The Chapin Eagles (5-5) will host the Goose Creek Gators (5-5) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Chapin vs Goose Creek
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 2
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Game preview: Chapin vs Goose Creek

The 2024-25 high school football season has seen solid performances from both Goose Creek and Chapin, with each team ending their regular seasons with an even 5-5 record. However, their paths have been marked by different strengths, playing styles, and performances, particularly in key matchups and statistical categories.

Team Overview:

Goose Creek (5-5 overall, 3-2 region) has maintained a balanced approach throughout the season, with a win percentage of .500 and a region win percentage of .600. Their overall scoring has averaged 21.7 points per game, with a strong focus on both the ground and passing game. Goose Creek’s offense has managed 217 points for the season, while allowing 186 points against.

On the other hand, Chapin (5-5 overall, 1-4 region) has faced more challenges within their region, with a much lower region win percentage of .200. However, their overall offensive production has been impressive, scoring 336 points throughout the season and averaging 33.6 points per game, despite a higher points allowed total (377). Their ability to put up points has been key, but their defense has been susceptible at times.

Scoring Breakdown:

In terms of scoring by quarter, Chapin has been more consistent and potent throughout the game. They average 10.1 points in the first quarter and 11.0 points in the second, giving them an early advantage. Goose Creek, by comparison, has been quieter in the second quarter (only 2.5 points), but rebounds well with 7.0 points in the third and 4.5 points in the fourth. This indicates that while Goose Creek may start slow, they are capable of making adjustments and performing well after halftime.

Offensive & Defensive Stats:

Goose Creek excels in rushing with an average of 75.4 yards per game, and their passing game, though not as prolific, adds an additional 93.0 yards per game. Their total offensive production amounts to 168.4 yards per game. Defensively, Goose Creek’s tackles and sacks statistics are not provided in the data, but their ability to control the clock through balanced offense is crucial to their game plan.

Chapin is more potent in the air, with an average of 292.2 passing yards per game, significantly higher than Goose Creek’s 93.0 passing yards per game. Chapin also averages 95.9 rushing yards per game. With a total of 388.1 yards per game, they outpace Goose Creek in both passing and total yardage. However, their defensive performance has shown some vulnerabilities, as they allow more yards and points.

Key Players:

Goose Creek’s standout player is Kymani Clary, who leads the team with 116.3 passing yards per game and a total of 173.0 yards per game. His ability to generate offense will be critical in future matchups. Meliq McGowan adds depth to the backfield with 100.0 rushing yards per game.

Chapin’s star player is Brady Albro, with an impressive 250.7 passing yards per game. Albro’s connection with top receiver Khalen Bostick, who averages 83.5 receiving yards per game, forms a potent offensive duo that defenses must work hard to contain.

Defensively, Goose Creek will rely on players like Beckham Diimmler, who averages 7.3 tackles per game, while Chapin’s Gavin Stam leads their defense with 10.1 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head Performance:

Both teams have had a tough time against Summerville, a common opponent this season. Goose Creek played them at home on September 27, 2024, but lost 43-21. Chapin, facing Summerville on September 20, 2024, also suffered a loss, falling 53-32. Despite the shared experience of tough losses to the same team, both squads have shown resilience in their respective divisions.

Record Breakdown:

• Goose Creek has a strong non-league record at 4-1, while Chapin has struggled in region play, going 1-4.
• Goose Creek has proven to be solid on home turf, with a 3-2 record, and slightly better on the road with a 2-3 record. Chapin has an identical 5-5 overall record but has been more successful at home, with a 3-2 record, though they’ve struggled in away games (2-3).
• Neither team has advanced to the playoffs yet, but both will look to capitalize on the lessons learned from their regular seasons.

Conclusion:

As both teams head into the final stretch of the season, Goose Creek and Chapin bring different strengths to the table. Goose Creek’s balanced offense and gritty defense give them the edge in controlling games, while Chapin’s explosive passing attack and high-scoring offense make them a dangerous threat. The matchup between these two teams will be a highly anticipated contest, with each team needing to fine-tune their weaknesses to secure a victory in the competitive landscape of South Carolina high school football.