AAAAA playoffs heat up a bit in round two

By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Moncks Corner – After the first-round of the AAAAA state playoffs went about as expected, round two may offer a few more eyebrow raising results.

However, expect most of the favored teams to move on to round three. Upsets can and will happen but after 11 weeks of games, we all have a pretty good idea of who the best teams are this season. The only true upset of the first round was Blythewood’s comeback win over Clover.

In Division, defending state champion Dutch Fork had a bye in round one and should be poised for a repeat run. If we have learned anything over the last decade, it’s Tom Knotts doesn’t lose much after November 1.

Dutch Fork will be favored in every playoff game but the most intriguing matchup would be if Dorman can reach the Upper State finals against the Silver Foxes. Remember though, Ridge View is a sleeper and already played Dutch Fork close earlier this season.

On paper, the Lower State of Division I may be more wide open. The favorite has been Summerville but the Green Wave are far from a shoo-in. Summerville gets a shot at revenge when they visit Ashley Ridge in round two. Ashley Ridge dominated the Green Wave during the regular season meeting, 42-19. Plus, this is already a very big rivalry game.

The 9-1 Sumter Gamecocks host the 10-1 James Island Trojans in round two. Sumter eliminated James Island from last year’s playoffs so the revenge factor is alive and well.

Carolina Forest and Stratford are coming off byes and both are heavily favored in round two.

A dark horse in the Lower State of Division I may be Stratford, with a 9-1 record. The Knights have a winning quarterback in Shrine Bowl selection Jachin Davis and also have a big-time running back in Maliq McGowan.

Division II

The Division II ranks are the deeper of the two divisions with more serious title contenders. Most of the top teams reside in the Upper state but the conversation starts with last year’s two finalists, Northwestern and Irmo. Both teams are as good as they were a year when Northwestern beat Irmo with a last second field goal.

Both teams entered the season having to replace big-time quarterbacks and Northwestern’s Xavier Means and Irmo’s Devron Dobson have not missed a beat.

Both offenses are explosive and high-scoring so some team will need a great night offensively to keep up.

Greenwood and Gaffney, two storied programs, will clash in the second-round with a good team packing up after Friday night. Greenwood has been good all year but can Shrine Bowl quarterback Tristian Lewis, a South Carolina commit as a defensive back, do enough to advance.

Speaking of Gaffney, the Indians went through some adversity early but seem to be hitting their stride after a quarterback change. The Indians clearly have the talent to win the Upper State.

Two teams to keep an eye on are T.L. Hanna and Hillcrest but both would be dark horses. The Hillcrest at Indian Land game is one to watch in round two.

The Lower State probably doesn’t have a team capable of beating Irmo. If there is team to watch it would be Berkeley. The Stags are very good defensively and run the football well. If the Stags can cut down on penalties, they could be around for a while.

Lucy Beckham, Lugoff-Elgin and Myrtle Beach have solid teams but taking down Irmo is a tremendous challenge.

Second-round Division I-AAAAA matchups

Boiling Springs at Dutch Fork

Rock Hill at Byrnes

Spartanburg at Ridge View

Blythewood at Dorman

Fort Dorchester at Carolina Forest

Summerville at Ashley Ridge

James Island at Sumter

River Bluff at Stratford

Second-round AAAAA Division II

Catawba Ridge at Northwestern

Gaffney at Greenwood

Hillcrest at Indian Land

Greenville at T. L. Hanna

Lugoff-Elgin at Irmo

Lucy Beckham at White Knoll

West Florence at Myrtle Beach

Westwood at Berkeley