Happening Thursday: Rock Hill region football games that will be played early

Editor’s note: Because the games are scheduled early, results this week will be posted in real time Thursday night as games are played. Check heraldonline.com for results during the evening.

There are 11 games on this week’s high school football schedule. All of them are region openers for the 15 area schools. In addition every game this week has been moved to Thursday because of the threat of bad weather due to Hurricane Ian.

Rock Hill (1-4) at Spring Valley (2-3) 7:30 pm

Rock Hill can get their season back on track with a road victory. Spring Valley has been inconsistent thus far, but they are always tough at home. Another key for Rock Hill is to shake off the effects of not playing last Friday night.

Listen: Comporium Channel 103

Fort Mill (0-5) at Blythewood (3-2) 7:30 pm

Fort Mill is still looking for its first win, but they can turn things around quickly with a region win. Playing on the road will be a difficult task against a strong Blythewood team. Fort Mill has played very well at times. They must put last week’s loss behind them.

Listen: WRHI.com

Nation Ford (1-4) at Clover (2-3) 7 pm

Both teams are coming off wins last Friday night. That gives both squads confidence heading into the region contest. Clover has the home field advantage. The key to this game might be defense, as both teams are very capable on offense.

Listen: FM 104.1

Lancaster (3-2) at Northwestern (4-1) 7 pm

Northwestern is coming off a bye week, while Lancaster suffered a big loss against a 5A power last Friday night. Northwestern was held in check two weeks ago by Gaffney. They have had plenty of time to fix the problems and return to their excellent execution of the first four games of the season. Lancaster is a much improved team from the beginning of the season.

Listen: FM 107.1

Catawba Ridge (5-0) at South Pointe (4-1) 7 pm

Both teams were idle last week, so they have had time to prepare for this big showdown. Both teams have explosive offenses and good defenses. Catawba Ridge has been on a roll all year, while South Pointe must put its loss two weeks ago behind them. Offensive execution and turnovers will be the key in this game, which promises to be the best in the state this week.

Listen: FM 100.1

Indian Land (4-1) at York (4-1) 7:30 pm

Indian Land and York have explosive offenses. This game could turn into a track meet, and the difference will come down to which defense limits the others’ offense. Indian Land must regroup after last week’s loss, while York is riding high after a big road victory, and they have the home field advantage..

Listen: FM 94.3

Woodruff (3-3) at Chester (3-3) 7 pm

Chester got a big win last week to prepare for the region schedule. They have played a very difficult non-region slate to prepare them for the battles in the league. The home field will be a tremendous boost for Chester.

Listen: FM 90.3

Cheraw (1-4) at Andrew Jackson (3-2) 5:45 pm

Andrew Jackson is on a three-game winning streak, and they have shown improvement each week. They need to continue that type of effort against Cheraw. The home field advantage might be the difference.

Buford (5-0) at Pageland Central (3-2) 7:30 pm

Buford is on the road again this week, and they are playing in a tough environment. Pageland Central has been tough at home for years. Buford got a big come-from-behind win last week on the road. That should give them lots of confidence.

CA Johnson (3-3) at Lewisville (5-1) 7:30 pm

Lewisville is coming off a loss last week against a good 2A team in Andrew Jackson. They will have to put that behind them as they take on a very good CA Johnson team. Playing at home will certainly be an advantage for Lewisville.

Whitmire (4-1) at Great Falls (2-4) 6:30 pm

The Red Devils must be prepared for a balanced Whitmire attack. Last week’s win has given them some confidence, but Great Falls must be more consistent on offense. These two teams have played in non-region games the past few years so they know each other very well. Playing at home will help Great Falls.