The Catawba Ridge Copperheads are set for a monumental challenge this Friday as they travel to Rock Hill to face the powerhouse Northwestern Trojans in the second round of the Class 5A-D2 football playoffs.
Catawba Ridge (6-5) earned its spot with a hard-fought 13-3 victory over Fort Mill this past Friday, utilizing a stout defensive effort to slow the Yellow Jackets. The Copperheads, a No. 8 seed in their region, know they will need a similar defensive performance, coupled with significant offensive output, to have a chance against the top-seeded Trojans.
Northwestern (9-1) is one of the state’s premier programs and enjoyed a first-round bye as a No. 1 seed. The Trojans’ lone loss came in a non-region matchup against a formidable South Pointe team, and they ran the table in 5A-Region 3 with a perfect 6-0 record.
The Copperheads are facing a major hurdle, particularly given the teams’ history this season. Northwestern dominated Catawba Ridge earlier in the year, cruising to a 56-20 victory on Sept. 26. The Trojans’ offense averages nearly 49 points per game, powered by the dynamic play of quarterback X. Means, who averages over 300 total yards per contest.
Catawba Ridge, on the other hand, is built on a more balanced, grinding approach. The Copperheads are averaging 18.5 points per game and rely on their defense to keep them in contests, having allowed just 238 points all season. They will look to slow down the high-octane Trojan attack and control the clock.
This rematch, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Northwestern, represents a test of wills. For the Copperheads, it’s a chance to prove they belong among the elite of Class 5A-D2 football. For the Trojans, it’s the next step on what they hope is a deep playoff run.
Indian Land Hosts Hillcrest in Second Round Clash
In other local playoff action, the Indian Land Warriors (9-1) will host a second-round game this Friday after earning a first-round bye. The No. 3 seed Warriors are set to welcome the Hillcrest Rams (8-4) to their home field.
Indian Land, which finished 5-1 in region play, will face a Rams team that advanced by defeating Riverside 35-14 in the opening round.
The Warriors, led by a strong senior class, have had an impressive year, relying on a potent offense and disciplined defense. Their only loss came at the hands of Northwestern, but they have shown the ability to win close games and dominate defensively, including a 34-7 win over Catawba Ridge in October. The matchup against Hillcrest is scheduled for 7 p.m.
