The Ocean Springs (MS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Brandon (MS) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Brandon vs Ocean Springs
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 7A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Brandon vs. Ocean Springs
The Mississippi 6A playoff matchup between Brandon High School (11-1) and Ocean Springs High School (8-4) promises to be an exciting contest. Brandon, with a dominant 11-1 record, enters the playoffs as the favorite, while Ocean Springs, at 8-4, will look to make an upset after a season filled with both impressive victories and a few close losses.
Season Recap: Brandon High School
- Record: 11-1
- District: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 500 PF, 252 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.7 points per game
Brandon has been a powerhouse this season, boasting one of the top offenses in the state with 41.7 points per game. Their offense is a balanced attack with strong rushing and passing yards. The team is led by Tyson Robinson, who is both a top rusher and point scorer. Brandon has also been solid defensively, allowing just 252 points.
Key Players:
- Tyson Robinson (#7): A standout running back with 89.8 rushing yards per game. His ability to dominate on the ground will be key for Brandon’s offensive success.
- Sladen Shack (#10): Quarterback who has thrown for 203.2 passing yards per game, providing a dual-threat to opposing defenses.
- Quincy Phillips Jr. (#3): Leading receiver with 77.3 receiving yards per game, a top target for Shack.
Season Recap: Ocean Springs High School
- Record: 8-4
- District: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 375 PF, 224 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.3 points per game
Ocean Springs has had a rollercoaster season with a solid record but some close losses, especially against non-league teams. They excel in rushing with Will Smith leading the charge on the ground, while their defense has shown improvements throughout the season. Ocean Springs will need to step up their game to compete with Brandon’s explosive offense.
Key Players:
- Will Smith (#8): A dominant rusher with 107.3 rushing yards per game, a key player for Ocean Springs’ offense.
- Sharroid Whitehead (#2): Wide receiver with 134.8 receiving yards per game, the go-to target for quarterback Connor White.
- Jacolby Bailey (#3): The leading tackler for Ocean Springs, with 8.6 tackles per game, anchoring their defense.
Team Stat Comparison
| Category | Brandon | Ocean Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 41.7 | 31.3 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 160.4 | 240.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 260.0 | 98.6 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 258.6 | 98.6 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 420.4 | 338.8 |
| Tackles Per Game | 95.8 | 73.2 |
| Sacks Per Game | 2.5 | 3.6 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 21.0 | 18.7 |
Key Matchups
- Brandon’s Balanced Offense vs. Ocean Springs’ Rush Defense
- Tyson Robinson and Sladen Shack will look to exploit Ocean Springs’ defense. The key for Ocean Springs will be limiting Robinson’s big runs and pressuring Shack in the pocket. The defense’s ability to limit Brandon’s explosive plays will be critical to Ocean Springs’ success.
- Ocean Springs’ Ground Attack vs. Brandon’s Defense
- Will Smith is Ocean Springs’ top weapon and will need to have a big game on the ground. Brandon’s defense, led by Khalil Norwood and other key tacklers, must contain Smith and force Ocean Springs to beat them with the pass.
- Special Teams and Turnovers
- Brandon’s explosive offense can make up for mistakes, but special teams and turnovers will be a big factor in a playoff atmosphere. Both teams must be careful not to give up easy points or field position on special teams.
Common Opponents
| School | Brandon Record | Ocean Springs Record |
|---|---|---|
| Picayune | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Madison Central | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Gulfport | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Oak Grove | 1-0 | 1-1 |
| Northwest Rankin | 1-0 | 0-2 |
| D’Iberville | 1-0 | 1-0 |
Brandon has dominated against common opponents, including wins over Picayune (60-34) and Madison Central (21-7). Ocean Springs has had some struggles against common opponents like Madison Central and Northwest Rankin, but they’ve shown resilience in their victories.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Brandon | Ocean Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-1 | 8-4 |
| District Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Non-District Record | 6-0 | 1-4 |
| Points For | 500 | 375 |
| Points Against | 252 | 224 |
| Home Record | 6-0 | 3-3 |
| Away Record | 4-1 | 3-1 |
| Neutral Site Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Playoff Record | 2-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State Record | 11-1 | 8-4 |
| Out-of-State Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Prediction
Brandon comes into the game as the stronger team overall, with a potent offense and solid defense. Their offensive balance between rushing and passing makes them difficult to stop. While Ocean Springs has had a strong season, they’ll need to play near-perfect football to upset the heavily favored Brandon squad.
