The Chester Cyclones (4-5, SC) will host the Strom Thurmond Rebels (6-3, Johnston, SC) in 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: Chester vs Strom Thurmond
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: Chester vs Strom Thurmond

As the high school football season progresses, both Strom Thurmond and Chester are competing to solidify their positions in their respective regions. With contrasting records and statistics, this matchup highlights two teams with different playing styles, but both showcasing strength in their offensive and defensive play.

Record and Performance Overview

Strom Thurmond (6-3, 3-2 Region) has had a solid season, with a winning record of 6-3 overall. The team has performed well at home with a 3-1 record, compared to a more balanced 3-2 record on the road. Their offensive and defensive efforts have earned them a commendable 30.3 points per game, with a strong point differential of +171 (273 points scored vs. 102 points allowed).

In contrast, Chester (4-5, 3-1 Region) has faced a tougher season, sitting below .500 at 4-5. However, their region record of 3-1 suggests that they’ve found their stride within their conference. Chester’s offense has been consistent with 29.8 points per game, but their defense has struggled, allowing 140 points in total, leading to a +128 point differential (268 points scored vs. 140 points allowed).

Offensive and Defensive Statistics

Offense:

• Rushing Game: Strom Thurmond averages 194.7 rushing yards per game, with Deonte Phillips leading the charge, rushing for 61.1 yards per game. Chester’s rushing attack is slightly stronger, with Hudhaifah Taylor racking up an impressive 94.6 yards per game, contributing to their average of 202.2 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Game: Both teams have solid passing offenses, but Chester outpaces Strom Thurmond. Strom Thurmond’s Bri’shaun Lee averages 103.7 passing yards per game, while Chester’s Trooper Floyd leads the charge with 146.3 passing yards per game.
• Receiving Game: The receiving corps for both teams are comparable, with Strom Thurmond’s Jay Sewell leading his team with 57.7 receiving yards per game. Chester’s Amari Nesmith is the top receiver for the Cyclones with 53.0 yards per game, followed closely by Trooper Floyd with 192.9 total yards per game.

Defense:

• Tackling: On the defensive side, Chester has averaged 69.2 tackles per game, outperforming Strom Thurmond’s 61.2 tackles per game. However, the teams are almost identical in sacks per game, with Chester recording 3.3 sacks per game compared to Strom Thurmond’s 1.2 sacks.

Key Players to Watch

For Strom Thurmond, key player Deonte Phillips, who averages over 60 rushing yards per game, will look to lead the team to victory on the ground. Quarterback Bri’shaun Lee will also be crucial in spreading the field with his passing game, complemented by Jay Sewell’s contributions in the receiving game.

For Chester, all eyes will be on Hudhaifah Taylor, whose 94.6 rushing yards per game has been a key component of their offense. Trooper Floyd is another key player to watch, especially with his versatile playmaking ability in both passing and rushing situations.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Saluda earlier in the season, with Strom Thurmond losing 35-25 on the road and Chester falling 16-12 at home. This common opponent performance reflects how both teams have had competitive yet challenging seasons when up against strong opponents.

Conclusion

Strom Thurmond enters this season with a slightly more impressive overall record but faces a Chester team that has performed well in region games. Both teams have strong offensive leaders and differing defensive strengths, which could make their eventual matchup a thrilling contest. Fans can expect both teams to rely on their rushing attacks and quarterbacks to create big plays, making for a compelling football showdown.