The River Bluff Gators (8-2) will host the Mauldin Mavericks (2-8) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1 tournament. The game will take place in Lexington, SC.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: River Bluff vs Mauldin
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: River Bluff vs Mauldin

As the high school football season nears its conclusion, two South Carolina teams — Mauldin and River Bluff — present contrasting stories in their rankings, records, and performance on the field. Both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses, with Mauldin struggling to gain consistency, while River Bluff has displayed dominance throughout the season.

Team Records and Performance Overview

Mauldin (2-8 overall, 2-5 in the region) has had a challenging year, with a win percentage of just .200. Their offense has struggled to find consistency, averaging only 16.2 points per game. The team’s defense has allowed 333 points across the season, contributing to their overall difficulties.

On the other hand, River Bluff has enjoyed a much more successful campaign with an 8-2 overall record and a 3-2 region record. With a win percentage of .800, they have been one of the more formidable teams in the area. Averaging 28.8 points per game, River Bluff has shown a balanced offensive attack, putting up 288 points this season while allowing just 211.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Output

A closer look at the teams’ scoring breakdown reveals the differences in their approach to games. Mauldin has struggled to keep up on the scoreboard, with their strongest quarter being the second (5.0 points per game). They’ve averaged just 2.4 points in the first quarter, which has often put them at a disadvantage early on. Their scoring drops off slightly in the second half, as they average 4.7 in the third quarter and 4.1 in the fourth.

Conversely, River Bluff has been strong in all phases of the game. They start strong, averaging 6.4 points in the first quarter, and continue their solid performances in the second (8.9 points per game), third (5.3), and fourth (5.7). Their offense has been efficient, with 3.0 points per overtime (if necessary), and they finish with an impressive 28.8 points per game overall.

Stat Comparison

When comparing overall statistics, River Bluff holds a slight edge in total yards per game (331.1 yards) over Mauldin (298.4 yards). River Bluff excels in the running game, averaging 197.0 rushing yards per game compared to Mauldin’s 165.2. However, both teams are relatively even in passing yards per game, with Mauldin at 133.2 and River Bluff at 134.1.

Defensively, Mauldin averages 60.9 tackles per game, slightly more than River Bluff’s 54.2, but the two teams are nearly equal in terms of sacks, with Mauldin averaging 1.0 sack per game and River Bluff averaging 0.9.

Key Players to Watch

For Mauldin, Nehemiah Floyd has been the standout player, leading the team in rushing yards (100.7 per game), total yards (107.1 per game), and points per game (4.2). Jaxon Vicars, with 92.2 passing yards per game, has been a key contributor to their offensive efforts. Defensively, Evan Hruska has been a force, averaging 7.5 tackles per game.

On the River Bluff side, Trace Nettles has been a standout with 136.0 rushing yards per game, making him one of the top players in the region. Quarterback Parker Murray has also played a crucial role, averaging 118.9 passing yards per game. Aaron Griffin has been a reliable target in the receiving game, with 45.3 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Blaine Fender leads River Bluff with 10.8 tackles per game, while Owen Gilbert has contributed 1.0 sack per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The season’s records tell a clear story: Mauldin has struggled both at home and on the road, with just a 1-4 record in both scenarios. Meanwhile, River Bluff has been formidable at home, with a 5-1 record, and has done well on the road, finishing 3-1 in away games. Both teams will aim to improve on these records as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

While Mauldin has faced numerous challenges this season, including struggles on both sides of the ball, River Bluff has displayed a well-rounded and effective game plan. With a balanced offensive attack and a solid defense, River Bluff looks poised for a strong finish to their season. Mauldin will need to make significant adjustments if they hope to turn things around and end the year on a positive note.

As the season heads into its final stretch, both teams have much to prove — Mauldin aiming to build momentum for future seasons and River Bluff looking to secure a top spot in the region as they continue their successful run.