Airport, A.C. Flora face off in one of Midlands’ most intriguing matchups

Here are my keys to victory for Week 5 in key games of Midlands high school football:

AIRPORT AT A.C. FLORA: This game will be a battle between two of the Midlands’ top 3A teams, especially on defense. Airport has had an explosive offense thus far, and has posted two consecutive shutouts. Flora needs to score early and have big first down plays. KEY PLAYER: Brendan Greene, QB, A.C. Flora.

DUTCH FORK AT SUMTER: The Silver Foxes have looked strong two consecutive weeks and will need solid play out of their ground attack, as well as good play from the defensive front to beat a talented Sumter team. KEY PLAYER: Clayton Jones, RB, Dutch Fork.

IRMO AT BLYTHEWOOD: The Bengals are talented, no doubt, but the Irmo Yellow Jackets have put together two pretty good offensive showings, despite the loss two weeks ago to Ridge View. This game could come down to turnovers. KEY PLAYER: Kyle Wright, RB, Blythewood.

SWANSEA AT SILVER BLUFF: The Tigers will take the explosive offensive ground game to Silver Bluff and take on a physical Bulldog team. I don’t think Silver Bluff will have an answer for the Tigers’ one-two punch on offense. KEY PLAYER: Chance Walker, QB, Swansea.

GRAY COLLEGIATE AT CALHOUN COUNTY: The Saints are on a roll and putting up big numbers on offense. This will be one of the bigger teams Gray will face on its schedule this year and will need to limit the big play from the Saints’ quarterback. KEY PLAYER: Terrance Brunson, QB, Calhoun County.

This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 9:48 PM with the headline "Airport, A.C. Flora face off in one of Midlands’ most intriguing matchups."