The Belton-Honea Path Bears (9-1) will host the Southside Christian Sabres (2-7) in a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. The game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football tournament, and will take place at Belton-Honea Path High School in Honea Path, SC.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Belton-Honea Path vs Southside Christian
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football
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Game preview: Woodruff vs Pendleton

As the 2024-25 high school football season progresses, the contrast between two local teams, Southside Christian and Belton-Honea Path, couldn’t be starker. The two teams have had very different seasons, both in terms of their performance and their statistical output.

Southside Christian (2-7 Overall, 1-4 Region)

Southside Christian has faced a tough season, with a 2-7 overall record and a region performance of 1-4. Their performance has been inconsistent, with a home record of 2-4 and an away record of 0-3. This has led to a low win percentage of .222, and they have struggled to put points on the board, averaging just 14.9 points per game. In comparison, their defense has also been a challenge, allowing an average of 23.3 points per game. Their offensive production is highlighted by Marquise Henderson’s strong individual performances, including 141.9 rushing yards per game and 12.7 points per game, making him a standout player on a struggling team.

However, the team does have some bright spots. Quarterback Noah Thomas has contributed 132.4 passing yards per game, while wide receiver Tajeh Watson-Martin leads the team with 61.5 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Tye Kelly has stood out with an average of 5.2 tackles per game, leading the charge for a defense that has struggled to keep opponents under control.

Belton-Honea Path (9-1 Overall, 4-0 Region)

In stark contrast, Belton-Honea Path has dominated this season with a 9-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 region performance. They have been impressive on both sides of the ball, averaging 42.4 points per game, far surpassing Southside Christian’s offensive output. They have been especially effective in the first half, averaging 29.1 points in the first two quarters. Their defense has been equally strong, allowing just 13.7 points per game.

The standout performers for Belton-Honea Path include quarterback and leader Noah Thomas, who has passed for 132.4 yards per game. Running back Marquise Henderson has been a force, rushing for 141.9 yards per game, while also scoring 12.7 points per game, both of which are impressive statistics. Their ability to dominate in all phases of the game has been evident, with a well-balanced offense that averages 379.8 total yards per game, a significant advantage over Southside Christian’s 134 total yards per game.

Key Team Comparisons

• Offense: Belton-Honea Path’s offensive juggernaut is led by their ability to run the ball effectively, averaging 246 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Southside Christian has struggled to find rhythm on offense, with a lower total yards average and a less efficient scoring system.
• Defense: Belton-Honea Path’s defense has allowed just 137 points this season, while Southside Christian has given up 233. The difference in their defensive performances is a key factor in their respective records.
• Special Teams: Belton-Honea Path has dominated in terms of both rushing and passing yards per game, outpacing Southside Christian in virtually every category.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against Palmetto, but with contrasting results. Southside Christian lost to Palmetto 21-10, while Belton-Honea Path enjoyed a 37-14 victory. This further highlights the difference in performance between the two teams when facing similar opponents.

Record Breakdown

• Southside Christian has struggled against league competition, posting a 1-4 record in region play, while Belton-Honea Path has been flawless in region action, with a 4-0 record.
• In terms of home and away games, Belton-Honea Path has excelled, with a 5-0 home record and a 4-1 away record, while Southside Christian has struggled on the road, posting a 0-3 away record.

Conclusion

As the season moves forward, the disparity in records and performance between Southside Christian and Belton-Honea Path could not be more pronounced. Belton-Honea Path’s dominant 9-1 season stands in stark contrast to Southside Christian’s rebuilding year. The matchups ahead will be critical for both teams as Southside Christian looks to build on its young roster and Belton-Honea Path continues its pursuit of further success.