The Dixie Hornets (7-2) from Due West, SC will host the Williston-Elko Blue Devils (4-6) from Williston, 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 A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Dixie vs Williston-Elko
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class A Football
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Game preview: Dixie vs Williston-Elko

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, the matchup between Williston-Elko and Dixie presents a fascinating contrast in both team performance and individual standout players. Both teams have shown promise, but their paths this season have been quite different. Here’s a closer look at their rankings, records, and key statistics.

Team Overview

Williston-Elko (4-6 overall, 1-4 in the region) has had a challenging season with a win percentage of .400 and a region win percentage of just .200. Their offensive production has been solid, scoring an average of 18.1 points per game, but their defense has allowed 235 points on the season. The team’s rushing attack, led by Joc’Quise Washington, has been a key strength, averaging 16.9 yards per game.

On the other hand, Dixie (7-2 overall, 3-2 in the region) has experienced a more successful season with a win percentage of .778 and a region win percentage of .600. The team has been high-scoring, averaging 30 points per game, and their defense has also been solid, allowing just 206 points. Dixi’s balanced offense, with strong rushing and receiving yards, has been difficult for opponents to contain.

Scoring Averages

Williston-Elko has struggled to generate consistent scoring, with their highest quarter being the fourth, where they average 6.0 points per game. Their overall scoring averages, however, are respectable with an 18.1-point per game total.

Dixie, meanwhile, has displayed more explosive offensive output, particularly in the second and fourth quarters. They average 10.0 points in the second quarter and 10.7 in the final frame, helping them maintain a high-scoring average of 30.0 points per game.

Key Players to Watch

For Williston-Elko, Joc’Quise Washington has been a standout, leading the team in rushing yards (20.8 per game) and total yards (20.8 per game). His performance will be crucial if Williston-Elko hopes to make a strong showing. Quaide Overton (15.0 receiving yards per game) also contributes significantly to the offense, while Kadin Wright leads the defense with 9.0 tackles per game.

Dixie’s strength lies in its dynamic offense and defensive play. Jaylen Braxton leads the team in sacks with 1.0 per game, while Jasiah Gibson stands out with 2 pancake blocks. The team’s offensive leaders, including their leading rusher and receiver, have helped them dominate in several key matchups this season.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced the same set of opponents in the 2024-2025 season, but their results were starkly different. Williston-Elko had a 1-2 record against common opponents, including losses to Fox Creek and Ridge Spring-Monetta. Meanwhile, Dixie finished a perfect 3-0 against those same teams, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

For instance, on September 6, 2024, Williston-Elko won 38-0 against Calhoun Falls Charter, while Dixie defeated them 40-6 just a month later. Both teams also had close battles with Ridge Spring-Monetta, with Williston-Elko losing 8-7 and Dixie coming out on top 37-19.

Record Breakdown

• Williston-Elko (4-6 overall):
  • 1-4 in the region
  • 2-2 at home
  • 2-4 away
  • 0-0 in playoffs
  • 4-6 in-state
• Dixie (7-2 overall):
  • 3-2 in the region
  • 4-1 at home
  • 3-1 away
  • 0-0 in playoffs
  • 7-2 in-state

Dixie’s overall consistency in both home and away games has been a major factor in their strong record this season. Williston-Elko, meanwhile, has struggled on the road, with more of their wins coming from home games.

Conclusion

As Williston-Elko and Dixie continue to make their marks this season, the matchup between these two teams offers intriguing contrasts. Williston-Elko will need to tighten its defense and rely on its rushing game to compete with Dixie’s high-scoring offense and solid defense. With their records and performances so far, Dixie enters as the favorite, but Williston-Elko’s ability to pull off upsets should never be underestimated.

This season’s final encounters will be crucial for both teams as they look to build momentum heading into the postseason.