The Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes (7-3) will host the West Ashley Wildcats (4-6) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1 tournament. The game will take place in Summerville, SC.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Ashley Ridge vs West Ashley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1
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Game preview: Ashley Ridge vs West Ashley
As the high school football season enters its final stretch, West Ashley (Charleston, SC) and Ashley Ridge (Summerville, SC) are set to face off in a thrilling playoff matchup on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This game comes after a hard-fought 47-41 loss for West Ashley in a regular-season contest on November 1. With both teams now in the postseason, all eyes will be on this high-stakes rematch.
Team Overview
West Ashley, with a 4-6 overall record and a 2-3 region record, has shown resilience despite a tough season. The team has averaged 22.9 points per game, with standout performances from players like Jayden Acosta, who leads the team in rushing and points per game. However, the team’s inconsistent performance across quarters, where they average only 6.0 points in the first quarter and 5.9 in the third, has hurt their chances in key moments.
Ashley Ridge, boasting a 7-3 overall record and a 3-2 region record, has been a powerhouse this season. Averaging 40.9 points per game, they have proven to be a dynamic offense. The team excels in both passing and rushing, averaging 313.7 passing yards and 167.5 rushing yards per game. Their offense is highlighted by Trevor Kalisz, who leads the team in total yards and passing yards, and Jaiden Deweese, a top target in the receiving game.
Last Encounter
In their last meeting on November 1, Ashley Ridge outlasted West Ashley with a 47-41 win. Despite a strong comeback from West Ashley, Ashley Ridge’s explosive offense ultimately sealed the victory. West Ashley was able to make significant strides in the second half, scoring 14 points in the third quarter, but couldn’t keep up with Ashley Ridge’s fourth-quarter surge.
Key Matchup: Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Grit
West Ashley will need to step up their defense if they hope to keep pace with Ashley Ridge’s high-scoring offense. With 81.6 tackles per game, West Ashley has been solid defensively, but they face a tough challenge in containing Ashley Ridge’s diverse offensive attack, which is capable of both big passing plays and powerful rushing runs.
One of West Ashley’s strengths is their individual playmakers. Acosta’s 129.3 rushing yards per game and Kalisz’s 308.6 passing yards per game give the Wildcats a potent offensive punch. But Ashley Ridge, with weapons like Kalisz (323.8 total yards per game) and Deweese (115.4 receiving yards per game), will likely test West Ashley’s secondary and defensive line.
Common Opponents
When comparing the two teams’ performance against common opponents, Ashley Ridge has emerged as the stronger squad, with a 5-2 record against teams that both schools faced, compared to West Ashley’s 3-4 record. Both teams had notable wins, such as West Ashley’s victory over Cane Bay and Ashley Ridge’s dominant win over Wando, but Ashley Ridge has consistently outperformed West Ashley in their region games.
Playoff Implications
This playoff game is critical for both teams. West Ashley, with a 3-2 record at home, will look to take advantage of their familiarity with the field, but their record on the road (1-4) is a concern. On the other hand, Ashley Ridge will be looking to build on their strong regular season and prove that their offense is built for the postseason.
Conclusion
Friday’s playoff game promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with different strengths. West Ashley’s defense and individual offensive playmakers will need to shine if they hope to knock off the higher-seeded Ashley Ridge. However, Ashley Ridge’s potent offense, led by Kalisz and Deweese, could prove to be too much for West Ashley’s defense to handle.
With playoff glory on the line, this rematch is sure to be one for the books. Be sure to tune in at 7:30 p.m. to watch these two South Carolina powerhouses battle it out for a spot in the next round.
