Friday night's SCISA showdown between Porter-Gaud (6-1) and Northwood Academy (7-0) has a lot more than bragging rights riding on the outcome.
Sure, the two area schools are rivals, and beating a rival is always a good thing. But the results of Friday's contest will have a significant impact on seedings in the upcoming SCISA Class AAAA state playoffs.
The winner of this game, barring a late-season upset, will secure no worse than a No. 2 seed in the AAAA bracket, which would keep either team away from perennial powerhouse and champion Hammond until at least the state finals.
Porter-Gaud's lone loss this season came to Hammond, and Northwood will play Hammond next week. The Chargers control their destiny as it pertains to the No. 1 seed if they can win the next two weeks.
As for the game itself, it shapes up to being a potential classic. Both teams are explosive offensively with Northwood having a little more balanced attack. Porter-Gaud's run game is as good as any team in the state, and the Cyclones control the time of possession in every game.
While there are good players on both defenses, neither unit is the strength of their respective team. Points will be scored, and the kicking game may play a factor in the outcome.
Shelton says: Porter-Gaud 34, Northwood 30
High School Football: Ashley Ridge QB tops honor rollMay River (6-0) at Bishop England (5-1)
The Bishops continue to be the surprise team in the area, but they are no longer the Cinderella. This team is good. They play hard, and the confidence level is through the roof under first-year head coach Logan Hall.
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May River is the fifth-ranked team in Class AAAA and is the best team that Bishop England has played so far this season. The Sharks operate offensively at breakneck speed, which often results in the opposing defense losing steam in the second half.
Bishop England will need points, and their defense must hold up to the pressure. If the Bishops can be within one score in the fourth quarter, an upset may be in the cards.
Shelton says: May River 33, Bishop England 28
High School Roundup: Berkeley, Ashley Ridge, Summerville win region openersGoose Creek (3-3) at Berkeley (3-3)
Both teams opened region 7-AAAAA play with a win last week, so getting to 2-0 in the league will put the winner in the driver's seat.
Berkeley is playing as well as any team in the area right now. An improved defense is complementing an explosive, balanced offense. Since allowing 41 points to Summerville in Week 3, Berkeley has yielded only 29 points over its last three games.
Goose Creek may be without star running back Meliq McGowan, and the Gators need their workhorse to win games down the stretch. Berkeley has lost just once at home over the last two seasons, so the Stags look good in this one.
Shelton says: Berkeley 40, Goose Creek 26