Thoughts on high school football playoffs

Just a few thoughts from the latest round of playoffs:

1. Congrats to Carvers Bay. The Bears had to replace more than a dozen players from last year's squad (including an All-Pee Dee running back), lost their quarterback midseason and still managed to make back to Orangeburg for the third straight year. They did it how they always do it: By running over their opponent. Maybe it was the cold, or the thought of making another state title game, but Clayton Geathers lived up to the family name by running over, and yes I mean over, two Lamar defenders in the game. Geathers himself had more than 300 yards of offense. Combine that with a ferocious defense and you've got the Bears' M.O. Now they face Chesterfield again, and I know coach Nate Thompson is already having nightmares about Steve Tanneyhill's passing game.
2. The Wildcats keep finding ways to win. I know I had touted Manning the last weeks, but I picked Dillon to win simply because the Wildcats' have owned the Monarchs at home, and coach Jackie Hayes always seems to pull out a big win in the playoffs. Now they face Timberland. Hope he saved some magic.
3. Tough end for Cheraw. The two-time defending state champs lost on a late touchdown run after having the upper hand on the unbeaten Wolves most of the night. The game lived up to the hype, and the Braves' remarkable run of four straight state title game appearances will always be one of the most impressive feats in high school football.
4. The Bulldogs of Marlboro County are one win away from their first trip to the Class 3A state title game. Marlboro might have been flying under the radar most of the season, but don't think they don't have a shot against Myrtle Beach. They have enough firepower to go toe-to-toe, and the defense can always cause havoc.
5. Finally, a congrats to Dillon Christian. The Warriors captured their first state football championship in the program's short existence, and they were head and shoulders above anyone else. D.C. only lost to Lake View by 10, and probably could have beaten a number of Class A teams in the state. When a team can run the wishbone or the spread on any given play and be successful either way, it's no shock to see them crowned a champion.

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