OTS Sports Network Statewide Poll: Week 9

[FootballFan4343]

So, for arguments sake, here is the poll that the newspaper writers from around the state put together. After looking at it, I don't see that much difference in the combined poll these guys do. One could make an argument that the top 2-3 in 3A could be top ten in 4A. Evidence of that is the fact that Hartsville already beat the #10 team in this poll, handing Conway their ONLY loss of the season to the tune of 57-26. So is this poll bias also? Please explain to me how this one is any different?

4A

1. Northwestern; 2. Byrnes; 3. Spartanburg; 4. Fort Dorchester; 5. Westside; 6. Hillcrest; 7. Lexington; 8. Dorman; 9. Ashley Ridge; 10. Conway

Others receiving votes: Westwood, York, Gaffney

3A

1. Hartsville; 2. South Pointe; 3. Greer; 4. Seneca; 5. Chapin; 6. Airport; 7. Belton-Honea Path; 8. Hilton Head Island; 9. Lancaster; 10. Myrtle Beach

Others receiving votes: Union County, Southside, Hanahan, Marlboro County, Beaufort, Georgetown

[dfactor26]

Folks, this year, you have a lot of parity going on in AAAA. Its not like many of the past years when you had a favorite all season long that looked unstoppable (although many of those teams lost in the championship game).
Northwestern did lose to Byrnes, but it was close, in OT. Who would win if they played again? Will Northwestern be in Div 1, or Div 2? Ft Dorchester and Westside look strong, but dont have a lot of common opponents with the others in the poll, so its hard to say. Even though Spartanburg lost Friday, they still could be the best team in the State.
Also, some teams are getting better (Boiling Springs, Gaffney) while other teams aren't. I think some other teams like Ridge View, Hillcrest and Dutch Fork are going to surprise people come playoff time.
I think that any of the following teams could be State Champions in D1 this year: Byrnes, Northwestern, Hillcrest, Fort Dorchester, or Dorman.

Many of the 1st and 2nd round matchups, because of the way seeds are given to Conference Champs, could be the best games between the best teams.

I disagree that there is a lot parity. I think 4A is extremely top heavy. If Byrnes or Northwestern don't win Division I, I will be stunned. If Spartanburg or Westside don't win D-2, I will be stunned. The only way these teams don't end up in the state championships against each other is if they play first. We can sit here and talk about Fort Dorchester or Ashley Ridge all we want, but everyone on here knows, deep down, that if Fort D. or Ashley Ridge runs into either one of Byrnes or NW in the playoffs, then the season is over for FD or AR. Polls don't matter, records don't matter. Bottom line Byrnes and NW have better players, better coaches, and are more battle tested. I, for one, hope Byrnes and NW are able to play for the state title, it would be a great game. As for D-2. Does anyone REALLY think Spartanburg or Westside won't win it? All the Boiling Springs loss did for Sparty is wake them up and Westside looks unstoppable. I am sure I will get railroaded and all that by saying this, but, deep down, you know its right. Those are the 4 best teams. Dorman fans might get upset but its true. I am sure lowcountry people will say something, but if Byrnes or NW are on your side of the bracket, they will eventually beat you.

I don't disagree with your overall assessment but why do you think Byrnes/Northwestern have better players than Fort Dorchester? Even the best Byrnes/Northwestern teams of the past 10 years haven't put out anything close to the talent that has come out of Fort Dorchester. Fort Dorchester is typically loaded at skill positions and this year is no different. If Fort is to lose in the playoffs to Byrnes or Northwestern it will absolutely not be because those teams had better players than Fort.

