The Northwestern (Rock Hill, SC) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Gaffney (SC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 2 tournament.

Northwestern vs Gaffney Football Game Info:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Northwestern vs Gaffney
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 2
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Game preview: Northwestern vs Gaffney

As the 2024 high school football season reaches its climax, two of South Carolina’s premier teams, Gaffney and Northwestern, have emerged as dominant forces. Both programs have excelled on the field, showcasing high-powered offenses, tough defenses, and stellar individual performances. Here’s a breakdown of how these two juggernauts compare heading into their matchup, analyzing their rankings, records, and key statistics.

Team Records and Rankings

• Gaffney has posted an impressive 10-1 record overall and a 5-1 region mark, placing them among the top contenders in the state. Their strong performance has earned them a #6 state ranking and a #24 national ranking. Gaffney has excelled at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record, and their high win percentage of .909 reflects their consistency throughout the season.
• Northwestern, on the other hand, has been nothing short of unstoppable. With a flawless 12-0 record and a perfect 6-0 region record, they are ranked #2 in South Carolina and #91 nationally. Their perfect record speaks volumes about their dominance, especially their impressive performance on the road, where they remain undefeated at 6-0.

Offensive Showdowns

Both teams have explosive offenses, but Northwestern’s scoring machine has been a standout this season. The Trojans have an average of 49.8 points per game, far surpassing Gaffney’s 30.6 points per game. Northwestern’s offense is powered by a diverse attack, averaging 262.8 passing yards and 161.3 rushing yards per game. The Gaffney Indians, meanwhile, post 194.9 passing yards and 170.5 rushing yards per game.

In terms of scoring consistency, Northwestern has been lethal in the first half, averaging 14.6 points in the first quarter and 19.0 points in the second, while Gaffney struggles to keep pace in the early stages, averaging 5.6 points in the first quarter.

Defensive Prowess

On the defensive side, both teams are formidable, but Northwestern stands out with its aggressive play. The Trojans average 54.3 tackles per game, compared to Gaffney’s 38.9. Both teams are relatively close in sacks, with Northwestern registering 2.4 sacks per game and Gaffney at 2.5. However, Gaffney’s defense will need to step up to challenge Northwestern’s explosive offense.

Key Players to Watch

• For Gaffney, Jaiden McDowell has been the engine of their offense, rushing for 58.6 yards per game, while Jayvon Gilmore has been impressive, averaging 189.6 passing yards per game. Jamarcus Smith has also contributed significantly to the offense, recording 86.7 receiving yards per game.
• Northwestern boasts a star-studded lineup. Zymier Gordon-Miles leads their ground attack with 88.8 rushing yards per game, while Finley Polk has been an aerial threat, averaging 245.4 passing yards per game. Kameron Vance provides a reliable target, with 79.4 receiving yards per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

While both teams have had stellar seasons, their paths haven’t crossed yet in 2024. The head-to-head record between the two schools stands at 0-0, adding extra intrigue to any potential postseason meeting. Neither has faced each other in the playoffs this season, but their performance against common opponents will be crucial in determining the outcome of a future matchup.

Final Thoughts

As the 2024 season continues to unfold, the clash between Gaffney and Northwestern is shaping up to be a highly anticipated battle of high-scoring offenses and rock-solid defenses. Northwestern’s perfect season and powerhouse attack make them the team to beat, but Gaffney has the talent and grit to challenge their supremacy. Fans should be on the lookout for a game filled with explosive plays, key matchups, and high drama as these two teams vie for supremacy in South Carolina high school football.