The Daniel Lions (9-1) from Central, SC, will host the Dreher Blue Devils (3-6) from Columbia, 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 AAAA Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Daniel vs Dreher
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAA Football
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Game preview: Daniel vs Dreher

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, the matchup between the Dreher Blue Devils and the Daniel Lions is one that stands out due to the contrasting records and team statistics.

Team Records and Rankings

Dreher has had a challenging season so far, with an overall record of 3-6. In the region, they’ve posted a disappointing 1-5 mark, struggling to find their rhythm both at home and on the road. The Blue Devils have only managed to win 33.3% of their games overall, with a mere 16.7% success rate in the region. Despite their struggles, Dreher has managed to score 218 points on the season but has allowed 307, indicating a need for improvement on both sides of the ball.

In contrast, the Daniel Lions have enjoyed a stellar campaign, boasting a 9-1 record. They are undefeated in their region at 6-0, with a dominant 5-0 record at home and 4-1 on the road. The Lions’ success is reflected in their impressive win percentage of 90%, and their high-scoring offense has amassed 474 points, while their defense has allowed just 160. This puts them among the top teams in the state, particularly with their perfect region record.

Scoring Averages

Dreher has had a modest scoring output, averaging 24.2 points per game, with a notable increase in production during the third and fourth quarters (7.6 and 4.0 points, respectively). Their scoring in the first and second quarters has been relatively slow, with averages of just 1.4 and 2.6 points.

Daniel, on the other hand, has been explosive, averaging 47.4 points per game. Their first-half performance has been particularly dominant, with 12.6 points in the first quarter and 17.1 in the second. The Lions have continued to score consistently throughout the game, adding 8.5 and 9.2 points in the third and fourth quarters. With this kind of offensive firepower, Daniel has become a feared team across their region and beyond.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing key statistics, the difference in overall performance is evident. Dreher has been effective on the ground, rushing for an average of 191.3 yards per game. However, their passing game has been non-existent, with no passing yardage recorded. Their receiving yards per game stand at a modest 61.6 yards. The Blue Devils’ total offensive yardage averages 191.3 yards per game, showing an overall lack of production.

Daniel, however, is a more well-rounded team, averaging 144.8 rushing yards per game. Their passing game has been potent, with the Lions averaging 259.0 passing yards per game and 261.0 receiving yards per game. With a total of 403.8 yards per game, Daniel’s offense is far more dynamic. Defensively, Daniel is also stronger, averaging 71.2 tackles per game and a notable 2.5 sacks per game, compared to Dreher’s 62.7 tackles and 0.4 sacks.

Key Players

Dreher’s top player is Willie Smith, who leads the team in both rushing yards per game (118.6) and total yards per game (127.0). Smith has been the primary offensive weapon for the Blue Devils, accounting for a significant portion of their yardage. Tyler Teasdell is the top receiver with 33.8 receiving yards per game, while Tyrone Bowens leads the defense with 9.2 tackles per game.

For Daniel, the standout player is quarterback Grayson Clary, who has been a force with 246.1 passing yards per game. Spencer Conn, the Lions’ leading rusher, has been averaging 34.1 rushing yards per game, and Jason Bish has been a go-to target, averaging 62.8 receiving yards per game. On defense, Dexter Johnson has contributed significantly with 0.9 sacks per game, and Bruce Brown is a strong tackler with 8.1 tackles per game.

Conclusion

While Dreher has had an up-and-down season, struggling to put together consistent performances both offensively and defensively, Daniel has been a dominant force, particularly in the region. With a balanced offense and a stifling defense, the Lions look poised for a strong playoff run. Dreher will need to address its scoring inconsistency and defensive lapses if they hope to turn things around in the final weeks of the season. As it stands, Daniel has clearly been one of the top teams in the state, and their undefeated region record speaks volumes about their strength.