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South Carolina Upstate Prepares for High School Football Season

High school football players practicing on a field in South Carolina

News Summary

As high school football season approaches in South Carolina’s Upstate region, teams are gearing up for first practices starting August 2. A list of top senior players for the 2024 season has been released, showcasing incredible talent across various high schools. Key players include standout receivers, powerful linemen, and impressive defensive prospects, all drawing attention from collegiate programs. As fans anticipate the first games on August 23, the excitement builds around these young athletes and their potential contributions to their teams.

Spartanburg – The anticipation for the upcoming high school football season in South Carolina’s Upstate region is heating up as the first practices are set to begin on August 2, leading to Week Zero games scheduled for August 23. Recently, a list highlighting the top senior players for the 2024 season has been unveiled, showcasing a wealth of talent across several high schools.

Spartanburg High School has a standout prospect in a 6-foot-1 receiver weighing 170 pounds. This player has received an offer from Miami (Ohio) and despite suffering injuries last season as a sophomore, he also excelled in track, finishing third in the long jump during the Class AAAAA track season.

From Gaffney High School, offensive lineman Gaffney Dover stands out at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. Ranked as the No. 7 overall player in the junior class and within the top 40 offensive linemen nationally according to 247Sports, he has garnered interest from several colleges, including Tennessee and Kentucky. Dover will be teaming up with fellow South Carolina commit Shedrick Sarratt, strengthening the offensive line.

Riverside High School boasts a promising player in Eaddy, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 155 pounds. He already has offers from Maryland and West Virginia. Eaddy’s achievements on the field include an impressive tally of six interceptions as a freshman followed by three more last season, as well as a touchdown and six pass breakups.

Meanwhile, Boiling Springs will welcome transfer Favorite, a 6-foot, 170-pound player expected to serve as a shut-down defender. He has offers from several schools, including Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt, as he steps into this critical role.

Eastside High School has introduced Foster, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound player aiming to take on the lead running back role this season. He recorded 50 carries and four touchdowns during the previous season.

Pendleton features Garner, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound player who has impressive defensive stats on his resume, including nine sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss last season, contributing to a total of 49 solo tackles and an average of 8.3 tackles per game.

On the other hand, Gilmore High School showcases a formidable player, also named Gaffney, who stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 195 pounds. He is ranked the fourth-best player in the junior class by 247Sports and has received offers from big names, including Arkansas and Texas A&M. He previously transferred from Ben Lippen, where he posted 1,767 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Christ Church is highlighted by Hall, a 6-foot-4 receiver weighing 185 pounds. Teaming up with senior teammate Jackson Repp, Hall contributed significantly with 540 yards and nine touchdowns on 24 receptions. He has drawn offers from colleges including Boston College and Central Michigan.

Gaffney’s McDowell, a 5-foot-9, 160-pound player, accounted for 1,861 total yards and scored 17 touchdowns last season, leading his team with 1,313 rushing yards. His notable performances have attracted offers from several schools, including Appalachian State and Cincinnati.

The talent pool continues with Mountain View Prep‘s McGill, a versatile 5-foot-10, 195-pound player who is ranked as a four-star recruit and sixth in South Carolina. After transferring from Broome, he has received offers from powerhouse teams like Alabama and Georgia. Last season, he rushed for 1,792 yards, averaged 8.7 yards per carry, and scored 30 touchdowns.

At Easley, Stoker, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound quarterback, had an impressive season where he passed for 1,375 yards and 15 touchdowns with a completion rate of 60.4%.

Riverside’s Taylor, at 5-foot-4 and 160 pounds, registered 51 catches for 770 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, proving himself as a valuable red zone target.

Westside High School has Wilson, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound player who was the top tackler for the Class AAAA state champions with a total of 116 tackles.

Finally, at J.L. Mann, Workman arrives as a transfer from Eastside, where he made 102 tackles last season, showcasing his defensive capabilities with notable impacts such as 13 tackles for loss and eight quarterback pressures.

As the season approaches, the recognition of these talented senior players is a clear indication of the rich football culture in South Carolina’s Upstate region, promising an exciting season ahead for high school football fans.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG

The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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