The Monroe (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Brevard (NC) Friday, December 13, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Brevard vs. Monroe
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Brevard vs. Monroe
The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen two dominant teams in Brevard and Monroe, both making strong pushes for postseason success. With impressive regular-season records and high-scoring offenses, the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting playoff run.
Records Overview
- Brevard enters the postseason with an 11-2 record, boasting a strong conference record of 5-0. The team has proven effective at home (6-1) and on the road (5-1), with an overall win percentage of .846.
- Monroe, on the other hand, has been perfect all season, entering the playoffs with a flawless 13-0 record. Monroe has dominated both in conference (5-0) and in non-conference games (8-0), with an immaculate win percentage of 1.000. They have been equally impressive at home (7-0) and away (6-0).
Offensive and Defensive Breakdown
Both teams have excelled offensively and defensively, with a heavy emphasis on ground attacks and balanced playmaking.
- Brevard averages 40.8 points per game. Their offense is led by a powerful rushing game, averaging 248.5 rushing yards per game, along with 121.5 passing yards per game. Braylon Thompson is a key player, rushing for 93.6 yards per game and adding 111.8 total yards per game. Brevard’s offense is well-rounded, combining a strong run game with efficient passing plays.
- Monroe averages a staggering 51.3 points per game, largely due to their explosive offensive attack. The team rushes for 261.2 yards per game and passes for 127.1 yards per game, totaling 388.3 yards per game. Kaegan Chambers leads Monroe’s offensive efforts, racking up 127.1 passing yards and 191.5 total yards per game. Nymir Kendall adds to their ground game with 96.9 rushing yards per game.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, both teams have been impressive, although Monroe’s defense has been a bit more suffocating.
- Brevard averages 72.0 tackles per game, and the team has managed to generate 2.5 sacks per game. Coleman Smith leads the defense with 10.5 tackles per game. Their defensive unit has been strong, helping the team maintain a solid win rate.
- Monroe has a slightly lower average of 65.1 tackles per game, but their defense remains solid, with 2.3 sacks per game. Joey Shearin leads the way with 10.0 tackles per game. Monroe has been effective at shutting down opponents, allowing just 111 points all season.
Key Players
- Brevard:
- Braylon Thompson (RB): 93.6 rushing yards per game
- Benjamin Kessinger (QB): 91.7 passing yards per game
- Eli Griffin (WR): 50.4 receiving yards per game
- Coleman Smith (LB): 10.5 tackles per game
- Monroe:
- Nymir Kendall (RB): 96.9 rushing yards per game
- Kaegan Chambers (QB): 127.1 passing yards per game
- Jordan Young (WR): 49.0 receiving yards per game
- Joey Shearin (LB): 10.0 tackles per game
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced the same opponents, and each has emerged victorious in their respective matchups:
- Anson:
- Brevard won 42-6 (Nov 15, 2024)
- Monroe won 55-0 (Oct 18, 2024)
- Forest Hills:
- Brevard won 57-14 (Dec 6, 2024)
- Monroe won 34-9 (Oct 4, 2024)
Statistical Comparison
| Stat | Brevard | Monroe |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 248.5 | 261.2 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 121.5 | 127.1 |
| Total Yards/Game | 370.0 | 388.3 |
| Points/Game | 40.8 | 51.3 |
| Tackles/Game | 72.0 | 65.1 |
| Sacks/Game | 2.5 | 2.3 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Brevard | Monroe |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-2 | 13-0 |
| League Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Non-League Record | 6-1 | 7-0 |
| Home Record | 6-1 | 7-0 |
| Away Record | 5-1 | 6-0 |
| Playoff Record | 4-0 | 4-0 |
Conclusion: An Exciting Playoff Run
Both Brevard and Monroe are poised to make a deep playoff run, with each team showcasing elite-level play. Monroe, with its perfect season and explosive offense, enters the postseason as the favorite, but Brevard has the ability to challenge with its balanced attack and strong defensive unit.
As the postseason progresses, fans can expect to see high-scoring matchups, powerful rushing attacks, and clutch performances from key players like Braylon Thompson of Brevard and Nymir Kendall of Monroe. With both teams demonstrating dominance in the regular season, this matchup could very well lead to a thrilling finish to the season.
