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Class AAAA Lower State May River (8-2) at North Augusta (10-1) Last time they played North Augusta defeated May River on Nov. 13, 2020, in the first round of the Class AAAA playoffs. Keys to the game The Jackets want to keep their momentum going in the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs against May River.
North Augusta has been seeing success in all three phases and at this point, it's just about cleaning up the little things. Offensively, the key will be taking control early at the line of scrimmage. The Jackets offensive line has continued to improve every week this season and it will be vital to control the Shark’s linebackers.
May River has seen a lot of success defensively this season, so the North Augusta will continue to fire on all cylinders to score often and early. Limiting turnovers will also be important to make the most out of every possession. North Augusta must control May River on the ground defensively to limit any explosive plays from its running backs.
The Sharks are coming off of a close one-point win against Bluffton to open up their postseason. North Augusta found its rhythm early against Airport and it'll need to continue distancing itself on the scoreboard in the first half to get May River off balance. Class AA Lower State Timberland (8-3) at Barnwell (10-1) Last time they played Barnwell defeated Timberland 49-19 Nov.
22, 2019, in the third round of the Class AA playoffs. Keys to the game Barnwell got exactly what it wanted out of last week's Class AA playoff opener, taking a 42-point halftime lead and keeping everyone healthy and ready to roll into the second round. The Warhorses know things are going to be a bit tougher with each step forward they take, and up next is a Timberland team that survived a close first-round game against Lake City.
The Wolves are battle-tested, with wins over other Class AA playoff teams like Andrews and Woodland in region play. The Warhorses had the opportunity to introduce some new wrinkles into their offense and play a little pitch-and-catch, with senior quarterback Cameron Austin turning in a near-perfect 13-for-15 night with 217 yards and five touchdowns. Four different receivers scored, and their power-run game was able to take a breather and avoid too many bumps and bruises.
That gives the Timberland defense a little more to think about, especially after Barnwell scored on all six of its possessions in the first round. Class A Upper State Blackville-Hilda (9-2) at Abbeville (9-1) Last time they played This is the first meeting between the two programs. Keys to the game This is a state championship-caliber game in the second round of the Class A playoffs, which Blackville-Hilda knew would be the case as soon as the Fighting Hawks locked up the No.
2 seed in Region 3-A. Abbeville had been at the head of the class in Class AA before moving down in the most recent South Carolina High School League realignment, and the Panthers have been up to their usual tricks while holding onto the No. 1 ranking in Class A.
Their only loss this season was by two points to Class AA No. 1 Batesburg-Leesville, and they've scored at least 48 points in each of the seven consecutive games they've won since. That loss to Batesburg-Leesville was Abbeville's lowest scoring night of the season with 35 points, so the Blackville-Hilda defense knows it has its work cut out for it against an offense full of players with years of experience perfecting the Abbeville attack.
The Panthers' defense has only allowed three opponents to score in double digits. To become the fourth, Blackville-Hilda will have to play with the type of physicality, poise and balance the Hawks have used more often than not to reach this point in the season. Ridge Spring-Monetta (6-5) at Lewisville (9-1) Last time they played Lewisville defeated Ridge Spring-Monetta 71-0 on Sept.
15, 2023. Keys to the game Ridge Spring-Monetta is coming off of a big win against Ware Shoals to open up the Class A playoffs last week. Head coach Jay Brannon said it’s the most complete game the Trojans have played so far this year and they’ll need to keep that energy against Lewisville this week.
The Lions have only lost one game this year and are coming off a 66-0 win over Calhoun Falls Charter in round one. Not missing assignments has been a focal point for RS-M each week, and against Ware Shoals it made the biggest difference. Against Lewisville, the defense will need to limit big plays from a team that can be explosive with the ball in its hands.
The Trojans defense has been a bright point this year and they’ll have to play with intensity against the Lions. Offensively, Brannon said it’ll be about patience and sustaining drives. Lewisville has only given up more than 16 points once this season and regularly holds teams to just one score.
RS-M will have to find ways to move the ball downfield without being able to make explosive plays. Discipline and passion will be two of the most important mental parts of the game for the Trojans as they look to continue their postseason run..
