How South Pointe football is preparing for Westside, Gamecocks QB commit Cutter Woods
South Pointe (11-2) is one game away from playing for their eighth state championship.
Standing in the way is defending champion Westside (12-0), the SCHSL 4A upper state top seed from Anderson. The Rams have run through the season with just two games having a single-digit margin of victory. South Pointe coach Bobby Collins knows this might be the toughest test his team has had this season.
“Oh man, they are very good,” Collins said of Westside. “I think they have a really good group of skill guys. But first you have to step back and realize they have a quarterback already committed to the University of South Carolina and to play in the Shrine Bowl. So, it is evident that he is one of the best players in the state of South Carolina at the quarterback spot. Brian Lane, the head coach, won a state championship last year. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s got a great group of skill guys, from wide receivers to running backs (and) they kind of spread the ball around. Those same players like to flip over and play defense. I think it will be a good test, for sure.”
While it is evident Collins knows the challenge he and his team will be faced with on Friday night, he is also confident in the Stallions and doesn’t feel like they are taking on the underdog mindset.
“At the end of the day, we are still South Pointe,” Collins said. “So, we have to continue to do what we’ve learned in practice and throughout the season. We are just continuing to prepare the way we always have. I think if you start preparing differently because you are facing a tougher opponent, that doesn’t usually work out well. So, we are just staying with our process. We will score points and play great defense, it is that simple. So, until Friday night we are going to stick to what we do and make sure the guys are healthy and ready to go when the time comes.”
Collins made mention of the Rams’ quarterback. Cutter Woods is a 3-star prospect who averages 240 passing yards per game. Woods has also thrown 36 passing touchdowns this season and has a 68% completion percentage. It will be important for the Stallions to make Woods uncomfortable in the pocket, or a quarterback of his talent will be able to dissect a secondary.
“With our defense, it starts up front,” Collins said. “(Defensive end) Aakil Brown had seven sacks last game and 21 on the season. I would put our defensive line up against anyone in the state. We are truly one of the best in the state and we cut all four of those guys up front loose on the quarterback and it has worked for us all year. Again, we don’t want to change our process because of the name on the front of the jersey we are facing.”
South Pointe’s chances will greatly increase if senior running back Mason Pickett-Hicks has a similar performance this week as he did last week against Central’s D.W. Daniel where he rushed for 485 yards and six touchdowns.
“I think what Mason does is incredible,” Collins said. “But, even he tells people that the strongest part or biggest unit of our team is our offensive line. I think (Pickett-Hicks) is the best skill player in the state and I think he will showcase that on Friday night, but for us it starts with our offensive line and the way they are able to create space for Mason and let him get loose. Cause, once he does, good luck.”
The Stallions will travel to Anderson on Friday, and kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Collins gave his three keys to a victory.
“First and foremost, we can’t turn the football over,” he said. “A team like (Westside) will make the most out of your mistakes. The next is two-fold. You have to stay on the field on offense and have quick series on defense. Lastly, special teams have to play perfectly.”