Pickens hasn't had much luck against Seneca recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Blue Flame will be playing in front of their home fans against the Bobcats at 7:30 p.m. Pickens has given up an average of 42.1 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Pickens is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against Daniel on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Blue Flame were beaten by the Lions 52-7. The matchup marked the Blue Flame's lowest-scoring game so far this season.
David Bolden put forth a good effort for the losing side as he rushed for 81 yards and one score.
Meanwhile, Seneca entered their tilt with Greer on Friday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They breezed past the Yellow Jackets to the tune of 42-13. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Bobcats' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' South Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 30th, while the Yellow Jackets are ranked 85th).
Pickens better keep an eye on Amari Verner. He was instrumental in Seneca's win, rushing for 341 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 14.2 yards per carry. Verner really tore up the turf during one magnificent 72-yard run. Another player making a difference was Gavin Thoma, who threw for 110 yards and one TD.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Seneca was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 402 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
One reason for the win was Seneca's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Jermaine Miller, Jamarion Hunter, and Caleb Chiles, who each picked up one sack apiece. Another thorn in Greer's side was Miller, who picked up a sack and made eight total tackles.
Seneca's win bumped their record up to 8-1. As for Pickens, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-6.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Pickens has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 209.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Seneca struggles in that department as they've been averaging 237.7 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Pickens was dealt a bruising 47-7 loss at the hands of Seneca in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Blue Flame were down 34-0.
