The Gilbert Indians (6-4, SC) varsity football team will host the Lower Richland Diamond Hornets (5-5, Hopkins, SC) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 PM. 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: Gilbert vs Lower Richland
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: Gilbert vs Lower Richland

As the high school football season unfolds, fans are eagerly comparing the performance of key teams across South Carolina, including the Lower Richland and Gilbert squads. Both teams have had notable seasons, with distinct strengths and weaknesses, and their paths this year paint a picture of exciting rivalry and competition. Here’s a deep dive into their current standings, scoring averages, and team statistics, as well as a head-to-head comparison.

Team Overview and Records

Lower Richland has had a balanced 2024-2025 season, finishing with an overall record of 5-5. In their region, they posted a 3-3 record, showcasing their competitiveness within the district. They have been fairly effective at home, going 3-2, but their struggles on the road, with a 2-3 away record, have kept them at .500 for the season. With 281 points scored and 246 points allowed, Lower Richland has managed to stay competitive, averaging 28.1 points per game.

In contrast, Gilbert has had a slightly better season, finishing 6-4 overall and 5-2 in the region. Gilbert’s 4-1 record at home helped propel them to the top of their region, with a strong .600 overall win percentage and an impressive .714 region win percentage. Scoring 252 points while allowing 230, Gilbert averages 25.2 points per game, slightly trailing Lower Richland but still maintaining a solid offensive performance.

Scoring Averages and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

When examining the scoring averages, it’s clear that both teams have a strong offensive presence but slightly different scoring patterns:

• Lower Richland tends to score consistently throughout the game, averaging 6.9 points in the first quarter, maintaining the same rate in the second, and slightly tapering off in the second half, with 6.1 in the third and 5.9 in the fourth. This consistency helps them reach an average of 28.1 points per game.
• Gilbert, on the other hand, is more dynamic, starting slow with 4.8 points in the first quarter and then picking up the pace with 8.6 points in the second quarter. Their scoring drops off a bit in the second half, averaging 4.7 in the third quarter but rebounding to 6.9 in the fourth. Their average of 25.2 points per game reflects a late-game push.

Statistical Comparison

Looking at the key team statistics, we see some notable differences in offensive strategies:

• Rushing yards: Lower Richland leads with 151.9 rushing yards per game, far outpacing Gilbert’s 81.6 yards. A strong running game, led by C. ‘Freight Train’ Wilson, is a clear strength for Lower Richland.
• Passing yards: Gilbert holds a commanding edge in the passing game, with 143.3 passing yards per game compared to Lower Richland’s 116.2 yards. Much of Gilbert’s passing game has been led by Jack Talbert, who has been crucial in their success.
• Receiving yards: Lower Richland’s receiving game also stands out, with 148.7 receiving yards per game, far outpacing Gilbert’s -3.0. This suggests that Lower Richland may be more dynamic in the passing game and able to make big plays downfield.
• Total yards: Lower Richland averages a total of 295.2 yards per game, significantly higher than Gilbert’s 93.5 yards. This stat highlights Lower Richland’s more balanced offensive attack, combining both the rush and pass.
• Tackles and Defense: Lower Richland has been more effective on defense, averaging 52.3 tackles per game, compared to Gilbert’s 26.7. However, Gilbert has managed to put up more sacks, averaging 1.0 per game, while Lower Richland averages just 0.8.

Key Players

• Lower Richland: The team relies heavily on C. ‘Freight Train’ Wilson, who leads in rushing yards with an impressive 59.3 yards per game. Aden Jones contributes significantly to both passing and total yards, with 116.2 passing yards and 126.0 total yards per game. Defensive standout Daniel Gee contributes 7.1 tackles per game, leading the defense.
• Gilbert: Jack Talbert is the standout player for Gilbert, contributing both in the passing game with 95.0 passing yards per game and in total yards with 724.0 total yards. He also helps in defense with 3.0 tackles per game and 1.0 sack per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against common opponents, with each team securing a victory. In their most recent matchups with Wilson, both Lower Richland and Gilbert earned wins. Lower Richland triumphed 23-20, while Gilbert won 28-18, showing that both teams can hold their own against tough competition.

Conclusion

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, both Lower Richland and Gilbert are shaping up to be formidable teams within their respective regions. While Lower Richland shows a more dominant rushing attack and total yardage, Gilbert’s balanced offensive approach and strong defense provide a solid challenge. With their close records and competitive spirit, these two teams are ones to watch closely as the season nears its conclusion. The upcoming games will undoubtedly reveal which team can capitalize on their strengths and potentially make a deep run in the playoffs.