Week 8 of High School Football is here! Let's look at tonight's matchups!
Week 7 Record: 15-2
Cole's Season Record: 76-24
Union County at Broome
Landrum at Chesnee
Greer at Greenwood
Chapman at Clinton
Dorman at Byrnes
Clover at Boiling Springs
Woodruff at Emerald
Nation Ford at Gaffney
Crescent at Christ Church
Carolina at Powdersville
Whitmire at Southside Christian
Southside at Blue Ridge
Laurens at Eastside
Travelers Rest at Walhalla
T.L. Hanna at J.L. Mann
Hillcrest at Woodmont
Riverside at Wade Hampton
Short previews & picks:
Riverside at Wade Hampton:
Riverside comes off of a 70-0 loss to Byrnes last week while Wade Hampton still looks for its first win of the season. Riverside is the more talented team here, I am just interested to see how and if this team will be able to bounce back after such a loss last week at home. I like the Warriors to get back on track this week.
Cole's Pick: Riverside 40, Wade Hampton 10
Hillcrest at Woodmont:
These are two talented teams and both teams come into this game with only 2 losses on the season. Hillcrest is averaging 37.8 points per game while Woodmont averages 33.2 ppg. Woodmont has had some close calls this season in games with Southside & J.L. Mann with small margins of victory. I like the combination of Judy & Coldren for the Rams tonight.
Cole's Pick: Hillcrest 35, Woodmont 21
T.L. Hanna at J.L. Mann:
J.L. Mann is much improved, but the Yellowjackets are on another level and for that reason I don't think J.L. Mann can overcome this ground attack and T.L. Hanna wins on the road.
Cole's Pick: T.L. Hanna 45, J.L. Mann 21
Travelers Rest at Walhalla:
Neither of these teams have had much success and consistency this season, so this one for me is harder to pick than normal. Walhalla has had a few blow out losses, while Travelers Rest has had a few close wins over average teams. This one will be close, and I like the Devil Dogs to squeak one out on the road.
Cole's Pick: Travelers Rest 21, Walhalla 14
Laurens at Eastside:
This Laurens team will play on Friday for the first time in a while after having a two week break due to covid protocol while Eastside comes off of a loss to Greenwood on Saturday. I saw Eastside Saturday & based on what I saw, Laurens will be able to have their way on Friday night. I like a healthy, well rested Laurens team over Eastside on a short week.
Cole's Pick: Laurens 35, Eastside 14
Southside at Blue Ridge:
Blue Ridge comes into this game just 1-5 on the season with a lone win over Carolina while Southside comes in just 2-5 with back to back wins in the last 2 weeks over Berea & Carolina. I like the momentum to continue for Southside tonight.
Cole's Pick: Southside 29, Blue Ridge 14
Whitmire at Southside Christian:
Whitmire is 2-3 on the season facing a Sabre team that is 5-0. Southside Christian has only allowed 15 total points on the whole season with 4 shutouts so far in 2021. I don't think this one is much different as the Sabres roll on to 6-0.
Cole's Pick: Southside Christian 45, Whitmire 7
Carolina at Powdersville:
This is a game of polar opposites. Carolina is looking for its first win of the season while the Patriots come into this game a perfect 7-0. Powdersville has averaged just over 40 points per game while Carolina has struggled to find any consistency on offense. This one will not be close. Hide your kids.
Cole's Pick: Powdersville 50, Carolina 0
Crescent at Christ Church:
Christ Church has been one of the more impressive teams in 2021 and looks to have a complete team from top to bottom. Crescent is 2-4 on the season with wins over Dixie & Ninety Six. Christ Church only has one loss on the season to Holy Innocents. I like the Cavaliers to keep rolling tonight.
Cole's Pick: Christ Church 38, Crescent 24
Nation Ford at Gaffney:
The Nation Ford Falcons have been flying high as of late as they have won 3 straight, but I believe this flight will come to an end at the Reservation on Friday. Nation Ford has talent and will keep this game interesting for a half or so, but Gaffney's Smith & Littlejohn will soar to the end zone when it matters to put this game away.
