The Cleveland (Clayton, NC) varsity football team will host Ashley (Wilmington, NC) in a playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Ashley vs Cleveland
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Ashley vs. Cleveland
In this highly anticipated playoff matchup, Ashley High School (9-2) will take on undefeated Cleveland High School (11-0) on Friday, November 22. Cleveland enters as the heavy favorite, boasting a perfect record and high-powered offense, while Ashley will look to pull off the upset with a strong ground game and balanced attack.
Season Recap: Ashley High School
- Record: 9-2
- Conference: 5-2
- Points For/Against: 366 PF, 168 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.3 points per game
Ashley has had a standout season, leveraging a run-first approach complemented by timely passing from quarterback Jackson Eller. The team’s ability to control the game on the ground has been a key to their success. Defensively, Ashley has allowed only 168 points, averaging an impressive 71 tackles per game.
Key Players:
- Jaelan Brewington (#21): Leading rusher with 110.5 rushing yards per game, crucial for keeping Cleveland’s offense off the field.
- Jackson Eller (#9): Quarterback with 115.9 passing yards per game, needs to capitalize on play-action opportunities.
- Michael Agrillo (#3): Defensive leader with 12.7 tackles per game, tasked with slowing Cleveland’s explosive offense.
Season Recap: Cleveland High School
- Record: 11-0
- Conference: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 424 PF, 222 PA
- Scoring Average: 38.5 points per game
Cleveland has been dominant, especially in the passing game, led by quarterback Jackson Byrd, who averages over 280 passing yards per game. With a balanced offense and a solid defense that includes standout tackler Sawyer Lowe, Cleveland has outpaced nearly every opponent they’ve faced.
Key Players:
- Jackson Byrd (#10): Quarterback with 281.1 passing yards per game, a dual-threat who can extend plays and put up points quickly.
- Malachi Thomas (#6): Receiver with 75.9 receiving yards per game, a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field.
- Sawyer Lowe (#0): Defensive anchor with 13.9 tackles per game, a key figure in Cleveland’s defensive schemes.
Team Stat Comparison
| Category | Ashley | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 33.3 | 38.5 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 211.9 | 149.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 117.9 | 286.3 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 329.8 | 435.5 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 15.3 | 20.2 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.0 | 3.2 |
| Tackles Per Game | 71.0 | 73.3 |
Key Matchups
- Ashley’s Ground Game vs. Cleveland’s Front Seven
- Jaelan Brewington is Ashley’s go-to weapon, and Cleveland’s defense must limit his production. If Ashley establishes the run, they can control the clock and keep Cleveland’s offense on the sideline.
- Cleveland’s Passing Attack vs. Ashley’s Secondary
- Jackson Byrd and Malachi Thomas form one of the most dangerous duos in the state. Ashley’s secondary will need to play their best game of the season to prevent big plays.
- Ashley’s Defensive Pressure vs. Cleveland’s Offensive Line
- Ashley averages just 1 sack per game, while Cleveland’s line allows Byrd plenty of time to throw. Increasing pressure will be critical for Ashley to disrupt Cleveland’s rhythm.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Ashley | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-2 | 11-0 |
| Conference Record | 5-2 | 7-0 |
| Non-Conference Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| Points For | 366 | 424 |
| Points Against | 168 | 222 |
| Home Record | 5-1 | 6-0 |
| Away Record | 4-1 | 5-0 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
Prediction
While Ashley has had an impressive season, Cleveland enters this game with a significant edge in talent and depth. Cleveland’s passing attack and balanced offense should allow them to control the game, while their defense has enough firepower to keep Ashley’s run game in check.
