Week 9 Preview Capsules

Week 8 showed us some surprises.

From bounce-back wins to unexpected outcomes, there were some teams all over the area who did the unexpected. Now, they’ve got an opportunity to cash in on the opportunities those wins brought in to play.

Week 9 is all about positioning for the region races down the stretch. Here’s a look at this week’s matchups.

CLASS 5A

No. 6 Byrnes (5-2, 2-0) at Woodmont (3-4, 2-0)

Last week: Byrnes defeated Mauldin 42-21; Woodmont beat Eastside 35-24.

The series: Byrnes leads 4-2. The teams last met in 1991 and the Rebels posted a 23-0 win in Piedmont.

About the Rebels: Gideon Merhib completed 18-of-23 passes for 240 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions as Byrnes overcame a bit of a slow start in its victory last Friday. Merhib also ran four times for 29 yards, while Tre Segarra rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, for the Rebels who led 21-14 in the third quarter before pulling away. Nemediah Beasley had a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown also for Byrnes.

About the Wildcats: Parker Janssen completed 12-of-22 passes for 331 yards to help Woodmont get off to a 2-0 region start for the first time since 2019. From 2020-25, the Wildcats only won one region game in five of those seasons and only two in the other. With Woodmont clinging to a 28-24 lead in the fourth quarter last Friday, Janssen’s 65-yard touchdown pass to Landen Pollard sealed the win. Devonte Taylor ran for three touchdowns also for the Wildcats.

Hillcrest (1-6, 0-2) at Eastside (3-4, 0-2)

Last week: Hillcrest lost at JL Mann 35-24; Eastside lost at Woodmont 35-24.

The series: The series is tied 8-8 as these programs were region foes from 1980 to 1991. Eastside won the last matchup, 21-14, in 1991.

About the Rams: Hillcrest got its offense going last Friday, but it wasn’t enough as the Rams fell despite a 413-223 advantage in total yards. Jackson Free threw for 215 yards and ran four times for 67 yards including a touchdown for Hillcrest, which has six losses for the first time since going 6-6 in 2016. Ny Allen rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns also for the Rams, who had a 176-2 edge in rushing yards.

About the Eagles: Eastside had an eerily similar night to Hillcrest last Friday. The Eagles lost by the exact same score despite piling up 442 yards of total offense. Kason Clark threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, while Kelyn Durham ran 31 times for 166 yards and a score. Pooh Perrin caught eight passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, while Christian McDowell had five catches for 101 yards and a score.

Mauldin (1-6, 0-2) at JL Mann (2-5, 2-0)

Last week: Mauldin lost at Byrnes 42-21; Mann defeated Hillcrest 35-24.

The series: Mann leads 23-21. Mauldin snapped a three-game losing streak in the series last year with a 48-6 win at Mann.

About the Mavericks: Making his first varsity start, Mauldin freshman quarterback JD Rojas threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns in last Friday’s loss. Ryland Walton rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown for the Mavericks. Tyson Smith hauled in both touchdown passes as his two receptions went for scores of 76 and 14 yards, respectively. Isaiah Thompson led Mauldin’s defense with 16 tackles.

About the Patriots: Wilkes Mellard completed 22-of-27 passes for 221 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions as Mann made it back-to-back wins after snapping a 12-game losing streak the previous week. AJ Bush had 10 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Bush’s 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half snapped a 14-14 tie and Mann led the rest of the way. With the Patriots leading 28-24 in the fourth quarter, Mellard threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Buddy Griffin to wrap up the victory.

Region II

No. 5 Dorman (6-1, 1-1) at No. 8 Boiling Springs (6-1, 1-1)

Last week: Dorman lost to Northwestern 35-19; Boiling Springs beat Rock Hill 30-23 in overtime.

The series: Dorman leads 40-6 overall, with a 34-0 win in last year’s meeting.

