Week 1 Upstate Football Capsules

High school football season has arrived.

Again this year, we’re going to bring you a detailed breakdown of every matchup in Greenville and Spartanburg counties each week thanks to Jed Blackwell (Spartanburg) and Scott Keeler (Greenville). And with realignment taking effect in the offseason, we’ve got some good ones early in the year. There are also a bunch of other exciting changes (new field turf all over Greenville County!) that we’ll be keeping our eye on.

We’ve also got something new. We’re debuting the Harrison’s Huddle podcast today, and the first episode is high school football heavy. We’ll continue to talk about the big games in our area, but the podcast will evolve to include all sports, including colleges. We’ll also include interviews with area coaches and players to give you a better look inside the games you love. Give us a click to listen, and find us wherever you get your podcasts.

We were going to call this Thursday drop “Football Eve”, but with a game moved ahead to Thursday night due to weather, we’ll just go ahead and say Happy Football Season. Everything you need for this week is below. Dive in.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY GAMES

THURSDAY

Eastside (0-0) at Chapman (0-0)

Last year: Eastside was 4-7; Chapman was 1-10.

The series: Chapman leads the all-time series 4-1-1, including a 69-35 win in the last meeting in 2019. 

About the Eagles: Eastside has to replace a ton of talent, and they’ll start with Christian McDowell, who will star on both sides of the ball. Keyln Durham is expected to be the featured running back for the Eagles, while senior center John Donovan will lead the way up front. Lyndez Smith will be a standout on both sides of the ball, with Frank Stathakis and Bennett Hyde helping to lead the defense.

About the Panthers: Ashton Moore is expected to be one of the area’s top young QBs, and he’ll have a lot of talent around him. Cam Vaughn and Teagan Cantrell should give the Panthers some depth at RB, while Keilon Tucker will rarely leave the field on either side of the ball. The Panthers have some proven production at all three levels of the defense, including DE Eli Herndon, LB Eric Gaffney, and DBs Darrien Burgess and Caden Lachica.

CLASS 5A

Independence (N.C.) (0-0) at 5A No. 3 Byrnes (0-0)

Last season: Independence went 10-3; Byrnes finished 8-4.

The series: This is the first meeting between the teams.

About the Patriots: Jayden Jones will lead the Patriots on the ground. The elite running back averaged more than 180 yards per game and is the team’s top threat. Liam Leebrick and Noah Wright are expected to provide senior leadership, while senior DB Jon Snipes is a proven playmaker.

About the Rebels: Byrnes has a familiar face back at OC, with Shuler Bentley calling the plays for the Rebels. He says the Rebels will get the ball to their playmakers, and they’ve got plenty. Tre Segarra and Jacobie Fuller lead a loaded backfield, while Choo Harris is one of the state’s top receivers. Defensively, Wyquail Moss will help lead a young group from his MLB position, and Aidyn Wiggins controls the back end at safety.

Hillcrest (0-0) at 5A No. 4 Dorman (0-0)

Last season: Hillcrest finished 8-4; Dorman went 10-3

The series: Dorman leads the all-time series 23-1, including a 42-7 win in the last meeting in 2019.

About the Rams: Hillcrest will take the field under new head coach Amos Lamb after Bennett Swygert took the Clover job. The Rams are led by QB Jackson Free, who accounted for 2,700 yards of total offense and 35 touchdowns last season. He’s got a ton of targets back including leading receiver Luke McCourry. Up front, it’s no surprise that a team led by Lamb has a great OL, and Max Barnes is one of the best centers in the state. Defensively, Cory Collins leads the way on the line.

About the Cavaliers: Dorman’s loaded at every level on defense. James Porter and Olamide Salami provide senior leadership up front, with Emavian Gibson playing well beyond his years. Antwone Tarrence and Jalaal Deck lead the way at linebacker, while Jabez Thomas and Isaac Tate anchor a strong secondary. Nick Means and Carter Nash have a chance to be special in the offensive backfield.

