The Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland, SC) varsity football team will host Dorchester Academy (St. George, SC) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Thomas Heyward Academy vs Dorchester Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – A
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Game preview: Thomas Heyward Academy vs Dorchester Academy

As the 2024-2025 season heats up, two powerhouse teams, Dorchester Academy and Thomas Heyward Academy, are making waves in South Carolina high school football. Both teams are having impressive seasons, with Dorchester Academy boasting a record of 8-2 and Thomas Heyward Academy coming in at 10-1. Let’s dive deeper into the stats, team comparisons, and head-to-head matchups between these two competitive squads.

Season Overview

• Dorchester Academy: With a solid 8-2 record, Dorchester Academy is performing well both at home (4-1) and away (4-1). They have shown strong resilience and consistency, securing a win percentage of .800 and a region win percentage of .667. Their offense has been scoring at an average of 28.3 points per game, with 283 total points so far this season.
• Thomas Heyward Academy: The reigning champions of the region, Thomas Heyward Academy leads with an impressive 10-1 record, with an undefeated 5-0 mark in region play. Their overall win percentage stands at .909, and they have an even more dominant region performance, maintaining a perfect 1.000 record. Their offense has been one of the most potent in the state, averaging 39.1 points per game, with 430 points scored so far.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Attack: Thomas Heyward Academy leads in rushing yards, averaging 261.6 yards per game, while Dorchester Academy follows closely with 236.3 yards per game. Both teams have dynamic ground games, with standout players like Dorchester’s John Whetsell, who averages 184.2 rushing yards per game, and Thomas Heyward’s Tony O’Banner, who leads with 154.2 yards per game.
• Passing Game: Dorchester Academy has a slight edge in the air, with 99.7 passing yards per game compared to Thomas Heyward’s 80.8. John Quattlebaum of Dorchester is the team’s passing leader, averaging 109 yards per game, while Thomas Heyward relies on a more balanced approach, with Kiran Boggess leading their passing game at 63.1 yards per game.
• Total Yardage: When it comes to total yards, the teams are fairly evenly matched, with Dorchester Academy averaging 336.0 total yards per game, while Thomas Heyward averages 342.5 yards per game. Both offenses are highly productive, thanks to their efficient rushing and steady passing attacks.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackling: Thomas Heyward Academy has the advantage in tackles, averaging 72.0 tackles per game compared to Dorchester’s 25.3. This defensive strength has allowed Thomas Heyward to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities more effectively.
• Sacks: Both teams feature strong pass rushes, but Thomas Heyward has the upper hand in this category, averaging 1.0 sack per game compared to Dorchester’s 1.5. This highlights the differences in defensive strategies, with Dorchester more focused on limiting yardage while Thomas Heyward places a premium on disrupting the quarterback.

Team Scoring Breakdown

• Dorchester Academy: The team has been fairly consistent in their scoring, putting up 12.0 points in the first quarter, followed by 10.3 points in the second. However, their scoring drops off in the second half, with only 4.0 points in the third quarter and 4.8 in the fourth quarter. This has been a potential area of concern for the team, as they’ll need to maintain offensive momentum in high-pressure situations.
• Thomas Heyward Academy: In contrast, Thomas Heyward Academy starts strong, averaging 15.7 points in the first quarter and finishes strong, scoring 9.3 points in the final quarter. Their ability to score consistently throughout the game gives them a significant advantage in tight contests.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents this season, with mixed results. Dorchester Academy holds a 7-2 record against common opponents, while Thomas Heyward Academy has a slightly better 7-1 record. Their victories have been convincing, with Thomas Heyward’s biggest win being a dominant 55-12 victory over Lee Academy. Dorchester Academy has been equally impressive, securing a dominant 45-7 win over Colleton Prep Academy in their most recent outing.

Head-to-Head Record and Playoff Outlook

Though both teams have stellar records, they have yet to face each other this season. Looking ahead, their paths may cross in the postseason, where the competition will be fierce. Dorchester Academy enters the playoffs with an 8-2 in-state record and a 1-0 playoff record. Thomas Heyward Academy, with a 9-1 record in-state and a 1-0 playoff record, will be looking to maintain their winning ways as they head into the postseason.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 season has been a thrilling one for both Dorchester Academy and Thomas Heyward Academy. With explosive offenses and robust defenses, these teams are positioned for a deep playoff run. As the season progresses, fans will eagerly await a potential showdown between these two formidable rivals. Whether it’s Dorchester Academy’s balanced attack or Thomas Heyward Academy’s unstoppable offense, both teams are sure to leave it all on the field as they push for the state championship.