The Ridge View Blazers (6-4) will host the Spring Valley Vikings (0-10) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. The matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1 tournament. The game will take place in Columbia, SC.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Ridge View vs Spring Valley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1
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Game preview: Ridge View vs Spring Valley
As the 2024 high school football season draws to a close, the Ridge View Blazers (6-4) have been one of the standout teams in the region, and they’ll be looking to continue their success as they face off against the winless Spring Valley Vikings (0-10) in a playoff showdown on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup follows a dominant 54-14 victory by Ridge View over Spring Valley earlier in the season, and both teams are entering this game with contrasting forms.
Season Performance
Ridge View has posted a strong 6-4 overall record, including an impressive 5-1 record in region play, securing a playoff spot with ease. The Blazers have been particularly strong on offense, averaging 28.3 points per game, with balanced production across the board: 171.9 rushing yards per game and 187.4 passing yards per game. They have relied on the leadership of quarterback Derek (Tre) Howard III, who has been stellar this season, averaging nearly 230 total yards per game and throwing for over 198 yards per game. Howard’s favorite target has been wide receiver Khristian Jackson, who has been a top performer with 56.5 receiving yards per game.
In contrast, Spring Valley has had a rough season. The Vikings have yet to win a game, and their record stands at 0-10. Offensively, they have struggled, averaging just 10.4 points per game across four quarters. They are averaging less than 180 yards per game, with both their rushing and passing offenses falling far behind the competition. Their most notable player is running back Spencer Bobian, who leads the team with 79.9 rushing yards per game, but even his strong individual performances have not been enough to carry the team to victory.
Head-to-Head
In the previous meeting on October 4, Ridge View proved their dominance, defeating Spring Valley 54-14 in a commanding away victory. Ridge View built an early lead with 10 points in the first quarter and continued to pour it on in the second half, finishing the game with a 40-point margin of victory. Spring Valley was unable to keep pace, as they only managed two touchdowns throughout the game.
The two teams have faced similar opponents this season, but while Ridge View has posted a respectable 4-1 record against common foes, Spring Valley has struggled, going 0-5 in the same stretch. This includes losses to teams such as Sumter, Blythewood, and Lugoff-Elgin, teams Ridge View has been able to beat.
Key Players to Watch
For Ridge View, Howard’s playmaking ability and Jackson’s receiving yards will be critical to their chances of advancing further in the playoffs. Defensively, Markeith Thomas Jr. has been a standout, averaging 4 tackles per game, while the Blazers’ defense has kept opponents in check throughout the season.
For Spring Valley, Bobian will need to have a breakout performance to help keep the game competitive. With Spring Valley’s offense struggling to find rhythm, their defense will have to step up and stop Ridge View’s explosive offense to have any chance of pulling off an upset.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs begin, Ridge View enters this game with momentum, confidence, and a strong team. They are hoping to extend their playoff run and prove that they are one of the top teams in the region. For Spring Valley, this will be their last chance to salvage something from a tough season and end the year on a high note.
With Ridge View’s potent offense and solid defense, they are clear favorites heading into this match. However, in football, anything can happen, and Spring Valley will be hoping for a miracle to pull off a major upset in this highly anticipated playoff clash.
