The Sumter (SC) varsity football team will host Ashley Ridge (Summerville, SC) in a home playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1 tournament.

Sumter vs Ashley Ridge Football Game Info:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Sumter vs Ashley Ridge
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAAA Football: Division 1
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Game preview: Sumter vs Ashley Ridge

As the high school football season intensifies, two teams stand out in South Carolina’s competitive landscape: Ashley Ridge and Sumter. With impressive records and a track record of high-scoring games, these teams have earned their places as top contenders. Let’s break down the rankings, stats, and key players from both squads as they head into their respective postseason stretches.

Ashley Ridge (24-25)

• Record: 8-3 overall, 3-2 in Region
• Home: 5-1, Away: 3-2
• Win Percentage: .727, Region Win Percentage: .600
• Points For: 460, Points Against: 291
• Offensive Strength: Ashley Ridge has demonstrated a well-rounded attack, averaging 41.8 points per game. While they’re not as explosive as some other teams, they have shown balance with 172.2 rushing yards per game and 312.5 passing yards per game. The team’s total offensive yardage averages 484.6 yards per game, positioning them as a versatile threat.
• Key Players:
  • Jayden Acosta: The standout running back has been a major contributor, with 129.9 rushing yards per game.
  • Trevor Kalisz: With 307.8 passing yards per game, Kalisz has proven to be a consistent and reliable quarterback.
  • Jaiden Deweese: Leading the receiving corps, Deweese has racked up 116.2 receiving yards per game.
  • Dylan Polansky: A defensive leader, Polansky has averaged 10.2 tackles per game, anchoring the team’s defensive line.

Sumter (24-25)

• Record: 10-0 overall, 6-0 in Region
• Home: 5-0, Away: 5-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000, Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For: 492, Points Against: 172
• Offensive Strength: Sumter’s offense has been nothing short of dominant, averaging 49.2 points per game. They boast a particularly powerful rushing game, with 342.3 rushing yards per game, which is significantly higher than most teams in the region. Their total offensive yardage comes in at 444.3 yards per game, showing they can control the tempo with their run-heavy attack.
• Key Players:
  • John Peeples: A dual threat, Peeples leads the team with 126.3 rushing yards per game, contributing greatly to their dominant rushing attack.
  • Franklin Richardson: As quarterback, Richardson has delivered 102.0 passing yards per game, but his ability to manage the offense and add valuable rushing yards has been crucial to Sumter’s success.
  • Christopher Bentley: Bentley has been a reliable receiver, contributing 54.6 receiving yards per game.
  • Anthony Addison: A key defensive player for Sumter, Addison has averaged 9.0 tackles per game.

Team Comparison

When comparing the two teams, Sumter clearly stands out in several areas:

• Rushing Yards: Sumter’s 342.3 rushing yards per game dwarfs Ashley Ridge’s 172.2, highlighting their ability to dominate on the ground.
• Passing Game: Ashley Ridge has been more balanced with 312.5 passing yards per game, while Sumter has relied less on the pass with just 102.0 yards per game.
• Scoring: Sumter has been the more potent offense, averaging 49.2 points per game compared to Ashley Ridge’s 41.8.

Both teams have had a strong season, with Ashley Ridge finding success through a balanced attack and Sumter excelling with its powerful running game and high-scoring offense.

Record Breakdown

• Ashley Ridge: 8-3 overall, with a strong performance in non-league games (4-1). Their ability to perform well at home (5-1) has been key to their success.
• Sumter: An undefeated 10-0 season, including a perfect 6-0 region record, proves their dominance. They have been flawless both at home and on the road, with a 5-0 mark in each category.

Conclusion

Both Ashley Ridge and Sumter have been exceptional this season. Ashley Ridge has managed to stay competitive with a strong offense and solid defense, while Sumter’s undefeated record shows just how formidable they have been. Whether Sumter can maintain their unbeaten run or Ashley Ridge can upset them will be key storylines in the postseason, as both teams look to advance deeper into the playoffs.