The Oceanside Collegiate Academy varsity football team (Mt. Pleasant, SC) will play a neutral-site playoff game against Loris (SC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football tournament.
Oceanside Collegiate Academy vs Loris Football Game Info:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Oceanside Collegiate Academy vs Loris
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAA Football
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Game preview: Oceanside Collegiate Academy vs Loris
As the 2024 high school football season nears its thrilling conclusion, two powerhouse teams, Loris and Oceanside Collegiate Academy, stand ready to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. With impressive records and strong performances in the postseason, both teams have proven themselves as elite contenders in South Carolina high school football.
Loris: A Dominant Force
Loris has been a juggernaut throughout the season, boasting an impressive 11-1 record. With a flawless 5-0 performance in the region and an undefeated 7-0 home record, they have demonstrated their strength on both sides of the ball. The Lions’ offense has been nothing short of explosive, averaging 35.5 points per game, led by standout quarterback Zamire “Moon” Gerald. Gerald has thrown for 141.5 yards per game, while running back Makel Stephens has been a workhorse, averaging 82.6 rushing yards per game. The team’s balance is evident, with both strong rushing and passing game numbers supporting their dominant offensive output.
On defense, Loris has shown a stout ability to stifle opponents, with Javon Johnson anchoring their defense with 8.3 tackles per game. They are aggressive up front, averaging 1.7 sacks per game, and have allowed just 118 points on the season. Their defense will be key as they look to slow down Oceanside’s high-powered offense.
Oceanside Collegiate Academy: A Strong Contender
Oceanside Collegiate Academy enters the game with a solid 9-3 overall record. Despite a mixed performance in neutral games (2-3), the team has excelled in both region play (4-0) and away games (5-0), and they have shown resilience in the postseason. The team has averaged 32.5 points per game, led by quarterback Aiden Manavian, who has been outstanding, averaging 235.5 total yards per game. His ability to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing has been a key factor in their success.
With the powerful offensive duo of Manavian and receiver Will Virgilio (87.4 receiving yards per game), Oceanside has a potent aerial attack. The team also boasts a strong defensive effort, with players like Terence Johnson leading the way with over 7 tackles per game.
Common Opponents: A Shared Success
Both teams have faced some of the same opponents throughout the season, and the results have been remarkably similar. Loris and Oceanside Collegiate Academy are both undefeated against common foes such as Dillon, Waccamaw, and Hanahan, demonstrating that both teams are battle-tested and prepared for any challenge that comes their way.
Loris has managed tight wins against Dillon (30-27), Waccamaw (40-14), and Hanahan (28-21), while Oceanside Collegiate Academy has matched them with victories over the same teams, including a dominant 49-7 win over Hanahan and a 36-6 victory over Waccamaw.
Team Comparisons: Offense and Defense Breakdown
While both teams have been strong offensively, there are clear differences in their approaches. Loris has been a run-heavy team, rushing for 218 yards per game, while Oceanside focuses more on their passing game, averaging 215.8 yards through the air. Loris’ ability to dominate the ground game will be a key factor, but Oceanside’s high-flying offense could pose a serious threat.
Defensively, Loris has been more aggressive with 71.8 tackles per game and a notable 1.7 sacks per game, compared to Oceanside’s 32.0 points allowed per game and 0.2 sacks per game. However, Oceanside has managed to limit opponents to just 228 points, showing they can lock down when it matters most.
A Championship Caliber Matchup
Both Loris and Oceanside Collegiate Academy come into this matchup with strong records, dominant wins, and plenty of postseason experience. With explosive offenses and stout defenses, this game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle.
Loris’ balanced offensive attack and defensive prowess will be tested by Oceanside’s aerial assault and dynamic playmakers. As the teams gear up for the championship showdown, all eyes will be on these two titans of South Carolina high school football to see who will emerge as the 2024 champion.
