Tonight's game will determine the winner of Region 2-AAAAA as Byrnes & Dorman are set to face off in a much anticipated rivalry contest. The Byrnes Rebels have not played in 28 days while Dorman comes off of a 21-0 win over Spartanburg last Friday night. Reggie Shaw, in his 4th year at Byrnes is looking for his first win over Dorman while Dave Gutshall looks to win the region in his 28th year at the helm of the Cavaliers. Its Byrnes at Dorman. Nothing else needs to be said.
Through two games, Byrnes has been very effecient on the offensive side of the ball while relying heavily on their ground game to produce for the Rebels. Byrnes has Brayden Blackmon as well as Gabe Rogers who will both see time tonight against Dorman. Brayden is more of a running Quarterback while Rogers is more of a passing threat. The storyline through two games was Mack Long, a sophomore who set the new single game rushing record at Byrnes previously held by Marcus Lattimore. Long's 309 yards at Spartanburg gave him the record as well as propelled the Byrnes offense to a strength that they didn't expect after losing Rahjai Harris. The Rebels will look to establish the ground game which will then setup the pass game. Byrnes will rely heavily on Eli Henderson & the veteran offensive line to control the line of scrimmage against a very powerful Dorman front 7. Defensively, the Rebels will rely on Jy Martin to hold down the secondary as Dorman will present different looks with QB Zay Foster. This is a Rebel defense that is young but very athletic.
For the Cavaliers, I expect to see Dorman try to set the tone tonight with their run game and the best running back in the state, Chance Black. Black is a fast, slippery defender that Byrnes will have to get to early in tonight's game if they want to have a chance. Black had 18 carries last week against the Vikings for 109 yards and 1 touchdown. Last year against the Rebels, the Cavaliers Rashad Durrah rushed for 75 yards. Byrnes gave up a few long passes last year in this matchup as Dorman also pulled a few tricks out of the hat. Very similar to Byrnes, the question mark is the Dorman passing game. The Cavaliers average 127 yards through the air in games played this season. Dorman's front 7 on defense matched up with Byrnes offensive line and run game is the best matchup of the night. I do think Dorman has the clear advantage in special teams when it comes to senior Omar Kahn. Kahn is a veteran for the Cavaliers who has been a staple for this Dorman football team for years now.
When Dorman has the ball, I think the Cavaliers will be able to run the football for the most part. Byrnes will need to make big plays on 3rd down and make sure they keep Zay Foster flustered. I like the matchup with Dorman's line and Byrnes defensive front. I will be interested to see how Zay Foster throws the ball. The majority of Zay's passes come when he rolls to the left. Byrnes will need to get to Zay early and often. I think we will see a good bit of blitzing from this Byrnes defense as they do return several key linebackers.
When Byrnes has the ball, I expect the Rebels to let the run game open up the pass. Mack Long will need another big night on the ground for the Rebels if Byrnes is going to take the region crown. If Byrnes can throw the ball and test this Dorman secondary, I really think Byrnes has the advantage. Dorman's defensive line will cause trouble early for this Byrnes front and Mack Long. Byrnes will need to stick to what works and see if they can wear down the Cavaliers.
Anytime Byrnes & Dorman faces off, fans are in for a treat. I think this game will come down to the 4th quarter and I am picking Byrnes to win tonight and take the region crown. In a close one, Rebels 29, Dorman 24.
