The Cleveland Central varsity football team from Cleveland, MS, will face Canton, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Canton vs Cleveland Central
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 5A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Canton vs. Cleveland Central
The upcoming Canton (8-3) vs. Cleveland Central (11-0) playoff game on November 22 promises to be an exciting matchup, especially considering their recent history and contrasting seasons. Cleveland Central enters the game undefeated, boasting a perfect 11-0 record, while Canton has shown resilience, finishing with an 8-3 overall record. Cleveland Central comes in as the favorite but Canton will aim to avenge their narrow loss earlier this season.
Season Recap: Canton
- Record: 8-3
- District Record: 3-2
- Points For/Against: 340 PF, 205 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.9 points per game
Canton has had a solid season with a strong offensive attack. While they have had some challenges, particularly in district play, their ability to score points and put pressure on their opponents has been evident. They are coming off a series of victories, but their loss to Holmes County Central (44-33) shows they still have areas to improve.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Canton has averaged 30.9 points per game, showing a balanced attack with 106.7 rushing yards per game and 69.3 passing yards per game.
- Defense: Their defense has allowed 205 points, but they’ve managed to keep games competitive with their scoring ability.
Season Recap: Cleveland Central
- Record: 11-0
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 374 PF, 119 PA
- Scoring Average: 34.0 points per game
Cleveland Central has had a dominant season, finishing undefeated. Their defense has been particularly impressive, allowing only 119 points across 11 games, while their offense has consistently put up 34 points per game. Their success is built on both a high-powered offense and a stingy defense.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Cleveland Central has averaged 34.0 points per game, with 167.2 total yards per game, including 122.2 passing yards per game.
- Defense: Cleveland Central has allowed only 119 points this season, showcasing a defense that can stifle opposing offenses.
Head-to-Head:
In their first meeting earlier this season on October 11, Cleveland Central narrowly defeated Canton 14-12. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams scoring only in the second and third quarters. The low-scoring affair was a hard-fought contest, but Cleveland Central’s defense managed to hold Canton at bay, securing the victory.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Canton | Cleveland Central |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 106.7 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 69.3 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 176.0 | – |
| Points Per Game | 30.9 | 34.0 |
| Tackles Per Game | – | – |
| Sacks Per Game | – | – |
Key Players to Watch
- Canton:
- Ty Greenwood (94.3 rushing yards per game) will be essential for Canton’s offense, and his ability to control the ground game will be key to any upset.
- Eric Gilkey III (122.2 passing yards per game) will also play a crucial role in spreading the field and creating balance in the offense.
- Cleveland Central:
- Eric Gilkey III (167.2 total yards per game) has been the key playmaker for Cleveland Central. His versatility in both passing and running makes him a dangerous threat.
- Defense: Cleveland Central’s defense, allowing only 119 points all season, will need to continue to pressure Canton’s offense and limit big plays.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents, but Cleveland Central has had a perfect record against these teams, while Canton has lost one game. The competition for both teams has been relatively similar, but Cleveland Central has emerged victorious in each of these contests, which further reinforces their strength heading into the playoff matchup.
Keys to Victory
For Canton:
- Establish the Run Game: With Ty Greenwood leading the charge, Canton will need to control the clock and limit Cleveland Central’s possessions by running the football effectively.
- Limit Mistakes: After their narrow loss earlier in the season, Canton must avoid turnovers and capitalizing on Cleveland Central’s few mistakes.
- Defensive Pressure: Canton needs to put pressure on Cleveland Central’s offense and prevent the big plays that have fueled Cleveland Central’s success.
For Cleveland Central:
- Maintain Defensive Dominance: Cleveland Central’s defense has been excellent all year. They need to stifle Canton’s offense and prevent big runs from Ty Greenwood.
- Exploit Offensive Matchups: Cleveland Central has a high-powered offense. They will need to continue spreading the field and executing efficient drives to keep Canton’s defense on its heels.
Prediction:
While Canton has shown resilience throughout the season and played Cleveland Central tough earlier in the year, Cleveland Central enters this game undefeated and with a balanced attack on both sides of the ball. Cleveland Central’s defense will likely be the difference, as they have stifled opponents all season. With both teams playing for a chance at the next round, it will be an exciting matchup, but Cleveland Central’s overall strength gives them the edge.
