Quarterback

Lions’ quarterback Justin Walker has been a three-year starter and has proven time and again that he is one of the better quarterbacks in the area. He earned all-region honors last year and looked sharp in Week 1 against Easley. Hanna quarterback Dajun Martin looked impressive in his debut against Westside, throwing three touchdown passes.

Advantage: Daniel

Running Back

The speedy Michael Wingard gets most of the carries for Daniel and he usually doesn’t disappoint. After a solid season last year, Wingard moved the ball effectively when given the opportunity against Easley. Hanna employs a four person running attack with each player receiving roughly the same amount of carries. Brandon Williams, LaDarious Norris, Dominique Ellis, and Javontae Brown all are capable of making the big play, but Wingard is still the better player.

Advantage: Daniel

Wide Receiver:

Although Daniel has above average receivers, it’s difficult to compete with the two future Division I receivers that Hanna puts on the outside. Quinton Payton and Martavis Bryant will both play in the ACC, with Payton at N.C. State next year and Bryant at Clemson in two years. Payton had two touchdowns last week, including one of 44 yards. Lion receivers Marcus Greenlee and Marquez McDowell are no pushovers, but Hanna has simply too much firepower.

Advantage: Hanna

Offensive Line:

Daniel lost three starters off last year’s team and actually had to convert defensive players into offensive players in order to compensate. Last week, Daniel failed to execute on the offensive line in many key situations, resulting in negative gains and turnovers on downs. If Daniel wants to compete for a state championship, this unit is going to really have to come together and improve. Hanna’s linemen are also inexperienced

Advantage: Daniel

Run Defense

Daniel’s defense was a focal point of last season’s success. A lot of that had to do with a strong defensive line that pressured the quarterback and allowed the secondary to accumulate a number of interceptions. Duvon Young and Michael Stone are returning all-region performers on that line. Wynton Botchway leads the way at linebacker. Hanna will be led by defensive end Max Ridgeway, a senior who has starred in the past. They also return all-region linebacker Jacob Nicolopolus That being said, Daniel’s defense line, and defense as a whole, is extremely talented. When the offense sputtered last week, it was the defense that nearly completed a shutout.

Advantage: Daniel

Pass Defense

Daniel’s secondary is led by two cornerbacks: Virginia Tech commit Jerrod Williams and DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins has already been offered scholarships to Clemson and South Carolina and totaled 14 interceptions last season to lead this exceptional group. Hanna’s combination of Marcellus Hunter and Devin Stowers are quite strong, but don’t match up to Daniel’s Division I duo.

Advantage: Daniel

Special Teams

There is no overwhelming difference between the two teams on special teams. Daniel kicker Logan Howard is steady, as is Yellow Jacket kicker Jolt Harrell. Daniel gets the edge because of Jerrod Williams returning punts. Williams is explosive and is capable of taking one the distance at any time.

Advantage: Daniel