Saluda vs Abbeville

[SaludaTigerFan]

Huge game in 2A this week as the Saluda Tigers travel to Abbeville to face the Panthers for the right to claim the Region 2 championship. Abbeville has continued their dominance this season and stands at 8-0 with wins over Hartsville, Southside Christian, and has progressed as the season has gone on. Saluda is 7-1 and has defeated Strom Thurmond this year and went toe to toe at Southside Christian falling 16-13.

This will be the 8th time these two teams have matched up since 2015, playing in the Upper State Championship in '15, '16, and '17. These have all been hard fought games with a lot of talent on both sides and excellent coaching staffs for both teams. Abbeville has won each of the matchups as their dynasty continues to roll, but this may be the year Saluda can get over the hump with Mr. Football finalist, Noah Bell, leading the team with a bevy of receivers, an up-tempo offense, and a salty defense with speed.

This will certainly be one of the best and most physical games in the state this week. It will take a crisp performance to overcome the Panthers, but here's to hoping my Tigers can get the job done! If anyone is looking for a game to checkout this Friday, I promise this one will not disappoint. Go Tigers!!

[bigdog2003]

If this game was at Saluda, I would be there. I would still go, but I don't want to fight for a seat at Abbeville. I think it will be a great game, it may come down to who can make a stop late in the game.

[96fanatic]

Instead of making the 70 mile trip to watch
my 96 Wildcats play Silver Bluff,i think i just
may drive the 12 miles to watch the Tigers
and Panthers.

[AHS14]

Both teams have played a good schedule to prepare for this matchup. Don't see Abbeville losing this one at home. We have faced several good quarterbacks this season and have successfully been able to contain them. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, an area where Abbeville has come a long way since the beginning of the season. If Abbeville can sustain long drives by running the ball and keep the Saluda offense off the field they will win this game.

[*Topcat*]

Winner take all for the region...with obvious playoff implications. Loser will likely have to play @ Southside Christian about 3rd round. Could also be the first of two between these teams. Who knows. Its a big game but not as big as what will be happening about 5 weeks from now. I'm looking forward to Friday though...should be fun.

[SaludaTigerFan]

I definitely agree that this will be a low scoring affair that will come down to the 4th Quarter. Saluda has to get Abbeville off the field (easier said than done) and sustain drives that lead to scores. Saluda's defense has the speed to contain A-Town, but good open field tackling will be a must if we want to win. I will say that Saluda has improved in our Front 7 from last year and have some young studs at corner and a solid 4 year starter Safety. We played well against Thurmond's spread option offense so hopefully that will give us confidence heading into Hite Stadium.

Topcat, from the way the bracket shakes out, 2nd place in Region 2 will travel to Southside Christian in the 2nd round! So this is a huge game from a seeding standpoint in Upperstate.

[Deputy]

Until somebody in 2A proves they can beat Abbeville, I'll just consider every game Abbeville has scheduled at that level a certain victory.

[SaludaTigerFan]

Agree Deputy! You gotta beat the man, to be the man! It will be a huge challenge.

[Abbevillemike]

Going to be a good game. If Abbeville plays their normal game and controls the clock I believe they will be ok. Good luck to Saluda and safe travels to the game.

[*Topcat*]

Atown is rounding into playoff form I believe. Still curious of this QB rotation situation though.....unless we're planning to throw a few over the top of Saluda defense...which I am fine with BTW.