The Wren Hurricanes (7-2) will host the Lancaster Bruins (4-6) 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 AAAA Football tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Wren vs Lancaster
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAA Football
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Wren vs Lancaster

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, Lancaster and Wren stand out as notable teams in their respective regions. Both have had distinct paths leading to their current records, and with the playoffs approaching, understanding their strengths and weaknesses can offer a deeper look into their prospects.

Team Records and Rankings

• Lancaster has had a challenging season with an overall record of 4-6, placing them in the middle of their region with a 2-4 record in the region. They’ve struggled at home and away, with a 2-3 record at both. However, they’ve shown resilience, with a total of 230 points scored against 265 points allowed.
• Wren, on the other hand, has had an impressive season, boasting a 7-2 overall record and dominating in their region with a 4-1 record. Their away performance (3-1) and home play (4-1) have both been strong, with a remarkable 396 points scored and only 146 allowed, showcasing a formidable offense and defense.

Scoring Averages: A Tale of Two Teams

In terms of scoring, there is a clear difference in the offensive capabilities of both teams.

• Lancaster averages 23 points per game, with a steady performance throughout the game. They score 4.5 points in the first and fourth quarters and 8 points in the third. However, their scoring dips in the second quarter, with an average of just 4.3 points.
• Wren, on the other hand, has been a high-scoring team, averaging 44 points per game. Their offensive consistency is notable, with strong performances in the first half, scoring 12.6 points in the first quarter and 12.1 in the second. They tend to score less in the third quarter (5.9 points), but they finish strong with 9.1 points in the final quarter.

Statistical Comparison: Team Strengths and Weaknesses

When comparing key team statistics, Wren clearly outpaces Lancaster in several key categories:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Lancaster averages 259.7 rushing yards per game, while Wren’s high-powered offense leads with 396.3 total yards per game, suggesting they are more balanced and versatile in their offensive attack.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Lancaster averages 136.7 passing yards per game, indicating a balanced air game, while Wren’s 136.7 passing yards per game shows they can adapt their strategy depending on the situation.
• Defensive Performance: Lancaster has averaged 63.1 tackles per game, while Wren registers just 38.6 tackles. However, Wren’s defense has been far more dominant, allowing only 146 points compared to Lancaster’s 265 points.
• Sacks and Tackles: Lancaster has managed to register 1.1 sacks per game, and their top tackler, Pedro Acatitlan, averages 8.5 tackles per game. Wren’s defense, led by Muntu Brown with 0.4 sacks per game, has been less aggressive but just as effective, limiting their opponents to an average of just 146 points throughout the season.

Notable Players

Both teams feature standout players whose contributions have been instrumental in their seasons:

• Lancaster’s Reese Price is a standout with 130.8 rushing yards per game and 12.8 points per game, both of which rank him as one of the team’s top contributors. He’s complemented by Colten Bagwell, who averages 133.6 passing yards and 214.4 total yards per game.
• Wren’s players have shined in a more balanced attack, with standout performances across the board. Their offense is led by players like Carson Bryant (55.3 receiving yards per game) and their defense by Pedro Acatitlan, who averages 8.5 tackles per game. Wren’s balanced approach on both offense and defense makes them a formidable opponent.

Head-to-Head and Region Play

• Lancaster has had a tough road in region play with a 2-4 region record. They’ve had struggles at home (2-3) and away (2-3), which has likely contributed to their overall losing record.
• Wren has excelled in region play, with a 4-1 record. Their strong home and away performances, combined with their scoring power, make them a serious contender as they prepare for playoff action.

Conclusion

As the season moves towards its conclusion, the matchup between Lancaster and Wren presents a contrast of styles. Lancaster has a solid but inconsistent offense and defense, while Wren’s balanced attack on both sides of the ball has made them a dominant force in the region. Lancaster will need to step up its offensive and defensive consistency if they want to contend against Wren’s high-powered offense in any future matchups. Meanwhile, Wren will look to maintain their dominance as they enter the postseason, where their well-rounded team could take them far.

Both teams have shown resilience and skill, but Wren’s impressive scoring average and defensive strength position them as the team to beat this season.