Week 12 high school football preview: video, capsules, playoff pairings

Daniel (6-4) at South Pointe (9-1)

Last week: both were idle

Last meeting: South Pointe won 20-14 (2010)

Key players: DWDHS - Soph. QB Ben Batson, Soph. LB Jake Venables, Sr. WR Carter Groomes, Sr. OL Cade Stewart (Shrine Bowl), Soph. LB Chris Barnes. SPHS - Sr. WR Quay Brown, Soph. ATH Derion Kendrick, Sr. OL Lamon Bryant, Sr. RB Zaylin Burris.

Need to know: Ten of Daniel’s 22 starters are sophomores, indicative of how tough the Lions will be in the coming years. This game might have come a bit early in their development, though Randy Robinson’s team did give South Pointe a great game about five years ago in the 3A state playoffs. The Stallions had a guy named Clowney - among others - that night, and Strait Herron’s team again has the star-power advantage in this one. Crucial for South Pointe- just four turnovers in 10 games thus far.

Wren (6-4) at Lancaster (8-2)

Last week: both were idle

Last meeting: never played

Key players: WHS - Sr. WR Bailey Rogers (North-South all-star), Jr. QB Jay Urich, Sr. RB Nathaniel Ekwere, Soph. LB Tekye Pickens. LHS - Soph. DE Markees Watts, Jr. LB Desmond Ricks; Sr. QB Darius Robinson, Sr. TE James Killian, Sr. OL Lewis Johnson (North-South all-star).

Need to know: Last time local fans saw Jay Urich he was throwing three interceptions as Blue Ridge’s quarterback in a 56-0 blowout loss to South Pointe in last year’s playoffs. But after transferring to Wren, Urich has continued to fill out (6-foot-4, 190 pounds), and is thriving in Wren’s spread offense. He’s thrown for over 2,300 yards and rushed for nearly 700 and will challenge a Lancaster defense that has surpassed expectations this fall. Lancaster has only beaten one team with a winning record, but Wren has beaten none.

Indian Land (7-3) at Woodruff (9-1)

Last week: both were idle

Last meeting: never played

Key players: ILHS - Jr. RB Lee Massey, Sr. FB/DL Austin Gordon, Sr. LB Trevor Martin, Sr. OL Dakota Brigman. WHS - Sr. DB Qua Phelps (North-South all-star), Fr. QB Keegan Halloran, Jr. WR Keith Pearson, Soph. RB Jairus Thompson.

Need to know: In Woodruff’s seven straight wins, the Wolverines have only scored less than 40 once. Trey Elder’s team is firing on all cylinders and ninth grade quarterback Keegan Halloran has certainly performed beyond his years. Indian Land is an experienced team - albeit limited athletically - and this may be an opportunity for Horatio Blades’ Warrior defense to try and blitz Halloran into confusion. On offense, Indian Land needs another big night from Lee Massey, who has 415 yards and five touchdowns in his last two games.

Lewisville (3-7) at Christ Church (8-2)

Last week: both were idle

Last meeting: Christ Church won 66-0 (2013)

Key players: LHS - Jr. ATH Mike Hill, Sr. LB Keilan Renegar, Sr. RB D.J. Robinson, Jr. LB Jene Thompson, Soph. ATH Quentin Sanders. CCES - Sr. WR Braxton Westfield (North-South all-star), P/K Julian Mina, Sr. OL Zack Epting (North-South all-star).

Need to know: Lewisville coach Will Mitchell said earlier in the week that standouts Josh Belk (sophomore defensive tackle) and Mike Hill (junior athlete) should both be able to play this week. Hill was the early leader in receiving in the first half of the season but has been hampered by a bum ankle, while Belk’s injured knee has prevented him from a steady run of games. The Lions will need them and more in a game where they’re the decided underdog. Christ Church saw its 55-game winning streak ended this season, but the Cavaliers have won the last four state titles. Lewisville will be happy to see Don Frost’s program join the 2A ranks next season.

This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Week 12 high school football preview: video, capsules, playoff pairings."