The James F. Byrnes Rebels (4-5) varsity football team from Duncan, SC, will host the Lexington Wildcats (5-5) in a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) for Class AAAAA, Division 1.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: James F. Byrnes vs Lexington
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1
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Game preview: James F. Byrnes vs Lexington

As the Lexington Wildcats and James F. Byrnes Rebels gear up for an anticipated high school football matchup, both teams come in with balanced records and unique strengths. With Lexington holding a 5-5 record and Byrnes sitting at 4-5, both teams have had their challenges this season and look to make a statement as they enter this showdown. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect.

Rankings and Records

Currently, Lexington holds a slight edge in rankings, standing 23rd in their SC class and 16th overall, while James F. Byrnes ranks 27th and 17th, respectively. Lexington has gone 1-4 in region play, winning 50% of their games overall and holding a win percentage of just 20% in the region. Their 5-5 record reflects mixed success, with a strong 4-1 performance in non-league games contrasting a challenging 1-4 showing in regional matchups.

James F. Byrnes, on the other hand, has found more success within the region, boasting a 4-2 record, and an overall winning percentage of 44.4%. However, their road performance has been better than their home record, going 4-3 away but 0-2 at home, suggesting a team that often rises to the challenge when they travel.

Scoring Averages and Key Stats

Scoring Patterns
Lexington averages 16.3 points per game, with their most productive scoring coming in the fourth quarter, where they average 4.9 points. Byrnes, meanwhile, has a higher scoring average of 21.9 points per game, showing consistent scoring ability throughout the game and an additional boost in overtime with an average of 3 points when the game goes the distance.

Team Stats Comparison
Byrnes has the edge in offensive production, averaging 241.1 total yards per game compared to Lexington’s slightly lower numbers. The Rebels rely on a balanced offense, averaging 92.9 rushing yards and 148.2 passing yards per game, with notable players such as Caine Rogers leading the way in passing (117.7 yards per game) and Tre Segarra dominating the rushing (142 yards per game).

Lexington’s strength lies in its defensive plays, averaging 56 tackles per game compared to Byrnes’ tackling average, and showcasing impressive individual performances from key players like Shayne Dixon, who averages 8.9 tackles per game.

Player Spotlight: Key Performers

For Lexington, Tre Segarra (#21) has been a standout, leading the team in both rushing and total yards per game with an impressive 142 yards. Caine Rogers (#13) holds the fort in passing with an average of 117.7 yards per game, while Ta Dawkins (#6) tops receiving with 43.5 yards per game.

On the defensive side, Shayne Dixon (#7) has been a tackling machine with 8.9 tackles per game, while Torrian Mills (#5) has shown his pass-rushing potential with 0.4 sacks per game.

For Byrnes, Jacobie Fuller (#22) is the scoring leader with an average of 5.3 points per game, adding a layer of threat every time he touches the ball.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a common opponent, Irmo High School, against whom both suffered defeats earlier in the season. Byrnes lost 35-27 on August 30, while Lexington fell to Irmo with a 34-8 score on October 4. This shared result hints at a fairly even playing field, though Byrnes’ closer score suggests a slight edge in resilience against the same opponent.

Prediction and Keys to Victory

In a game likely to be decided by small margins, Lexington’s defense and late-game scoring ability could make a significant impact if they can hold Byrnes’ offense in check. Byrnes, however, has shown strength on the road and a knack for maintaining scoring pressure throughout the game. If Byrnes can break through Lexington’s defense early, it may set the tone for a high-scoring affair.

Key for Lexington: They’ll need to keep Byrnes’ offense contained while generating turnovers or big plays on defense, especially from playmakers like Dixon and Mills.

Key for Byrnes: Continued consistency and versatility in their passing and rushing will be vital. Establishing an early lead could force Lexington to chase, which could tilt the odds in Byrnes’ favor.

Final Thoughts

With each team holding unique strengths and looking for a strong season finish, this matchup promises to deliver competitive, hard-fought action. Will Lexington’s defensive stalwarts and home-field pride hold back the visiting Rebels, or will Byrnes’ balanced attack and road resilience lead them to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain—fans are in for a thrilling high school football game.