The Hammond Skyhawks (11-0) will host the Augusta Christian Lions (4-6) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 6:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets for SCISA – AAAA.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Hammond vs Augusta Christian
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – AAAA
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Game preview: Hammond vs Augusta Christian
As the postseason begins, Augusta Christian (Martinez, GA) finds itself preparing for a crucial playoff game against the undefeated Hammond (Columbia, SC) on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 PM. This high-stakes matchup follows a 51-16 loss to Hammond earlier in the season on October 11. With the two teams having met previously, this game will test Augusta Christian’s resolve and their ability to adapt against the dominant Hammond squad.
Team Records and Performance
Augusta Christian enters the game with a 4-6 overall record, having finished 3-3 in their region. The team has struggled this season, particularly on the road, where they posted a 1-4 record. Despite the challenges, Augusta Christian has averaged 17 points per game, with their offense being led by key players such as Walter Jones, who has rushed for 51.1 yards per game, and John Allen Williamson, who has accumulated 154.4 passing yards per game.
In contrast, Hammond has been dominant all season, sporting an undefeated 11-0 record and finishing 7-0 in their region. The team boasts a formidable offense, averaging 45.7 points per game, with standout performances from Andrew Turner, who has thrown for 213.7 passing yards per game, and Jack Croft, who leads the receiving corps with 69.6 yards per game. Hammond’s defense has also been impressive, allowing just 152 points all season, compared to Augusta Christian’s 282.
Head-to-Head Matchup
In their first meeting this season, Hammond came out on top with a commanding 51-16 victory. The game was decided early, as Hammond led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Augusta Christian managed only a single touchdown in the second half as Hammond’s offense exploded for 27 points in the third quarter, effectively sealing the win.
The playoff game will offer Augusta Christian a chance for redemption, but they will need to make significant improvements, particularly in controlling Hammond’s explosive offense and executing more consistently on both sides of the ball.
Team Comparisons
Offensively, Augusta Christian has struggled to match Hammond’s production. The team averages just 228.8 total yards per game, with a balanced attack that includes 89.2 rushing yards and 139.6 passing yards. In contrast, Hammond averages 393.2 total yards per game, primarily powered by a potent rushing attack (196.7 yards per game) and an efficient passing game (196.5 yards per game). Hammond’s offensive depth is reflected in their scoring averages, with nearly 23 points per game coming from the first quarter alone.
Defensively, Augusta Christian has been more competitive, averaging 43.9 tackles per game, but they will need to improve their pass rush to match Hammond’s high-powered offense. Hammond, meanwhile, has dominated opponents with their depth and strong defensive efforts, limiting their opponents to an average of just 152 points throughout the season.
Common Opponents
When comparing their performance against common opponents, Hammond has been perfect, winning all seven games against teams both schools faced, including dominant wins over Porter-Gaud, Laurence Manning Academy, and Ben Lippen. Augusta Christian, however, has shown resilience in defeating teams such as Laurence Manning Academy, Cardinal Newman, and Ben Lippen, despite suffering losses to some of the same teams that Hammond defeated.
Looking Ahead
As the teams gear up for the November 15 playoff game, the challenge for Augusta Christian will be to overcome the early setbacks and put together a complete performance. If they can limit Hammond’s high-powered offense and execute their game plan effectively, they may have a shot at an upset. However, Hammond’s overwhelming consistency and balance on both sides of the ball make them the clear favorite heading into this crucial playoff matchup.
Both teams will be looking to make a statement as they fight for a spot in the next round of the playoffs, and Augusta Christian will need to rise to the occasion in what promises to be an exciting and high-stakes contest.
