The Hammond varsity football team (Columbia, SC) is hosting Porter-Gaud (Charleston, SC) in a home playoff game today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – AAAA tournament.

Hammond vs Porter-Gaud Football Game Info:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Hammond vs Porter-Gaud
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – AAAA
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Hammond vs Porter-Gaud

The South Carolina high school football playoffs bring an intense rematch between two powerhouse teams: the Porter-Gaud Cyclones (11-1) and the undefeated Hammond Skyhawks (12-0). These programs have dominated their respective regions and are now set to battle it out for supremacy under the Friday night lights.

Season Recap & Key Stats

Hammond Skyhawks
Hammond has been a juggernaut all season, boasting an unblemished 12-0 record and outscoring opponents 558-159. The Skyhawks’ offense averages an impressive 46.5 points per game, with most of their damage done in the first half (44.2 points combined in the first two quarters). Defensively, they’ve stifled opponents, allowing just 1.4 points in the fourth quarter on average.

Quarterback Andrew Turner has led the charge, averaging 197.3 passing yards and 244.8 total yards per game. Running back Immanuel Johnson adds 86.7 rushing yards per game, making Hammond a dual-threat offensive powerhouse.

Porter-Gaud Cyclones
Porter-Gaud has also been a force this season, finishing 11-1 while outscoring opponents 474-194. The Cyclones lean on a balanced offense, averaging 338.3 total yards per game. Jamall Fludd has been the heart of the offense, leading with 153 rushing yards and 157.1 total yards per game. Their defense, anchored by Mills Knapp (10.3 tackles per game), has been consistent, holding teams to just 29 points per game.

Head-to-Head History

Hammond won their regular-season matchup on September 6, defeating Porter-Gaud 28-15. The game highlighted Hammond’s defensive prowess and explosive offense, as the Skyhawks held Fludd to a below-average performance while Turner and Johnson delivered key plays.

Common Opponents

Both teams dominated their shared opponents, each finishing 8-0 against schools like Cardinal Newman, Augusta Christian, and Heathwood Hall. Hammond’s largest margin of victory came against Laurence Manning Academy (65-14), while Porter-Gaud’s was a 44-0 rout of Heathwood Hall.

Playoff Context

Tonight’s matchup is pivotal as both teams aim to extend their seasons and secure a place in the state championship. While Hammond enters as the favorite, Porter-Gaud has shown resilience and the ability to adjust, making this rematch unpredictable.

Keys to Victory

Hammond

• Start Fast: Hammond’s ability to score heavily in the first half has set the tone all season. If they establish an early lead, it will put pressure on Porter-Gaud’s run-first offense.
• Air Attack: Turner’s passing game has been deadly, and exploiting mismatches in Porter-Gaud’s secondary could be the difference.

Porter-Gaud

• Control the Clock: With Fludd’s rushing ability, the Cyclones will need to dominate time of possession to keep Hammond’s offense off the field.
• Defensive Stops: Slowing down Hammond’s explosive first-half scoring is crucial. Defensive leaders like Knapp must step up to limit big plays.

Prediction

Both teams have shown they belong on this stage, but Hammond’s balanced attack and proven playoff performance give them the edge. However, if Porter-Gaud can capitalize on turnovers and control the game’s tempo, they could pull off the upset.

Final Score Prediction: Hammond 35, Porter-Gaud 24

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM in Columbia, SC. Fans are in for a thrilling showdown as these two elite programs collide for playoff glory.