The Southwest DeKalb (Decatur, GA) varsity football team will host Benedictine (Savannah, GA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Southwest DeKalb. This game is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for GHSA Class 4A.

Benedictine vs Southwest DeKalb High School Football Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Benedictine vs Southwest DeKalb
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30p p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Benedictine vs Southwest DeKalb

The 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets have set the stage for an exciting Class 4A matchup between Benedictine (Savannah, GA) and Southwest DeKalb (Decatur, GA). This playoff game, scheduled for Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Southwest DeKalb, promises to be a thrilling contest between two strong teams with contrasting records and styles of play.

Benedictine: A Strong, Balanced Squad

Benedictine enters the game with a 5-4 overall record and a 3-2 region record. The team has shown resilience, especially in its away games, where they hold a 2-1 record. While they had a somewhat up-and-down season, Benedictine remains a dangerous opponent with a balanced offensive attack. The team averages 31 points per game and boasts a solid defense, giving up 199 points this season.

The Benedictine offense has been particularly strong in the passing game, averaging 228 yards per game. Senior quarterback Stephen Cannon has been a key leader, totaling over 200 passing yards per game. Running back Stanley Smart Jr. adds a strong rushing presence, averaging 68.1 yards per game.

Defensively, linebacker Isaiah Jones leads the team with 7.6 tackles per game, while defensive lineman Herbert “Third” Scroggins III provides pressure with 1.9 sacks per game. With an overall well-rounded team, Benedictine will be looking to put their skills to the test as they aim to upset Southwest DeKalb.

Southwest DeKalb: A Powerhouse with Explosive Offense

Southwest DeKalb, on the other hand, enters the playoffs with a 7-3 record, including a 6-2 region mark. They have been dominant at home, boasting a 3-1 record in their own stadium. Their offense has been electric, averaging 44.4 points per game — nearly double what Benedictine scores. The team is known for its high-scoring output, particularly in the second half, where they average over 13 points in both the third and fourth quarters.

Southwest DeKalb’s offense is powered by a strong running and passing game. They don’t rely on one specific player, as their offensive attack is well-balanced. The team’s success can be attributed to the combined effort of their running backs and quarterbacks, who have been able to create explosive plays throughout the season.

Defensively, Southwest DeKalb has been efficient, allowing just 198 points on the season. Their defense is led by linebacker Macklin Sanders, who has been a tackling machine with 13.1 tackles per game.

The Key Matchups

• Benedictine’s Passing Game vs. Southwest DeKalb’s Defense: Benedictine’s ability to move the ball through the air will be crucial, especially against Southwest DeKalb’s defense. With quarterback Stephen Cannon and wide receiver Bubba Frazier leading the charge, Benedictine will need to capitalize on passing opportunities.
• Southwest DeKalb’s High-Scoring Offense vs. Benedictine’s Defense: Southwest DeKalb’s offense has been one of the most potent in the region, averaging over 40 points per game. Benedictine will need to make adjustments to keep the game close, relying on their solid defense to slow down the high-powered attack.
• Turnovers and Field Position: In a game like this, turnovers and field position could play a pivotal role. Both teams will need to limit mistakes, and the team that wins the turnover battle is likely to gain an edge.

Conclusion

This matchup is shaping up to be an exciting showdown between two talented teams. Southwest DeKalb comes in as the stronger team on paper, with their explosive offense and impressive season. However, Benedictine has the talent and experience to pull off an upset. This game will likely come down to which team can execute under pressure and make key plays when it matters most.

Football fans should be in for a treat as these two teams clash in the 2024 GHSA Class 4A playoffs on November 15 at Southwest DeKalb. The winner will advance to the next round, so expect both teams to leave it all on the field.