Football Friday preview capsules, stats standings and more

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

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Two of the more potent offenses around also have the same problem – turning the ball over. Through three games, Myrtle Beach has given it away seven times, including four interceptions and three lost fumbles. “When you turn the ball over, you put yourself in a situation to get beat, especially when you do it multiple times,” Myrtle Beach coach Mickey Wilson said. “We’ve been doing that too much of late.” The same can be said for Carolina Forest. The Panthers have had six interceptions (and an untold number of fumbles – the staff doesn’t track them). Those turnovers are preventing the team from putting up more than its 28.75 point-per-game average, maybe more so than some key players serving short-term suspensions. Eventually, both teams will figure that out. And considering they’ve combined to score 163 points on the field against each other in the past two seasons, and it would surprise anyone if the offenses look more on point during this game.

On the air: WSEA-FM, 100.3; WYNA-FM, 104.9; HTC Channel 4; HTCConnect.com

Last year: Carolina Forest won via forfeit

Favorite: Myrtle Beach

Drayton Arnold

School: Myrtle Beach

Class: Senior

Position: Quarterback

The scoop: The area’s top passer from a year ago has struggled with a new group of starting receivers this season. And although he’s turned the ball over at least once in each of the Seahawks’ games so far, he’s still one of the best aerial threats around. It’s not realistic to expect his passing average to remain below 50 percent for the entire season. When that changes, opposing teams will probably find themselves in a bit of trouble.

Socastee (0-4) at North Myrtle Beach (3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Regardless of records, this one shapes up to be a great matchup of two of the more impressive quarterbacks in the area this season. Socastee’s Brandon Goswick has already thrown for 564 yards and five touchdowns and run for 185 yards and four scores; North Myrtle Beach junior Ronnie Bass has thrown for 474 yards and seven touchdowns while running for another 191 yards and three touchdowns.

On the air: WSYN-FM, 103.1; WRNN-FM, 99.5; nmbchiefs.com

Last year: Socastee 15, North Myrtle Beach 10

Favorite: North Myrtle Beach

Conway (3-1) at Marlboro County (2-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: A year ago, an ugly, flag-filled game resulted in one of the Tigers’ two wins of the entire season. But what many fans remember more than some confusing officiating in that contest was that it was arguably the first time Conway’s Big Three really started to show out at the same time. Running back Jah’Maine Martin rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns; quarterback Peyton Derrick passed for 168 yards and three touchdowns; and receiver Bryan Edwards finished with 88 yards and two scores. Nowadays, it’s an anomaly when all three don’t produce. That happened a week ago against Hartsville when Conway was held to negative yards on the ground. Against, Marlboro County, an equally athletic defense, the Tigers will need every weapon in their arsenal.

On the air: WGTR-FM, 107.9

Last year: Conway 35, Marlboro County 29

Favorite: Conway

St. James (1-2) at Hannah-Pamplico (0-4)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: There’s little reason to believe that St. James won’t be able to make quick work of a Hannah-Pamplico team it throttled a year ago. The Raiders were already doubled up by Horry County’s smallest team, and the size of the offensive and defensive lines alone should be enough of an advantage for the Sharks. The trick may be avoiding playing down to the opponent following an off week. If St. James does that, it should have little problem evening up the record.

Last year: St. James 48, Hannah-Pamplico 6

Favorite: St. James

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

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: We’ve known that Georgetown had some quick-strike potential; but up until the last two weeks, we’ve seen a completely different Bulldog team. In victories over fellow county programs Andrews and Waccamaw, Bradley Adams’ squad has cut loose to the tune of 74 points. That’s a two-game total Georgetown has amassed in just two other instances during Adam’s five-year tenure. One of the others came in the regular-season finale and playoff opener a year ago. So that means the Bulldogs did it in four of their last six games. The only times it didn’t during that span was against Hartsville – which went on to play for the 2014 state title – and Class AAAA program Conway. So maybe it’s time we re-think the Georgetown offense.

On the air: WGTN-AM, 1400

Last year: Georgetown 31, Carvers Bay 14

Favorite: Georgetown

Waccamaw (1-3) at Green Sea Floyds (2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: It’s hard to tell exactly what Waccamaw is going to look like during region play, if for no other reason that running back Kevin Gasque and first-year quarterback Kelton Grant have both been dinged up. But what we know about Green Sea Floyds is that this isn’t the same program that failed to win a game in 2014. The Trojans’ offensive rotation is the direct reason behind that. The team has four running backs – Wyatt Upchurch, Muhammud Graham, Henry Moody and Anthony Wilson – with between 176 and 256 yards this season. They haven’t broken out all at once, but at least one has had a 100-yard game each week so far.

Last year: Waccamaw 35, Green Sea-Floyds 0

Favorite: Waccamaw

West Columbus, N.C. (1-2) at Aynor (2-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

The game: Aynor received a big dose of reality in a 65-48 loss to Latta that took place over two days last week. Primarily, the Blue Jackets discovered that their defense has some serious deficiencies, especially against the pass. West Columbus isn’t going to air it out like Latta did, but the Vikings do have options that put the passing game to use with quarterback Johnny McFadden. Aynor’s best shot at winning is to make the necessary improvements there and let its running game do the rest.

On the air: WRXZ-FM, 107.1

Last year: Did not play

Favorite: Aynor

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 6:23 PM with the headline "Football Friday preview capsules, stats standings and more."