As the high school football season enters its final stretch, the Bluffton (SC) varsity football team is gearing up for an exciting away playoff game against May River, set for Friday, November 15 at 7:30 PM. The stakes are high as these two South Carolina teams, each with their own strengths, face off in a highly anticipated rematch.

Regular Season Recap

Bluffton’s Season Performance: Bluffton enters the game with an overall record of 6-4, having a competitive 3-2 record in the region. The team has demonstrated a solid offensive and defensive balance, averaging 30.6 points per game, including 3.9 points in the first quarter and 8.4 in the fourth. Their high-scoring offense is led by key players such as Kordell Holley, who averaged 88.4 rushing yards per game, and Aedan McCarthy, who racked up 225.1 passing yards per game. Despite some tough losses, Bluffton’s offense has proven effective, putting up 306 points throughout the season while allowing 253 points.

May River’s Season Performance: May River comes into the playoff matchup with an impressive 7-2 record, also boasting a 3-2 region record. The Sharks have averaged 33.6 points per game, with a particularly strong first half, putting up 14.1 points in the second quarter. Much of May River’s offensive success has been driven by standout players like Andrew Johnson, who has rushed for 104.2 yards per game, and Tanner Macy, who has thrown for 51.6 yards per game. May River’s defensive line has also been solid, with Hudson Flanagan leading the team with 10.1 tackles per game. The team has shown consistency in both home and away games, scoring a total of 302 points while allowing only 128.

The Previous Matchup: Bluffton’s Victory

In their first meeting of the month, Bluffton emerged victorious in a tightly contested game, winning 24-21 on November 1. May River had a strong start, leading 7-0 in the first quarter, but Bluffton answered back with 14 points in the second, ultimately taking the game by three points. Bluffton’s balanced offensive attack, including key plays in the second and third quarters, allowed them to outlast May River’s late-game push. This victory will surely add momentum as Bluffton heads into the playoffs.

Key Team Comparisons

Looking at the season’s stats, May River has been the more dominant team in terms of rushing yards, with an average of 340.8 yards per game compared to Bluffton’s 139.7. However, Bluffton has been a more potent passing team, with 240.5 yards per game, significantly outpacing May River’s 27.7 yards per game.

When it comes to total yards, both teams are closely matched, with Bluffton averaging 380.2 yards per game and May River slightly trailing with 368.4. Bluffton’s offensive attack has been diverse, while May River’s strength lies in its rushing game.

In terms of defense, both teams have shown resilience, with May River averaging 75.3 tackles per game, slightly better than Bluffton’s 67.7. The teams’ sack totals are close, with Bluffton averaging 1.8 per game and May River averaging 0.8.

Notable Players to Watch

• Bluffton: Kordell Holley, 88.4 rushing yards per game, and Aedan McCarthy, 225.1 passing yards per game, are pivotal for Bluffton’s success. Their ability to control the ball will be key in a hostile playoff environment.
• May River: Andrew Johnson, who has rushed for over 100 yards per game, and Hudson Flanagan, with 10.1 tackles per game, will be crucial for May River’s defense and offensive production.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar competition throughout the season, with Bluffton holding a 2-2 record against common opponents and May River finishing 3-1. Both teams defeated Colleton County and Beaufort, but May River has the advantage in recent meetings, including a dominant win over Beaufort (56-14) and a close loss to Hilton Head Island, which Bluffton also lost to 42-7.

Playoff Outlook

Bluffton’s 6-4 record and May River’s 7-2 season set up an exciting playoff battle. The teams are well-matched, with both having key strengths that could determine the outcome of this high-stakes game. Bluffton will need to find ways to contain May River’s powerful rushing attack while exploiting the Sharks’ vulnerability in the passing game. May River, on the other hand, will rely on its physicality and depth to overcome Bluffton’s well-rounded offense.

With both teams having playoff aspirations, this matchup promises to be an intense contest. Fans can expect a game full of strategic play-calling, strong individual performances, and exciting moments.