For the first time since 2005, the Strom Thurmond Rebels are heading to a state championship game. After an impressive playoff run, the Rebels will meet the 11-3 Hampton County Hurricanes in the Class AA state final.
Strom Thurmond enters the title game at 12–2 after putting together one of its best seasons in years. The Rebels swept Region II-AA and have leaned on a physical style of football on both sides of the ball throughout the playoffs.
Senior running back Deonte Phillips has led the way offensively for Strom Thurmond. Phillips is a 1,000-yard rusher and has tallied 23 rushing touchdowns on the ground this season. Strom Thurmond has complemented its rushing attack with a disciplined defense that has been very strong in the back half of the season.
Hampton County arrives in the championship with an 11–3 record and is averaging over 43 points per game on the season. The Hurricanes’ formidable run game has proven to be nearly unstoppable.
Senior running back Jaylen Singletary has been the focal point of their offense and enters the game as one of the top backs in all of South Carolina. Singletary has nearly 2,500 yards on the ground and 42 touchdowns on the year. He has surpassed 200 yards in five games this season, and if Strom Thurmond wants to have any chance in this game, it starts with slowing down Singletary.
The matchup sets up a physical, run-heavy showdown between two teams that have controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the postseason. Field position, clock management, and limiting big runs are going to be the key factors for both teams.
Kickoff is at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg, S.C.
