Football Friday preview capsules, standings, leaders and more for Week 3

Hartsville (3-0) at Conway (3-0)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Being a non-region game, there’s no reason to put make-or-break emphasis on this matchup of unbeaten teams. At the same time, Conway is going to find out if it has the chops of keep up with a perennial state-title contender. “Hartsville is arguably one of the top teams in South Carolina right now,” Tigers coach Chuck Jordan said. “They’ve got a lot of people back from a team that played for a state championship. It’s a real good test to see where we are. If we play well against them, we’ve got a chance. If we don’t play well against them, they’re too good.” Like Conway, Hartsville can boast not only a top-10 offense in its class, but also a top-10 defense. The Red Foxes have won their first three games by an average of 36 points, roughly a field goal more than the Tigers’ average margin so far.

On the air: WGTR-FM, 107.9

Last year: Hartsville 55, Conway 21

Favorite: Hartsville

Peyton Derrick

School: Conway

Class: Junior

Position: Quarterback

The scoop: The area’s leading passer is going to be tested against one of the most reliable defenses in the state the past three seasons. Hartsville has allowed three touchdowns in a game just seven times in that time frame, and much of it is the Red Foxes’ ability to pressure the quarterback. Derrick will need to be accurate, but he will also likely have to do so in quicker fashion than any of Conway’s first three games this season. If he succeeds in spreading the ball around, it stands to reason the Tigers have some success, too.

North Myrtle Beach (2-1) at Carolina Forest (2-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Chiefs coach Blair Hardin said this may be the healthiest his defense has been all season, and it stands to reason North Myrtle Beach will need every top player it has to slow down Carolina Forest. The Panthers are averaging a respectable 29 points and 389 yards of offense per game. A significant chunk of both of those numbers can be attributed to home-run plays. “The biggest thing is with our young guys to do their job and prevent the big play,” Hardin said. “We need to swarm and tackle.”

On the air: WRNN-FM, 99.5; WSEA-FM, 100.3; nmbchiefs.com

Last year: Carolina Forest 34, North Myrtle Beach 21

Favorite: Carolina Forest

Myrtle Beach (1-1) at Socastee (0-3)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Although they’re coming in losses, we’re starting to see why Socastee only had one running back listed on its initial roster of the year. Malachi McClendon has run for 151 yards and 108 yards in the Braves’ last two games. It goes to show that while Socastee has transitioned out of its option game, it had no intention of abandoning the run. The Braves will face four quick-strike offenses in the coming five games, so the best chance of keeping some of those close may be by keeping the ball on the ground and moving the chains.

On the air: WYNA-FM, 104.9; WSYN-FM, 103.1; HTCConnect.com

Last year: Myrtle Beach 23, Socastee 22

Favorite: Myrtle Beach

Georgetown (1-1) at Waccamaw (1-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Just as Waccamaw was getting back its biggest weapon on offense, the Warriors had to start learning how to play without their regular starting quarterback. Senior Kelton Grant gave coach Tyronne Davis’ squad a second rushing threat alongside standout tailback Kevin Gasque. But after suffering a knee injury, it appears Waccamaw will have to put even more on Gasque’s plate moving forward. If the physical Georgetown defense has shown any slight weakness, though, it is probably in rush defense. Andrews was able to put up 311 yards on the ground last week against the Bulldogs in what turned out to be an abnormally high-scoring game for Georgetown.

On the air: WGTN-AM, 1400

Last year: Georgetown 20, Waccamaw 13

Favorite: Georgetown

Loris (1-2) at Green Sea Floyds (2-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: There may not be a team in Horry County better able to roll with the hot hand than Green Sea Floyds. Through three games, the Trojans have had three separate 100-yard rushers – and all three have varying degrees of inside-out running skills. But if there’s another small-class program in the area best equipped to neutralize that, it may be Loris. Despite heavy losses, the Lions still have a fast defense that has already been through the fire of games against the likes of North Myrtle Beach and St. James. Historically, playing Green Sea Floyds has been what most would expect; the Lions have three shutouts in the last six games against their S.C. 9 foe.

On the air: WLSC-AM, 1240

Last year: Loris 41, Green Sea-Floyds 0

Favorite: Loris

Andrews (2-1) at Carvers Bay (1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Carvers Bay did well in the opening game of the four-team Georgetown County round robin, beating Waccamaw. However, the next step up of the competition is here for the Bears. Andrews has developed into one of the most improved teams in all of Class AA since Scott Durham took over. Further proof lies not only in wins over Waccamaw and St. James (and a narrow loss to Georgetown), but also in senior Maleek Johnson. The running back went for 190 yards and three touchdowns last week against the Bulldogs and has already piled up 462 yards and five scores on the season. The Yellow Jackets only throw it 13 times per game – roughly half the amount of touches per contest Johnson is getting.

Last year: Andrews 28, Carvers Bay 6

Favorite: Andrews

This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 10:15 PM with the headline "Football Friday preview capsules, standings, leaders and more for Week 3."