Boiling Springs (0-0) at Southside Christian (0-0)

Last season: Boiling Springs finished 5-7; Southside Christian was 6-6.

The series: This is the first meeting between the teams.

About the Bulldogs: While a young Bulldog offense finds its way behind QB Imri Logan, the defense will look to lead the way. Dennis Glenn is an absolute menace up front for Boiling Springs, while Djay Leak, Tyvion Hall and Jamarcus Means lead a physical, ball-hawking secondary.

About the Sabres: Southside Christian had a tough start last season before bouncing back. Aaron Gilliam will step in at QB this season, with Jaylen Samuel and Nigel Rock joining him in the backfield. Ashton Martin will play a true fullback position, while the defense will be led by returners Richie Maxwell, Derion Glenn, Zion Burgess, and the gigantic Archie Hill at nose guard.

5A No. 10 Spartanburg at 4A No. 3 Gaffney

Last season: Gaffney went 9-4; Spartanburg finished 7-5.

The series: This is one of the most-played rivalries in the state, with the 111th meeting between the teams. Gaffney leads 55-52-3, including a 28-21 win last season.

About the Vikings: Spartanburg is replacing a QB and will turn to Chris Colin at the position, and he’ll have a ton of playmakers at his disposal including Tre’gan Mickler and Skylar Douglas. But the Vikings’ offense will be built around Trenton Lynch, who needs right at 1,000 yards to become Spartanburg’s all-time leading rusher.

About the Indians: Gaffney’s loaded on defense, particularly at the back. Kendaris Bailey is a force at linebacker, while Money Monroe, Zion Dawkins, Ty McGill, and Ayden Montgomery are a virtual no-fly zone in the secondary. Kareem Shaw and Amire White will run behind a massive line, which includes CJ Brooks.

CLASS 3A

2A No. 5 Woodruff (0-0) at Broome (0-0)

Last season: Woodruff went 11-2; Broome finished 5-6.

The series: Woodruff leads the series 20-14, including a 49-14 win last year.

About the Wolverines: Woodruff lost a huge piece in the offseason when RB Aiden Gibson reclassified and enrolled early at Rutgers. That leaves Jaylen Lyles as the Wolverines’ top option at running back, and he’ll adjust to the role quickly. Connor Davis returns to lead Woodruff at QB, with Micah McClintock as an emerging target. McClintock will also play at LB, where Mekhi Norman and Nathan McConnell will also try to offset huge graduation losses.

About the Centurions: Broome had a QB battle in the offseason with Brayden Simpson and Corley Turner. If it’s not at QB, Simpson will absolutely see the field in a lot of different places for Broome, likely on both sides of the ball. Kelvin Crook and Carson Taylor will lead the way up front for Broome, with Devon Brown and Cam McGill rotating at RB. A lot of those offensive guys will also play defense, along with standout LBs like Nick Morgan and Aayden Hemphill-Shands.

CLASS 2A

Walhalla (0-0) at Landrum (0-0)

Last season: Walhalla finished 2-9, Landrum was 3-7.

The series: Landrum trails 4-10 all time, but took a 21-13 win last season.

About the Razorbacks: Walhalla returns leading rusher Essien Nathan along with top WR/DB Luke Kanagy on the offensive side of the ball. Rush Harvey is expected to play QB, with Tanner Miles and Ryker Dean contributing on both sides of the ball.

About the Cardinals: Landrum has to replace a ton of production from a year ago, and will do it with Ian Patterson moving to QB. JP Branyon and Trey Nesbitt will be among the Cardinals’ top threats, along with Keon Wilkins. Defensively, Zeke Poore will lead the way up front, while weight room monster Vuthy Som will play middle linebacker and Dallas Collins will help lead the secondary.

Ambassador Christian (N.C.) (0-0) at 2A No. 6 Mountain View Prep (0-0)

Last season: Ambassador Christian finished 5-4-1; Mountain View Prep was 10-2.

