The Batesburg-Leesville Panthers (10-0) varsity football team from Batesburg, SC, will host the Columbia Capitals (5-5) in a 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 AA Football tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Batesburg-Leesville vs Columbia
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AA Football
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Game preview: Batesburg-Leesville vs Columbia
This Friday, Columbia High School will face an uphill battle as they take on the undefeated Batesburg-Leesville. The two teams’ records and stats reveal a considerable difference in performance this season, making this matchup one to watch as Columbia tries to rise to the challenge against one of the state’s strongest teams.
Team Records and Rankings
Columbia stands at 5-5 overall, with a 1-3 record in their region, and a win rate of .500 overall but only .250 within the region. Ranked 196th in Class SC, Columbia has struggled on home turf, going 1-4, but they have found more success on the road with a 4-1 record.
On the other hand, Batesburg-Leesville boasts an impeccable 10-0 season, holding an unblemished 5-0 record in region play and ranking 39th in Class SC. Batesburg-Leesville’s dominance is evident both at home (6-0) and away (4-0), with a flawless record and an imposing point differential, having scored 388 points while conceding only 70.
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
Batesburg-Leesville has a significant advantage in offensive firepower, scoring an average of 38.8 points per game compared to Columbia’s 14.8. Columbia’s average points-per-quarter breakdown highlights a team that tends to come alive later in games, with a relatively high average of 7.7 points in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Batesburg-Leesville establishes control early on, averaging over 12 points in the first quarter alone.
Defensively, Batesburg-Leesville is more solid, allowing fewer points and holding opponents to just 7 points per game, while Columbia concedes about 20.7 points per game.
Key Players to Watch
Columbia will rely on standout performances from players like Justin Wright, who leads the team in rushing (55.3 yards per game), passing (45.1 yards per game), and total yardage (100.4 yards per game). Additionally, Malachi Butler has been a consistent receiver, averaging 28.4 yards per game.
For Batesburg-Leesville, Amadre Wooden is a dynamic force, with 154.3 rushing yards per game and 11.6 points per game, establishing himself as a dual threat who could prove challenging for Columbia’s defense. Tanner Watkins adds an aerial component, averaging 124.5 passing yards per game, while Jamerius Clark leads the receiving unit with 50 yards per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Pelion, Wagener-Salley, and Mid-Carolina. Columbia holds a 2-1 record against these opponents, while Batesburg-Leesville went undefeated, showcasing the power gap. Batesburg-Leesville outscored their common opponents by significant margins, whereas Columbia has had more closely contested games.
The Challenge Ahead for Columbia
With Batesburg-Leesville’s strengths in both offensive yardage (314.7 total yards per game) and defensive prowess, Columbia will need to step up in multiple areas, particularly in rushing and passing efficiency, to keep pace. The game will likely hinge on whether Columbia’s defense can contain Batesburg-Leesville’s versatile offense and whether Justin Wright and Malachi Butler can deliver standout performances to give Columbia a fighting chance.
As the game approaches, Columbia’s players and fans know they’ll be up against one of the most formidable teams in South Carolina. A victory would be a thrilling upset for Columbia and a remarkable way to cap their season.
