The Richard Winn Academy varsity football team (Winnsboro, SC) will host Laurens Academy (Laurens, SC) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 6:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – 8-Man” tournament.
Richard Winn Academy vs Laurens Academy Football Game Info:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Richard Winn Academy vs Laurens Academy
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – 8-Man
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Game preview: Richard Winn Academy vs Laurens Academy
As the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) playoffs approach a climactic finale, the Laurens Academy Crusaders and Richard Winn Academy Eagles prepare for their third clash of the season. This game, set for November 22 at Richard Winn’s home field, carries high stakes as Laurens aims to overcome their formidable opponent in a bid for redemption.
Season Snapshot
Laurens Academy has had an impressive season, posting a 10-3 record, including a 4-2 mark in league play. Despite their strong overall performance, the Crusaders have struggled against Richard Winn, losing both regular-season encounters. Their ability to generate offensive yardage is notable, with a SCISA-leading 405 total yards per game, and they excel in rushing, averaging 263.2 yards per game. Key contributors include Garrett Murphy, who boasts a staggering 214.3 total yards per game, and quarterback Ethan Collins, who averages 144.8 passing yards per game.
On defense, Garrison Vaughan anchors the team with 9.8 tackles per game, but the Crusaders’ defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in their two losses to the Eagles, giving up a combined 118 points.
Richard Winn Academy, the undisputed SCISA powerhouse, remains undefeated at 11-0, including a flawless 6-0 league record. Ranked first in South Carolina’s Class 1, their dominance is underscored by an impressive 38.4 points per game average while limiting opponents to just 172 points across 11 games. Their balanced attack is led by the versatile Charlie Bonds, who contributes both as a passer (168.6 passing yards/game) and a rusher (99.4 rushing yards/game).
The Eagles’ defense, though statistically outpaced by Laurens in tackles and sacks, is incredibly efficient, evidenced by two commanding victories over the Crusaders: a 56-20 win in September and a 62-12 blowout in October.
Head-to-Head Matchups
In their first meeting on September 12, Richard Winn leveraged a dominant second quarter, scoring 27 points to put the game out of reach early. The rematch on October 25 was even more lopsided, with the Eagles cruising to a 62-12 victory. These results emphasize Richard Winn’s superiority in all phases of the game, from defense to special teams.
However, Laurens Academy has shown resilience in their other games, recording notable wins against common opponents like Newberry Academy and King Academy, albeit by narrower margins than Richard Winn’s victories over the same teams.
Key Matchups and Strategy
For Laurens Academy, success hinges on their ability to slow down Richard Winn’s offense and sustain drives of their own. Quarterback Ethan Collins and running back Garrett Murphy will need to play mistake-free football, maximizing their explosive yardage production to keep the game close. The defense must contain Charlie Bonds, who has proven to be a nightmare for opposing teams with his dual-threat capability.
Richard Winn, on the other hand, will aim to continue their balanced approach. By spreading the ball between Bonds and standout receiver Jake Gaillard, they can exploit Laurens’ defensive gaps. Defensively, the Eagles must neutralize Murphy’s ground game and force the Crusaders into passing situations.
What’s at Stake
For Laurens Academy, this game represents an opportunity to defy the odds and cement their place among SCISA’s elite. For Richard Winn Academy, a victory would cap an unbeaten season and affirm their dominance in Class 1 football.
The two prior matchups suggest an uphill battle for Laurens Academy, but playoff football often produces surprises. Can the Crusaders pull off a stunning upset, or will the Eagles soar to yet another victory? The stage is set for an epic showdown on November 22.
