What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - Week 12

Not many upsets in the first week of the playoffs, but I could not believe how close Myrtle Beach came to getting knocked off. I know it's tough to beat a team twice, but Lake City's offense should not be good enough to put up 21 points. Myrtle was cruising until a 2nd quarter interception off of freshman quarterback Everett Golson. As talented as he is, Golson will through the pick every so often. That let the Panthers get back in the game, and unhinged the Seahawk offense a little bit. In fact, with the game on the line at the end, Myrtle was using Eddie Jones as a quarterback, and running similar offensive plays like when Clemson puts James Davis back there. That turned out to be a great call... it lead to the game-winning TD. But you know that Scott Earley was hoping to save that wrinkle to deeper in the playoffs. Now Jones is banged up and may not play next week, which, along with Spencer Benton, would hurt that offense even more. Like the New England Patriots, the Seahawks showed over the weekend that they can win in other ways other than a blowout. So, a game like this can actually help a team's confidence. But then again, the Seahawks seem more vulnerable now than ever before this year.

A wild start to the Socastee game... the question going in was whether the Braves could handle the Tigers athletes. Pretty early on, it was obvious they couldn't. The Braves ran a great drive off the opening kick, Willis Mills capping it with a touchdown run. But on the Tigers first offensive play, DeShawn Bonds ran it all the way to the house. Socastee should be proud of their season, despite ending with three straight losses. As for Wilson, they've shown they have the athleticism to run with anybody. They'll need it against a Timberland team that's won their last four games by a combined score of 188-14.

Again, coaches should be proud so many of the local teams for avoiding upsets in Round 1. I've got a crazy feeling that this week will be different.

On to the predictions:

Lamar-Hemingway will be a great game. The Tigers were exceptionally close to knocking off Lake View two weeks ago. They have the offensive firepower, with QB Denzel Wedgeworth, to hang with the Silver Foxes. That being said, Lamar has beaten every Class A Team they've played by at least four touchdowns. Should be a fun game, but I don't see Lamar losing it.

Marion played a great game last week to upend Buford at home. Except for their loss to Cheraw, they've fought hard in every game they've played... including a 37-19 loss to Manning. The Monarchs have only one loss this year, but they haven't blown opponents away. I'd love to see Marion win this game, so I'm going to AGAINST them again, and take Manning in a squeaker.

Scott's Branch and Carvers Bay are two of the best rushing team in the state. This game might last an hour. I'll take the Bay, to set up the epic matchup with Lamar next week.

Marlboro County is going to get their biggest test since the Scotland game Friday against Strom Thurmond. The Bulldogs high-powered offense seems to playing well enough to lead them the whole way. And there aren't many teams as hard-nosed either. Marlboro's the pick.

Finally, there won't be a better game on this half of the state than the Battle at the Backyard. When you factor in how Conway won the Throwdown at Kelleytown three weeks ago, Hartsville has more motivation than ever. The Red Foxes showed a lot last week, by coming out and beating up on Sumter. Conway was up and down in their defeat of Dutch Fork. The Tigers always seem to find ways to win. But not Friday. I like Hartsville in the upset in Conway.

What are you thinkin'?

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