The Saluda Tigers, with an 8-1 record, will host the Mid-Carolina Rebels, who are 5-5, in 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 AA Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Saluda vs Mid-Carolina
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AA Football
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Saluda vs Mid-Carolina

As the 2024-2025 high school football season continues, the Mid-Carolina and Saluda football teams have faced different levels of competition, with contrasting records and scoring averages. Here’s a breakdown of their season so far, including head-to-head performances, common opponents, and key stats.

Team Records

• Mid-Carolina: With a 5-5 overall record, Mid-Carolina has had a relatively balanced season. The team posted a 2-2 record in region play, with a 3-2 record at home and a 2-3 record on the road. Despite scoring 205 points over the course of the season, Mid-Carolina allowed 246 points, reflecting some challenges on both sides of the ball.
• Saluda: Saluda, on the other hand, has enjoyed a highly successful season with an 8-1 record. They went 4-1 in region play, dominating their opponents with a 4-0 record at home and a perfect 4-0 away. The team has outscored their competition 278-92, showing an impressive offensive and defensive balance.

Scoring Averages

When comparing scoring averages, there’s a stark contrast between the two teams:

• Mid-Carolina: They average 20.5 points per game. Their scoring is more consistent in the first three quarters, with an average of 6.0 points in the first quarter, 6.1 in the second, and 5.1 in the third, before finishing with 3.3 points in the final quarter.
• Saluda: Saluda averages 30.9 points per game, a significantly higher mark. The team starts strong with 18.1 points in the first quarter, then tapers off slightly in the second and third quarters (6.7 and 4.9 points, respectively), before finishing with 3.0 points in the fourth quarter.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, but their performances against those teams differ:

• Mid-Carolina:
  • Lost to Newberry 43-0 (8/30/24)
  • Beat Pelion 49-14 (9/20/24)
  • Lost to Batesburg-Leesville 48-0 (9/25/24)
  • Lost to Chester 42-0 (10/25/24)
• Saluda:
  • Beat Newberry (9/27/24)
  • Beat Pelion 50-0 (10/10/24)
  • Lost to Batesburg-Leesville 28-7 (11/1/24)
  • Beat Chester 16-12 (9/12/24)

The records against common opponents show that while Mid-Carolina has struggled with some of the tougher teams, Saluda has managed to outperform in most matchups, with a 2-1 record against these shared opponents, while Mid-Carolina went 1-3.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Interestingly, these teams have not faced each other yet this season, and their head-to-head record stands at 0-0. Given Saluda’s dominant performance so far this year, it would be intriguing to see how they fare against Mid-Carolina should the two teams meet later in the season.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 seasons have played out differently for Mid-Carolina and Saluda, with Saluda clearly emerging as one of the top teams in their region. Mid-Carolina, while showing promise, has faced some challenges in their matchups, especially against stronger teams. Saluda’s potent offense and strong defense have made them a formidable force, and they will look to continue their success as the season progresses. Mid-Carolina, however, will need to address their inconsistencies to make a deeper playoff run.