Game Balls: Prime-time performances at a premium in round 2 of high school football playoffs
Nov. 19—Bryce Collins, WR/DB
Blackville-Hilda
Collins was credited with a fumble recovery during the Fighting Hawks’ 28-0 loss to C.A. Johnson in the second round of the Class A playoffs.
Jaden Collins, QB/TE
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Wagener-Salley
Collins ran the ball 21 times for 129 yards and a touchdown in Wagener-Salley’s 36-6 loss to Lamar in the second round of the Class A playoffs.
Dez Davis, DL
North Augusta
Davis returned a short opening kickoff 50 yards for a touchdown in the Jackets’ 35-7 win over Gilbert in the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs.
Jayden Hatcher, RB
North Augusta
Hatcher had another monster night as the Jackets’ featured back, carrying the ball 28 times for 208 yards and four touchdowns.
DJ Johnson, DB
North Augusta
Johnson intercepted a pass and returned it 79 yards in the Jackets’ win over Gilbert.
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Travaris Johnson, OL/LB
Blackville-Hilda
Johnson was credited with two fumble recoveries and an interception in the loss to C.A. Johnson.
Deonte Phillips, RB/LB
Strom Thurmond
Phillips needed only six carries to rack up 89 yards and a touchdown, and he added three solo tackles in a half’s worth of work in the Rebels’ 48-21 win over Liberty in the second round of the Class AA playoffs.
Kaleb Simpkins, WR/DB
Strom Thurmond
Simpkins intercepted a rare Liberty pass attempt and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown, caught five passes for 28 yards and another score, and he added a solo tackle before resting up in the second half.
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Grayson Smith, OL/DL
Strom Thurmond
Smith had a sack and a fumble recovery to help lead a dominant outing by the Rebels’ first-string defense.
Zeddy Tillman, DB
North Augusta
Tillman intercepted a pair of passes, racking up 33 yards on the returns, in the win over Gilbert.
Kaden Wigfall, RB/WR
Strom Thurmond
Wigfall ran the ball three times for 62 yards and a touchdown, and he added a sack on defense in the win over Liberty.
SCHSL Playoffs
Friday
Third Round
Class AAAA
Lower State
North Augusta (11-1) at South Florence (11-1)
Class AA
Upper State
Chester (8-4) at Strom Thurmond (10-2)