JOHNSTON – The Panthers of Batesburg-Leesville (4-2) will travel to Johnston this Friday for a big time region matchup that showcases two of the top teams in AA football.  

A lot of football remains to be played, but some professionals think the winner of this game will be in the driver’s seat to the region crown.

Thurmond (4-2) needed a goal line stand to obtain a win in their first region contest against Mid-Carolina (21-20).  The defense performed excellent on a night when the offense sputtered at times.

“The offense has been inconsistent at times, but they seem to be improving,” said Rebels’ head coach Lee Sawyer. “We must continue to get better and more consistent on that side of the ball. This week, our entire team will have their work cut out for them. Batesburg-Leesville always has a powerful running game and this season they have a great option quarterback to compliment it. We don’t see the option much and it is hard to stop."

Last week, Batesburg-Leesville had no trouble with Gilbert as they routed the Indians 38-7.  Panthers head coach Courtney McInnis says his team continues to improve each week and that’s what Panther football is all about.  

“I told my kids that although we wanted to win all five non-region games, those games didn’t mean anything,” he said. “What we must do is continue to get better and be prepared for stout region competition and making the playoffs.”

Batesburg’s losses came to Lexington and Midland Valley at a time when the Panthers were without multiple starters due to injuries.  

“This will be the first week that our team is back completely healthy,” McInnis added. “At one time we had as many as eleven starters out for various reasons.”

Coaches Corner:

“Strom Thurmond is a very good football team. Their only two losses came against teams that are still undefeated right now. This is always a great game and is what region three is all about. Keys to victory will be keeping their powerful offense off the field, cutting out penalties and not turning the ball over.” – Courtney McInnis

“Defensively, we must limit big plays, contain their quarterback and cover the receivers well.   Making good tackles and keeping short yardage plays from becoming big plays will be paramount.  Offensively, we must run the ball well and move the chains.” – Lee Sawyer

Matchup:  Thurmond’s tried and true defense vs. Batesburg’s dual threat offense.

Region Time:  Every week it’s a battle in region three. Both teams are 1-0 in region play.

All-time Series: ST leads the all time series 25-19. Sixteen games have been decided by eight points or less.  Series is split 5-5 over the past 10 years. ST has shut BL out six times and BL has shut the Rebels out five times.

By the Numbers:
Offensively:  ST 28 ppg BL 25 ppg
Defensively:  ST 14.5 ppg BL 14.5 ppg

Like Opponent:  None.

Last Week:
Strom Thurmond 21 Mid Carolina 20
Batesburg  38 Gilbert 7

Previous Meeting:
ST 37 BL 12 October 10th2008

Players to Watch:
BL:
KJ Johnson (QB) Dual threat
Antonio Butler (WR) 6’6” 200lbs
Jamal Bryant (WR/DB) 7 interceptions
Rivers Bedenbaugh (LB) team leader in tackles   
Elliot Jeffcoat (ATH)
ST:
Raleigh Yeldell (QB) avg 6 yards per carry with 8 rushing TD’s, 48-93-405yds 1 Int, 1 TD passing.
Nick Williamson (RB) avg 6.4 yards per carry with 5 rushing TD’s
Chris Blocker (RB) avg 4.8 yards per carry with 2 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD
Nick Clark (LB) 59 tackles, 1 interception
Martinez Gallman (ATH) average 23 yards per return, 1 td, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, 30 tackles
Deikory Williams (FS) 49 tackles, 1 interception
Dominique Scott (DL) powerful run stopper
Marcellis Thompson (LB) 44 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), 2 blocked PAT’s

Kickoff is 7:30 at Strom Thurmond.

The Thurmond Tailgate hour will be in full swing from 6 pm-7 pm. Grilled hamburgers, ice cold drinks and chips will be on sale for the low price of $3. Bring a chair, grab a burger and hang out before kickoff.