The Northwood Academy (Charleston, SC) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Porter-Gaud (Charleston, SC) on Friday, November 15. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets for the SCISA AAAA tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Northwood Academy vs Porter-Gaud
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – AAAA
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Game preview: Northwood Academy vs Porter-Gaud

As the 2024 high school football season enters its final stretch, the stage is set for a thrilling playoff matchup between Porter-Gaud and Northwood Academy. The two Charleston-based teams will face off on Friday, November 15, in a neutral-site playoff game that promises to deliver high stakes and intense competition.

Team Records and Rankings

Both teams have enjoyed successful seasons, each boasting impressive records. Porter-Gaud (10-1) enters the game with a solid 5-1 record in region play, while Northwood Academy (10-2) follows closely behind with a 5-2 region record. Porter-Gaud has proven to be dominant at home, going 5-0, while Northwood Academy excels in neutral-site games, finishing undefeated in their neutral contests (1-0).

Porter-Gaud has a strong overall win percentage of .909, while Northwood Academy’s .833 win percentage is equally impressive. Both teams have excelled in their respective leagues and showcase balanced offensive and defensive units.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

Both teams bring dynamic offenses to the field. Porter-Gaud averages an impressive 41.2 points per game, led by their rushing attack, which averages 311.5 yards per game. Northwood Academy, while not as prolific in rushing yards (208.4 yards per game), makes up for it with a well-rounded offense, averaging 376.1 total yards per game. Their ability to move the ball effectively has helped them post 30.2 points per game.

The scoring breakdowns between the two teams are interesting: Porter-Gaud spreads its points consistently throughout the game, scoring 11.2 points in the first quarter, 14.0 in the second, 14.2 in the third, and 9.4 in the fourth. Northwood Academy, on the other hand, starts strong, averaging 19.0 points in the second quarter, but struggles in the final quarter with only 1.4 points per game.

Defensively, Porter-Gaud allows an average of 187 points on the season, a testimony to their ability to limit opposing offenses. Northwood Academy has been solid defensively as well, surrendering only 170 points throughout the year.

Key Players to Watch

• Porter-Gaud:
  • Jammall Fludd: A standout running back, Fludd leads the team with 153 rushing yards per game and contributes 16.0 points per game.
  • Nolen Shuman: Quarterback Shuman has been efficient, contributing 69 passing yards per game.
  • Grayer Hyatt: With 41 receiving yards per game, Hyatt has been a reliable target in the passing game.
  • Mills Knapp: A key defensive presence, Knapp averages 10.3 tackles per game.
• Northwood Academy:
  • Kaven Ford: Leading the team with 91.3 rushing yards per game, Ford is a central figure in the Northwood attack.
  • Austyn Grady: Grady is a dual-threat, both as a passer (167.7 passing yards per game) and a key playmaker.
  • Ty Washington: As a top receiver, Washington averages 57.8 yards per game, making him a top target for Grady.
  • Will Watts: With 1.1 sacks per game, Watts will be crucial in pressuring Porter-Gaud’s offensive line.

Head-to-Head: Last Meeting

In their most recent matchup on October 11, Porter-Gaud defeated Northwood Academy 28-12. The victory demonstrated Porter-Gaud’s ability to control the game and limit Northwood’s offense, especially in the second half. This victory could provide a psychological edge going into the playoff showdown.

Common Opponents and Playoff Momentum

Both teams have had impressive records against common opponents, each finishing 6-1. They have both shown dominance over teams like First Baptist School, Augusta Christian, and Heathwood Hall Episcopal. While Northwood Academy fell to Hammond in their head-to-head matchup, Porter-Gaud also suffered a defeat against the same opponent. Nevertheless, both teams have come out on top in their recent matchups, with Porter-Gaud winning big against Laurence Manning Academy and Northwood Academy securing a commanding win against the same team earlier this season.

Playoff Implications

This playoff contest is critical for both teams, as they look to advance and continue their state championship aspirations. The balance between Porter-Gaud’s offensive firepower and Northwood Academy’s resilience makes this a game to watch. The key to victory will likely lie in who can impose their style of play and maintain control through all four quarters. Will Porter-Gaud continue their dominance, or will Northwood Academy pull off an upset to advance further in the postseason?

Looking Ahead

As the game approaches, both teams will need to be at their best to come out on top. Porter-Gaud’s well-rounded offense and solid defense will be tested by Northwood Academy’s explosive attack and resilience. With a playoff victory on the line, expect an exciting and hard-fought battle that will showcase the best of South Carolina high school football.