By Thomas Grant Jr.
Northside Christian Academy returns to action Friday after a bye week, while Gray Collegiate heads out of state for the second time this season.
The Crusaders (2-3, 1-2) face Georgia School for Innovation and Classic at Palmetto State Armory Field. They look to snap a three-game losing streak against a Patriots team which is 0-16 all-time in four seasons.
Meanwhile, the top-ranked War Eagles travel to the Sunshine State. They face Clearwater Academy International (1-30 out of Clearwater, Fla. in a matchup to fill an open date not the result of a forfeit.
Gray Collegiate (8-1, 3-0) picked up a 56-35 victory over Portal (Ga.) for Homecoming last Friday. Caleb Ford rushed for three touchdowns and the quarterback tandem of Tyler Waller and Dre’Von Dopson were a combined 16-17 for 244 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Kaine Williams accounted for 10 ½ tackles and a sack and Rian Cunningham had nine tackles.
The War Eagles also earned another forfeit win from Columbia. This Friday, it will improve to 4-0 following a forfeit win over Fairfield Central.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL
Class 2A
1. Gray Collegiate (17) (8-1)
2. Abbeville (2) (5-1)
3. Oceanside Collegiate (4-2)
4. Silver Bluff (5-1)
5. Hampton County (6-1)
6. Fairfield Central (5-1)
7. Woodland (5-0)
8. Marion (6-1)
9. Saluda (5-1)
10. Strom Thurmond (4-2)
Others receiving votes: Ninety-Six, Landrum
(Photo by Northside Christian Academy Athletics) Northside Christian Academy head coach Dean Howell
