The Ridgeland (SC) varsity football team will host Scott’s Branch (Summerton, SC) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class A Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Ridgeland vs Scott’s Branch
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class A Football
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Game preview: Ridgeland vs Scott’s Branch

As the high school football season progresses, fans and analysts alike are turning their attention to two competitive South Carolina teams—Scott’s Branch and Ridgeland. Let’s take a deeper look at their rankings, team stats, and common opponents to understand how these teams have fared so far and what to expect moving forward.

Record Overview

• Scott’s Branch (24-25): The Scott’s Branch Eagles have faced some challenges this season, with a 4-6 overall record and a 3-3 mark in region play. They have managed a 1-4 record at home but a more respectable 3-2 on the road, showing their resilience away from home. With 256 points scored and 279 points allowed, Scott’s Branch has shown promise but has struggled defensively at times.
• Ridgeland (24-25): Ridgeland’s Panthers, with a 6-4 record, have had a strong season overall, particularly in region play where they hold a 4-1 record. They’ve been more successful at home (3-2) and away (3-2), showing consistency across both environments. Ridgeland has scored 117 points, and allowed 152, which reflects their defensive strength as well as an offense that often grinds out games.

Scoring Averages

• Scott’s Branch: The Eagles have been more prolific offensively, averaging 25.6 points per game. They have demonstrated strong fourth-quarter performances, putting up 6 points in Q4 after averaging 3.1 in the first quarter, a sign of potential for late-game comebacks.
• Ridgeland: The Panthers’ scoring is more subdued, averaging 11.7 points per game. Their offensive output peaks in the fourth quarter (1.0 points per quarter on average), which could indicate a team that is slower to gain momentum in games but capable of closing strong when necessary.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing: Scott’s Branch averages 67.0 rushing yards per game, while Ridgeland boasts a higher average of 100.7. This gives Ridgeland a slight advantage in the ground game.
• Passing: Scott’s Branch holds a strong passing attack, averaging 136.7 passing yards per game compared to Ridgeland’s 58.6. The Eagles’ passing game has been a critical component of their offense.
• Total Yards: Scott’s Branch averages 203.7 total yards per game, while Ridgeland is slightly behind at 159.3, showing Scott’s Branch’s ability to accumulate more yardage overall.
• Defense: Scott’s Branch records 61.4 tackles per game, outpacing Ridgeland, who averages 45.7 tackles per game. This indicates Scott’s Branch has been more involved defensively, though Ridgeland’s defense has been notably tougher in other areas, such as limiting yards and forcing turnovers.

Team Leaders

• Scott’s Branch: Jaiven Conyers leads the Eagles with 129.4 passing yards per game and 141.9 total yards per game, making him a dynamic offensive weapon. Quintin Jackson has been their top receiver with 43.8 yards per game and also contributes to the team’s scoring with 9.0 points per game. On defense, Dresean Blanding leads the team with 8.5 tackles per game, helping to anchor the defense.
• Ridgeland: Wenson Smith has been the standout performer for Ridgeland, leading the team in rushing (95.9 yards per game), total yards (113.0), and tackles (8.1). Semaj Hicks contributes with 31.1 receiving yards per game, and the team relies on his versatility on offense. Ridgeland’s defensive efforts have been anchored by players like Xavier Plowdeniz and Deonte West, but the team’s overall pass rush has been limited with only 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced East Clarendon and Manning, but neither has been able to secure a win against these strong opponents.

• Scott’s Branch: Lost to East Clarendon (32-0) and Manning (39-0).
• Ridgeland: Also lost to East Clarendon (32-14) and Manning (35-0).

These losses highlight some of the challenges both teams have faced against higher-ranked competition.

Head-to-Head Record

When it comes to head-to-head matchups, both teams have yet to meet this season, and their records against each other are 0-0, so it’s difficult to predict how they will fare when they face off.

Conclusion

While Scott’s Branch has a higher offensive yardage average, Ridgeland’s balanced approach, especially in the running game and defense, could give them an edge in a head-to-head matchup. Both teams will need to improve in certain areas—Scott’s Branch with its defensive consistency and Ridgeland with its offensive efficiency—to make deep playoff runs. With playoff aspirations still very much alive, these two teams have the potential to surprise when it counts most.