Orangeburg Hosts Thrilling High School Football Championships
Orangeburg, SC – The highly anticipated South Carolina High School League’s football state championships commenced on December 12, 2024, and are set to run through December 14 at the Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on the South Carolina State University campus. Teams from various classes are competing for coveted state titles in a series of exciting matchups.
First Day Results: Class 2A and Class A
The opening day of the championships kicked off on Thursday, December 12, with two decisive games. In the Class 2A showdown, the Clinton Red Devils triumphed over Barnwell with a score of 35-6. Quarterback Tushawan Richardson showcased a stellar performance, contributing both a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. Clinton’s offense was formidable, amassing a total of 312 rushing yards during the game. Richardson led the charge with 106 yards on the ground, while Javen Cook added another 93 yards. Barnwell managed to score a touchdown through a remarkable 77-yard kickoff return by Jaquan Peeples in the first quarter, briefly narrowing Clinton’s lead to 8-6.
In the second game of the day, the Class A championship saw Abbeville dominate Cross with a commanding 58-20 victory. Quarterback Demarcus Leach had a standout performance, racking up nearly 200 yards of offense along with three total touchdowns. The Panthers’ rushing attack was relentless, accumulating an impressive 429 rushing yards. Jha’Louis Hadden also proved instrumental, scoring two touchdowns on the ground.
Upcoming Matches: What to Expect
As the excitement continues, fans can look forward to more action over the following days. On Friday, December 13, the Class 5A Division I game features Dutch Fork facing off against Summerville at 2:06 p.m., followed by the Class 4A contest of South Florence against Westside at 7:36 p.m. Saturday, December 14, will complete the championships with two final games: Class 3A featuring Oceanside Collegiate against Belton-Honea Path at 12:06 p.m. and Class 5A Division II with Irmo squaring off against Northwestern at 6:06 p.m.
Game Details and Logistics
The championships are taking place at the Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, located at 300 College Ave, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Tickets for the games are priced at $15 each and can be purchased through an online ticket service. It is important to note that the stadium will be cleared after each game, and fans must have a valid ticket for each contest as re-entry is not allowed. Gates will open for spectators one hour before the scheduled game time.
Parking is available for $10 per car, with a fee of $50 for vehicles with trailers. Tailgating is encouraged in the designated parking areas.
Viewing Options
For those unable to attend in person, all six games are set to be broadcast across various television stations in South Carolina. Additionally, a streaming option is available online, requiring a monthly subscription. Radio coverage will also provide commentary for certain games, enhancing the overall experience for fans.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast looks favorable, with clear skies expected throughout the event. Kickoff temperatures are projected to be around 53 degrees on Thursday, with a steady increase to a high of 61 degrees by Saturday.
As the state championships unfold, all eyes will remain on Orangeburg as high school teams strive for glory, showcasing their talent and determination in this upcoming series of intense matchups.
