---
title: "Laurens Academy Hosts Wardlaw in 8-Man Playoff Opener"
url: https://www.hereclinton.com/2026/11/05/laurens-academy-hosts-wardlaw-scisa-8-man-playoff-opener/
date: 2026-11-05T05:19:26-05:00
modified: 2026-11-05T05:21:16-05:00
author: "Marty Castellanos"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Clinton"
attribution: "HERE Clinton"
---

# Laurens Academy Hosts Wardlaw in 8-Man Playoff Opener

> LAURENS, S.C. — Laurens Academy starts its push for a SCISA 8-man football title on its own field Friday, Nov. 6, when the Crusaders take on Wardlaw Academy in the opening round of the state playoffs. The two teams already know each other. Laurens Academy handled the Patriots 42-13 earlier this season, and the Crusaders

*Source: [HERE Clinton](https://www.hereclinton.com/2026/11/05/laurens-academy-hosts-wardlaw-scisa-8-man-playoff-opener/) — November 5, 2026 by Marty Castellanos*

LAURENS, S.C. — Laurens Academy starts its push for a SCISA 8-man football title on its own field Friday, Nov. 6, when the Crusaders take on Wardlaw Academy in the opening round of the state playoffs.

The two teams already know each other. Laurens Academy handled the Patriots 42-13 earlier this season, and the Crusaders bring an 8-1 record into the postseason.

Their only setback came in the regular-season finale. After winning each of their first eight games, the Crusaders dropped a 28-24 decision to Richard Winn Academy, a team they had beaten once already.

Advancing would send Laurens Academy to the semifinals on Nov. 13 against whichever team wins Friday between Cambridge Academy and Jefferson Davis Academy. Jefferson Davis, the host in that game, went through the regular season without a loss and won its region.

The rest of the 8-man bracket has Andrew Jackson Academy at Newberry Academy and Richard Winn at W.W. King Academy, the defending champion in the division.

The 8-man title game is scheduled for Nov. 20 at a neutral site. Laurens Academy played in that game a year ago and finished as state runner-up after falling 50-36 to King.