The Bishop England Battling Bishops (8-2) will host the South Aiken Thoroughbreds (6-4) for 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 AAAA Football tournament in Charleston, SC.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Bishop England vs South Aiken
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAA Football
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Game preview: Bishop England vs South Aiken
As the high school football season continues, two teams have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike: South Aiken and Bishop England. Both teams have had strong campaigns in the 2024-2025 season, showcasing impressive records, dynamic players, and a promising future.
Record and Rankings
South Aiken boasts a solid 6-4 record overall, with a 4-3 mark in region play. Their performance has been a blend of highs and lows, with a balanced home and away record of 3-1 and 3-3, respectively. They are averaging 24.9 points per game, managing to stay competitive in a tough region. However, their total points scored and allowed (249 for each) indicate that they’ve been in some tight matchups this season.
Bishop England, on the other hand, has had a standout season, posting an 8-2 record overall and an impressive 4-1 region mark. Their away performance has been stellar, winning all five of their away games, while their home record stands at 3-2. With an average of 26.5 points per game, Bishop England has shown a consistent ability to score, and their defense has been effective, allowing only 158 points this season.
Team Scoring and Offensive Efficiency
In terms of scoring, South Aiken and Bishop England are relatively close, with Bishop England averaging 26.5 points per game compared to South Aiken’s 24.9. South Aiken starts strong in the first quarter with an average of 6.2 points but tends to slow down in the third quarter (3.4 points). They rely heavily on the fourth quarter, where they average 8.1 points to close out games. Bishop England, while slightly higher in scoring, has a more consistent offensive output, especially in the second quarter where they average 7.0 points.
Key Players
Both teams feature standout athletes who have contributed significantly to their successes this season.
For South Aiken, Jevon Edwards has been a force to be reckoned with. The senior running back leads the team with 230.8 rushing yards per game and has accounted for 244.7 total yards per game, as well as 16.8 points per game. Quarterback Tucker Bryan has also been a key contributor, throwing for 112.7 passing yards per game, and Kyson McLeod has provided a receiving threat with 52.1 yards per game.
Bishop England, while not offering specific individual stats for rushing, passing, or receiving, has been balanced in all aspects of the game. Their offensive success has been helped by a collective effort, with standout players contributing across the board.
Defensive and Statistical Comparison
Looking at the defensive side of the ball, South Aiken averages 60.7 tackles per game and 1.5 sacks per game. They are aggressive but need to find more consistency in the pass rush to truly dominate. Bishop England has been more stingy with their defense, giving up only 158 points over the course of the season. This is a testament to their strong defensive unit and ability to shut down opponents when it matters most.
Breakdown by Opponent and Venue
South Aiken has played a mix of league and non-league opponents, with a 2-1 record in non-league games. They have been slightly more vulnerable on the road, with a 3-3 away record. In contrast, Bishop England has excelled on the road, boasting a perfect 5-0 away record this season, which speaks to their resilience in hostile environments. Both teams have had strong in-state performances, with South Aiken going 6-3 and Bishop England finishing 8-2 in state games.
Conclusion
Both South Aiken and Bishop England have shown that they can compete at a high level this season. While South Aiken has been competitive, their inability to perform consistently on the road has held them back. On the other hand, Bishop England’s perfect away record and solid defense have made them one of the top contenders in their region. With a strong finish to the season, both teams have the potential to make a deep playoff run, and it will be exciting to see how they fare in their final matchups.
