By Thomas Grant Jr.

A week after a tough slate of losses for Northeast teams, Ridge View closed the regular season by claiming local bragging rights — and a playoff advantage.

The Blazers defeated Blythewood 39-7, finishing 3-0 against fellow Richland School District Two opponents. With the victory, Ridge View clinched second place in Region 5-5A behind Sumter and secured a first-round bye in the Class 5A Division I playoffs. The Blazers (7-3, 5-1) will face the winner of J.L. Mann vs. Spartanburg on Nov. 14.

Quarterback Bijon Virgo accounted for four touchdowns — three passing and one rushing. Spencer Bobian added a rushing score, and Carter Coleman — who transferred from Blythewood back to Ridge View this season — hauled in one of Virgo’s touchdown passes.

Blythewood (3-7, 1-5) finished sixth in the region and will open the Class 5A Division I playoffs on the road at Clover. The winner advances to face Dorman on Nov. 14.

Vikings, Redhawks Make Postseason

Spring Valley (2-8, 0-6) fell 34-8 to West Florence, extending its region losing streak to 18 games dating back to 2022. However, the Vikings posted their most wins since that same season and will travel to Rock Hill for a first-round Class 5A Division I matchup. The winner moves on to face J.F. Byrnes on Nov. 14.

Despite a 52-27 loss to Sumter in its regular-season finale, Westwood (6-4, 3-3) earned a home game to open the Class 4A Division II playoffs. The Redhawks host St. James on Friday, with the winner advancing to face J.F. Byrnes on Nov. 14.

Season Ends for Cavaliers, Cardinals

Richland Northeast and Cardinal Newman both saw their seasons end on Halloween night.

The Cavaliers (0-10, 0-6) were defeated 70-0 by top-ranked South Pointe, marking their third winless season since 2019.

In SCISA action, Cardinal Newman fell 57-0 to rival Hammond. It was the 27th straight loss to the Skyhawks for the Cardinals (1-9, 0-6).

Final S.C. Prep Football Media Poll

Class 5A

  1. Dutch Fork (9) (8-1)
  2. Northwestern (9) (9-1)
  3. Irmo (9-1)
  4. Greenwood (9-1)
  5. Summerville (8-2)
  6. James Island (9-1)
  7. T.L. Hanna (9-1)
  8. Sumter (9-1)
  9. Dorman (8-2)
  10. Indian Land (9-1)
    Others receiving votes: Stratford, Carolina Forest, Byrnes, Gaffney, Ridge View