Lancaster

Northwestern will scratch a seven-year itch and head back to the state championship game for the first time since 2001. The Trojans upended Lancaster, 45-14, Friday at District Three Stadium behind five touchdown passes from Justin Worley.

It doesn't take a doctor to diagnose what's twisting guts in the Tri-County area.

High school football teams in The Herald's circulation area have done well in this year's state playoffs. Class AAAA is split into two divisions, and with eight teams left, four -- Northwestern, South Pointe, Rock Hill and Lancaster -- are from the Herald's circulation area. In Class AAA, Chester is charging toward another appearance in the state finals.

GOOSE CREEK — Lancaster’s turnaround season has been led by its defense. Friday’s 28-20 win over Goose Creek in the second round of the Class AAAA Division II playoffs was no exception.

GREENWOOD — “A very big win for the Lancaster program!”

COLUMBIA — A pair of big plays and some timely defense allowed Lancaster to overcome a slow start to defeat Spring Valley 24-0.

LANCASTER — Sure, South Pointe has a prolific offense and is ranked among the nation’s best teams, but it’s the defense that continues to shine as the Stallions downed Lancaster 43-7 on Friday at Memorial Stadium.

LANCASTER — On Senior Night at Lancaster Memorial Stadium, the public address announcer told the crowd that there would be fireworks after the game.

LANCASTER — Northwestern thought its fill-the-skies offense might be bogged after a full rainy Friday. The Trojans knew they would have trouble moving the ball, what with a soggy field, hard-to-handle pigskins and a tough Lancaster defense.

Bennie McMurray wasn't expecting the call from Jimmy "Moose" Wallace in 1983, but when it came, McMurray saw a good career opportunity.