About the Cavaliers: Dorman did some good things against Northwestern, staying close with the Trojans’ offensive juggernaut. Nick Means ran for 187 yards and a touchdown, Carter Nash ran for 63 and another score, and Cooper Patterson threw for 153 yards to lead the Cavaliers.

About the Bulldogs: The Bulldogs got arguably the best bounce-back win in the state last week. Visiting District 3 stadium for the second week in a row, Boiling Springs rallied from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to win 30-23 in overtime. Imri Logan led the way offensively for Boiling Springs, and Tyvion Hall preserved the victory with an interception in overtime.

Spartanburg (2-5, 0-2) at No. 2 Northwestern (6-1, 2-0)

Last week: Spartanburg lost to Fort Mill 31-7; Northwestern beat Dorman 35-19.

The series: Spartanburg leads 25-17 all-time, but the Trojans took a 39-7 win last season.

About the Vikings: Spartanburg got another stout performance from Trenton Lynch, who rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown in the loss. But the Vikings managed just 176 yards outside of Lynch, and couldn’t slow Fort Mill down.

About the Trojans: Xavier Means was a wrecking ball for Gaffney against previously unbeaten Dorman. He rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown and threw three TD passes – two to Malik Ratliff and one to Payton Vining – as he threw for 219 yards in the win.

CLASS 4A

Region I

Fountain Inn (4-3, 1-1) at No. 1 Westside (6-1, 2-0)

Last week: Fountain Inn defeated Greenwood 21-14; Westside won at Easley 55-3.

The series: Westside leads 2-0, including a 48-21 road win last season.

About the Fury: Sam Holliday ran for two touchdowns and threw for another to lead Fountain Inn to a big win as it overcame Greenwood dominating the clock. In a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles had 19 offensive plays while Fountain Inn had just three. Holliday threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Ben Ruwe to tie the game at 7-7 in the second quarter. Holliday snapped the tie in the third quarter with a 76-yard touchdown run. After CJ Thomas-Anderson had runs of 49 and 28 yards, respectively, on a fourth-quarter drive, Holliday scored from one yard out to push the lead to 21-7.

About the Rams: Westside raced out to a 48-3 halftime lead last week and cruised to the win. Bear Woods completed 11-of-15 passes for 216 yards and four touchdowns. Corday Freeman rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown, while Damauri Robinson ran six times for 89 yards and two scores also for the Rams. Westside piled up 499 yards (243 passing, 256 rushing) of total offense.

Region II

Travelers Rest (2-5, 0-2) at No. 2 Gaffney (6-1, 2-0)

Last week: Travelers Rest lost to Greenville 56-7; Gaffney beat Greer 48-0.

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

About the Devildogs: Travelers Rest managed just 129 yards against Greenville last week. Preston Gurreaux rushed for a touchdown for the Devildogs.

About the Indians: Gaffney blistered Greer last week, with 486 yards of total offense. Corey Taylor threw for 220 yards on a perfect 9-of-9 passing, tossing touchdowns to Trason Smith and Dylan McKey. Taylor rushed for another score, and Amire White added two touchdowns on the ground.

Riverside (3-4, 2-0) at Greenville (4-3, 2-0)

Last week: Riverside defeated Wade Hampton 31-8; Greenville won at Travelers Rest 56-7.

The series: Riverside leads 15-12. Greenville won last season’s meeting, 28-0.

About the Warriors: Riverside jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead and cruised to the victory last Friday. Cooper Adams completed 19-of-26 passes for 226 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, and rushed nine times for 87 yards. Khaylen Bruce added 82 yards rushing and a touchdown. Peyton Stevenson caught 10 passes for 87 yards and a score, while also rushing for 29 yards on his lone carry. Elijah Terry had seven receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown also for Riverside. The Warriors limited Wade Hampton to 94 yards of total offense.

