By Thomas Grant Jr.
The number of Lake Murray unbeatens is now down to four.
Newberry, Swansea, Pelion and Saluda all sport perfect records entering Week 3 of the regular season.
Friday night is an All-Lake Murray matchup between the Bulldogs (3-0) and Chapin (0-3). Newberry is led by quarterback Kenton Caldwell who’s accounted for 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 total yards.
Against defending Class 2A champion Clinton, he rushed for 222 yards and two touchdowns and completed 19-22 passes for 198 yards and four scores in the 41-12 victory.
The Bulldogs face an Eagles’ team seeking its first touchdown this season. All 12 points scored this season have come off four field goals by Cooper Derrick.
Another longtime rivalry is renewed in Swansea. The Tigers (3-0) play host to Pelion (2-0) in a matchup of Lexington County teams.
Swansea has outscored its first three opponents 138-7 led by quarterback Alan Moore. He’s thrown for 350 yards and seven touchdowns, including five in the 40-10 win over Columbia.
The Panthers are coming off a bye week. They are seeking their first 3-0 start since the 2022 season.
Rounding out the list of unbeatens is Saluda. With four returning offensive linemen protecting quarterback Brayden Williams, the Tigers (2-0) have outscored their first two opponents 62-6.
They face a Chester team led by running back Caleb Feaster (341 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns).
WEEK 3 SCHEDULE
(All Games set for 7:30 p.m.)
Ridge Spring-Monetta at American Leadership Academy
Batesburg-Leesville at Lower Richland
Gilbert at River Bluff
Lexington at Greenwood
Newberry at Chapin
North Central at Mid-Carolina
Saluda at Chester
Pelion at Swansea
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL
Class 3A
1. Belton-Honea Path (15) (3-0)
2. Woodruff (4) (3-0)
3. Mountain View Prep (3-0)
4. Loris (3-0)
5. Newberry (1) (3-0)
6. Dillon (1-2)
7. Oceanside Collegiate (1-2)
8. Powdersville (2-1)
9. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (2-0)
10. Marlboro County (2-1)
Others receiving votes: Swansea, Fox Creek, Christ Church, Keenan
Class 2A
1. Hampton County (14) (3-0)
2. Batesburg-Leesville (1-1)
3. Strom Thurmond (2) (2-0)
4. Clinton (2) (1-2)
5. Central (1) (2-0)
6. Fairfield Central (2-1)
7. Cheraw (1) (2-1)
8. Barnwell (2-1)
9. Saluda (2-0)
10. Timberland (3-0)
Others receiving votes: Chester, Phillip Simmons, Chesnee, North Central, East Clarendon, Woodland
