By Thomas Grant Jr.
Ridge View will open the Class 5A playoffs against a familiar foe.
For the second time in three weeks, the Blazers (7-2) will face Region 5-5A rival Sumter (7-4). This time, it’s for an opportunity to reach the third round.
Ridge View defeated the Gamecocks 40-35 on Oct. 16 in Columbia. Quarterback Tre Howard threw for 309 yards and had four touchdowns, three passing, to lead the offense.
Down the stretch, the Blazers got a fumble recovery to win the region title. They enter the post-season riding a 7-game winning streak after a 0-2 start.
Ridge View had a first-round bye, while Sumter defeated Ashley Ridge 49-7 in the first round. The winner faces Berkeley or Gray Collegiate Academy in the third round of the Lower State.
Meanwhile, the 2026 season ended for Blythewood in a 28-7 loss at Summerville. The Bengals finished the season with a 4-7 record.
FINAL S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL
Class 5A
1. Northwestern (9), 2. Dutch Fork (5), 3. James Island (1), 4. Dorman, 5. Berkeley, 6. Byrnes, 7. Ridge View, 8. Fort Mill, 9. River Bluff, 10. Boiling Springs
Others receiving votes: Summerville, Carolina Forest, Hillcrest
Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
