The Philip Simmons (Charleston, SC) varsity football team will host Mullins (SC) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AA Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Philip Simmons vs Mullins
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AA Football
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Game preview: Philip Simmons vs Mullins

As the season heats up, the Mullins and Philip Simmons high school football teams have emerged as standout contenders, showcasing impressive records and formidable performances that set the stage for a thrilling encounter. Let’s break down the strengths and differences of these two teams, diving into key statistics and highlights that make their matchup one to watch.

Team Overview

Mullins High School: With a 7-3 overall record and a 3-3 performance in their region, Mullins has been a competitive force this season. Their balanced approach includes a respectable 226 points scored (22.6 points per game) and 203 points allowed. While their offensive play has been steady, they have faced some challenges in their region, leading to a .500 region win percentage. The team’s offensive line has been solid, with standout players like Kanazzion Bethea leading the charge in both rushing and passing yards.

Philip Simmons High School: With an 8-2 overall record, Philip Simmons has had an outstanding season, dominating their region with a perfect 5-0 record. The team’s offense has been explosive, scoring an impressive 320 points (32.0 points per game), and their defense has been equally strong, allowing only 172 points. With a stellar offensive lineup and an undefeated region record, Philip Simmons is undoubtedly one of the top teams in their class.

Scoring and Offensive Breakdown

When analyzing the scoring dynamics of both teams, we see stark differences in their approaches.

• Mullins: The team’s scoring is more spread out, with a relatively consistent output across the quarters. They average 5.8 points in the first quarter, 4.3 in the second, 5.3 in the third, and 6.0 in the fourth. This steady but sometimes slow start could be a factor that works against them in a fast-paced game.
• Philip Simmons: In contrast, Philip Simmons has shown an explosive offense, especially in the second and third quarters. They average 4.5 points in the first quarter, but ramp up to a massive 10.8 in the second and 14.3 in the third. Their scoring tends to peak after halftime, suggesting strong adjustments and stamina throughout the game.

Statistical Comparison

Examining the key team statistics reveals more about how these teams operate:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Mullins averages 141.0 rushing yards per game, led by Bethea’s 54.3 yards per game. On the other hand, Philip Simmons outpaces them with 184.5 rushing yards per game, led by Travaris Walker’s 64.7 yards. The difference in rushing yardage is significant, and Philip Simmons’ stronger rushing attack could give them an edge in controlling the tempo of the game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Mullins, with a 110.9-yard average, relies heavily on a balanced offense, but Philip Simmons’ 126.4 yards per game gives them a slight advantage in the air. Bethea is also a threat in the passing game, contributing 117.8 yards per game, while Philip Simmons’ Tavien Orellana leads the team with 122.0 yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: Philip Simmons excels here, averaging 310.9 total yards per game, compared to Mullins’ 251.9. The ability of Philip Simmons to generate more yardage suggests they can dominate possession and dictate the pace, particularly with their ability to mix both the run and pass effectively.
• Defense: Mullins averages 49.8 tackles per game, with Nathan Peracki leading the way at 9.0 tackles per game. Philip Simmons, however, has a more aggressive defensive approach with 58.4 tackles per game, and Daniel Scarth leads with 9.1 tackles per game. The higher number of tackles per game indicates that Philip Simmons may have a more physical defensive front, capable of stifling offensive drives more effectively.

Team Leaders and Key Players

• Mullins: Kanazzion Bethea is the centerpiece of the Mullins offense, leading the team in rushing, passing, and total yards. His ability to control both the ground game and the air attack makes him a dual-threat. Meanwhile, Zayan Grant is the top receiving target, racking up 30.6 receiving yards per game.
• Philip Simmons: Travaris Walker is the key rusher for Philip Simmons, with an average of 64.7 yards per game. Meanwhile, Tavien Orellana has been instrumental in the passing game, throwing for 122.0 yards per game. Kolten Kellermann is another standout player for the Eagles, contributing 8.0 points per game and 37.8 receiving yards per game.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

• Home vs. Away: Mullins has been strong at home, with a 4-1 record, while Philip Simmons has also been formidable on the road, boasting a 5-1 away record. The home-field advantage could play a significant role for Mullins, but Philip Simmons’ strong road performance suggests they are a resilient team capable of handling pressure in hostile environments.
• Region Performance: The contrasting region records further highlight the difference in their performance this season. While Mullins holds a 3-3 region record, Philip Simmons has been perfect in the region with a 5-0 record, proving their dominance in head-to-head matchups within their conference.

Conclusion

This matchup between Mullins and Philip Simmons promises to be an exciting clash, with Mullins hoping to use their home advantage and balanced offensive attack to overcome Philip Simmons’ high-powered offense and tenacious defense. While Mullins has the potential to control the ball with their steady offense, Philip Simmons’ explosive scoring and superior yardage statistics make them the team to watch. Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can impose their style of play—whether it’s Mullins’ calculated approach or Philip Simmons’ fast-paced, dynamic offense.