Ladies & Gentlemen, Week 1 is here. Well, really week 2 but last week was Week 0 so this week is Week 1 not Week 2. Makes sense, right?
None the less, we made it to the second week of High School Football and what a slate of games we have this week! Let's take a look at this week's games.
Anderson at Southside Christian:
What a week it was for Southside Christian as they rolled Southside last Friday 41-0. Much like last week, I see this one getting out of hand.
Cole's Pick: SS Christian 49, Anderson 12.
St. Joseph's at Buford:
St. Joseph's had a big win last week and I think that this game will be a little closer, but St. Joseph's will still find a way to win.
Cole's Pick: St. Joseph's 35, Buford 27.
Chesnee at Broome:
These two teams are both coming off of a loss and this is a huge game this week. Broome lost a lead to Powdersville & Chesnee didn't have enough firepower to get past Woodruff. I loved seeing Dylan Ramirez have a big night on Friday, but I also love the style of play from Clay Lewis & the Eagles. With Chesnee fielding one of the smallest teams in a while, I see this one going similar to Woodruff vs Chesnee last week & Broome pulling away late. Simply put, Ramirez will be the difference maker here and Broome wins.
Cole's Pick: Broome 35, Chesnee 28.
Woodruff at Hillcrest:
Greenwood defeated Hillcrest last week 30-23 and Woodruff had a big win over Chesnee. I think Woodruff will compete in this one, but I think Hillcrest will edge them out. I believe the Hillcrest defense will have to buckle down, as they prepare for a high powered Woodruff offense. I think this one comes down to the wire.
Cole's Pick: Hillcrest 30, Woodruff 28.
Johns Creek at Travelers Rest:
Not knowing anything about Johns Creek out of Georgia, I do know that TR still has some things to work on. I like Johns Creek on the road. Riverside defeated TR last week 42-20. Let's see if the Devil Dogs can step up to the challenge.
Cole's Pick: Johns Creek 35, Travelers Rest 21.
Riverside at J.L. Mann:
Both of these teams had a great opening weekend and both are much improved from what we normally know about Riverside & J.L Mann. The Patriots defeated Eastside 13-8 last week while Riverside thumped Travelers Rest. I cannot believe I am picking Riverside to start the season 2-0, but I am doing it. Riverside starts 2-0.
Cole's Pick: Riverside 35, J.L. Mann 20
Eastside at Pickens:
Eastside has had a rough start to the season while Pickens has yet to play, but I don't think that matters much. I think Pickens will win this one in a fairly close game. Eastside has had some struggles on offense, I am interested to see if that continues this week.
Cole's Pick: Pickens 21, Eastside 14.
Greenville at Wade Hampton:
Wade Hampton starts the season against one of the better teams in the county and this will be a TOUGH test for the Generals. Greenville had a close win last week over Rock Hill on a last second field goal winning 31-28. Wade Hampton will have to play one of their best games of the season to keep this one close, and I like Greenville to win.
Cole's Pick: Greenville 38, Wade Hampton 10.
Spartanburg at Mauldin:
Mauldin has not played as they were off last week due to their game against York being canceled, but this is a tough test for both teams. According to a source of mine, Raheim Jeter is still not back to 100% and as of right now, it seems as if Garrett Fulmer will be going for Spartanburg again on Friday. If somehow Raheim can play Friday, I think his ability to run and scramble could present problems for Mauldin. However, this Mauldin defense is legit and Spartanburg once again will have to rely on the run game from Drek Carter. I think this one will be competitive, but I think the Mavericks will edge out the Vikings.
Cole's Pick: Mauldin 24, Vikings 21.
Wren at TL Hanna:
Cole's Pick: TL Hanna 34, Wren 17.
Christ Church at Landrum:
Landrum plays it's first game on Friday after being off last week due to Covid, but I am also interested to see how this new Landrum offense looks with a more run style implemented during the offense. Christ Church is also playing in its first game this week, but I think the Cavaliers will have the advantage on the road.
Cole's Pick: Christ Church 38, Landrum 28.
Greer at Blue Ridge:
Greer had a tough loss to open the season against the Byrnes Rebels while Blue Ridge dropped one 57-34 to Woodmont. Both of these teams are looking for their first win and I think this will be a great game. Greer will have to have a great defensive performance as Blue Ridge can score. I think Blue Ridge edges out the Jackets on Friday.
Cole's Pick: Blue Ridge 35, Greer 24.
Byrnes at Chapman:
Byrnes is coming off of a 55-14 win over Greer while this will be the first game of the season for Chapman. Chapman is the reigning region champions and I think this will be a fantastic football game. Chapman lost a lot on defense, but returns the house on offense. Byrnes showed last week that they can score, so I fully expect this one to be high scoring. I think Byrnes leaning on their big offensive line will put wear and tear on Chapman as this game goes on and I like the Rebels offense to score more on Friday. I think this will be a great test for both teams and am interested to see how this Rebel's defense will handle this potent Chapman offense.
Cole's Pick: Byrnes 50, Chapman 35.
Boiling Springs at Dorman:
Dorman had a bad start to the 2021 season and Boiling Springs has yet to play as the Bulldogs are always off on Week 0. I will be interested to see what changes are coming for this Cavalier offense after only putting up 7 points vs Clover. As far as Boiling Springs goes, this is a bunch of young pups after loosing 30 seniors from last years squad. This is one of the hardest games to pick, just not knowing a ton on either of these teams. I am leaning Dorman, just because I feel like Dave Gutshall will figure something out and find a way to get the win.
Cole's Pick: Dorman 28, Boiling Springs 14.
Summerville at Gaffney:
This game got thrown together on Thursday morning, but man what a matchup with rich tradition. This Summerville team is not the Summerville of old, however I think this will be an interesting matchup. Gaffney comes off of a win over Spartanburg last week while Summerville will be playing it's first game of the season. I like Loftis and the Indians to prevail.
Cole's Pick: Gaffney 38, Summerville 20.
Southside at Woodmont:
Woodmont's offense was electric last Friday, while Southside struggled and did not score. I think this one gets out of hand as well.
Cole's Pick: Woodmont 45, Southside 14.
After an average week of picks last Friday, I look to improve on my 7-7 record this Friday. Remember, we break down all of these games with interviews from players and coaches this Saturday from 8-10am on ESPN Upstate.
