By Thomas Grant Jr.
Words like “intense” and “heated” usually describe region contests between two in-district rivals. But Friday’s Region 5-4A matchup between Westwood (4-1, 1-0) and Ridge View (2-2) feels more like a family reunion.
A big reason is the bond between the head coaches. Westwood’s Stephen Burris once served as an assistant under Ridge View’s Derek Howard before taking over at “The Castle.”
“He probably knows me better than anybody we’ll face and likewise, we know him,” Burris said. “It’ll be a great game, a great atmosphere. I hope our community shows up for these kids and supports them.”
Howard echoed the respect. “I’d much rather go against a guy I respect like Steve Burris than somebody I don’t know too well. Coach Burris is doing a good job at Westwood, just like he did at Lamar. I’m excited about going up against his team and staff.”
Breaking the Streak
Ridge View has won the last nine meetings dating back to 2015, but Burris brushed that aside.
“There’s no streak as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “This is my first time on this side of the rivalry. Friday night, those other nine games won’t mean anything. We’ve got to be the best we can be when the ball kicks off.”
Westwood enters riding a four-game win streak after edging Blythewood 20-17 in the “Battle of the Axe.” Quarterback Carrington Carter threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Jovan Howard (128 yards, including a 66-yard score) and Angelo Rios (85 rushing yards, plus 86 receiving yards) powered the offense.
“I honestly believe Jovan and Angelo are two of the best backs in the state,” Burris said. “Every week they show up and make big plays. Teams will start addressing that, and that’s when we’ll get chances outside with our receivers. Carrington is doing a good job distributing the ball.”
Still, Burris pointed to turnovers as an issue. “Our message has been ‘Don’t beat Westwood,’” he said. “We can’t afford mistakes against a team like Ridge View.”
Ridge View Reset
For Ridge View, Friday marks its region opener following a bye week. The Blazers lost starting quarterback Tre Howard (toe, out for season) and wide receiver Khristian Jackson (shoulder) to injury, but the break provided time to regroup.
Howard noted his team has been tested early against defending Class 5A champion Northwestern, perennial power Dutch Fork, and ranked foes Camden and Fairfield Central.
“Every game’s important,” Howard said. “We’ve got a tough region. First game against a team that already has a region win, so we can’t let them get too far ahead.”
Burris stressed the same urgency. “The position to go 1-0 this week is huge,” he said. “It puts us in control of our own destiny as we head into October and November.”
Around the Northeast
Another Region 5-4A matchup takes place a few miles away as Blythewood (2-3, 0-1) hosts Spring Valley (2-3, 0-1). The Bengals fell 20-17 to Westwood last week, with quarterback James Veasey passing for 153 yards and a score and Landyn Strong rushing for 123 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown. Spring Valley is looking to bounce back after a 54-0 loss to Sumter.
Elsewhere, Richland Northeast and Cardinal Newman both dropped to 0-5. The Cavaliers lost 61-15 to Chapin, while the Cardinals were shut out 41-0 by Heathwood Hall.
S.C. Prep Football Media Poll – Class 5A
- Irmo (18) (5-0)
- Northwestern (3) (4-1)
- Dutch Fork (3-1)
- Summerville (3-1)
- James Island (4-0)
- Byrnes (3-1)
- Dorman (3-1)
- Greenwood (3-1)
- Ridge View (2-2)
- Gaffney (2-2)
Others receiving votes: TL Hanna, White Knoll, Sumter, Greenville, Westwood, Stratford, Indian Land, Catawba Ridge
Westwood head coach Stephen Burris (left) and team captains stand with the Lauren Schmidt Memorial Trophy, a red and white wooden axe given to the winner of the annual “Battle of the Axe” game between the Redhawks and Blythewood. Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
