Officially, Friday night is week 10 of the high school football regular season in South Carolina. If not for Hurricane Helene, this would be the final night of regular season play, and the postseason would begin next week.
But, due to Helene, the regular season was extended for a week so there will be some regular season games contested next Friday night, though not many here in the Lowcountry.
This week offers up some good rivalry games here in the area, with mostly bragging rights on the line in those games.
Here’s a look at three of the rivalry games that will be played.
Lucy Beckham (4-5) at Wando (4-5)
Lucy Beckham has won the previous two meetings in varsity football between the Mount Pleasant schools.
Home field really doesn’t mean anything in this young rivalry, because both schools play their home games on the same field at District 2 Stadium. The winner of the game would finish the regular season with a .500 record, and hardly anyone expected that from Wando this season.
Both teams have good quarterback play, and both have had issues defensively. My feeling is that the intensity level will lead to a physical, defensive game. The lower the scoring, the better it is for Wando.
Shelton says: Wando 21, Lucy Beckham 17.
Summerville (9-0) at Fort Dorchester (5-4)
This matchup has evolved into a true rivalry. Both schools have had their share of success against the other, with each team posting winning streaks.
Summerville already has claimed the Region 8-AAAAA title, so that’s off the table in this game. The Green Wave is likely headed for a first-round playoff bye and is a strong candidate to reach the state finals.
Fort Dorchester is seeking to finish an up-and-down reason on a positive note, and will rely on the electric Ryan Campbell to continue to provide much of the offense.
On paper, this game leans heavily to a Summerville win, but turnovers and penalties can change that.
Shelton says: Summerville 40, Fort Dorchester 21.
Orangeburg-Wilkinson (7-2) at Oceanside Collegiate (6-3)
It's not a traditional rivalry game, but this contest has huge implications. The winner claims the region title and sets itself up for a good playoff run in Class AAA.
At the beginning of the season, Oceanside Collegiate was the pick to win the region; O-W was coming off a 2-8 record in 2023 with a lot of questions. The Bruins have played a lot of close games this season, with their two losses by a combined eight points.
OCA is clearly the better offensive team and will challenge a physical O-W defense. If the Landsharks get to 28 points, I think they win.
Shelton says: OCA 28, O-W 18.
Nov. 1 schedule
West Ashley at Ashley Ridge
Summerville at Fort Dorchester
Stall at James Island
Lucy Beckham at Wando
Cane Bay at Goose Creek
Hilton Head at Beaufort
Bishop England at Colleton Co.
Bluffton at May River
Battery Creek at Hanahan
Orangeburg-Wilkinson at Oceanside
Whale Branch at Barnwell
Academic Magnet at Burke
Andrews at Philip Simmons
Timberland at Woodland
Cross at Baptist Hill
St. Johns at Branchville
Scotts Branch at Military Magnet
Northwood at Heathwood Hall
Laurence manning at Porter-Gaud
First Baptist at Wilson Hall
Pinewood Prep at John Paul II
St. John’s Christian at Bethesda Academy
Dorchester Academy at Williamsburg
Faith Christian at Colleton Prep