Every game counts in prep football.

But sometimes, the outcome is not determined until after the final snap is taken and the teams leave the field.

This was never made more evident than the events of Week 8 in prep football which saw the playoff fates of two T&D Region teams change overnight.

Heading into last week’s action, it appeared Edisto would do something it had not done in school history - win at Petticoat Junction against Silver Bluff - in order to ensure a playoff berth. By the time the Cougars returned home following a 41-3 loss, the team learned it had a chance at a first-round home playoff game.

It turns out Barnwell was told by the S.C. High School League to forfeit two region victories, one of which came against Edisto. As a result, Edisto is now tied with Ridgeland for second place in Region 5-AA with two home games remaining.

Should the Cougars defeat Wade Hampton this Friday and Ridgeland to close the season, they would open the Class 2-A playoffs in Cordova.

Before kickoff against Branchville, the Calhoun County football team needed help to have any chance at repeating as Region 5-A champion. The Saints got it in the form of a 28-21 victory by Allendale-Fairfax which created a three-way tie for the region.

The news got even better for Calhoun County. Since all three teams were 1-1 against each other, the second tiebreaker based on defensive points in those games would be utilized. By giving up a total of 41 points in the two region meetings, Calhoun County edges out Bamberg-Ehrhardt (42) and Allendale-Fairfax (48) for first place.

This means if all three teams win this Friday, the Saints will win the Region 5-A title. Things could change, however, with a Calhoun County or B-E loss which would set up an important season-ending finale in Estill between the Fighting Gators and Allendale-Fairfax.

At this time of year, the action off the field is just as compelling as on it. In Thursday Morning Quarterback, we’d prefer to highlight the former.

Team of the Week

S.C. High School League - Woodland

After a slow start, the Wolverines have bounced back with dominating back-to-back victories by a margin of 89-20 to move back into playoff contention in Class 2-A.

SCISA - Jefferson Davis Academy

The Raiders posted their most lopsided 8-man win of the season in a 56-0 rout of Beaufort Academy.



Players of the Week

S.C. High School League - Nagui Wright (Woodland)

The senior Wolverine had a career game with 140 yards and four touchdowns in a 40-14 thrashing of Bishop England.

SCISA - Nick McAlhaney (Dorchester Academy)

A week after older brother Thomas received the honor, Nick followed suit with 240 total yards of offense and two touchdowns, one rushing and the other passing.

Week Seven Gridiron Giants

Demetrius Williams (Bamberg-Ehrhardt) - 24 carries, 157 yards, TD

Aaron Cann (Bamberg-Ehrhardt) - 12 tackles, sack

Jake Davis (Bamberg-Ehrhardt) - 11 tackles

O’Keefe Jones and Javonta Middleton (both of Bamberg-Ehrhart) - 10 tackles each

Tyrone Fairey (Bethune-Bowman) - 23 carries, 128 yards

Juwan Willis (Bethune-Bowman) - 7-13 passing, 127 yards, TD

JaMichael Sanders (Bethune-Bowman) - 14 tackles

Trevelle Stephens (Bethune-Bowman) - nine tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery

Desmond Armstrong (Blackville-Hilda) - eight carries, 103 yards, three TDs

Chris Kearse (Blackville-Hilda) - seven carries, 118 yards

John Flynn (Holly Hill Academy) - 110 yards, TD

Noah Lewis (Holly Hill Academy) - 10 tackles

Montaurus Gleaton (Hunter-Kinard-Tyler) - 15-21 passing, 325 yards, three TDs

Denzel James (Hunter-Kinard-Tyler) - 10 carries, 125 yards, three TDs

Marcus Creech (Hunter-Kinard-Tyler) - three sacks, seven tackles

Kintrell Disher (Orangeburg-Wilkinson) - 12 catches, 128 yards, TD

CATCHING HISTORY

Orangeburg-Wilkinson wide receiver Kintrell Disher needs 22 catches to break the S.C. High School League record for receptions. Jomar Wright set the record for J.F. Byrnes in 2003 with 103 receptions. For the season, Disher has 82 receptions for 1,013 yards and 11 TDs

BY THE NUMBERS

Dorchester Academy head coach Stanley Gruber owns the most victories by a T&D Region head football coach with 294...Dorchester Academy also currently owns the T&D Region’s longest winning streak at five, while Denmark-Olar owns the longest losing streak at eight...Calhoun Academy has outscored its last two opponents 99-0...Calhoun Academy has been outscored 197-38 during its five-game losing streak...Denmark-Olar has been outscored 247-48 this season, while Branchville has been outscored 309-45...Bamberg-Ehrhardt running back Demetrius Williams leads the T&D Region in rushing with 1,062 yards

T&D REGION RANKINGS

(SCHSL)

1. Bamberg-Ehrhardt

2. Calhoun County

3. Hunter-Kinard-Tyler

4. Blackville-Hilda

5. Woodland

(SCISA)

1. Dorchester Academy

2. Holly Hill Academy

3. Jefferson Davis Academy

Tonight’s Game

Blackville-Hilda (6-2, 4-1) at C.A. Johnson (6-2, 4-1)

Last year’s result - Won by B-H 41-6

COLUMBIA - It’s only the second meeting between the two programs. A win by the Hawks would set up a season-ending showdown in Blackville for the Region 4-A title against county rival Williston-Elko. The Green Hornets are enjoying their best season in 23 years, but had its four-game winning streak snapped by the Blue Devils 66-18.

 

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