[FootballFan4343]

Folks, this year, you have a lot of parity going on in AAAA. Its not like many of the past years when you had a favorite all season long that looked unstoppable (although many of those teams lost in the championship game).
Northwestern did lose to Byrnes, but it was close, in OT. Who would win if they played again? Will Northwestern be in Div 1, or Div 2? Ft Dorchester and Westside look strong, but dont have a lot of common opponents with the others in the poll, so its hard to say. Even though Spartanburg lost Friday, they still could be the best team in the State.
Also, some teams are getting better (Boiling Springs, Gaffney) while other teams aren't. I think some other teams like Ridge View, Hillcrest and Dutch Fork are going to surprise people come playoff time.
I think that any of the following teams could be State Champions in D1 this year: Byrnes, Northwestern, Hillcrest, Fort Dorchester, or Dorman.

Many of the 1st and 2nd round matchups, because of the way seeds are given to Conference Champs, could be the best games between the best teams.

I disagree that there is a lot parity. I think 4A is extremely top heavy. If Byrnes or Northwestern don't win Division I, I will be stunned. If Spartanburg or Westside don't win D-2, I will be stunned. The only way these teams don't end up in the state championships against each other is if they play first. We can sit here and talk about Fort Dorchester or Ashley Ridge all we want, but everyone on here knows, deep down, that if Fort D. or Ashley Ridge runs into either one of Byrnes or NW in the playoffs, then the season is over for FD or AR. Polls don't matter, records don't matter. Bottom line Byrnes and NW have better players, better coaches, and are more battle tested. I, for one, hope Byrnes and NW are able to play for the state title, it would be a great game. As for D-2. Does anyone REALLY think Spartanburg or Westside won't win it? All the Boiling Springs loss did for Sparty is wake them up and Westside looks unstoppable. I am sure I will get railroaded and all that by saying this, but, deep down, you know its right. Those are the 4 best teams. Dorman fans might get upset but its true. I am sure lowcountry people will say something, but if Byrnes or NW are on your side of the bracket, they will eventually beat you.

I don't disagree with your overall assessment but why do you think Byrnes/Northwestern have better players than Fort Dorchester? Even the best Byrnes/Northwestern teams of the past 10 years haven't put out anything close to the talent that has come out of Fort Dorchester. Fort Dorchester is typically loaded at skill positions and this year is no different. If Fort is to lose in the playoffs to Byrnes or Northwestern it will absolutely not be because those teams had better players than Fort.

Why do I think Byrnes/NW has better players? Because its the truth. Are you really are going to make me show you the facts? Ok then, but before I do, think about this. How bad are the Fort Dorchester coaches if Byrnes and NW (using your words here) haven't put out ANYTHING close to the talent that Fort Dorchester has? As good as those two programs (Byrnes and NWC) have been over the past 10 years, with the players to come out, win statewide awards and perform at the next level, to think that they don't even compare to Fort Dorchester's talent, just shows how poorly coached Fort Dorchester has been over the last 10 years.
With that said, I am about to bail you out on throwing your coaches under the bus by showing you what Byrnes and NW have had over the last 10 years in comparison to Fort Dorchester. Its tough to gauge how good a player is in high school, but one place that is always good to look is the Shrine Bowl. So lets see how the schools compare since 2006.

Fort Dorchester a total of 2 in 10 years
2014-1
2013-0
2012-0
2011-0
2010-0
2009-0
2008-0
2007-1
2006-0
2005-0

Byrnes-a total of 15 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-2
2011-1
2010-0
2009-2
2008-2
2007-2
2006-2

NW- a total of 10 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-1
2011-1
2010-2
2009-1
2008-1
2007-0
2006-0
2005-0

Keep in mind in some of these years for Byrnes and NW, they would have had more than 2 if the Shrine Bowl would take more than 2. some of those Byrnes teams had 4-5 Shrine Bowl caliber players (IE: Bentley in 2013) and same with NW during the 2010 and 2013 seasons.
And looking at some of those names of Byrnes and NW players: here are some listed-Marcus Lattimore (NFL), Justin Worley (national gatorade player of the year), Shuler Bentley 2-time SC Gatorade Player of the year, Cordarelle Patterson-NFL first round selection. (Patterson and Bentley did NOT even make the Shrine Bowl, thats how good their teams were in those years) I know there are TONS more. But the bottom line is in the state's best way to honor the BEST high school football players, Fort D has 2 Shrine Bowl selections in 10 years, compared to 10 for NW, and an eye popping 15 for Byrnes.
So, with that said, I am happy to report that Coach Laprad is doing an amazing job with what, on paper, is inferior talent to Byrnes and NW.

