The Clover Blue Eagles (7-3) varsity football team from South Carolina will host a home playoff game against the Blythewood Bengals (6-4) on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1” tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Clover vs Blythewood
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1
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Game preview: Clover vs Blythewood
In the world of South Carolina high school football, Blythewood and Clover are preparing for a showdown that promises excitement and drama. Both teams have had solid seasons, showcasing notable talent and strategy, but with different strengths and areas to refine. Here’s a breakdown of their performance and stats as we gear up for their much-anticipated clash.
Season Records and Rankings
Currently, Blythewood holds a 6-4 record overall with a 2-4 standing in regional play. Despite some ups and downs in league matchups, they’ve maintained an impressive .600 win percentage overall. Ranked 52nd in the state, Blythewood has demonstrated resilience, especially in their 4-0 non-league record.
Clover, on the other hand, boasts a stronger season performance with a 7-3 overall record, including a solid 4-2 in league play. Clover is ranked 34th in the state, with a .700 overall win percentage and an impressive .667 within their region. Their home-field record stands strong at 4-1, highlighting the advantage they often find in their own territory.
Team Scoring Averages
Both teams demonstrate consistent scoring but differ in total output. Blythewood averages 23.7 points per game, with their second quarter as the strongest, contributing 9.4 points on average. Clover, however, has a slightly higher scoring average of 31.8 points per game, with a solid performance throughout each quarter. Clover’s ability to maintain or increase momentum is a challenge Blythewood must be prepared for.
Offensive and Defensive Stats
In terms of total yardage, Blythewood averages 302.9 yards per game, largely due to a potent passing game averaging 219.2 yards. Chase Brown leads the team’s rushing efforts with 51.3 yards per game, while quarterback Johnny Collins averages 215.8 passing yards per game, positioning him as a critical player for Blythewood. On the defensive side, Kemuel Little shines with 6.7 tackles per game and an impressive 1.3 sacks, making him a player Clover will need to keep in check.
Although detailed rushing and receiving stats for Clover aren’t available, their scoring averages and record indicate a well-rounded offense. With a slightly higher per-game scoring rate and stronger performance in league games, Clover’s offense has proven it can rise to the occasion.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Nation Ford and Fort Mill this season, emerging with convincing victories in each. Blythewood triumphed over Nation Ford with a commanding 44-6 win, while Clover defeated them 53-20. Against Fort Mill, Blythewood won 23-7, and Clover clinched a decisive 33-3 victory. These results against common opponents suggest that both teams can control games, especially when favored.
Head-to-Head Preview
As the two teams prepare to face each other, the key factors will likely be Clover’s offensive strength against Blythewood’s solid defense. Blythewood’s passing game, led by Collins, must outpace Clover’s ability to adjust and contain big plays. Meanwhile, Clover’s balanced scoring and consistent play across quarters will put pressure on Blythewood’s defense to step up.
With each team excelling in different areas, this game could be a battle of Clover’s offensive persistence against Blythewood’s defensive grit. The winner will be the team that can best exploit their strengths while adapting to their opponent’s challenges.