About the Red Raiders: For the second week in a row, Kiishawn Farrow accounted for seven touchdowns to lead Greenville to a blowout win last Friday. Farrow completed 17-of-26 passes for 305 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions, while rushing for 18 yards and another score. Jaqwon Haygood ran seven times for 84 yards and the Red Raiders’ other touchdown. Trip Bryant caught five passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns, Bryson Mosley caught three for 57 and two scores, and Hamp Renfrow had four receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown.

Greer (3-4, 0-2) at Wade Hampton (2-5, 0-2)

Last week: Greer fell to Gaffney 48-0; Wade Hampton lost at Riverside 31-8.

The series: Greer leads 25-4-2, including a 65-7 road victory last year.

About the Yellow Jackets: Tough times for Greer lingered last Friday as the Yellow Jackets were shut out at Dooley Field for just the second time in the past 21 seasons. Gaffney outgained Greer, 488-160, to hand the Yellow Jackets their fourth consecutive loss. Qua’von Wilson rushed for 62 yards for Greer, while quarterback Xavier Sammet had seven carries for 51 yards.

About the Generals: For the third consecutive game, Wade Hampton’s offense was held without a touchdown last Friday. The Generals had 94 yards of total offense, including just 29 rushing. For the second week in a row, Wade Hampton’s lone score came on an interception return for a touchdown as Nick Gregar got his second one of the season. It was the Generals’ fourth pick-six this year.

CLASS 3A

Region I

Southside (2-5, 0-2) at Berea (0-7, 0-2)

Last week: Southside lost at Pickens 65-0; Berea fell at Walhalla 63-6.

The series: Berea leads 22-10, including a 21-12 win last season.

About the Tigers: Southside will try to get on track after being shut out for the second consecutive week and third time this season last Friday. The Tigers were held to 93 yards of total offense and suffered three turnovers. Tyson Pepper rushed for 42 yards to lead Southside.

About the Bulldogs: A winless season got tougher for Berea last week as it trailed 47-0 in the first half. The Bulldogs were held to 121 yards of total offense and their lone score came on a fourth-quarter kickoff return by Xavier Acoff. Brody Hester threw for 86 yards and he was Berea’s leading rusher with 12 yards.

Region III

Broome (1-7, 1-1) at Christ Church (0-7, 0-1)

Last week: Broome lost to Blue Ridge 40-6; Christ Church lost at Chapman 23-21.

The series: Broome leads 2-0, including a 55-3 victory the last time the teams met in 2017.

About the Centurions: After earning its first victory in Week 7, Broome couldn’t keep the momentum going last week. The Centurions fell behind 40-0 in the third quarter before Corley Turner caught a touchdown pass from Brayden Simpson to help avoid the shutout. Turner added an interception on defense, while Nick Morgan led Broome’s defense with 14 tackles. Simpson finished with 129 yards passing.

About the Cavaliers: Christ Church remained winless last Friday, but played its best game of the season against undefeated Chapman. The Cavaliers fell behind 16-0 early on before rallying. New quarterback Seldon Peden’s third touchdown pass helped slice Chapman’s lead to 23-21 with less than three minutes left. The Cavaliers didn’t recover the onside kick, but did force a three-and-out. The punt deflected off a Christ Church player though and Chapman recovered the loose ball. Peden completed 12-of-19 passes for 130 yards and led the Cavs’ rushing attack with 75 yards on 15 carries. Hayes Lyman hauled in all three touchdowns and finished with 88 yards on 12 receptions.

Blue Ridge (2-6, 1-1) at Union County (0-7, 0-2)

Last week: Blue Ridge won at Broome 40-6; Union County was off after losing to Broome, 28-0, in Week 7.

The series: Union County leads 6-1, including a 54-20 win the last time the teams met in 2017.

About the Tigers: Blue Ridge snapped a five-game losing streak in convincing fashion last Friday at Broome. Holden Powell completed 25-of-31 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 22 yards, to lead Blue Ridge. Brylon McCoy ran 14 times for 123 yards and two scores for the Tigers, who piled up 509 yards of total offense. Alton Every caught seven passes for 94 yards, while Marquiel Troupe had eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.