[2002Patriot]

Folks, this year, you have a lot of parity going on in AAAA. Its not like many of the past years when you had a favorite all season long that looked unstoppable (although many of those teams lost in the championship game).
Northwestern did lose to Byrnes, but it was close, in OT. Who would win if they played again? Will Northwestern be in Div 1, or Div 2? Ft Dorchester and Westside look strong, but dont have a lot of common opponents with the others in the poll, so its hard to say. Even though Spartanburg lost Friday, they still could be the best team in the State.
Also, some teams are getting better (Boiling Springs, Gaffney) while other teams aren't. I think some other teams like Ridge View, Hillcrest and Dutch Fork are going to surprise people come playoff time.
I think that any of the following teams could be State Champions in D1 this year: Byrnes, Northwestern, Hillcrest, Fort Dorchester, or Dorman.

Many of the 1st and 2nd round matchups, because of the way seeds are given to Conference Champs, could be the best games between the best teams.

I disagree that there is a lot parity. I think 4A is extremely top heavy. If Byrnes or Northwestern don't win Division I, I will be stunned. If Spartanburg or Westside don't win D-2, I will be stunned. The only way these teams don't end up in the state championships against each other is if they play first. We can sit here and talk about Fort Dorchester or Ashley Ridge all we want, but everyone on here knows, deep down, that if Fort D. or Ashley Ridge runs into either one of Byrnes or NW in the playoffs, then the season is over for FD or AR. Polls don't matter, records don't matter. Bottom line Byrnes and NW have better players, better coaches, and are more battle tested. I, for one, hope Byrnes and NW are able to play for the state title, it would be a great game. As for D-2. Does anyone REALLY think Spartanburg or Westside won't win it? All the Boiling Springs loss did for Sparty is wake them up and Westside looks unstoppable. I am sure I will get railroaded and all that by saying this, but, deep down, you know its right. Those are the 4 best teams. Dorman fans might get upset but its true. I am sure lowcountry people will say something, but if Byrnes or NW are on your side of the bracket, they will eventually beat you.

I don't disagree with your overall assessment but why do you think Byrnes/Northwestern have better players than Fort Dorchester? Even the best Byrnes/Northwestern teams of the past 10 years haven't put out anything close to the talent that has come out of Fort Dorchester. Fort Dorchester is typically loaded at skill positions and this year is no different. If Fort is to lose in the playoffs to Byrnes or Northwestern it will absolutely not be because those teams had better players than Fort.

Why do I think Byrnes/NW has better players? Because its the truth. Are you really are going to make me show you the facts? Ok then, but before I do, think about this. How bad are the Fort Dorchester coaches if Byrnes and NW (using your words here) haven't put out ANYTHING close to the talent that Fort Dorchester has? As good as those two programs (Byrnes and NWC) have been over the past 10 years, with the players to come out, win statewide awards and perform at the next level, to think that they don't even compare to Fort Dorchester's talent, just shows how poorly coached Fort Dorchester has been over the last 10 years.
With that said, I am about to bail you out on throwing your coaches under the bus by showing you what Byrnes and NW have had over the last 10 years in comparison to Fort Dorchester. Its tough to gauge how good a player is in high school, but one place that is always good to look is the Shrine Bowl. So lets see how the schools compare since 2006.

