By Thomas Grant Jr.

Despite the damage inflicted in South Carolina by Hurricane Helene, most Northeast teams were able to get in their Week 5 games.

Cardinal Newman was the lone school that had to reschedule its matchup with Augusta Christian Academy to Oct. 18. SCISA had reserved that date as a universal ‘bye’ for all schools to make up any games.

Meanwhile, Blythewood and Spring Valley played their game as scheduled last Friday.

After suffering the first loss of the season in the “Battle of the Axe” against Westwood, the Bengals rebounded with a 35-13 win over the Vikings.

Blythewood (5-1, 2-1) jumped out to a 14-0 lead led by quarterback John Henry Collins. He completed 11-19 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns, three to wide receiver Carter Coleman.

The Vikings (0-6, 0-2) got within a point as quarterback Kellen Dimes threw two touchdowns. He finished with 225 passing yards.

Ben Hendrix returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown as Blythewood scored 21 unanswered points.

It was the 19th straight loss for Spring Valley. 

On Saturday, Richland Northeast continued its best start since 2005 with a 19-6 win over Lancaster.

North Carolina State commit Will Wilson rushed for two touchdowns and threw one to Camryn Buckley in the second half. The Cavaliers improved to 6-0 overall, 2-0 in Region 3-4A.

At the same time, town of Blythewood rivals Ridge View and Westwood faced each other.

The Blazers continued their success against the Redhawks with their ninth straight win in the series to snap a 3-game losing streak.

Tre Howard had a passing touchdown and Spencer Bobian rushed for a score for Ridge View (2-3, 1-0). Westwood (3-3, 1-1) will have a bye this week.

S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL

(Poll from Sept. 24. Because of the postponements and cancellations, there was no Week Six poll.)

Class 5A

1. Dutch Fork (17) (4-0)

2. Gaffney (1) (4-0)

3. Northwestern (1) (5-0)

4. Summerville (4-0)

5. Irmo (5-0)

6. Sumter (5-0)

7. JL Mann (3-1)

8. Hillcrest (4-0)

9. White Knoll (3-1)

10. Boiling Springs (3-1)

Others receiving votes: Spartanburg, River Bluff, Greenwood, James Island, West Florence, Dorman 

Class 4A

1. Westside (19) (4-0)

2. Daniel (3-1)

3. Richland Northeast (5-0)

4. South Pointe (3-2)

5. May River (4-0)

6. South Florence (3-2)

7. Seneca (5-0)

8. Camden (3-2)

9. Wren (3-1) 39

10. Hartsville (2-1-1)

Others receiving votes: North Augusta, Gray Collegiate, Hilton Head Island, Bishop England, Fountain Inn

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE

Blythewood at Lugoff-Elgin

Northwood Academy vs. Cardinal Newman

Ridge View at Spring Valley

Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.