The fourth week of high school football in the Spartanburg area was a good one. Byrnes, who continued their winning ways by beating inter-county rival Greer 23-14, and Union County, who defeated former regional foe Broome on the road 32-27, both scored big wins.
Chapman got his first win of the season against Laurens, and Spartanburg Christian outpointed Palmetto Christian.
BETTER PERFORMANCE:Here are the best Spartanburg area high school football players from Week 3
BACKUP BALL:Union County running back Jakevious Jennings shines in his first start against Broome
MILESTONE EARNING:Byrnes football coach Reggie Shaw wins 100th career game
Byrnes 23, Greer 14
For Reggie Shaw’s 100th win, Byrnes (4-0) knocked out Greer (1-3), in what turned out to be the Rebels’ toughest game yet. Quarterback Colby Shaw threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns, and running back RJ Livingston had 114 all-purpose yards, four receptions and a rushing touchdown. Byrnes continues to look like a true contender for the Region 2-AAAAA crown and beyond.
DOMINANT DEFENSE:Byrnes’s defense is presenting his case as one of the best in South Carolina
Union County 32, Broome 27
In a thriller, Broome (1-3) nearly pulled off an epic comeback, but Union County (2-1) denied their old regional foe a shot at a .500 record. Both sides were led by the running game. Union County backup running back Jakevious Jennings appeared rushing for 107 yards and three touchdowns. Broome’s dynamic duo of Jaylen McGill, with two catches, 168 GA yards and three rushing touchdowns, and Kamajay Brackett-Brannon with 287 GA yards, both had big games.
Hillcrest 48, Hot Springs 0
Following a win against Chapman, Boiling Springs (1-3) hosted one of the best teams in the state, Hillcrest (4-0). The Bulldogs were unable to make much headway, gaining only 108 total offensive yards and allowing 462 total offensive yards to the Rams.
Mallard Creek (NC) 20, Gaffney 13
After appearing to return to normal last week, Gaffney (1-2) fell to a tough opponent. Despite keeping it close, Gaffney again struggled to stop the opposition’s running game, allowing 162 yards and three touchdowns. Gaffney must find his identity on both sides of the ball.
Grayson (Ga.) 51, Spartanburg 24
Another trip to Georgia, another loss for Spartanburg (1-3) against what appears to be the most difficult schedule outside of the upstate region. Despite the 27-point loss and sub-.500 record, the Vikings remain one of the best teams in the state and one of the teams to beat in Region 2-AAAAA.
CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW:Dutch Fork edge out Spartanburg in what could be a preview of the 2022 Upper State title game
Chapman 24, Laurens 21 (OT)
Chapman (1-3) finally claims his first victory in his second game of overtime. Despite the sub-500 record, the Panthers have proven better than their record. With an overtime loss to Woodruff and a one-point loss to Boiling Springs, his record could easily be changed to 3-1 if luck had gone his way.
Belton-Honea Route 34, Woodruff 27
Woodruff (2-2) falls in consecutive weeks, this time to fellow AAA classmate BHP (3-0). Despite the two losses, the Wolverines have shown they are ready to compete for a playoff spot and even the Region 4-AAA crown.
Polk County (NC) 49, Landrum 7
In an old rivalry game revamped, Landrum (1-2) loses big, despite a strong performance from Braden Mashtare, who had 220 all-purpose yards.
RS Central (NC) 27, Chesnee 20
Chesnee (0-4) loses his second one-possession game, this time on the road at North Carolina to RS Central (2-2).
Lewisville 31, Blacksburg 25
In consecutive games, Blacksburg (0-4) has fallen by one score and is still looking for its first victory.
Spartanburg Christian 50, Palmetto Christian 6
Spartanburg Christian (2-1) outpointed Palmetto Christian.