Fort Dorchester a total of 2 in 10 years
2014-1
2013-0
2012-0
2011-0
2010-0
2009-0
2008-0
2007-1
2006-0
2005-0

Byrnes-a total of 15 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-2
2011-1
2010-0
2009-2
2008-2
2007-2
2006-2

NW- a total of 10 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-1
2011-1
2010-2
2009-1
2008-1
2007-0
2006-0
2005-0

Keep in mind in some of these years for Byrnes and NW, they would have had more than 2 if the Shrine Bowl would take more than 2. some of those Byrnes teams had 4-5 Shrine Bowl caliber players (IE: Bentley in 2013) and same with NW during the 2010 and 2013 seasons.
And looking at some of those names of Byrnes and NW players: here are some listed-Marcus Lattimore (NFL), Justin Worley (national gatorade player of the year), Shuler Bentley 2-time SC Gatorade Player of the year, Cordarelle Patterson-NFL first round selection. (Patterson and Bentley did NOT even make the Shrine Bowl, thats how good their teams were in those years) I know there are TONS more. But the bottom line is in the state's best way to honor the BEST high school football players, Fort D has 2 Shrine Bowl selections in 10 years, compared to 10 for NW, and an eye popping 15 for Byrnes.
So, with that said, I am happy to report that Coach Laprad is doing an amazing job with what, on paper, is inferior talent to Byrnes and NW.

Unfortunately, Lattimore didn't last in the NFL. But if we're going to name NFL players, Fort has had their share in Byron Maxwell (6th round Seattle), Robert Quinn (first round Rams), and Carlos Dunlap (2nd round Bengals). If there is anything that has been the achilles heel for Fort over the years it's coaching. I'm not saying Byrnes and NW are not good but to just dismiss anywhere from that's not the upstate is just pure bias but at least we know where you stand.

[dfactor26]

Why do I think Byrnes/NW has better players? Because its the truth. Are you really are going to make me show you the facts? Ok then, but before I do, think about this. How bad are the Fort Dorchester coaches if Byrnes and NW (using your words here) haven't put out ANYTHING close to the talent that Fort Dorchester has? As good as those two programs (Byrnes and NWC) have been over the past 10 years, with the players to come out, win statewide awards and perform at the next level, to think that they don't even compare to Fort Dorchester's talent, just shows how poorly coached Fort Dorchester has been over the last 10 years.
With that said, I am about to bail you out on throwing your coaches under the bus by showing you what Byrnes and NW have had over the last 10 years in comparison to Fort Dorchester. Its tough to gauge how good a player is in high school, but one place that is always good to look is the Shrine Bowl. So lets see how the schools compare since 2006.

Fort Dorchester a total of 2 in 10 years
2014-1
2013-0
2012-0
2011-0
2010-0
2009-0
2008-0
2007-1
2006-0
2005-0

Byrnes-a total of 15 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-2
2011-1
2010-0
2009-2
2008-2
2007-2
2006-2

NW- a total of 10 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-1
2011-1
2010-2
2009-1
2008-1
2007-0
2006-0
2005-0

Keep in mind in some of these years for Byrnes and NW, they would have had more than 2 if the Shrine Bowl would take more than 2. some of those Byrnes teams had 4-5 Shrine Bowl caliber players (IE: Bentley in 2013) and same with NW during the 2010 and 2013 seasons.
And looking at some of those names of Byrnes and NW players: here are some listed-Marcus Lattimore (NFL), Justin Worley (national gatorade player of the year), Shuler Bentley 2-time SC Gatorade Player of the year, Cordarelle Patterson-NFL first round selection. (Patterson and Bentley did NOT even make the Shrine Bowl, thats how good their teams were in those years) I know there are TONS more. But the bottom line is in the state's best way to honor the BEST high school football players, Fort D has 2 Shrine Bowl selections in 10 years, compared to 10 for NW, and an eye popping 15 for Byrnes.
So, with that said, I am happy to report that Coach Laprad is doing an amazing job with what, on paper, is inferior talent to Byrnes and NW.

