The South Pointe Stallions (8-2) from Rock Hill, SC, will host the Blue Ridge Fighting Tigers (4-6) from Greer, SC, 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 AAAA Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: South Pointe vs Blue Ridge
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAA Football
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Game preview: South Pointe vs Blue Ridge

As the high school football season progresses, Blue Ridge and South Pointe continue to demonstrate their contrasting fortunes. While Blue Ridge holds a modest 4-6 record overall, South Pointe is riding high with an impressive 8-2 season. The two teams will face off soon, and their head-to-head performance, team stats, and individual leaders provide an intriguing look at what each squad brings to the field.

Team Overview:

Blue Ridge has had a mixed season with a 4-6 record. In region play, they’ve posted a 2-4 mark, with an overall win percentage of just .400. The team has struggled on the road, going 2-4 in away games, but they’ve managed to pick up a solid 2-2 record at home. Despite the losing record, Blue Ridge has managed to score 247 points throughout the season, averaging 24.7 points per game, but they’ve also allowed 333 points, leading to a points differential of -86.

South Pointe, on the other hand, has been dominant this year with an 8-2 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark in region play. Their impressive .800 win percentage is complemented by an undefeated 5-0 record in away games, further solidifying their strong performance on the road. South Pointe’s defense has been exceptional, giving up only 100 points on the season, while their offense has lit up the scoreboard with 469 points, averaging a whopping 46.9 points per game.

Scoring Breakdown:

In terms of scoring, Blue Ridge averages 24.7 points per game. Their offensive output tends to increase as the game goes on, with 9.5 points in the second quarter and 8.6 points in the fourth. The team’s offense is a work in progress, with solid contributions but occasional inconsistencies. In contrast, South Pointe averages nearly double Blue Ridge’s score, with 46.9 points per game. They come out strong, particularly in the first quarter (15.4 points) and second quarter (12.8 points), before slowing down in the fourth (6.0 points).

Statistical Comparison:

Looking at team stats, the numbers reflect South Pointe’s dominance in multiple areas. Both teams have strong rushing games, with Blue Ridge averaging 245.6 yards per game and South Pointe posting 239.7 yards. However, the passing game is where the two teams diverge sharply. Blue Ridge averages just 85.7 passing yards per game, while South Pointe leads with 271.2 yards per game, highlighting their well-rounded offensive attack. In terms of total yards, South Pointe outpaces Blue Ridge by a wide margin, averaging 510.9 yards per game compared to 331.3 for Blue Ridge.

Defensively, South Pointe holds a major advantage in tackles (77.4 per game to Blue Ridge’s 38.2), sacks (5.3 to 0.1), and overall points allowed (100 compared to Blue Ridge’s 333). This disparity underscores the challenge Blue Ridge will face against a team that excels on both sides of the ball.

Key Players:

For Blue Ridge, the team’s top performer is running back Kb Henderson, who has racked up 107.2 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Gavin Forrester also stands out with 84.9 passing yards per game, and wide receiver Asheton Stokes contributes with 24.0 receiving yards per game. However, for Blue Ridge to stay competitive, they will need all of these players to perform at their peak and avoid any lapses.

South Pointe’s star player is Mason Pickett-Hicks, who leads the team with 154.7 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Cam McMillon has been excellent through the air, averaging 264.6 passing yards per game, while Dailan Duncan is the top receiver with 65.9 yards per game. South Pointe’s defense is led by Brysen Ginn, who averages 10.3 tackles per game, and Seth Tillman, who has 1.1 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown:

Both teams have faced varying competition this season. Blue Ridge’s record shows struggles in league play with a 2-4 mark, but they’ve been slightly more competitive in non-league games with a 2-2 record. South Pointe, by contrast, has been flawless in region play with a perfect 6-0 mark, further cementing their dominance within their conference.

Outlook:

Given the statistics and overall performance this season, South Pointe enters this matchup as the heavy favorite. Their well-balanced offensive attack, stingy defense, and perfect region record make them a formidable opponent for Blue Ridge. However, Blue Ridge has shown resilience throughout the season and will need to maximize their scoring potential, especially from their leaders like Henderson and Forrester, to have a chance against the high-powered South Pointe squad.

The game will likely come down to Blue Ridge’s ability to slow down South Pointe’s explosive offense, while looking to capitalize on any mistakes by their opponents. For South Pointe, staying focused and avoiding complacency will be key in maintaining their perfect region record.

Final Thoughts:

The upcoming showdown between Blue Ridge and South Pointe offers a classic matchup of underdog versus powerhouse. While South Pointe’s dominance across the board makes them clear favorites, Blue Ridge will look to put up a strong fight and play spoiler in what promises to be an exciting contest. The game’s outcome will hinge on whether Blue Ridge can disrupt South Pointe’s offensive rhythm and execute their own game plan effectively.