Friday nights in the Palmetto State are set to deliver another season of exciting high school football. Anticipation is high as teams across South Carolina prepare for hard-hitting action and unforgettable moments. Week 1 features a slate of compelling contests, showcasing both established juggernauts and hungry underdogs eager to make their mark. Here’s a look […]
Friday nights in the Palmetto State are set to deliver another season of exciting high school football. Anticipation is high as teams across South Carolina prepare for hard-hitting action and unforgettable moments. Week 1 features a slate of compelling contests, showcasing both established juggernauts and hungry underdogs eager to make their mark. Here’s a look at five of the most exciting games to watch as the road to the state title officially begins.
No. 2 Northwestern at No. 4 Spartanburg
When: Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Spartanburg Vikings Stadium, Spartanburg, South Carolina
The Trojans completed a perfect 14-0 season to capture the South Carolina high school football Class 5A Division II state championship. In addition to their title defense, Northwestern is seeking to maintain their winning streak against Spartanburg. It should be an entertaining battle between two of the state’s elite squads.
Massey Prediction: Northwestern 36, Spartanburg 24
No. 9 Westside at Vestavia Hills (Ala.)
When: Friday, August 22, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Buddy Anderson Field at Thompson Reynolds Stadium, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
The Rams nearly won it all last season. However, they suffered a heartbreaking one-point loss to South Florence in the South Carolina high school football Class 4A state championship game. Westside starts a new season on the road against Vestavia Hills, a team with a 6-6 record last year. Still, playing away from home poses a tough challenge for the Rams.
Massey Prediction: Vestavia Hills 35, Westside 21
No. 11 T.L. Hanna at No. 13 Byrnes
When: Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Hanna Stadium, Anderson, South Carolina
The Yellowjackets and the Rebels played each other for their 2024 South Carolina high school football season opener. T.L. Hanna won the game 19-16, while Byrnes suffered the first of three consecutive losses to open their schedule. A year later, they will compete once more to start their campaigns, and the matchup looks to be another hard-fought battle.
Massey Prediction: T.L. Hanna 28, Byrnes 26
No. 25 Clover at Chambers (N.C.)
When: Friday, August 22, TBD
Where: Chambers Football Field, Charlotte, North Carolina
Clover defeated Chambers in their respective 2024 season-openers. It was one of the Eagles’ eight victories last year. However, they lost to J.L. Mann in the second round of the South Carolina high school football Class 5A Division I state championship. The Eagles and the Cougars will have a season-opening rematch, this time at Chambers’ home field.
Massey Prediction: Chambers 35, Clover 21
No. 1 Gaffney vs. Independence (N.C.)
When: Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Reservation Stadium, Gaffney, South Carolina
After falling short against Northwestern in the South Carolina high school football Class 5A Division II state semifinals, Gaffney starts anew by hosting Independence. Home field advantage might be theirs, but an opponent that went 10-2 last season is no pushover. The Indians are in for a fight, despite what the predictions say.
Massey Prediction: Gaffney 35, Independence 19
How to Follow South Carolina High School Football
For South Carolina high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement in the Palmetto State.
Category: General Sports