Lol, so you think the Shrine Bowl is really the best indicator of the talent level from around the state? Certainly it's a really big honor to be selected and those players deserve the recognition but I don't see how that is a true indicator of actual talent. I think a much better evaluation of a player is how they do not only at the next level (college) but the highest level (NFL). So between Byrnes and Northwestern you showed me Marcus Lattimore (no longer in the league) and Cordarelle Patterson (WR at bottom of the depth chart on the 32nd ranked team in receiving yards). Fort Dorchester in that same time frame has 3 players in the NFL who are not only starters and team leaders but pro-bowlers and Super Bowl Champions who also happen to be some of the highest payed players at their respective positions. Byrnes/Northwestern might have a bunch of Shrine Bowl selections over the past 10 years but none of those 25 players from either school have come close to matching the talent that has come out of Fort Dorchester. There is no doubt at all that Byrnes/Northwestern have had a tremendous amount of success over the past 10 years. Certainly much more success than Fort Dorchester has ever had. I also agree with you that if Fort had to play either one this year smart money would definitely be on the upstate teams...but that has nothing to do with on the field talent. If you want to continue to base talent off of Shrine Bowl selections that's fine but the truth is in the pudding...turn on football this Sunday, you'll see Fort Dorchester players starting and on the field for 3 different NFL teams. How many Byrnes/Northwestern players will you see?

[cavaliereagle]

Why do I think Byrnes/NW has better players? Because its the truth. Are you really are going to make me show you the facts? Ok then, but before I do, think about this. How bad are the Fort Dorchester coaches if Byrnes and NW (using your words here) haven't put out ANYTHING close to the talent that Fort Dorchester has? As good as those two programs (Byrnes and NWC) have been over the past 10 years, with the players to come out, win statewide awards and perform at the next level, to think that they don't even compare to Fort Dorchester's talent, just shows how poorly coached Fort Dorchester has been over the last 10 years.
With that said, I am about to bail you out on throwing your coaches under the bus by showing you what Byrnes and NW have had over the last 10 years in comparison to Fort Dorchester. Its tough to gauge how good a player is in high school, but one place that is always good to look is the Shrine Bowl. So lets see how the schools compare since 2006.

Fort Dorchester a total of 2 in 10 years
2014-1
2013-0
2012-0
2011-0
2010-0
2009-0
2008-0
2007-1
2006-0
2005-0

Byrnes-a total of 15 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-2
2011-1
2010-0
2009-2
2008-2
2007-2
2006-2

NW- a total of 10 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-1
2011-1
2010-2
2009-1
2008-1
2007-0
2006-0
2005-0

Keep in mind in some of these years for Byrnes and NW, they would have had more than 2 if the Shrine Bowl would take more than 2. some of those Byrnes teams had 4-5 Shrine Bowl caliber players (IE: Bentley in 2013) and same with NW during the 2010 and 2013 seasons.
And looking at some of those names of Byrnes and NW players: here are some listed-Marcus Lattimore (NFL), Justin Worley (national gatorade player of the year), Shuler Bentley 2-time SC Gatorade Player of the year, Cordarelle Patterson-NFL first round selection. (Patterson and Bentley did NOT even make the Shrine Bowl, thats how good their teams were in those years) I know there are TONS more. But the bottom line is in the state's best way to honor the BEST high school football players, Fort D has 2 Shrine Bowl selections in 10 years, compared to 10 for NW, and an eye popping 15 for Byrnes.
So, with that said, I am happy to report that Coach Laprad is doing an amazing job with what, on paper, is inferior talent to Byrnes and NW.

