The Baylor (Chattanooga, TN) varsity football team will host McCallie (Chattanooga, TN) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Tennessee High School Football Playoff Brackets: TSSAA Division II Class AAA tournament.

Baylor vs McCallie Football Game Info:

What: Tennessee High School Football
Who: Baylor vs McCallie
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Tennessee High School Football Playoff Brackets: TSSAA – Division II Class AAA
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Game preview: Baylor vs McCallie

The McCallie and Baylor football teams are set to meet once again, this time in a highly anticipated playoff game that is sure to draw plenty of attention. The two teams, both from Chattanooga, TN, have had impressive seasons and are considered among the top teams in Tennessee.

Season Overview

McCallie (10-2 overall, 4-1 district) has shown resilience this season, with a strong win percentage of .833. The team has been impressive both at home, with a 7-1 record, and on the road, boasting a solid 3-1 record away from home. McCallie’s offense has averaged 33.2 points per game, with notable individual performances, particularly from running back Keylan Syam, who averages 114.3 rushing yards per game.

Baylor (12-0 overall, 5-0 district), on the other hand, has been dominant all season, remaining undefeated with a perfect 1.000 win percentage. Baylor has excelled both at home and on the road, with an unblemished 8-0 home record and 4-0 away. Their offense has been even more explosive, averaging 37.8 points per game. Quarterback Elliott Drapeau has been a standout performer, with impressive passing yards and total yards per game.

Head-to-Head History

The two teams last met on October 4, 2024, in a district matchup, where Baylor triumphed 44-12. McCallie struggled in the first half, with Baylor leading 27-0 at halftime, and although McCallie found some success in the third quarter with two touchdowns, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Baylor juggernaut.

Baylor’s offense exploded in the second quarter, with 21 points, and sealed the game with another 17 points in the third. McCallie’s defense struggled to contain Baylor’s high-powered offense, which has been a theme in their losses this season.

Key Players to Watch

• McCallie:
  • Keylan Syam: The team’s top rusher, averaging 114.3 yards per game, is crucial to McCallie’s success. If Syam can find holes in Baylor’s defense, he could be the difference-maker.
  • Elliott Drapeau: As McCallie’s leader in both passing and total yards, Drapeau will need to execute the passing game efficiently to keep the Baylor defense on its toes.
• Baylor:
  • Elliott Drapeau: A dual-threat quarterback, Drapeau has been responsible for over 169 yards passing per game and can create big plays when the game is on the line.
  • Cooper Gentle: Baylor’s defensive leader with 8.1 tackles per game, Gentle’s ability to stop McCallie’s key players will be crucial in limiting McCallie’s offensive production.

Team Comparisons

• Offense:
  • McCallie averages 288 total yards per game, with a heavy reliance on both the run and pass. They’ve been effective in the passing game (160.7 passing yards per game) and the run game (127.3 rushing yards per game).
  • Baylor’s offense is slightly more explosive, averaging 454 total yards per game. They’ve shown a well-rounded offensive attack, though they are especially strong in the air with 160.7 passing yards per game.
• Defense:
  • McCallie’s defense is solid, allowing just 163 points over the season, with an average of 34.9 tackles per game. They’ll need to focus on stopping Baylor’s potent attack to have a chance at winning.
  • Baylor’s defense has also been effective, allowing just 153 points this season and boasting a strong pass defense. Their ability to pressure the quarterback, with 1.5 sacks per game, will be crucial.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, and the results have been impressive across the board. McCallie holds a 6-0 record against common opponents, while Baylor is undefeated against the same teams, with a 7-0 record. Notably, both teams defeated Memphis University School, Brentwood Academy, Montgomery Bell Academy, and Lipscomb Academy, among others, with Baylor often posting larger margin victories.

The Playoff Implications

This game will not only determine the next step in the playoff journey but will also showcase the talent and determination of two of Chattanooga’s premier football programs. With Baylor’s perfect season on the line and McCallie looking for revenge after their October defeat, this game promises to be a thriller.

As both teams prepare for the contest, the outcome will likely depend on which team can maintain discipline on both sides of the ball. McCallie will need to establish its running game and limit Baylor’s offensive opportunities, while Baylor will look to continue its dominance and make a statement heading into the next phase of the playoffs.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM tonight at Baylor’s home field, and fans can expect an exciting matchup between two powerhouse teams.