The Bamberg-Ehrhardt Red Raiders (6-2) varsity football team from Bamberg, SC, will host the Bethune-Bowman Mohawks (1-9) from Orangeburg, SC, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class A Football tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs Bethune-Bowman
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class A Football
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Game preview: Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs Bethune-Bowman
The 2024 high school football season has been a tale of opposites for the Bamberg-Ehrhardt Braves and the Bethune-Bowman Mohawks. With stark differences in record, scoring, and rankings, these two teams head into the end of the season with very different trajectories.
Team Records & Rankings
Bamberg-Ehrhardt stands strong with a 6-2 overall record, including an impressive 4-0 in-region performance. They’re ranked 130th in the state and 6th in their class, which underscores their competitive season. In contrast, Bethune-Bowman struggled through a 1-9 season, with a 1-5 record in regional play and a ranking of 245th in the state. The Mohawks have had difficulty finding their footing both at home (0-5) and on the road (1-4), resulting in a low win percentage of 10%.
Scoring Averages and Game Trends
Bamberg-Ehrhardt’s offense has been consistently productive, averaging 32.3 points per game, thanks to strong starts, particularly in the first quarter (16.2 points on average). The Braves often seize early leads, which they manage to maintain even with a steady decline in points through each quarter. Meanwhile, Bethune-Bowman has struggled offensively, averaging just 8.6 points per game and often ending games without scoring.
Offensive & Defensive Stats
Bethune-Bowman’s offense has averaged 141.7 total yards per game, with their leading rusher, Maurice Dawson, achieving 68.3 rushing yards per game. Jaedon Bell, the team’s quarterback, leads with 145 passing yards per game and accounts for 157 total yards per game—more than the national average of 36.7 yards. Defensively, the Mohawks are led by Kevin Zeigler, who averages 3.0 tackles per game. Despite these individual efforts, the team has struggled to contain opponents, who have outscored them significantly this season.
On the other hand, Bamberg-Ehrhardt has had stronger all-around performances, both in scoring and defense, holding their opponents to an average of just 13.3 points per game while maintaining a balanced offense and consistent execution.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Hardeeville and Woodland, with very different outcomes. Bamberg-Ehrhardt defeated Hardeeville 47-0 and narrowly lost to Woodland, 25-20. Meanwhile, Bethune-Bowman lost decisively to both teams, with a 48-6 defeat against Hardeeville and a 42-0 shutout by Woodland. These outcomes underscore the performance gap between the two teams, particularly against common opponents.
Playoff Potential
With Bamberg-Ehrhardt’s 6-2 record and flawless 4-0 in-region standing, the Braves are well-positioned for a postseason run. The Mohawks, at 1-9, will look to rebuild and regroup for next season, focusing on strengthening their offense and defensive capabilities to better compete in future matchups.
This season shows that while Bethune-Bowman has individual talent and flashes of potential, Bamberg-Ehrhardt has found the formula for team success. The Braves are now eyeing a successful playoff campaign, while the Mohawks are looking ahead to brighter seasons.