Lol, so you think the Shrine Bowl is really the best indicator of the talent level from around the state? Certainly it's a really big honor to be selected and those players deserve the recognition but I don't see how that is a true indicator of actual talent. I think a much better evaluation of a player is how they do not only at the next level (college) but the highest level (NFL). So between Byrnes and Northwestern you showed me Marcus Lattimore (no longer in the league) and Cordarelle Patterson (WR at bottom of the depth chart on the 32nd ranked team in receiving yards). Fort Dorchester in that same time frame has 3 players in the NFL who are not only starters and team leaders but pro-bowlers and Super Bowl Champions who also happen to be some of the highest payed players at their respective positions. Byrnes/Northwestern might have a bunch of Shrine Bowl selections over the past 10 years but none of those 25 players from either school have come close to matching the talent that has come out of Fort Dorchester. There is no doubt at all that Byrnes/Northwestern have had a tremendous amount of success over the past 10 years. Certainly much more success than Fort Dorchester has ever had. I also agree with you that if Fort had to play either one this year smart money would definitely be on the upstate teams...but that has nothing to do with on the field talent. If you want to continue to base talent off of Shrine Bowl selections that's fine but the truth is in the pudding...turn on football this Sunday, you'll see Fort Dorchester players starting and on the field for 3 different NFL teams. How many Byrnes/Northwestern players will you see?

[FootballFan4343]

Why do I think Byrnes/NW has better players? Because its the truth. Are you really are going to make me show you the facts? Ok then, but before I do, think about this. How bad are the Fort Dorchester coaches if Byrnes and NW (using your words here) haven't put out ANYTHING close to the talent that Fort Dorchester has? As good as those two programs (Byrnes and NWC) have been over the past 10 years, with the players to come out, win statewide awards and perform at the next level, to think that they don't even compare to Fort Dorchester's talent, just shows how poorly coached Fort Dorchester has been over the last 10 years.
With that said, I am about to bail you out on throwing your coaches under the bus by showing you what Byrnes and NW have had over the last 10 years in comparison to Fort Dorchester. Its tough to gauge how good a player is in high school, but one place that is always good to look is the Shrine Bowl. So lets see how the schools compare since 2006.

Fort Dorchester a total of 2 in 10 years
2014-1
2013-0
2012-0
2011-0
2010-0
2009-0
2008-0
2007-1
2006-0
2005-0

Byrnes-a total of 15 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-2
2011-1
2010-0
2009-2
2008-2
2007-2
2006-2

NW- a total of 10 in 10 years
2014-2
2013-2
2012-1
2011-1
2010-2
2009-1
2008-1
2007-0
2006-0
2005-0

Keep in mind in some of these years for Byrnes and NW, they would have had more than 2 if the Shrine Bowl would take more than 2. some of those Byrnes teams had 4-5 Shrine Bowl caliber players (IE: Bentley in 2013) and same with NW during the 2010 and 2013 seasons.
And looking at some of those names of Byrnes and NW players: here are some listed-Marcus Lattimore (NFL), Justin Worley (national gatorade player of the year), Shuler Bentley 2-time SC Gatorade Player of the year, Cordarelle Patterson-NFL first round selection. (Patterson and Bentley did NOT even make the Shrine Bowl, thats how good their teams were in those years) I know there are TONS more. But the bottom line is in the state's best way to honor the BEST high school football players, Fort D has 2 Shrine Bowl selections in 10 years, compared to 10 for NW, and an eye popping 15 for Byrnes.
So, with that said, I am happy to report that Coach Laprad is doing an amazing job with what, on paper, is inferior talent to Byrnes and NW.

Lol, so you think the Shrine Bowl is really the best indicator of the talent level from around the state? Certainly it's a really big honor to be selected and those players deserve the recognition but I don't see how that is a true indicator of actual talent. I think a much better evaluation of a player is how they do not only at the next level (college) but the highest level (NFL). So between Byrnes and Northwestern you showed me Marcus Lattimore (no longer in the league) and Cordarelle Patterson (WR at bottom of the depth chart on the 32nd ranked team in receiving yards). Fort Dorchester in that same time frame has 3 players in the NFL who are not only starters and team leaders but pro-bowlers and Super Bowl Champions who also happen to be some of the highest payed players at their respective positions. Byrnes/Northwestern might have a bunch of Shrine Bowl selections over the past 10 years but none of those 25 players from either school have come close to matching the talent that has come out of Fort Dorchester. There is no doubt at all that Byrnes/Northwestern have had a tremendous amount of success over the past 10 years. Certainly much more success than Fort Dorchester has ever had. I also agree with you that if Fort had to play either one this year smart money would definitely be on the upstate teams...but that has nothing to do with on the field talent. If you want to continue to base talent off of Shrine Bowl selections that's fine but the truth is in the pudding...turn on football this Sunday, you'll see Fort Dorchester players starting and on the field for 3 different NFL teams. How many Byrnes/Northwestern players will you see?

