Defensively they run a 5-2, and they have a great nose guard. They are well coached, they are disciplined and they are just a great football team.
"It's going to be a challenge for us. Hopefully our kids will go up there, play physical football and see what happens. I hope they are excited about it. Not many people gave us much of a chance last year against Hilton Head, so we'll just have to see what happens. If you move the chains on offense and don't give up big plays on defense, you have a chance no matter who you are playing." -- South Aiken head coach Robert Wrightenberry
PREDICTIONS
Noah: The Thoroughbreds' inability to pass the ball effectively will hurt them again.
Camden 24, South Aiken 17
Cam: South Aiken simply doesn't have the size or the quickness to compete with a Camden team that could make a deep playoff run.
Camden 30, South Aiken 14
Aiken (4-5) at North Augusta (9-1)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED: Aiken defeated North Augusta 21-7 last season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: North Augusta - Loranzo Hammonds, QB. Playing from behind for one of the few times this season, Hammonds was great last week, completing 17-of-20 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns.
Matt Hazel, WR. Hazel has been solid all season, and last week's five receptions - three for touchdowns - for 103 yards pulled him within 34 yards of a 1,000-yard season.
Aiken - Aubrey Johnson, RB. The reigning Aiken Standard Player of the Week has rushed for nearly 900 yards this season and has topped 100 yards on the ground in each of the Hornets' last three games.
Billy Vickers, QB. Aiken doesn't throw the ball a lot, but Vickers does have a big arm when he decides to let it go. The hard-nosed senior can also make plays in the running game and is the Hornets' go-to guy in short yardage situations.
WHAT THIS MEANS: North Augusta has already clinched a spot in the playoffs. It is just looking to improve its seeding and finished second in Region 5-AAAA. According to most projections, Aiken will make the postseason no matter what the result of tonight's game is as well. Head coach Carey Johnson and his staff, though, don't want to take any chances. A win would assure the Hornets a spot, as well as a .500 reugular season record.
KEYS TO THE GAME: North Augusta needs to start fast. The longer the Hornets can hang around, the more North Augusta is likely to think about the recent history between the two teams, which has seen Aiken win 14 of the last 17 meetings. Aiken also can't afford to make mistakes. Stopping the Yellow Jackets from driving 80 yards for a score is a difficult task on its own. If North Augusta only has to go 40 or 50 yards, it will be nearly impossible to stop.
If North Augusta can establish its running game against a Hornet defense that has given up big chunks on the ground on a number of occasions this season, it shouldn't have much trouble leaving with a win. Aiken will have no choice but to load the box and sell out against the running game. That would make Hazel's eyes light up.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:"(Aiken's) back on track. I think they lost some games there in the middle when they had some kids hurt, and everybody's healthy now." - North Augusta head coach Dan Pippin
"We're 9-1 and a lot of people have got us losing the game. I don't know how you can be 9-1 and an underdog? But they're a great program. ... This is Aiken, our rival. Our archrival." - North Augusta head coach Dan Pippin
"(North Augusta) has a pretty good football team. They have speed on defense, good receivers and the quarterbacks really good. The offensive line's not bad, either. Our kids are still practicing hard and playing with enthusiasm. That's all we can ask. Anytime you play in the county, it is exciting. The kids know each other, and they are jaw-jacking all the time. I think it will be an interesting football game." - Aiken head coach Carey Johnson
PREDICTIONS
Noah: Aiken has shown flashes of brilliance on offense but its inconsistent play on defense will turn what's usually a competitive game into a one-sided affair.
North Augusta 44, Aiken 20
Cam: The streak ends tonight.
North Augusta 36, Aiken 21
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