Laurens Academy is 0-8 against Holly Hill Academy since August of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Crusaders will head out to face off against the Raiders at 7:30 p.m. Laurens Academy has given up an average of 27.7 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Laurens Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of South Carolina's top teams: King Academy, who was ranked first at the time (Laurens Academy was ranked third). The Crusaders came up short against the Knights last Friday, falling 44-22. The matchup marked the Crusaders' lowest-scoring game so far this season.
The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Ethan Collins, who threw for 175 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and also rushed for 71 yards on only eight carries. 88 of Collins' passing yards were hauled in by Elijah Hornberger, who also brought in a receiving touchdown.
Meanwhile, it can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Holly Hill Academy had no problem doing just that on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 38-20 victory over the Eagles. The Raiders' win was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.
Laurens Academy better keep an eye on Parker Kizer. He was instrumental in Holly Hill Academy's win, rushing for 183 yards and two TDs while picking up 9.2 yards per carry. Kizer is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 183 every time he's taken the field this season. Jake Kirven was another key player, rushing for 82 yards and one score.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Holly Hill Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 368 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 221 rushing yards in 12 consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Holly Hill Academy's record now sits at 11-0. As for Laurens Academy, their loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 8-2.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Laurens Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 264.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Holly Hill Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 375.7 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Laurens Academy was dealt a bruising 69-22 defeat at the hands of Holly Hill Academy when the teams last played back in November of 2023. Thankfully for the Crusaders, Ashton Soles (who threw for 119 yards and three touchdowns on only ten passes, and also punched in one rushing score) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