Ok, answer me this. Why is Coach Laprad still employed? If Byrnes and NW's talent nowhere close to the talent coming out of Fort Dorchester, how does he still have a job? How are the coaches still there? Because, according to you, their talent is much better than the two 4A teams that have been the most dominating over the past 10 years.

But to answer your question, a player making the NFL or even excelling in college doesn't mean they were a great high school player. There is no doubt Willy Korn was a PHENOMENAL High School player and was one of the top recruited kids in the country, but he couldn't get in gear in college. That doesn't take away the fact that he was one of THE BEST football players this state has ever seen. The list goes on and on for players out of Byrnes and NW. 3 players going to the NFL over a 10 year span doesn't give Fort Dorchester SO MUCH more talent than the two best teams in 4A over that span. The true telling stat is their high school accomplishments (awards, Shrine Bowls) and I will even say college scholarship offers. I do not have the numbers on those nor do I have the time to research, but I am SURE Byrnes and NW fans on here can share that.

We will just have to agree to disagree on who has better talent. But again, I leave you with this question. If in fact the talent at Fort D is SO much better than Byrnes or NW, why don't you guys get a new coach, because obviously Byrnes and NW have dominated with talent that is WAY inferior to Fort D. The most telling part of your statement is "If Fort D and Byrnes/NW were to play, the fact that Byrnes/NW would win has NOTHING to do with on field talent." Again, how bad are the Fort Dorchester coaches if their talent IS SO MUCH better and they haven't had anywhere NEAR the success of Byrnes/NW? Meanwhile, Fort D has enjoyed the following record over the past 10 years.

2014 11-3
2013 7-5
2012 5-6
2011 7-5
2010 7-6
2009 8-4
2008 7-5
2007 9-4
2006 9-4
2005 5-7

In addition, a playoff record of 5-9 with only ONE appearance in the semi-finals over a ten year span.

And for the record, Northwestern currently has 3 First Round selections in the NFL-Johnathan Joseph-Houston Texans (2 time pro bowler), Benjamin Watson-New Orleans Saints (Super Bowl Champion), Patterson-Minnesota Vikings (2013 pro bowler)
Lattimore's injury takes nothing away from his talent (and for you to doubt his talent based on that is just silly). He was the absolute best running back in the SEC and possibly the country before he got hurt.
Over the same period: Prince Miller, Marcus Lattimore, and Everett Dawkins of Byrnes have played in the NFL.

In closing, using your argument that 3 players who have done well in the NFL give proof of Fort D's talent disparity over Byrnes and NW would be like saying South Carolina had a talent advantage over Alabama in 2013 due to Clowney. South Carolina obviously had the best player in college, but Alabama had a BUNCH of great players who moved on to the next level. Thats the thing at Byrnes and NW, they have 5-6 players yearly that accept division I scholarships. Its continued very good talent mixed in with the occasional GREAT talent. I think most would argue that Marcus Lattimore had as big of an impact at the college level as any player to come out of this state. He nearly single handily changed the direction of a program.

