By Thomas Grant Jr.
Based on history, Brookland-Cayce will be considered a favorite in Friday’s regular-season finale against Gilbert.
In this rivalry, home field advantage has been the common factor in victory. The home team has won all nine meetings between the Bearcats and Indians dating back to 2012.
This year, the game to decide the Region 5-3A title will take place at Fort Knox. The Bearcats (7-2, 4-0) have won their last eight home games dating back to last season and are 4-0 all-time against Gilbert in Cayce.
The Indians (9-0, 4-0), who are 5-0 against Brookland-Cayce at home, including last year’s win, head into the matchup seeking to complete their third undefeated regular season in school history. All have taken place under head coach Chad Leaphart who has led the program to all four of its region titles.
It’s not surprising at all,” said Leaphart about meeting Brookland-Cayce again for the Region 5-3A title. “We have played each other a lot in this situation. We have to bring our A game. It’s a Championship game so we have to be at our best regardless of whether it’s home or away.”
Both teams bring offenses with playmakers. Brookland-Cayce quarterback and Shrine Bowl selection Will Young scored four touchdowns in the 49-0 win over Swansea.
Brogdon Sox threw two touchdowns in the same game and De’Shaun Washington surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the season.
Gilbert also rolled to victory in Week 9. Led by freshman Trevon Williamson’s 189 rushing yards and five touchdowns, four on the ground, and four touchdown passes from Touchstone Energy Cooperative selection quarterback Drake Braddock, the Indians rolled to 53-6 win over Dreher.
Krew Morris, Connor Gooding, and Matt Edwards are among Braddock’s top receiving targets.
“Typically, we like to play at a fast pace/tempo,” Leaphart said. “I think this year’s team has shown though that we can play in the shootouts like Saluda and South Aiken, but we can also still be successful in a more controlled grind-it-out game like the Lexington game was.”
A major factor in the outcome could be in the trenches. The Bearcats frontline, led by Touchstone Energy Cooperative offensive lineman Kamden Sox, will enjoy a size advantage against the Indians.
“We will definitely be undersized compared to their offensive line,” Leaphart said. “Our guys will have to use their quickness and athleticism to get off blocks. It will be a challenge for sure.”
The 7:30 pm game will be streamed by the Palmetto State Football Network. The app is available for download and the website is https://network1sports.com/station/pssn.
Brookland-Cayce offensive lineman Kamden Sox was selected to the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl. Photo by Goflashwin.Com
