The two surprise teams on the Grand Strand meet head to head Friday night when North Myrtle Beach (4-1) travels to Socastee (5-0).

Not only is it the region opener for both teams, it’s also a coming-out party for one. This game will decide which team is the legit contender for the region (and Cinderella) title and which one will have to battle from the back of the region pack.

Of the two rags-to-riches stories, the Chiefs’ is more compelling – a 22-game losing streak snapped and magically transformed into a three-game winning streak behind a stingy defense, a workhorse running back in Delonzo Williams and a talented sophomore quarterback Kendrick Furness.

But the Chiefs have not faced the level of competition they will see in region play, and Socastee is a rude introduction. The Braves are writing a pretty nice story themselves – looking for the first 6-0 start in school history tonight. Quarterback Hunter Renfrow leads a deep and disciplined triple-option attack that is tough to stop.

The only common opponent is West Brunswick, which Socastee defeated 35-28 back in Week 1 and North Myrtle Beach knocked out 21-7 the following week. This one comes down to depth and defense. … Socastee 27, North Myrtle Beach 24.

* Myrtle Beach at Wilson: The Seahawks deserve a break after their tough non-region schedule and Wilson (2-3) is as close as it comes to an easy win in the region this season.

The Tigers are as bandaged up as the Seahawks, who are lacking several key defensive players. They hope to recover from last week’s 56-55 win over Conway to see a less dramatic finish tonight.

Myrtle Beach QB Tyler Keane tied a state record with eight TD passes last week and he may have a big encore against these Tigers. … Myrtle Beach 37, Wilson 13.

* St. James at Georgetown: The Sharks have had a difficult week, still coming to grips with last week’s loss to Carvers Bay that saw the game slip through their hands, and more importantly, the devastating news that second-year coach Mark Fischer was diagnosed with cancer.

Fischer plans to return to the sidelines after undergoing treatment throughout the week, and the Sharks are sure to be fired up to win one for their coach. But the Bulldogs are a tough team on their home turf. … Georgetown 20, St. James 14.

Last week: 3-1; Overall record: 19-7

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