The Mountain View Prep Stars (9-0) from Spartanburg, SC, will face the Carolina Academy Trojans (1-8) from Greenville, SC, in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Mountain View Prep vs Carolina Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football
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Game preview: Mountain View Prep vs Carolina Academy

As the 2024 high school football season unfolds, the contrast between Carolina Academy and Mountain View Prep could not be more striking. With Carolina Academy struggling through a challenging season and Mountain View Prep remaining undefeated, the two teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum, both in terms of performance and overall team dynamics.

Team Overview:

Carolina Academy (24-25 Season):

• Record: 1-8 overall, 0-5 in region play
• Points For (PF): 81
• Points Against (PA): 351
• Win Percentage: .111
• Region Win Percentage: .000
  Carolina Academy has faced tough challenges this season, with their only victory coming outside of region play. Despite hard-fought efforts, the team has been unable to secure a win in their region, underscoring the struggles that have defined their season.

Mountain View Prep (24-25 Season):

• Record: 9-0 overall, 4-0 in region play
• Points For (PF): 420
• Points Against (PA): 144
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
  Mountain View Prep, on the other hand, has been a powerhouse, maintaining a perfect record with a 9-0 mark overall and 4-0 in region play. Their high-powered offense has put up an average of 46.7 points per game, and their defense has stifled opponents, allowing only 144 points across nine games.

Team Scoring Averages:

Carolina Academy:

• Q1: 0
• Q2: 3.0
• Q3: 1.0
• Q4: 1.3
• Final: 9.0
  Carolina Academy has had a tough time putting points on the board, averaging just 9 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the second.

Mountain View Prep:

• Q1: 13.6
• Q2: 9.8
• Q3: 12.4
• Q4: 10.9
• Final: 46.7
  In contrast, Mountain View Prep’s offense has been a juggernaut, averaging nearly 47 points per game and showing consistent scoring across all four quarters. They have excelled in all aspects of the game, from rushing to passing to receiving.

Statistical Breakdown:

When comparing the two teams in key statistical categories, the differences are glaring.

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Carolina Academy: 147.4
  • Mountain View Prep: 241.1
    Mountain View Prep has a dynamic rushing attack, led by their offensive line and ball carriers, while Carolina Academy struggles to keep pace.
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Carolina Academy: 205.1
  • Mountain View Prep: 220.0
    While both teams can move the ball through the air, Mountain View Prep’s balanced offensive attack gives them an edge.
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Carolina Academy: 221.3
  • Mountain View Prep: 461.1
    Mountain View Prep’s explosive offense outpaces Carolina Academy by over 200 yards per game.
• Tackles Per Game:
  • Carolina Academy: 45.0
  • Mountain View Prep: 45.0
    Interestingly, both teams average the same number of tackles per game, suggesting that Carolina Academy’s defense is on the field far more often, reflecting the disparity in overall team performance.
• Points Per Game:
  • Carolina Academy: 9.0
  • Mountain View Prep: 46.7
    Mountain View Prep’s offense outpaces Carolina Academy by nearly 40 points per game, a testament to their explosive attack.

Team Leaders:

For Carolina Academy, Jaylen McGill has been a standout player, leading the team in rushing yards (147.4) and points per game (16.0). However, he has not had much support, and his efforts have not been enough to lift the team to more victories.

In comparison, Mountain View Prep’s offense is led by a trio of stars:

• Rushing: 241.1 yards per game
• Passing: 220.0 yards per game
• Receiving: 230.3 yards per game
  This balance on both sides of the ball has been a key factor in Mountain View Prep’s success, and their strong play has continued throughout the season.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced common opponents, and the results tell their own story.

• Carolina Academy vs. St. Joseph’s Catholic: Lost 32-0
• Mountain View Prep vs. St. Joseph’s Catholic: Won 48-21
• Carolina Academy vs. Southside Christian: Lost 40-6
• Mountain View Prep vs. Southside Christian: Won 49-7

Both Carolina Academy and Mountain View Prep faced the same opponents, but the outcomes have been night and day. Carolina Academy struggled against these teams, while Mountain View Prep had no trouble securing victories.

Record Breakdown:

When breaking down their overall and region records, the disparity is evident:

• Carolina Academy:
  • Overall: 1-8
  • Region: 0-5
  • Home: 1-3
  • Away: 0-5
• Mountain View Prep:
  • Overall: 9-0
  • Region: 4-0
  • Home: 3-0
  • Away: 6-0

While Carolina Academy has struggled both at home and on the road, Mountain View Prep has excelled in all environments, with an undefeated record at both home and away games.

Conclusion:

The 2024 season has been a tale of two teams: one fighting to find consistency and the other dominating its opponents. Carolina Academy’s rebuilding process has been challenging, with limited success on both sides of the ball. Mountain View Prep, conversely, is firing on all cylinders, with a strong offense and defense that has kept them undefeated. The contrast in records, statistics, and performance is striking, and it’s clear that Mountain View Prep is in a class of its own this season.