The Keenan varsity football team from Columbia, SC, will host a home playoff game against North Charleston on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) for Class AAA teams.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Keenan vs North Charleston
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football
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Game preview: Keenan vs North Charleston
The North Charleston Cougars and Keenan Raiders are set to face off in a matchup that promises to bring both teams’ unique strengths to the forefront. Both squads have had strong performances and tough challenges this season, and this game will be a defining moment as they conclude their regular season play.
Season Overview and Records
The North Charleston Cougars hold a 4-5 record overall, with no wins in regional play (0-4). Despite their struggles in the region, they’ve been effective at home, winning two of their three games. With a scoring differential of 197 points for and 220 points against, the Cougars have shown resilience but have faced difficulties in closing out regional games. In contrast, the Keenan Raiders boast a 6-4 overall record, including a balanced 2-2 mark in regional play. With a home record of 4-1, they’ve excelled at protecting their turf, contributing to their 306 points scored and 240 points allowed over the season.
Scoring Averages and Offensive Output
One of the most striking contrasts in this matchup is each team’s scoring pattern. North Charleston averages 21.9 points per game but tends to start slow, averaging just 3.5 points in each of the first two quarters and peaking at 7.5 in the final quarter. Keenan, on the other hand, averages a high 30.6 points per game, with a notable strength in the second half, particularly the third and fourth quarters, where they score 14.7 points on average in each. Keenan’s consistency and ability to pull away in the second half could give them a distinct advantage if North Charleston cannot keep up.
Team Stats Comparison
When it comes to yards per game, Keenan holds a clear upper hand, averaging 384.8 total yards (163.4 rushing, 221.4 passing) compared to North Charleston’s 202.3 total yards (113.8 rushing, 88.6 passing). This higher yardage shows Keenan’s offensive diversity and capability in both the ground and passing games, spearheaded by standout players like quarterback Desmond Washington and running back Hunter O’Neal. North Charleston’s Raymond Middleton has been their leading rusher, averaging 76.7 yards per game, while Richard Hazel leads their passing game with an average of 122.8 yards.
Defensive Comparison
Defensively, Keenan also shows an advantage with an average of 66.6 tackles per game compared to North Charleston’s 49.3. Keenan’s Darius Dixon leads with 12.3 tackles per game, showing a higher intensity on defense than North Charleston, whose leading tackler, Nysheem Robinson, averages 6.7 tackles. This defensive intensity may help Keenan to control the pace and prevent North Charleston from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
For North Charleston, the offensive efforts of Raymond Middleton (76.7 rushing yards per game) and Richard Hazel (122.8 passing yards per game) will be essential. Additionally, Lorenzo Kitching Jr., who averages 48.6 receiving yards per game and 10.5 points, will be a critical target if North Charleston wants to break through Keenan’s defense.
Keenan, however, boasts Desmond Washington, who has been remarkable with 221.4 passing yards per game and a total yards average of 241.3. Alongside him, Tyheim McNeil stands out with an average of 86.1 receiving yards and 13 points per game, adding depth and scoring potential that could challenge North Charleston’s defensive line.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While these teams have not met head-to-head this season, their results against common opponents provide insight into how they match up. North Charleston struggled, going 0-2 against Battery Creek and Orangeburg-Wilkinson, while Keenan defeated both teams, showcasing their ability to control games that challenged North Charleston.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
Given their scoring consistency and stronger defensive and offensive stats, Keenan comes into this matchup as the favorite. If North Charleston hopes to turn the tide, they’ll need to start strong and disrupt Keenan’s second-half scoring surge.
