Football Friday preview capsules, standings, stats and more

Class AAAA, Division I first round Carolina Forest (5-6) at Goose Creek (7-3)

When | 7:30 p.m.

The game | It’s amazing how circular one football season can be. Goose Creek is the perfect example of that. The Gators came into the year with high expectations, something they only backed up by knocking off state powerhouse Dutch Fork in the first game. Weeks later, Goose Creek was at a different place. It lost three straight games to Ridge View, Summerville and Fort Dorchester and folks in the Lowcountry wondered how the rest of the year would go. The Gators answered with a firm response, winning six straight and earning their sixth consecutive Region VII-AAAA title with a week to spare. The roster is full of size, in particular defensive end Javon Kinlaw, a U.S. Army All-America and Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas selection with offers from many of the country’s powerhouses. Needless to say, Carolina Forest’s first trip to Class AAAA playoffs won’t be an easy one.

On the air | WSEA-FM, 100.3

Last meeting | Goose Creek 56, Carolina Forest 14 (2013)

Favorite | Goose Creek

Class AAA second round Hilton Head (10-1) at Myrtle Beach (8-3)

When | 7:30 p.m.

The game | Hilton Head nearly took an early exit from the playoffs last week after falling behind to Aiken by 13 points. But much like Myrtle Beach, the “other” Seahawks managed to put together a strong second half en route to a 27-20 win. That means Mickey Wilson’s team will likely need to put together more of a four-quarter game than it did against Dreher in the first round. However, there are signs that Myrtle Beach’s offense should be able to do enough to get past another opponent. For starters, Wilson’s crew has scored at least five touchdowns in six consecutive games and eight times overall this season. And it is finding creative ways to get one of its best playmakers, receiver Elijah Rice, the ball. Be it on the outside or coming out of the backfield, the area’s only 1,000-yard receiver to date this season could again be the wild card for a team that never seems to be devoid of weapons. Using him early and often, it could be the ingredient for an even better offensive showing in the second round.

On the air | WYNA-FM, 104.9

Last meeting | Myrtle Beach 64, Hilton Head 16

Favorite | Myrtle Beach

Brookland-Cayce (5-6) Georgetown (8-3)

When | 7:30 p.m.

The game | Georgetown quarterback Jarvis Brown has already annihilated the school’s all-time single-season passing mark, and the week-in, week-out touchdown machine has shown no signs of slowing down. For much of what he’s put up, though, he can thank his receiving corps. The group is led by Cavonte Gamble and Deakidd Anderson, a pair of receivers who are both among the area’s leaders in yards, combining for 1,600 of them and 16 touchdowns. Each of them have an 87-yard touchdown reception this season. But they aren’t alone in their deep-threat capabilities. In total, seven Bulldogs have at least one reception of 30 yards or more this season. Last week, it was Darrion Graham going for a 42-yarder, while Gamble and Christian Johnson each added another 30-plus yard reception to their own totals. Those big plays have been constant, and they feed into Brown’s dual-threat capabilities. It’s what allows Georgetown to put up points in a hurry.

On the air | WGTN-AM, 1400

Last meeting | First meeting

Favorite | Georgetown

St. James (7-4) at Midland Valley (7-4)

When | 7:30 p.m.

The game | St. James couldn’t have picked a better time to show off its best half of football against anyone not named Hannah-Pamplico last week. It was then, against Marlboro County in the opening round of the playoffs, that the Sharks kickstarted their first ever playoff victory by getting four first-half touchdowns and then riding that scoring output to the win. Quarterback Zach Werba threw a pair of scores, tailback Jay-Mion Pressley added one on the ground and Tyler Hunt returned an interception 11 yards for another. And if St. James wants to keep the good feelings going for another week, that type of all-around effort will be next to mandatory. Since the start of October, Midland Valley has perfected the art of winning the close game. The Mustangs have won six straight, including last week’s playoff opener over Beaufort, by an average of just nine points per contest. Given that close games are also sort of St. James’ personality, a good one could shape up on the other side of the state.

Last meeting | Midland Valley 21, St. James 0 (2010 playoffs)

Favorite | Midland Valley

Class AA, Division I second round Lake Marion (8-3) at Loris (5-6)

When | 7:30 p.m.

The game | By looking at seedings alone, Lake Marion’s win over Bishop England last week in the opening round of the playoffs looked to be a major upset. The Gators were a No. 8 seed playing a road game at a No. 1. But those who have followed Chris Carter’s team this season have seen a squad that spent nearly all of 2015 in the state polls - ranked as high as No. 5 in Class AA. Lake Marion’s losses came to Johnsonville, Timberland and Andrews, the latter two of which are also still alive in their respective brackets. The Gators are also 4-1 on the road this year, meaning a little bit of travel shouldn’t affect much. All that taken into consideration, Loris’ best chance is to have the type of fast start it did a week ago when it defeated Wade Hampton. The Lions jumped out to a three-touchdown lead and never looked back.

On the air | WLSC-AM, 1240

Last meeting | First meeting

Favorite | Lake Marion

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 7:09 PM with the headline "Football Friday preview capsules, standings, stats and more."