The Williamsburg Academy varsity football team (Kingstree, SC) will face Beaufort Academy (Beaufort, SC) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15. This matchup 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: Williamsburg Academy vs Beaufort Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina High School Football Playoff Brackets: SCISA – A
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Game preview: Williamsburg Academy vs Beaufort Academy
As the high school football season enters its final stretch, two powerhouse teams from South Carolina are drawing attention for their impressive records and explosive performances: Beaufort Academy and Williamsburg Academy. With both schools boasting remarkable statistics, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest of talent, strategy, and resilience.
Team Overview and Records
Beaufort Academy (24-25) enters the game with an 8-4 overall record, including a strong 4-1 mark in region play. The team has demonstrated impressive offensive and defensive balance, with a solid win percentage of .667. Their season highlights include a potent offense that averages 29 points per game and a defense that has allowed 273 points. Beaufort Academy has proven itself capable of competing both at home and on the road, with a 5-1 home record and a 3-2 mark away.
On the other side, Williamsburg Academy (24-25) is the team to beat, posting a stellar 9-1 overall record. They are undefeated in region play, with a perfect 3-0 record. Williamsburg has a dominant win percentage of .900, outscoring their opponents by a wide margin, with 313 points for and only 122 points against. Their high-flying offense has been especially potent, averaging 31.3 points per game. Williamsburg’s unblemished region record and near-perfect home and away results make them a formidable opponent for any team.
Scoring Averages and Key Stats
Both teams have demonstrated strong offensive outputs this season, but Williamsburg Academy holds a slight edge in scoring. Beaufort Academy averages 29.0 points per game, with their scoring distributed throughout the game: 0.5 in the first quarter, 8.3 in the second, 5.5 in the third, and 7.5 in the fourth. Williamsburg Academy, meanwhile, has a more consistent scoring spread, averaging 9.3 points in the first quarter, 8.5 in the second, 4.8 in the third, and a dominant 11.5 in the fourth, bringing their final average to 31.3 points per game.
In terms of total yards, Beaufort Academy leads with 428.6 yards per game, a result of their balanced attack of 263.8 rushing yards and 164.8 passing yards. Williamsburg Academy’s offense is more focused on rushing, accumulating 187.1 yards per game on the ground, alongside 98.1 yards through the air, totaling 285.2 yards per game.
Defensively, Beaufort Academy has an edge in tackles, averaging 63.9 tackles per game compared to Williamsburg’s 57.9. However, Williamsburg’s defense has been more effective at limiting opponents’ offensive production, allowing only 122 points all season.
Star Players to Watch
The matchup features some standout individual performers on both sides. Beaufort Academy’s Nych Underwood has been a force on the ground, rushing for an average of 130.4 yards per game. Quarterback Dietrich Shuford has been efficient in the passing game, with 164.8 passing yards per game, while also contributing a total of 272.3 yards per game. On defense, Keeler Dineen has led the way with 6.7 tackles per game.
For Williamsburg Academy, Travis Bennett Jr. has been the key rusher, gaining 109.5 yards per game, while Micah Balder has contributed 87.8 receiving yards per game. Quarterback Bryce Blackburn has also been efficient, adding 155.9 total yards per game. On the defensive side, Ty Tilton has emerged as a key tackler, averaging 6.9 tackles per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a number of common opponents this season, with Williamsburg Academy holding a perfect 6-0 record in these matchups, while Beaufort Academy has posted a 4-2 mark. Notably, both teams have beaten Patrick Henry Academy, Lee Academy, Faith Christian, and Carolina Academy. However, Williamsburg has been more dominant, winning these games by larger margins and often shutting out opponents, such as their 18-0 victory over Carolina Academy and a 55-6 blowout against Patrick Henry Academy.
Beaufort Academy’s losses this season have come at the hands of Dorchester Academy and Thomas Heyward Academy, two tough opponents that Williamsburg also faced. Williamsburg managed to defeat Thomas Heyward 28-26, while Beaufort Academy fell 49-25 to the same team.
Playoff Implications
Both teams have their sights set on a deep playoff run. Beaufort Academy, with a 5-1 home record, will look to capitalize on its strong home field advantage if they advance to the postseason. Williamsburg Academy, with an undefeated 5-0 away record, has proven their ability to win on the road, which will serve them well as the playoffs unfold.
This game is shaping up to be a critical test of each team’s playoff hopes. Beaufort Academy will need to improve upon its performances against top-tier opponents like Dorchester and Thomas Heyward, while Williamsburg will aim to continue its perfect region play record and build on their impressive season.
Conclusion
As the season winds down, all eyes are on this high-stakes matchup between Beaufort Academy and Williamsburg Academy. With both teams sporting strong records, dynamic offenses, and formidable defenses, this game is sure to be a thrilling contest that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
