Lowcountry High School Football Playoffs: 13 Matchups to Watch in the November 13 Postseason Showdown
From James Island’s undefeated season to a pair of Lowcountry rivalry rematches, Charleston-area high school football teams continue their pursuit of state championships this Friday.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The road to a state championship is getting narrower, and several Lowcountry high school football programs remain firmly in the hunt.
The second round of the 2026 South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) football playoffs kicks off Friday, November 13, while the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) enters its semifinal round.
For Charleston-area fans, the upcoming slate features familiar rivals, undefeated contenders, defending champions, and teams hoping to extend their seasons another week.
Here’s a look at the local programs still competing.
Class 5A: James Island, Fort Dorchester, Summerville and Berkeley
Fort Dorchester vs. James Island
One of the most anticipated matchups of the round features two familiar Region 5 rivals.
James Island enters the postseason with a 10-0 record after earning a first-round bye. The Trojans have been one of the Lowcountry’s most dominant teams this season.
Fort Dorchester, meanwhile, punched its ticket to the second round with a 34-24 victory over Wando on November 5.
The Patriots overcame an early deficit behind quarterback Landon Freeman, who accounted for four touchdowns.
Now they face an enormous challenge.
James Island defeated Fort Dorchester 56-0 during the regular season on October 2.
Will the Trojans continue their undefeated run, or can the Patriots deliver a major postseason upset?
Summerville vs. Carolina Forest
The Green Wave are moving forward after defeating Blythewood 28-7 in the opening round.
Summerville enters the second round at 8-3 and will travel to Carolina Forest in Horry County.
A victory would move the Green Wave another step closer to a Lower State championship appearance.
Berkeley vs. Gray Collegiate Academy
Berkeley enters the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
The Stags will face Gray Collegiate Academy, which advanced with a victory over Socastee.
Berkeley’s postseason journey now begins with a significant challenge against a program looking to continue its own playoff run.
Class 4A: Lucy Beckham Continues Its Championship Chase
Lucy Beckham vs. South Florence
The Bengals delivered one of the most convincing opening-round performances in the Lowcountry.
Lucy Beckham defeated North Myrtle Beach 56-0 on November 6, improving to 8-3.
The Bengals now travel to face South Florence in the second round.
After a commanding first-round performance, Lucy Beckham will look to carry that momentum into a tougher postseason matchup.
Class 3A: Another Lowcountry Rivalry Rematch
Hanahan vs. Oceanside Collegiate Academy
These programs know each other well.
Hanahan advanced after defeating Swansea 61-30 in the opening round, improving to 9-2.
Oceanside Collegiate Academy received a first-round bye and enters the matchup with a 6-3 record.
The teams met on October 2, when Oceanside defeated Hanahan 31-21.
Now the Hawks have an opportunity to avenge that loss with their season on the line.
Bishop England vs. Loris
Bishop England enters the second round after earning a first-round bye.
The Bishops will face Loris, which advanced following a first-round victory over Darlington.
Both teams will look to keep their postseason campaigns alive as the Class 3A bracket narrows.
Class 2A: Philip Simmons Faces Another Local Program
Woodland vs. Philip Simmons
Philip Simmons advanced with a 47-21 victory over Academic Magnet, extending its winning streak to eight games.
Woodland also secured a strong opening-round performance, defeating East Clarendon 34-3.
The Iron Horses and Wolverines now meet in a matchup that guarantees one Lowcountry-area program will advance while the other’s season comes to an end.
Class 1A Division II: Baptist Hill and Cross Stay Alive
Smaller-school programs are also making noise this postseason.
Baptist Hill vs. Lake View
Baptist Hill delivered a dominant opening-round victory, defeating Bethune-Bowman 76-6.
The Bobcats now travel to Lake View for their second-round matchup.
Denmark-Olar vs. Cross
Cross enters the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
The Trojans face Denmark-Olar, which advanced from its opening-round matchup against Lewisville.
For Cross, another win would keep its Class 1A Division II championship pursuit alive.
SCISA Semifinals: Four Charleston-Area Programs in the Spotlight
While public schools enter the second round, private-school teams are already one victory away from their respective state championship games.
Several Charleston-area programs will compete Friday.
Class 4A: Pinewood Prep vs. Northwood Academy
One of the week’s biggest SCISA matchups brings together two championship-caliber programs.
Northwood Academy captured the 2025 SCISA Class 4A state championship.
Pinewood Prep, meanwhile, won the 2025 Class 3A title before moving into the larger classification.
Both programs advanced through the opening round and now meet with a Class 4A championship berth on the line.
Class 4A: Porter-Gaud vs. Hammond
Porter-Gaud kept its season alive with an 18-15 opening-round victory over Laurence Manning Academy.
The Cyclones now face undefeated Hammond, one of SCISA’s traditional football powers.
A victory would send Porter-Gaud to the Class 4A championship game.
Class 3A: First Baptist vs. Wilson Hall
First Baptist advanced after defeating Northside Christian Academy 57-35.
The Hurricanes now meet Wilson Hall, which recorded a 49-0 first-round victory over Spartanburg Christian Academy.
The winner advances to the SCISA Class 3A state championship game.
Class A: Dorchester Academy vs. Clarendon Hall
Dorchester Academy of St. George remains alive in the Class A bracket following its first-round victory over Carolina Academy.
The Raiders will meet Clarendon Hall for an opportunity to compete for the state championship.
When Are the State Championships?
For SCHSL teams, the postseason continues with:
- November 13: Second round
- November 20: Third round
- November 27: State semifinals
- December 4–5: State championship games
SCHSL championship games are scheduled for Oliver C. Dawson Stadium at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg.
SCISA championship games will be held November 20–21 at Buccaneer Field on the campus of Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, with the Class 4A championship scheduled for November 20.
More Than Friday Night Football
For the players, coaches, marching bands, cheerleaders, families, and school communities, the playoffs represent months of preparation and hard work.
These are more than games on a schedule.
They’re opportunities for seniors to extend their high school careers, for younger players to build lasting memories, and for entire communities to rally behind their schools.
From Summerville and James Island to Berkeley County and St. George, the Lowcountry will have plenty to cheer for this Friday.
Which Charleston-area school will make the deepest postseason run?
What’s Going On In Charleston will continue following the 2026 high school football playoffs as teams advance toward their respective state championships.
Editor’s note: Matchups reflect the latest available postseason brackets as of November 9. Schools and athletic departments should be consulted for final kickoff times, host venues, ticket availability, and schedule changes.