About the Yellow Jackets: Union County had last Friday off after suffering its third shutout of the season against previously winless Broome in Week 7. The Yellow Jackets’ offensive struggles have been mighty this season as they’ve scored exactly six points apiece in their other four games. Union needs a win Friday to avoid going 0-8 for the first time since the school came into existence in 2007.

CLASS 2A

Region I

Carolina (3-4, 1-1) at St. Joseph’s (5-2, 1-1)

Last week: Carolina defeated West-Oak 12-8; St. Joseph’s lost at Crescent 47-28.

The series: St. Joseph’s leads 6-0, including a 59-0 win last season..

About the Trojans: With a goal line stand at the one-yard line late in the first half and an interception in its own end zone early in the second half, Carolina’s defense gave the Trojans a chance last Friday. They cashed in when Bryson McMoore ran for a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns as Carolina rallied from an 8-0 deficit for its first region win since 2015. McMoore rushed for 136 yards and caught three passes for 55 yards. His 35-yard touchdown with 2:45 left was the game-winner and it capped a five-play, 94-yard drive. The Trojans have three wins for the first time since going 5-6 in 2013.

About the Knights: St. Joseph’s will try to rebound from a rough road loss last week. The Knights led 15-0 early on and 21-13 late in the third quarter before Crescent ended the game on a 34-7 run. John Campbell ran seven times for 142 yards and a touchdown, caught three passes for 63 yards and a score, and had seven tackles to lead St. Joseph’s. Mack Rambo ran 28 times for 99 yards, while quarterback Jack Stewart had 62 yards rushing and 118 passing also for the Knights..

Region II

Woodruff (4-3, 1-1) at No. 10 Chesnee (5-2, 1-1)

Last week: Woodruff lost to Southside Christian 63-21; Chesnee beat Clinton 36-20.

The series: Woodruff leads 42-9 all time, and Chesnee hasn’t won since 2017. The Wolverines took a 52-17 win last season.

About the Wolverines: Woodruff struggled mightily against the run last week, giving up 483 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. They were held to fewer than 200 yards and turned it over three times in falling to Southside Christian.

About the Eagles: Chesnee beat Clinton at its own game last week, rushing for nearly 400 yards and piling up points. With Evan-Reece Lawter and Marquez Franklin held largely in check, Brymier Miller ran wild for the Eagles, racking up 287 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Mountain View Prep (3-3, 2-0) at Clinton (3-4, 0-2)

Last week: MVP beat Landrum 53-7; Clinton lost to Chesnee 36-20

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

About the Stars: MVP has started region play 2-0 after a rough start to the season. Jacoby Kelly and Savion Booker have led the way through the air for the Stars, while Kelly and Jemo Stinson are the backbone of the MVP rushing attack.

About the Red Devils: Clinton has been tough to figure out this season, with an up-and-down performance most of the way. Owen Glenn and Angelo Cromer have led the offense for the Red Devils when they’ve had success.

No. 6 Southside Christian (5-2, 2-0) at Landrum (3-4, 0-2)

Last week: Southside Christian beat Woodruff 63-21; Landrum lost to Mountain View Prep 53-7.

The series: Landrum leads the series 6-2, but Southside Christian has won two straight, including a 42-14 win in the last meeting in 2019.

About the Sabres: Jaylen Samuels had a monster game last week against Woodruff, with 42 carries, 366 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Richie Maxwell led a ferocious Sabre defense that limited the high-output Woodruff offense to just 21 points. Maxwell had 16 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack for Southside Christian.

About the Cardinals: Landrum has dropped three in a row after starting 3-1, including last week[s loss to MVP. The Cardinals’ success has come on the ground this season, with RB J.P. Branyon and QB Ian Patterson leading the way on offense for Landrum.