The Tupelo (MS) varsity football team is set to face Brandon (MS) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Brandon vs Tupelo
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 7A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Brandon vs. Tupelo
Two Mississippi powerhouses, Brandon Bulldogs (12-1) and Tupelo Golden Wave (13-0), collide in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Both teams are ranked first and second in the state, respectively, with Brandon dominating offensively and Tupelo bringing an exceptional balance on both sides of the ball.
Season Recap: Brandon Bulldogs
- Record: 12-1
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 531 PF, 265 PA
- Scoring Average: 40.8 points per game
Brandon’s explosive offense, led by QB Sladen Shack, who averages 200.4 passing yards per game, and RB Tyson Robinson, who rushes for 95.3 yards per game, has been the backbone of their success. The Bulldogs are dominant in the air, boasting an impressive 253.1 passing yards per game, complemented by a tough defensive front averaging 2.8 sacks per game. Their one loss came in a high-scoring shootout against Clinton, which they will hope to avoid repeating.
Season Recap: Tupelo Golden Wave
- Record: 13-0
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 442 PF, 163 PA
- Scoring Average: 34.0 points per game
Tupelo has been perfect this season, thanks to a punishing ground game led by Jaeden Hill, who averages 156 rushing yards and 16.8 points per game. The Golden Wave also thrives on defense, holding opponents to just 163 points across 13 games. With a balanced attack and strong home and away performances, Tupelo’s consistency has been their hallmark.
Key Matchups
- Brandon’s Passing Game vs. Tupelo’s Secondary:
Sladen Shack’s ability to connect with targets like Quincy Phillips Jr. (75 receiving yards per game) could be pivotal. Tupelo’s defense, which has held teams to an average of 12.5 points per game, will look to neutralize Brandon’s aerial attack. - Tupelo’s Rushing Game vs. Brandon’s Front Seven:
Jaeden Hill has been unstoppable, averaging 156 yards per game. Brandon’s defense, particularly Treston Jones, will need to step up to contain the run and force Tupelo to rely more on the passing game.
Common Opponents Performance
- Brandon (1-1): Defeated Madison Central (21-7), lost to Clinton (65-62).
- Tupelo (3-0): Defeated Madison Central twice (28-23, 21-3) and Clinton (49-0).
Tupelo’s dominant wins over common opponents, particularly the blowout against Clinton, highlight their strength heading into this matchup.
Prediction:
This game will be decided by which team can impose their strength: Brandon’s high-octane offense or Tupelo’s bruising rushing attack and stout defense. While Brandon’s firepower could keep them in the game, Tupelo’s balance and perfect record suggest they have the edge in a close, hard-fought contest.