The series: This is the first meeting between the teams.

About the Lions: Hopes are high for the Lions, who won the North Carolina state 7-on-7 competition. Knowledge Echols is a huge receiver at 6-4 and 200 pounds, with TE/DE Troy Alderfer coming in at 6-5 and 240 pounds. Travis Barton, Ezekiel Kelly, and Kobe Foster will help to lead the offense, while Willie Sturgis, Marek Romano, Curtis Deloatch, and Trendyn. Williams will anchor the defense.

About the Stars: MVP must deal with the loss of QB Makorean Anderson-Wallington, who transferred in July. They’ll likely rely on eight other returning starters on offense, including RBs Jemo Stinson and Camren Martin, and WR Caden Hunter. Brayden Everette, Zach Watson, and Daniel Vinson are all back up front. On the defensive side of the ball, Lawson Burrell and Elijah Grimes are expected to be among the leaders.

GREENVILLE COUNTY GAMES

FRIDAY

CLASS 5A

Woodmont (0-0) at Greer (0-0)

Last season: Woodmont went 2-8; Greer went 4-7.

The series: Greer leads 9-1, including a 36-6 victory when the teams last met in 1991.

About the Wildcats: It will be interesting to see the strides made by Woodmont in Malcolm Boyd’s second season as head coach. Many freshmen and sophomores were starters last season and the Wildcats hope that early experience pays off. One of those is sophomore quarterback Harper Doyle. In the Wildcats’ spread offense, Doyle has displayed a big arm when throwing and quick feet when tucking the ball and running.

About the Yellow Jackets: Greer hopes to rebound from a rare losing record by getting off to a better start in head coach Will Young’s 22nd season. The Yellow Jackets overcame an 0-4 start in 2025 by going 4-2 in Region II-4A, but finished below .500 for just the fifth time since 1997. Senior tailback Calvin McCoy looks to pick up where he left off last season as he rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Laurens (0-0) at JL Mann (0-0)

Last season: Laurens went 1-9; JL Mann went 1-10.

The series: Laurens leads 8-0, including a 42-14 victory when the teams last met in 2019.

About the Raiders: Will season three be the year that the “Greg Porter effect” of turning around programs hits? Laurens has gone 1-9 in each of Porter’s first two seasons, but has had a strong preseason this year. After scoring more than 17 points in just three games over the past two years, Laurens scored 35 in one half against Woodruff at the McDonald’s Kickoff Classic last Friday.

About the Patriots: JL Mann is also looking to turn things around following one victory last year in Bryce Smiley’s first season as head coach. Injuries forced many young Patriots into the lineup last season and the hope is that experience pays off. Among those returning starters are leading passer Gage Watkins, leading rusher Buddy Griffin and leading receiver AJ Bush.

Christ Church (0-0) at Mauldin (0-0)

Last season: Christ Church went 8-4; Mauldin went 5-6.

The series: Mauldin leads 2-0. When the teams last met in 1977, the Mavericks won 25-12.

About the Cavaliers: After being trusted to carry the ball 257 times as a sophomore last season, Michael Martin may be poised for even bigger numbers this year. He finished with 1,425 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025. You see two-way players throughout many programs, but you don’t see very many quarterback/linebackers. The Cavs have one though in Judd Windham, who threw for 2,160 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.

About the Mavericks: Mauldin is looking to build off a breakthrough 2025 season. After going winless in 2023, Mauldin posted five wins and hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1999 last fall. While a bunch of seniors spearheaded that success, the Mavericks do have a returning star along the defensive line in Josh Evans. The rising junior had 68 tackles, including 13.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks last season.

CLASS 4A

Riverside (0-0) at No. 9 Greenwood (0-0)

Last season: Riverside went 4-7; Greenwood went 9-2.

The series: Greenwood leads 2-0, including a 54-14 victory in the last meeting in 2017.

