The Woodruff Wolverines, with a 8-1 record, will host the Pendleton Bulldogs, who are 4-5, in a varsity football playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) in Class AAA.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

As the 2024-25 high school football season continues, the Pendleton Bulldogs and the Woodruff Wolverines are two teams in the spotlight with contrasting records and styles of play. Both squads have shown promise, but their performances in different categories paint a clear picture of their strengths and areas of improvement.

Team Overview

Pendleton Bulldogs (4-5 overall, 1-3 region)
Pendleton has had a challenging season, sitting at a .444 win percentage and struggling in region play with a 1-3 record. However, the team has proven resilient in certain matchups, posting a strong home record of 2-2. The Bulldogs have scored a total of 202 points and allowed 191, averaging 22.4 points per game, showing they can keep games competitive. Key players like Bray Spear and Jace Grass lead the way in both rushing and passing yards, with Spear putting up 59.1 rushing yards per game and Grass accounting for 207.2 passing yards per game.

Woodruff Wolverines (8-1 overall, 3-1 region)
On the other hand, Woodruff has been a dominant force in the region with an impressive 8-1 record and a .889 overall win percentage. The Wolverines have been particularly tough on the road, maintaining a 4-1 away record. Scoring has been a significant strength for Woodruff, as they average a staggering 41.3 points per game—nearly double Pendleton’s scoring average. The Wolverines’ offense has been led by Aiden Gibson, who rushes for an average of 149.3 yards per game, and TJ Morris, who throws for 226.2 yards per game.

Scoring Averages

• Pendleton: The Bulldogs average 3.5 points in the first quarter, 3.3 in the second, and 3.3 in the third, with their scoring picking up in the final quarter at 7.0 points. This trend highlights Pendleton’s ability to keep games close but struggle to maintain consistency throughout the game.
• Woodruff: The Wolverines start strong with an average of 10.8 points in the first quarter, followed by 9.4 points in the second, 6.0 in the third, and an impressive 16.0 points in the fourth. Woodruff’s ability to put up large numbers in the second half shows their offensive dominance.

Stat Comparison

• Rushing: Woodruff dominates in the ground game, averaging 207.8 rushing yards per game compared to Pendleton’s 101.1. The Wolverines’ rushing attack, led by Gibson, is one of their biggest strengths.
• Passing: Both teams are fairly balanced in the air, with Pendleton averaging 207.2 passing yards per game and Woodruff close behind at 226.2. The passing game has been a strong suit for both teams, with Pendleton’s Jace Grass and Woodruff’s TJ Morris leading the charge.
• Total Yards: Woodruff’s offense has been a powerhouse, racking up 434.0 total yards per game, while Pendleton totals 308.3 yards per game. This disparity reflects Woodruff’s ability to outpace opponents both on the ground and through the air.
• Defense: Woodruff has the upper hand in defense as well, with 82.7 tackles per game compared to Pendleton’s 29.9. Woodruff also boasts a slightly better sack rate, averaging 1.2 sacks per game compared to Pendleton’s 1.4.

Team Leaders

• Pendleton: Key contributors include Bray Spear (59.1 rushing yards per game), Jace Grass (207.2 passing yards per game), and Trent Garner, who averages 13.8 tackles per game.
• Woodruff: The Wolverines are led by Aiden Gibson (149.3 rushing yards per game), TJ Morris (226.2 passing yards per game), and Shaun Graybill (13.1 tackles per game). Woodruff’s Kori Moates also adds a strong receiving threat, totaling 67.9 yards per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, with Pendleton posting a 1-1 record against those teams, while Woodruff is undefeated at 2-0.

• Pendleton defeated Chesnee 47-21 in their season opener, while Woodruff won 45-28 against the same team.
• Pendleton faced a tough loss against Woodmont (34-19), but Woodruff handled Woodmont comfortably with a 36-13 win.

Head-to-Head Record Breakdown

• Pendleton: The Bulldogs have a 1-3 record in the league and 3-2 in non-league play, with 2 wins at home and 1 win on the road. They have yet to make it to the playoffs this season.
• Woodruff: The Wolverines are in strong contention for the playoffs, with a 3-1 region record and an undefeated 5-0 mark in non-league games. They’ve performed well both at home and on the road, and their balanced offense and stout defense make them one of the top teams in the region.

Conclusion

While Pendleton has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in key moments of games, Woodruff has been the more consistent and dominant team this season. With a high-powered offense and a stout defense, the Wolverines will be a formidable opponent in the playoffs. Pendleton, on the other hand, will need to improve in both consistency and execution if they are to make a push in the region standings in the coming weeks.