The South Carolina high school football season has been filled with impressive performances, and two teams have stood out for their dominance: Abbeville and Cross. Both squads have posted remarkable records this season, showcasing not only their strength on the field but also their ability to perform under pressure. Here’s a closer look at these two football powerhouses as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting matchup.

Abbeville Panthers: A Season of Dominance

Abbeville has been nearly perfect this season, boasting a 12-1 overall record. With a perfect 5-0 record in the region, the Panthers have been unstoppable at home, finishing 7-1 on their turf. The team’s offense has been explosive, averaging 50.2 points per game. They’ve been particularly dominant in the later stages of the game, with an average of 13.6 points per third quarter and 13.4 points per fourth quarter. This demonstrates their ability to finish strong and control the tempo of the game.

The Panthers’ rushing attack has been one of their key strengths, led by standout Karmello Jones, who averages 134.4 rushing yards per game. Additionally, the offense benefits from the versatility of Tyler Harris, who throws for an average of 101.9 passing yards per game. Harris’ ability to mix up the offensive playbook has helped Abbeville maintain balance and keep defenses on their toes.

Defensively, Abbeville is strong, averaging 46.7 tackles per game. Jailyn Broughton has been a force on defense, contributing an average of 6.5 tackles per game. William Grant leads the charge in sacks, averaging 0.5 per game. The combination of defensive intensity and high-powered offense makes Abbeville a formidable opponent.

Cross Trojans: A Resilient Force

Cross has had a similarly impressive season, finishing with a 12-2 record, including an undefeated 6-0 mark in region play. Their consistency has been remarkable, especially on the road, where they posted an 8-0 record. The Trojans have averaged 40.1 points per game, with their most potent offensive quarter being the second, where they score an average of 15.2 points.

Much like Abbeville, Cross also boasts a dynamic rushing attack, accumulating 204.9 yards per game. The team’s balance between rushing and passing is crucial to their success, with the passing game contributing 101.9 yards per game, led by their playmaker, Karmello Jones, who contributes in both areas. On defense, Cross has shown resilience, averaging 46.7 tackles per game.

The Trojans have had success in close games, holding a perfect 4-0 playoff record, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Offensive and Defensive Stats Comparison

• Scoring: Abbeville leads in points per game (50.2) compared to Cross’ 40.1. However, Cross has shown the ability to put up big numbers in critical moments, especially in the first half, where they average 28.4 points per game between the first and second quarters.
• Rushing: Both teams rely heavily on their ground games, with Abbeville’s Jones averaging 134.4 rushing yards per game and Cross’ offense rushing for 204.9 yards per game. Both teams have shown their ability to dominate on the ground, but Abbeville’s ability to also mix in the passing game gives them the edge in versatility.
• Defense: Abbeville holds a slight advantage in terms of tackles per game, averaging 46.7, while Cross averages 45.5. The ability of both teams to generate turnovers and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be key in this matchup. Abbeville’s defense, with an average of 1.9 sacks per game, may give them the upper hand when it comes to putting pressure on the opposing offense.

Playoff and League Performances

Both teams have been dominant in their respective leagues. Abbeville has finished its region schedule undefeated, while Cross boasts a perfect 6-0 region record as well. The playoffs have also been kind to both teams, with Abbeville finishing with a 4-0 playoff record and Cross also maintaining an undefeated playoff performance.

Their only loss this season came in non-league matchups, where Abbeville lost just once and Cross dropped two games, including one on a neutral field. Their strong playoff performances will undoubtedly make them dangerous in any postseason contest.

Conclusion

Abbeville and Cross are two teams on a collision course for success. Both teams have shown outstanding records, impressive offensive firepower, and solid defensive play. Abbeville’s explosive scoring and strong home record make them a tough opponent, while Cross’ balanced attack and resilience in critical moments will surely challenge the Panthers. With both teams demonstrating dominance across the board, their upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling contest that will undoubtedly have South Carolina fans on the edge of their seats.