About the Warriors: After spending eight of the last 10 seasons in Class 5A, Riverside returns to Class 4A with an opening road trip to a traditional power. Senior Keyon Knowles is back after leading the Warriors in rushing with 878 yards and seven touchdowns last year. He was also a key receiver with 32 receptions for 314 yards and even completed both of his pass attempts for 48 and 40 yards, respectively.

About the Eagles: Greenwood has plenty of motivation after a heartbreaking loss brought a great 2025 season to an abrupt end. The Eagles lost one regular season game by one point last year. After an opening round bye in the Class 5A playoffs, Greenwood was eliminated at home in round two by Gaffney, 38-31.

Fountain Inn (0-0) at Greenville (0-0)

Last season: Fountain Inn went 6-5; Greenville went 7-5.

The series: First meeting.

About the Fury: Fountain Inn is poised to make its fifth season in school history its biggest yet. The Fury feature one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Sam Holliday, who’s been a starter since his freshman season. Holliday had more than 3,000 yards of total offense and was responsible for 40 touchdowns (23 passing, 17 rushing) in 2025. He has plenty of weapons around him in running back Bojack Johnson and last year’s two leading receivers, Ben Ruwe and BJ Curenton.

About the Red Raiders: If you like dual-threat quarterbacks, this is the matchup for you as Greenville has a standout of its own in Kiishawn Farrow. As a sophomore last season, Farrow led the Red Raiders in rushing with 751 yards and 10 touchdowns, while passing for 1,086 yards and nine scores. Linebacker Julian Renrick leads Greenville’s defense after posting nine sacks last season.

CLASS 3A

Blacksburg (0-0) at Berea (0-0)

Last season: Blacksburg went 1-10; Berea went 2-8.

The series: Berea won the only previous matchup, 23-20. in 2021.

About the Wildcats: Trevon Clark makes an impact all over the field for Blacksburg, having taken snaps at running back, quarterback and defensive end. Clark and sophomore quarterback Jameson Coffee are among nine returning starters on an offense that will look to turn things around after being held to seven points or fewer eight times last season.

About the Bulldogs: Playing Blacksburg again may provide some good karma for Berea. That lone meeting in the series took place in a 2021 season in which the Bulldogs went 5-5, their only non-losing season since 2010. Berea is looking to rebound from a rough 2025 in which it scored a total of 65 points all year and was shut out six times.

St. Joseph’s (0-0) at Blue Ridge (0-0)

Last season: St. Joseph’s went 5-6; Blue Ridge went 6-5.

The series: First meeting.

About the Knights: For the second consecutive season, St. Joseph’s went 5-6 after a one-point loss decided by a late two-point conversion in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs last year. Facing a Mountain View Prep team they lost to by 39 points in the regular season, the Knights fell 28-27 after a missed two-point run with 1:03 left. Mack Rambo, who’s committed to Washington and Lee, is back after rushing for 978 yards and 16 touchdowns in just seven games before suffering a season-ending injury.

About the Tigers: Blue Ridge is tasked this season with replacing many graduated parts of an offense that averaged 34 points a game in 2025, which helped the Tigers secure their first winning season since 2014. Junior Marquiel Troupe should help those efforts. Last year, Troupe caught two touchdowns, returned a kickoff for another and averaged 24.2 yards per punt return. He finished the season with 878 all-purpose yards.

Dixie (0-0) at Southside (0-0)

Last season: Dixie went 7-4; Southside went 0-10.

The series: Dixie leads 2-0, including a 41-14 win last year in Due West.

About the Hornets: Thanks to a prolific rushing offense that piled up 2,634 yards on the ground last year, Dixie made it back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2017 and 18. The Class 1A Hornets have won 15 games over the last two seasons, including two victories over then-Class 4A Southside.

About the Tigers: Southside enters this season on a 31-game losing streak, the longest active skid in the state. After a 21-12 loss at Berea last Sept. 12, the Tigers failed to score the rest of the way. In ending the season with six consecutive shutouts, Southside also allowed at least 55 points in each of the last five of those.