The James Island varsity football team from Charleston, SC, will host a playoff game against Wando High School from Mt. Pleasant, SC, on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: James Island vs Wando
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: James Island vs Wando

As Wando and James Island prepare to face off, the stakes are high in South Carolina high school football. Both teams boast impressive seasons, each showing unique strengths and strategic advantages. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s record, stats, and key players to watch.

Rankings & Records

• Wando (5-5, 2-3 Region) has had a balanced season, achieving a .500 overall win percentage but struggling in the region with a .400 record.
• James Island (8-2, 3-2 Region) enters the matchup as the higher-ranked team, placing 40th in the state and 23rd in their class, compared to Wando’s 100th and 43rd placements, respectively.

Team Performances

• Wando’s Strengths: Wando averages 20.8 points per game, slightly higher than James Island’s 19.7. They’ve accumulated 284.5 total yards per game, outpacing James Island’s 231.1. Wando’s passing game is particularly strong, with 171.6 yards per game, led by quarterback Harris Stone.
• James Island’s Resilience: Known for their defensive strength, James Island allows fewer points, only giving up 73 points across ten games compared to Wando’s 243. Despite having a lower total yardage average, they’ve shown effective control in their play, particularly in rushing defense.

Scoring Breakdown

The teams have different scoring patterns:

• Wando scores significantly in the first and fourth quarters, averaging 6.2 points in Q1 and 9.2 in Q4.
• James Island has consistent but lower scoring throughout the game, averaging 3.7 in Q1 and peaking at 4.7 in Q3.

Key Players

Wando:

• Reggie Grant leads Wando’s rushing game with 42.0 yards per game.
• Harris Stone, with 171.6 passing yards per game, keeps the team’s offense dynamic.
• Cole Fletcher, a top receiver, averages 40.7 receiving yards and contributes 4.4 points per game.

James Island:

• Amor Scott leads with 83.8 rushing yards per game and an impressive 6.0 points per game.
• Connor Dantzler stands out with 141.2 passing yards and 144.6 total yards per game.
• Defensive standout Coleman Jones racks up 6.2 tackles per game, fortifying James Island’s strong defensive reputation.

Common Opponents

The teams share five common opponents this season. James Island outperformed Wando overall against these teams, finishing with a 4-1 record, while Wando went 3-2. Notably, James Island defeated Goose Creek (10-7) and Cane Bay (16-3), teams Wando either narrowly lost to or won by a smaller margin.

Playoff Implications and Predictions

This game is crucial for both teams. Wando’s offense, driven by an explosive passing game, will test James Island’s defense, while James Island’s disciplined approach and defensive strengths aim to stifle Wando’s high-scoring drives. Expect a close game that could hinge on turnovers, red-zone efficiency, and fourth-quarter resilience.

As these teams clash, fans can look forward to a high-intensity battle reflecting both teams’ best efforts this season. With playoff implications on the line, the game promises excitement from start to finish.