Some major region games highlight this weekend’s action. Essentially, Region I-AA, Region I-AAA, Region VIII-AA and Region VII-AA titles are on the line tonight. And then there is a major clash in Roebuck as Dorman hosts undefeated Boiling Springs.
All football games are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the rankings are from CoachesAid.com
Abbeville (6-1, No. 2 AA) at Pendleton (6-1, No. 8 AA): Abbeville’s high-powered running game takes on AA’s best defense in Pendleton. The winner likely sews ups the region and gets a first-place seed in the playoffs. Abbeville’s offense is led by Jermaine Thackston. Mike Skelly, Anthony Eubanks and Reggie Earle lead the Bulldogs.
Allendale-Fairfax (6-1, No. 8 A) at Bamberg-Ehrhardt (7-0, No. 2 A): This is another big showdown in the wild Region V. If the Red Raiders win, they wrap up the region, but if the Tigers win then everything is thrown off balance and Calhoun County gets back in this race.
Boiling Springs (7-0, No. 6 AAAA) at Dorman (7-0, No. 3 AAAA): For the second week in a row, Dorman faces an undefeated team. Last week, the Cavaliers beat a strong Mauldin team 14-12, and now face the red-hot Bulldogs led by quarterback Dylan Thompson. Since the Bulldogs are barred from post season play this year, they are looking to play spoiler against the Cavaliers and quarterback Johnny Foster.
Timberland (7-0, No. 5 AA) at Waccamaw (6-1, No. 9 AA): Another game with region title implications, Timberland beat Waccamaw 43-6 last season. The Warriors will keep the score closer this year.
Daniel (7-0, No. 3 AAA) at Belton-Honea Path (6-1, No. 6 AAA): Daniel has been one of the best teams all season in the Upstate with three consecutive shutouts, but the Bears are a formidable foe. BHP comes into this game with a tricky offense that relies on shifting Nino Woolridge around between quarterback, running back and receiver.
Chester (6-1, No. 4 AAA) at Chapin (7-0, No. 5 AAA): Chapin has been one of the best stories all season as the long dormant Eagles have become a Region IV power, but now they must play a Chester team that has struggled without quarterback Tony McNeal in the last few weeks. McNeal will not play Friday night.
Dillon (5-2, No. 4 AA) at Marion (5-2): Both of these teams are undefeated in region play, but the edge belongs to the defending-state champ Wildcats. Coach Jackie Hayes was supposed to be facing a rebuilding year, but the team has played like a title contender all season. The Marion Swamp Foxes, though, have been a pleasant surprise.
Berkeley (7-0, No. 8) at Beaufort (6-1): This is an odd little game because it is a non-region so late in the year. But it’s a rivalry game that has been solidly in Beaufort’s corner in recent years. However, Berkeley has Bruce Ellington, who is a great equalizer.
Blythewood (6-1) at Lancaster (5-2): Blythewood has been a team that has surprised opponents all year, but now starts a three-week adventure into the heart of their region. They face South Pointe and Rock Hill after this week’s game against Lancaster, who has been ranked in the Top Ten for most of the year. Of course, the Bearcats need a win after suffering a 55-0 loss to South Pointe last week.
Wilson (4-2) at Crestwood (3-4): This is a great rivalry game and very important for both because the playoffs are on the line. Crestwood started 3-0, before dropping four straight. Wilson has been up and down this year, but this should be a good game.
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