[Rebel-Fan-74]

Folks, this year, you have a lot of parity going on in AAAA. Its not like many of the past years when you had a favorite all season long that looked unstoppable (although many of those teams lost in the championship game).
Northwestern did lose to Byrnes, but it was close, in OT. Who would win if they played again? Will Northwestern be in Div 1, or Div 2? Ft Dorchester and Westside look strong, but dont have a lot of common opponents with the others in the poll, so its hard to say. Even though Spartanburg lost Friday, they still could be the best team in the State.
Also, some teams are getting better (Boiling Springs, Gaffney) while other teams aren't. I think some other teams like Ridge View, Hillcrest and Dutch Fork are going to surprise people come playoff time.
I think that any of the following teams could be State Champions in D1 this year: Byrnes, Northwestern, Hillcrest, Fort Dorchester, or Dorman.

Many of the 1st and 2nd round matchups, because of the way seeds are given to Conference Champs, could be the best games between the best teams.

I disagree that there is a lot parity. I think 4A is extremely top heavy. If Byrnes or Northwestern don't win Division I, I will be stunned. If Spartanburg or Westside don't win D-2, I will be stunned. The only way these teams don't end up in the state championships against each other is if they play first. We can sit here and talk about Fort Dorchester or Ashley Ridge all we want, but everyone on here knows, deep down, that if Fort D. or Ashley Ridge runs into either one of Byrnes or NW in the playoffs, then the season is over for FD or AR. Polls don't matter, records don't matter. Bottom line Byrnes and NW have better players, better coaches, and are more battle tested. I, for one, hope Byrnes and NW are able to play for the state title, it would be a great game. As for D-2. Does anyone REALLY think Spartanburg or Westside won't win it? All the Boiling Springs loss did for Sparty is wake them up and Westside looks unstoppable. I am sure I will get railroaded and all that by saying this, but, deep down, you know its right. Those are the 4 best teams. Dorman fans might get upset but its true. I am sure lowcountry people will say something, but if Byrnes or NW are on your side of the bracket, they will eventually beat you.

Isn't that what most people were saying last year about Hillcrest? What I said about Hillcrest last year is the same about Fort Dorchester and Ashley Ridge this year. Because of their schedule, playing mostly Region VII and Region VIII teams, you don't get the chance to measure them against other teams. Fort Dorchester could be as good or better than Byrnes, but you can't tell that from records because (LOOKING ON PAPER) Byrnes played what most would consider the tougher schedule... Northwestern, Mallard Creek, Spartanburg, Dorman, Gaffney, and Dorman. Who's to say that Fort Dorchester couldn't have been 7-1 against that same schedule? We can all have our own ideas about what would happen, but I would have thought Hillcrest not just beating, but dominating Dutch Fork last year would have proven something....

"Yeah, but Dutch Fork had to beat Dorman and Byrnes back to back so they had a let down against Hillcrest." Then the coaches didn't do their jobs, and neither did the players... it is for the ring and you can't get motivated?

I personally hope that Byrnes gets to play Fort Dorchester just so I can see the match up! I'd prefer it to be in Columbia, but a trip to Charleston is never a bad thing......

[Rebel-Fan-74]

One more comment about NFL...

PLAYER making the NFL has nothing to do with how good or bad his High School team is or was. A J Green was a great talent and even if he were playing for Summerville today, he would still be getting a four year scholarship to several schools and would be drafted and playing in the NFL.

High School teams can be carried by one player to some extent, but not like a basketball team. Marcus, as great as he was at Byrnes, was not the only player who took that team to the next level. Now, anyone could see he carried a large portion of the load, but we had many players on those teams who were great HIGH SCHOOL players. Many of them played college football, some at Division I, some at Division III. The word that seems to be missing from the discussion is TEAM. The Rebels from 2000-2013 were TEAM focused, not "ride this guy" focused.

The 2005 team in my mind was one of the best teams during that run and outside the Rebel faithful, many couldn't even name the key players on the team....

[Rebel-Fan-74]

.....and one more thing...

POLLS are for holding up the TeePee.

If you don't like this poll, start your own; that's how this one got it's start!