Cole's Pick: Gaffney 35, Nation Ford 21
Woodruff at Emerald:
Both of these teams come into this game with only 2 wins on the season, but I believe Woodruff will carry the momentum from last week's win over Union County and it will translate into another win tonight in a close game. Emerald comes off of a tough blow out loss to Chapman last Friday, but I like the Vikings to play much better tonight, but it won't be enough for this potent Woodruff offense.
Cole's Pick: Woodruff 42, Emerald 30
Clover at Boiling Springs:
The Blue Eagles of Clover come into this game with just 2 wins on the season over Dorman & Fort Mill while the Bulldogs look for their first win of the season. Even though this one is in the Springs, I don't think it will matter. Clover will pull away late and improve to 3-3 on the season while Boiling Springs will fall to 0-8.
Cole's Pick: Clover 35, Boiling Springs 17
Dorman at Byrnes:
One of the biggest games in the state tonight is in Duncan as the Cavaliers look to rebound after a loss to Gaffney last Friday while Byrnes comes off of a 70-0 win over Riverside Saturday night. Dorman averages 32 points per game while the Cavalier defense gives up an average of 22 points per game in 2021. The Cavalier defense has been solid all season until Gaffney scores 42 last Friday in a one touchdown victory for the Indians. I think this Byrnes offense tonight will be one of the tougher tests for this Cavalier defense. Byrnes averages 42 points per game while the Rebel defense has allowed an average of 34 points per game. Dorman will want to stay true to its identity tonight and be aggressive up front while Byrnes will have to turn this one into a track meet in order to come out on top. The Rebels will have to be ready for a physical night on the defensive side of the ball and if they can weather that storm, I think the Rebels offense led by Gabe Rogers can put up enough points to come out on top in a close one at Nixon Field. After a rough season for the Rebels, Reggie Shaw gets his first win over Dave Gutshall tonight.
Cole's Pick: Byrnes 35, Dorman 28
Chapman at Clinton:
Also a huge game in the state tonight, two of the best teams in 3A go at it tonight at Wilder Stadium in Clinton. Chapman comes in also averaging 42 points per game while Clinton averages almost 45 points per game. Clinton will have to play ball control and keep the ball out of Settle's hands which I think this Clinton team can do. DJ Black has had such a monstrous season I think Clinton knows they have to be effective on offense. When they get a chance to score, they will have to execute and punch it in tonight. Field goals won't win this game against Chapman. Chapman's defense has started to take shape in a dominant win over Emerald last Friday. This game will come down to the 4th quarter and I like Clinton to get a huge call (penalty) late in this game that extends a drive and Chapman will run out of time.
Cole's Pick: Clinton 34, Chapman 30
Greer at Greenwood:
While Greer has been playing much better as of late, the Yellowjackets have their work cut out for them tonight. I like Greenwood to establish a run game tonight and control time of possession and Greer's defense will have to make some big plays down the stretch to win this one. Greer comes in 4-3 on the season while Greenwood comes in 5-1. I saw Greenwood on Saturday against Eastside and I like the Eagles tonight at home.
Cole's Pick: Greenwood 36, Greer 26
Landrum at Chesnee:
One of the tougher games to pick tonight as this one should be a dandy. Landrum has had a fantastic 2021 season while Chesnee has struggled to find wins while coming into this game 1-6. Landrum sits at 4-2 on the season. While these two teams records aren't close, this one is always competitive. Chesnee had its way in 2020 with Landrum winning 40-14. However, I think Jason Farmer & the Cardinals find a way to win tonight on the road and the Cardinals get to 5 wins on the season.
Cole's Pick: Landrum 28, Chesnee 27
Union County at Broome:
Broome comes into this matchup 3-4 on the season with wins over Chesnee, Landrum, & Robbinsville while Union County is still looking for their first win of the season. The 0-5 Yellowjackets will have to be ready tonight for a tough matchup against one of the better QB's in the area in Dylan Ramirez. The offense has not been the issue for Union County this season as they were able to score at will last week vs Woodruff. I think this one will be close, but Ramirez & the Centurions edge it out at home.
Cole's Pick: Broome 48, Union County 41
For a full recap of these games as well as interviews with local players and coaches, join Cole Bryson on the Saturday Morning Scramble this Saturday from 8-10am on ESPN Upstate.
