Photo (Lexington Health Foundation) – The Gilbert High School Football team presents a check of $750 to the Lexington Health Foundation. The money was raised during the Indians’ annual Pink Out football game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students, families and fans came together to support the Crystal Smith Breast Cancer Fund.
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Winning region titles earned Batesburg-Leesville, Mid-Carolina and Saluda first-round byes in the S.C. High School League playoffs.
The Panthers (6-4) will play host to Ninety-Six (6-4) in the Class A Division I playoffs. This year is the first time there are two divisions for Class A.
The two teams were in the same region last season with Batesburg-Leesville winning both times.
In Class 2A, the undefeated Rebels (10-0) will meet Mountain View Prep (5-5) in the Upper State. It’s the first-ever meeting between the two schools and Mid-Carolina has homefield advantage through the state championship game.
The Lower State has the Tigers (8-2) playing host to Region 4-2A rival Orangeburg-Wilkinson (9-2). It’s a rematch from the high-scoring Oct. 16 matchup won by Saluda 56-41 in Orangeburg.
Running back Tristan Daniels had 208 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He also caught one of two touchdowns thrown by quarterback Avery Cole, who was 12-20 passing for 284 yards.
Of the Lake Murray teams who opened the post-season last Friday, only Gilbert advanced to the second round. The Indians rallied to defeated Atlantic Collegiate Academy 28-27 at home.
Gilbert fell behind in the fourth quarter after ACA scored, but missed the PAT. This provided an opening to take the lead after Ethan Collins’ second touchdown run.
Quarterback Kendall Wright had 217 total yards and a touchdown for Gilbert (9-2). It now heads to Kellytown to face Hartsville.
Other teams saw their respective seasons come to an end:
Fort Mill 58, Lexington 21
Spartanburg 35, River Bluff 31
Hanahan 61, Swansea 30
