SCISA--  I'm goin to go with Pinewood Prep.  Bottom line, they're basically a Summerville nucleus playing in the private school ranks.  Bruce Haynes at QB, Laquan Gilliard at receiver---pretty tough to beat---but think about this--could you imagine what Summerville would be like if both were playin for the Wave this year.  I think Pinewood will roll in week 1 of the playoffs over Heathwood Hall--I've seen them a bit and talked to our buddies in Columbia about em, and while they're talented and well coached--they just don't have the athletes that Pinewood has.  Although, its a bit odd that these 2 just jumped over to the SCISA ranks, good for Pinewood- look for a winner in the Panthers.

1A- In the Lowcounty--it'll be tough to top 2 teams from the Pee Dee- Lamar is solid as usual (the same school that has turned out Levon Kirkland, John Abraham, Michael Hamlin)--and figure them to be the team to beat as usual.  Scotts Branch is also a pretty solid squad---but of our local, Lowcountry teams, I'm goin to throw my money on Baptist Hill.  The Bobcats can play--they showed it last Friday night beating then 1-A unbeaten St. Johns.  Baptist Hill can flat out play offense-- the RB Middleton is elusive---he's big enough to run hard---speedy enough to run fast--and shows that he can play in pressure situations like he did last Friday night.  He's a guy that'll do well in the playoffs---the important thing for the Bobcats is to not overuse him---he also plays defense, and does it well--which is fairly common at the 1-A level--but Marion Brown just has to make sure not to tire him out before the season is done.

2-A- One word-Timberland-- Done, over, no question in my mind.  They're my pick as the only Lowcountry team to win a state title---they'll make me take the trip to Clemson for State Final Saturday.  I have no questions that Art Craig has to worry about--great on D and the best in the state on offense---teams like Summerville, Byrnes, Beaufort don't have 3 guys on the team that are viable Division 1 scholarship prospects---Timberland has 3 on the offense alone!  With Washington blocking, Fordham catching and blocking, King running and coach's son Cody Craig calling the shots---I can't see anyone even coming close to Timberland in the playoffs.  Hanahan is good---showed they're not as good as Timberland, same as Manning.  I'd assume they'll meet up with Abbeville in the state finals---which would be very intriguing---because Abbeville is the same type of football crazy town as St. Stephen---and the Panthers have rushed for over 3000 yards in a tough Upstate conference--but my money is on the Wolves- T'Land to win it all.

3-A- I think 3-A is our weakest link as far as the Lowcountry being represented in the State Title games-  North Charleston and Stall are similar teams--very offense oriented--and have done very well at times running their offenses--but against teams like Daniel in the Upstate who is 9-0---I don't think we really stand a chance.  Ken Cribb has turned Stall's culture around--led them to the playoffs (to get hammered) last year--and I wouldn't be surprised if they pull a first round Upset---same with North Charleston---but I can't see either team really moving on to cause any damage in the state playoffs.  If there is one team from the Lower State to go, I'll pick Hilton Head--we don't cover them much as they're close to Savannah, but saw them beat James Island, a 4 A team- so we'll pull for HH.

4-A- This is a tough one---especially with the 2 different 4-A state Title Games--and I'm goin to go out on a whim here---I'm pickin Goose Creek as my team to go the farthest.  Beaufort showed unbelieveable vulnerability against Summerville.  Summerville is good--and playing very well now late in the season, Donny McElveen is really clicking--but I think they're a prime team to get Upset---I hope I'm wrong, but in none of their games against quality competition have they showed a dominant offense---they've been solid on D--but scoring has been a struggle.  Another hot team right now, Fort Dorchester---and I can see them doing some damage--having a running QB like Galen Bennett is clutch--but to me, the hottest team right now is Goose Creek.  They beat Berkeley to win their region---what a mental boost that is, it'll help them as well getting to play at home, and Chuck Reedy is battle tested---he was on the Clemson staff that won the National Title, he's been a college head coach--he knows how to prepare his teams, he knows how to go into this type of situation and he's got talent.  Donta Brown is a sensational QB, is fun to watch, and Reedy says he's one of the top in the state---if he is--time to put your money where your mouth is and take the Gators where they haven't been in a LONG WHILE....My monopoly money is on you guys!

Playoff Time--This'll be Fun!

Scott