By Thomas Grant Jr.
Win or hope not to stay home.
That’s the scenario both Chapin and River Bluff face this Friday when they meet in the regular-season
finale at Cecil Woolbright Field.
Both teams share the game overall and Region 4-5A record. The Eagles (5-4, 0-3) and Gators (5-4, 0-3)
are also playing for the same thing – the region’s final playoff berth.
The winner will also snap a three-game losing streak in region play.
Chapin is coming off a 20-14 loss to region champion White Knoll. Quarterback Brady Albro has
thrown for 2201 yards and 18 touchdowns with Jacob Nerome (46 receptions, 575 yards, one
touchdown) and Maddox Floyd (35 receptions, 354 yards, five touchdowns) as his main targets.
On defense, linebacker Gavin Stam leads the team in tackles and defensive ends Xavier Williams and
Lamont Johnson are 1-2 in sacks.
Meanwhile, the Gators are coming off a 56-3 rout at the hands of Dutch Fork.
River Bluff has managed a total of 24 points in their last three losses. Quarterback Parker Murray has
thrown for 1,221 yards and 10 touchdowns and junior Stephen Collier has 41 receptions for 519 yards
and five touchdowns.
Darius Caine and Jacob Pinkney both have six rushing touchdowns and linebacker Hayden Cushman
leads the team in tackles.
The loser could still earn an at-large berth to the post-season. It will be decided on Saturday’s
finalization of the brackets.
Photo by Monica Powell
