The Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders (12-1) from Blackville, SC will host the Laurens Academy Crusaders (8-3) from Laurens, SC for a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – 8 Man tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Jefferson Davis Academy vs Laurens Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – 8 Man
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Game preview: Jefferson Davis Academy vs Laurens Academy

The highly anticipated playoff matchup between Laurens Academy and Jefferson Davis Academy will take place this Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Blackville, SC. This game promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams have enjoyed impressive seasons and bring strong lineups into the postseason.

Team Records and Rankings

Laurens Academy enters the game with an 8-3 overall record and a 4-2 region mark. The team has proven to be formidable, especially on the road, where they have a 4-1 record. The Laurens Academy offense has been explosive, averaging 38.4 points per game, with standout performances from Garrett Murphy, who leads the team with 173.7 rushing yards per game, and Ethan Collins, who adds 143.0 passing yards per contest.

On the other hand, Jefferson Davis Academy boasts a remarkable 12-1 record, finishing a perfect 7-0 in region play. Their dominance is evident, as they’ve outscored opponents 542 to 154 this season, averaging 41.7 points per game. Jefferson Davis Academy’s offensive firepower comes from quarterback Colson Loadholt, who leads the team with 105.8 total yards per game and is a major threat both through the air and on the ground.

Team Comparison

Both teams have proven their ability to score, but Jefferson Davis Academy holds a slight edge in total offense. Laurens Academy averages 446.2 total yards per game, driven by a strong rushing attack (293.5 yards per game), while Jefferson Davis Academy accumulates 324.9 total yards, primarily through their dominant ground game (286.8 rushing yards per game).

In terms of defense, Laurens Academy averages 50.5 tackles per game and has recorded 1.6 sacks per game, while Jefferson Davis Academy has a more compact defense, averaging 38 tackles and 0.8 sacks per game. Both defenses will need to step up to stop their opponent’s high-powered offense.

Key Players

• Laurens Academy:
  • Garrett Murphy: The senior running back has been the cornerstone of the Laurens Academy offense, rushing for 173.7 yards per game and scoring 17.5 points per contest.
  • Ethan Collins: The quarterback has been efficient, passing for 143.0 yards per game, and his performance will be critical in keeping the Jefferson Davis defense on its toes.
  • Garrison Vaughan: On defense, Vaughan leads the team with 9.1 tackles per game and will be a key figure in slowing down Jefferson Davis’ powerful rushing attack.
• Jefferson Davis Academy:
  • Colson Loadholt: The dual-threat quarterback has been dominant, averaging 105.8 total yards per game and scoring 13.1 points per game. His ability to control the game will be crucial for Jefferson Davis Academy.
  • Reece Still: As the top receiver with 17.5 receiving yards per game, Still will need to make big plays to keep the defense honest.
  • Nasir Void: On defense, Void has been a key contributor, providing stability with 0.3 sacks per game and should be a major factor in trying to contain Laurens Academy’s offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with both going undefeated against common opponents. Laurens Academy defeated King Academy 52-36 and Cross 56-22, while Jefferson Davis Academy topped King Academy 46-22 and Cross 54-0. This provides some context for the strength of both teams, as they were able to handle these opponents with ease, but Jefferson Davis Academy’s margin of victory has been particularly dominant.

Playoff Implications

This matchup has significant playoff implications, with both teams looking to continue their runs for a state title. Laurens Academy will have their hands full trying to neutralize the potent Jefferson Davis offense, while Jefferson Davis Academy will need to stop the versatile Laurens Academy attack, led by Murphy and Collins. With both teams coming off impressive seasons and riding high into the postseason, this game is shaping up to be a classic showdown.

As the teams prepare for their playoff clash, fans can expect a hard-fought, high-energy game that will showcase some of the top talent in South Carolina high school football.