By Coastal Carolina News Staff
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — With just one week remaining in the regular season, several Horry County teams made important moves in the playoff race Friday night. Conway continued its late-season turnaround, Carolina Forest enhanced its postseason positioning, and Loris delivered one of the area’s most memorable offensive performances despite coming up just short in a dramatic shootout.
CONWAY CONTINUES LATE-SEASON CHARGE
The Conway Tigers improved to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in region play with a convincing 41-13 victory over St. James. The win marked Conway’s second consecutive victory and kept the Tigers moving in the right direction heading into the final week of the regular season.
Conway’s offense was led by tailback Gabe Williams, who scored three first-half touchdowns as the Tigers built control of the contest and never looked back.
After a difficult midseason stretch, Conway has now won three of its last four home games and appears to be peaking at the right time. The Tigers have increased their scoring average to nearly 27 points per game and remain firmly in the postseason conversation entering their regular-season finale.
Playoff Outlook: At 4-5 overall and 3-2 in region play, Conway has put itself in position to compete for a postseason berth. A win next week would give the Tigers a .500 regular-season record and additional momentum entering playoff selection.
Next Week: Conway (4-5) travels to face West Florence.
CAROLINA FOREST STAYS IN POSTSEASON DRIVER’S SEAT
The Carolina Forest Panthers improved to 7-2 overall and 3-1 in region competition with a 42-34 victory over Wando. The Panthers once again showcased an explosive offense, topping the 40-point mark for the fifth time this season.
Carolina Forest’s resume continues to grow with victories over Conway, New Hanover, West Ashley, Goose Creek, and now Wando.
While individual statistics were not available from published reports, the Panthers continued a season-long trend of offensive consistency and timely big plays.
Playoff Outlook: At 7-2, Carolina Forest has already secured one of the strongest resumes in the Grand Strand area. The Panthers enter the final week with an opportunity to strengthen their playoff seeding and potentially host postseason games.
Next Week: Carolina Forest (7-2) travels to Cane Bay.
LORIS DROPS HEARTBREAKER DESPITE MONSTER OFFENSIVE NIGHT
Few teams in South Carolina played a more entertaining game than the Loris Lions, who suffered a 52-49 loss to Hartsville in a game that featured 101 combined points.
The Lions led 28-10 in the second quarter and appeared poised to secure a key region victory before Hartsville mounted a second-half comeback.
Despite the loss, Loris produced some of the most impressive individual performances of the week.
Running back Makel Stephens rushed for 188 yards and five touchdowns while adding 48 receiving yards. It marked his sixth consecutive game with at least 120 rushing yards.
Quarterback Ayden Scott completed 16 of 25 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiver Roderick Purcha hauled in six catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns, including a long scoring reception late in the contest.
The defeat dropped Loris to 6-2 overall and represented the team’s first region loss of the season.
Playoff Outlook: Even with the loss, Loris remains one of the area’s strongest playoff contenders. A six-win season and explosive offensive production should position the Lions well entering postseason play.
Next Week: Loris (6-2) hosts Lakewood.
AYNOR CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE SEASON
The Aynor Blue Jackets improved to 6-2 with a 43-18 victory over Lakewood. Aynor controlled the contest throughout and continued one of the strongest campaigns in recent program history.
Although published reports did not include individual statistics, the Blue Jackets once again displayed the balanced play that has helped establish them as a contender entering the postseason.
Playoff Outlook: At 6-2, Aynor is well positioned entering the final week of the regular season. Another victory would further strengthen the Blue Jackets’ playoff profile and momentum.
Next Week: Aynor (6-2) travels to face rival Loris.
HORRY COUNTY SCOREBOARD
Conway 41, St. James 13
Carolina Forest 42, Wando 34
Hartsville 52, Loris 49
Aynor 43, Lakewood 18
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Makel Stephens, Loris: 188 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and 48 receiving yards in the Lions’ 52-49 shootout against Hartsville.
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHUPS
Conway (4-5) at West Florence
Carolina Forest (7-2) at Cane Bay
Loris (6-2) vs. Lakewood
Aynor (6-2) at Loris
As playoff brackets begin to take shape, Carolina Forest appears poised for a strong postseason seed, while Conway, Loris, and Aynor all enter the season’s final week with plenty still at stake.
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