Reply Board: 2A Powerhouses

[Creekwater Werts]

Abbeville, Saluda, and Gray Collegiate are undoubtedly the three best teams in 2A.

In my personal opinion, if all three of these teams moved up to 3A, they would still be among the top 5 teams in the state. Will catch some slack for this, but, Gray handily took down the second ranked 3A team in the state, Saluda took down a perrenial 3A contender in Strom Thurmond (52-20 at their house), and Abbeville would hands down, still dominate in 3A and would probably be a top contender in 4A.

Any thoughts or stats we have to prove me wrong?

Disclaimer: Not trash talking, just trying to spark some conversation for the bunch. Y'all play nice

[Ddub14]

I would agree those teams could play with a lot of the top teams on any given night . The difference is in the numbers . A lot of 2a schools have to run guys both ways especially on the oline and dline. That’s where the difference usually shows up over a season. As to the individual schools Abbeville plays Bhp in a couple of weeks . If you asked me before last night what I thought about that game I would’ve said Abbeville all day . But Bhp went and surprised west side last night . That will be an interesting game. I’m not suprised at Gray beating Camden . The bulldogs lost so many seniors off that team including their whole backfield.
Haven’t seen saluda so can’t speak on them .

[Penguin]

I would agree those teams could play with a lot of the top teams on any given night . The difference is in the numbers . A lot of 2a schools have to run guys both ways especially on the oline and dline. That’s where the difference usually shows up over a season. As to the individual schools Abbeville plays Bhp in a couple of weeks . If you asked me before last night what I thought about that game I would’ve said Abbeville all day . But Bhp went and surprised west side last night . That will be an interesting game. I’m not suprised at Gray beating Camden . The bulldogs lost so many seniors off that team including their whole backfield.
Haven’t seen saluda so can’t speak on them .

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Abbeville and Saluda could easily compete in 3A. No doubt in my mind. Beyond that, the sheer numbers game would make it very difficult. Teams that can run players in and out all night long, will wear down a team that doesn't have that luxury. For Saluda to go to Cornfield County and hang half a hundo on the rebels is very impressive. Makes me look forward to seeing Saluda and Abbeville hook up. Good luck to both on the season.

[Creekwater Werts]

True

[Creekwater Werts]

I would agree those teams could play with a lot of the top teams on any given night . The difference is in the numbers . A lot of 2a schools have to run guys both ways especially on the oline and dline. That’s where the difference usually shows up over a season. As to the individual schools Abbeville plays Bhp in a couple of weeks . If you asked me before last night what I thought about that game I would’ve said Abbeville all day . But Bhp went and surprised west side last night . That will be an interesting game. I’m not suprised at Gray beating Camden . The bulldogs lost so many seniors off that team including their whole backfield.
Haven’t seen saluda so can’t speak on them .

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Abbeville and Saluda could easily compete in 3A. No doubt in my mind. Beyond that, the sheer numbers game would make it very difficult. Teams that can run players in and out all night long, will wear down a team that doesn't have that luxury. For Saluda to go to Cornfield County and hang half a hundo on the rebels is very impressive. Makes me look forward to seeing Saluda and Abbeville hook up. Good luck to both on the season.

I agree. Most of what I have seen between these two classifications have been through scrimmages. Hard to get a good look at how well you would perform in a full game when you get a 20 minute running clock. I will say though, for the full-regular season games I have watched between these teams and their 3A, and 4A opponents, they have not only won, but dominated. Even though I do agree that depth issues would play a role over the course of the season, it's hard for me to say they wouldn't succeed when all I have seen is dominance even against teams in higher classifications.

I'll say this. If there was a one game season, I don't think anybody in 3A could beat Abbeville. In a scenario like this, Saluda and Gray would beat many 3A elites as well, but I have full confidence that Abbeville would hurt feelings. (Saluda fan here btw)

To your point though, I completely agree. It would be hard for any of these teams to win a full season title in 3A. Here's to the next realignment, LOL!

[Panther51]

In theory, every time you step up a classification, the pool gets a little deeper and harder to swim. What many seem to not notice about Abbeville, is that they dress around 50 players, and it is extremely rare for someone to play both ways. These young me start playing together as soon as they are old enough to strap on a helmet, and they run the same play book from peewee to Benedict.

That being said, I feel Abbeville could compete in a single game with anyone. I think they could contend in 3A, playing a full 3A schedule. Once you get to 4A and 5A……..they could compete, but the road would be a bit more brutal and a full season with that level of competition could be tough. Either way, I ride or die with my Garnet and Gold on!

[96fanatic]

In theory, every time you step up a classification, the pool gets a little deeper and harder to swim. What many seem to not notice about Abbeville, is that they dress around 50 players, and it is extremely rare for someone to play both ways. These young me start playing together as soon as they are old enough to strap on a helmet, and they run the same play book from peewee to Benedict.

That being said, I feel Abbeville could compete in a single game with anyone. I think they could contend in 3A, playing a full 3A schedule. Once you get to 4A and 5A……..they could compete, but the road would be a bit more brutal and a full season with that level of competition could be tough. Either way, I ride or die with my Garnet and Gold on!

i agree 100% Abbeville is different than most 2a teams.very few players go both ways.
I have watched them play many times over the last 50 something years.
they are loaded with athletes year after year.The kids over there
want to play.they have a fairly young team this year and still may win
another title.

[Football Maniac]

I would agree those teams could play with a lot of the top teams on any given night . The difference is in the numbers . A lot of 2a schools have to run guys both ways especially on the oline and dline. That’s where the difference usually shows up over a season. As to the individual schools Abbeville plays Bhp in a couple of weeks . If you asked me before last night what I thought about that game I would’ve said Abbeville all day . But Bhp went and surprised west side last night . That will be an interesting game. I’m not suprised at Gray beating Camden . The bulldogs lost so many seniors off that team including their whole backfield.
Haven’t seen saluda so can’t speak on them .

I was told this morning that Camden had the majority of their OL out for the game. Honestly, I was shocked that Gray beat them until I heard that tidbit this morning. Also, B-L loses to Ridge Spring-Monetta for the 1st time ever. Maybe if the QB at Gray had stayed at B-L, they would have been better.

[spectator]

I would agree those teams could play with a lot of the top teams on any given night . The difference is in the numbers . A lot of 2a schools have to run guys both ways especially on the oline and dline. That’s where the difference usually shows up over a season. As to the individual schools Abbeville plays Bhp in a couple of weeks . If you asked me before last night what I thought about that game I would’ve said Abbeville all day . But Bhp went and surprised west side last night . That will be an interesting game. I’m not suprised at Gray beating Camden . The bulldogs lost so many seniors off that team including their whole backfield.
Haven’t seen saluda so can’t speak on them .

I was told this morning that Camden had the majority of their OL out for the game. Honestly, I was shocked that Gray beat them until I heard that tidbit this morning. Also, B-L loses to Ridge Spring-Monetta for the 1st time ever. Maybe if the QB at Gray had stayed at B-L, they would have been better.

[Cover Three]

The teams mentioned would be fine against most all 3A teams. They would run into trouble against the elite 3A teams like Daniel. They would beat a lot of 4A teams as well. But when you got anywhere above the average teams depth and numbers would really start to have an impact on them. 5A teams would obviously be a stretch, but we have all seen some 5A teams that they could beat.