Keys to victory in top Midlands matchups

Here’s a look at the keys to the top five games in the Midlands:

Airport at Dreher – The Eagles will be without starting QB Brett Burnett and will need to play the short pass-extended run game against the Devils. More importantly, they will need to keep Blue Devil QB Avery Armstrong in check or he will hurt them. KEY PLAYER: QB Avery Armstrong, Dreher, needs to be held in check for the Eagles to win.

Batesburg-Leesville at Brookland-Cayce – Brookland-Cayce needs to do one simple thing – stop turning the ball over. Ten giveaways in two weeks have the Bearcats at 1-1. Ball protection makes this team one of the best in town if they can do it. KEY PLAYER: QB Kozie Brown, B-C, needs to read the defense better and protect the football for the Bearcats to win.

Lexington at Blythewood – The Wildcats outmatch the Bengals, but can’t afford to give up the big play. While Bengal QB David Isreal is dangerous, it’s the ground game Lexington needs to concern itself with, playing strong up front on defense. KEY PLAYER: RB Osei Thomas, Blythewood, is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and will need to be stopped to keep Bengals offense off the field.

Northwestern at Irmo – Irmo has not shown any offense and that could spell disaster against Northwestern if the offense leaves the defense hanging all night. KEY PLAYER: QB Ronnie Jamison, Irmo, needs to generate offense for the Jackets with no turnovers this week.

Swansea at Chapin – Battle of two teams with dangerous quarterbacks. This could be an exciting offensive show if the teams can’t contain the opposing signal caller. This will be Chapin’s first test of the season. KEY PLAYER: DL Mason Ray, Swansea, can be a wrecking crew in the Chapin backfield, and could be effective if the defense can contain Logan Bailey.