The Stratford Knights (5-5) will host the Fort Dorchester Patriots (5-5) 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 be held in Goose Creek, SC.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Stratford vs Fort Dorchester
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: Stratford vs Fort Dorchester

As the 2024 high school football season heads into its final stretch, Fort Dorchester and Stratford are set to face off in a highly anticipated playoff showdown on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM in Goose Creek, South Carolina. This game is a rematch of their earlier regular-season encounter, where Fort Dorchester narrowly defeated Stratford 26-24 in a thrilling contest on September 6. With both teams finishing the regular season with identical 5-5 records, the stage is set for a hard-fought battle with postseason implications.

Season Recap

Fort Dorchester enters the game with an overall record of 5-5, including a 2-3 mark in region play. The Patriots have been a balanced team on offense, averaging 272.8 total yards per game. They’ve leaned on the running game, with Ryan Campbell leading the way, rushing for 131.7 yards per game. Quarterback Kevin Johnson has been effective through the air, passing for 94.5 yards per game. The Patriots’ defense has also been solid, averaging 53.1 tackles per game and 1.0 sack per game. Despite their .500 record, Fort Dorchester has shown resilience throughout the season, especially with a dramatic 26-24 win over Stratford earlier in the year.

Stratford, also sporting a 5-5 overall record, has had a slightly stronger region performance at 3-2. The Knights’ offense has been potent, averaging 372.7 total yards per game, with a strong rushing attack led by Kerwin Squire Jr., who has rushed for 94.6 yards per game. Stratford’s passing game has been effective as well, with Jachin Davis leading the charge, throwing for 173 yards per game. The Knights have also been impressive defensively, averaging 46.3 tackles and 1.2 sacks per game. They come into this matchup on the heels of a 21-14 victory over Goose Creek on November 8, where their offense proved capable of responding under pressure.

Key Matchup

While both teams have shown offensive firepower throughout the season, the game could very well hinge on Fort Dorchester’s ability to stop Stratford’s high-scoring offense. The Patriots’ defense has been strong in limiting big plays, but Stratford’s potent attack, led by Davis and Squire, could test them in ways they haven’t been challenged yet. On the flip side, Fort Dorchester’s ability to control the game on the ground with Campbell, who’s averaging 146.8 total yards per game, could give them the edge in this matchup.

Head-to-Head

In their first encounter, Fort Dorchester’s defense stepped up in the second and third quarters, outscoring Stratford 17-3 during that stretch. Despite a late surge from the Knights, who scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, the Patriots held on for a 26-24 victory. This tight win gives Fort Dorchester the psychological advantage heading into the rematch, but Stratford will be eager to avenge the loss and claim a postseason berth.

Team Scoring Averages

The scoring averages for the two teams are nearly identical, with Fort Dorchester averaging 25.0 points per game and Stratford averaging 26.7 points. Both teams have displayed explosive capabilities, but they’ve also had stretches where they’ve struggled to finish games. The key will be who can execute more consistently, especially in the crucial fourth quarter.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against some similar opponents this season. They each went 1-1 against common foes such as Goose Creek and Summerville. Fort Dorchester won a nail-biter against Goose Creek (21-20), while Stratford pulled off a 21-14 win over the Gators. Both teams struggled against Summerville, with Fort Dorchester falling 50-21 and Stratford losing 28-14.

The Road Ahead

This playoff game represents more than just another contest; it’s a chance for one team to continue their postseason journey, while the other’s season will come to an end. Fort Dorchester and Stratford both have the talent to make a deep run, and this game will set the tone for what promises to be an exciting finish to the 2024 season.

Will Fort Dorchester’s balanced attack and stout defense propel them to another victory? Or will Stratford’s explosive offense and strong regional play allow them to turn the tables and advance? Only time will tell as these two teams prepare for their highly anticipated playoff rematch.