The Central (Pageland, SC) varsity football team will host Landrum (SC) 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 AA Football tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Central vs Landrum
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: Central vs Landrum
As the football season heats up, the matchup between Landrum and Central is set to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting styles but impressive stats. The Landrum Cardinals (5-4) and the Central Eagles (8-2) have both proven their mettle on the field, but the upcoming game will showcase not only their individual talents but their tactical differences.
Team Overview: Strengths and Weaknesses
Landrum enters the game with a solid overall record of 5-4, including a 3-1 record at home but a tougher 2-3 record on the road. The team has been an offensive force, averaging 34.8 points per game, with a particularly strong first half, putting up 13.8 points in the first quarter and 10.5 in the second. However, they struggle in the second half, averaging just 12.5 points over the final two quarters. With a high-paced offense, Landrum focuses on a balanced attack, with 223.3 rushing yards per game and 188.8 passing yards per game.
Key players include Aidan Kelley, who leads the team in rushing with 94.0 yards per game, and Ty Foster, who contributes significantly in the passing game with 187.4 passing yards per game. Micah McClintock stands out as a receiving threat, averaging 62.0 yards per game.
Defensively, Landrum is known for its tackling prowess, averaging 51.8 tackles per game, with AJ Lindsey leading the team with 10 tackles per game. The team also boasts a solid pass rush, with Domanic Whiteside recording 0.7 sacks per game.
On the other hand, Central has been a dominant force with an 8-2 record and an undefeated 5-0 record at home. The Eagles’ offense has been just as lethal, averaging 29.0 points per game. They have been especially effective early in the game, averaging 22.9 points in the first quarter, though their scoring drops significantly in the second half.
Offensively, Central relies more on a strong passing game with Dwayne Louallen Jr., who averages an impressive 130.7 total yards per game, and Tray Wilson, who contributes significantly in both receiving and running. The team has a more modest rushing attack, with Ashten Wilson leading the way with 72.6 yards per game.
Defensively, Central focuses on minimizing the opposition’s scoring, allowing just 124 points over the course of the season, a low 12.4 points per game. Marques Allen leads the defense with 6.9 tackles per game, while Kobe Davis contributes with 0.6 sacks per game.
Key Stats and Comparisons
Landrum has the edge in total offensive yardage, averaging 412.1 yards per game compared to Central’s 315.8. However, Central has been more efficient in scoring, with a higher win percentage at .800 compared to Landrum’s .556. Landrum’s offense is more dynamic, balancing rushing and passing, whereas Central has leaned heavily on passing efficiency, especially with Dwayne Louallen Jr. at the helm.
The defensive comparison shows a more aggressive pass rush for Landrum, which averages 1.7 sacks per game, while Central averages slightly more at 1.9 sacks per game. However, Central’s overall defensive performance has been more dominant, allowing far fewer points and tackles per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Blacksburg, with both securing dominant wins. Landrum defeated them 28-6 at home, while Central won 44-14 on their home turf. This shared success against a common opponent highlights the competitive nature of both teams.
Conclusion: What to Expect
In this upcoming matchup, Landrum’s explosive offense will look to overpower Central’s stout defense and high-scoring first-half performances. If they can maintain their offensive momentum throughout the second half, they’ll be a formidable opponent. Central’s consistency and defensive strength, particularly their ability to minimize points, will be crucial as they look to slow down Landrum’s potent attack and secure a critical victory.
With both teams coming off solid performances and boasting key players who can change the course of the game, this will surely be one of the most exciting games of the season. Expect fireworks from both sides as they vie for supremacy in this hard-fought battle.
