The West Point (MS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Cleveland Central (Cleveland, MS) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Cleveland Central vs West Point
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 5A
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cleveland Central vs. West Point

This matchup features the Cleveland Central (12-0) vs. West Point (9-3) teams in what promises to be an exciting and competitive game. Cleveland Central has had a perfect season so far, while West Point comes in with a solid record and a strong playoff push. Here’s a breakdown of the two teams and how they match up.

Cleveland Central (24-25) Season Overview

Cleveland Central has been perfect this season, with a 12-0 record, dominating both in-state and out-of-state opponents. Their defense has been a key factor, only allowing 145 points across their entire season. Offensively, they’ve been scoring at an impressive clip, averaging 33.4 points per game.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 8.4 points
• Q2: 11.4 points
• Q3: 6.8 points
• Q4: 5.4 points

Cleveland Central tends to have their most success in the first two quarters, particularly in the second. Their ability to close out games is a bit weaker in the second half, but their dominant first half is often enough to secure victories.

Key Wins

Cleveland Central’s perfect record includes impressive victories against Holmes County Central (W 35-19), Yazoo City (W 41-12), and Pontotoc (W 31-13). Their defense has been a major strength, and they have had no trouble putting up points against solid opponents.

West Point (24-25) Season Overview

West Point has posted a 9-3 record, with a perfect 5-0 district record. They have been a strong team throughout the season, averaging 26.3 points per game, with a balanced offense and defense. Their defense has allowed 175 points this season, and they have proven themselves as a reliable team in tight games.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 7.8 points
• Q2: 6.2 points
• Q3: 4.4 points
• Q4: 7.2 points

West Point tends to finish strong in the fourth quarter, which could give them an advantage if the game is close at the end. However, they may need to step up their scoring in the middle of the game, as their second and third-quarter numbers show some room for improvement.

Key Wins

West Point has impressive victories over Clarksdale (W 21-0), Holmes County Central (W 31-28), and Pontotoc (W 34-14). Their close victories show that they are capable of thriving in competitive situations.

Team Stat Comparison

• Scoring: Cleveland Central (33.4 points per game) vs. West Point (26.3 points per game)
• Defense: Cleveland Central (145 points allowed) vs. West Point (175 points allowed)
• Rushing Yards Per Game: Cleveland Central is likely stronger in this area, with more consistent offensive production across the board.

Cleveland Central’s offense has been more prolific than West Point’s, and they’ve allowed fewer points on defense. West Point will need to step up both offensively and defensively to challenge Cleveland Central.

Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, and here’s how they fared:

• Clarksdale:
  • Cleveland Central won 42-0 (8/30/24)
  • West Point won 21-0 (10/18/24)
• Holmes County Central:
  • Cleveland Central won 35-19 (11/1/24)
  • West Point won 31-28 (11/22/24)
• Yazoo City:
  • Cleveland Central won 41-12 (11/7/24)
  • West Point won 41-0 (11/15/24)
• Pontotoc:
  • Cleveland Central won 31-13 (11/15/24)
  • West Point won 34-14 (11/1/24)

Both teams have been dominant against their common opponents, but Cleveland Central’s margin of victory has generally been larger.

Record Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of both teams’ overall and district records:

• Cleveland Central: 12-0 overall, 5-0 district, 6-0 home, 5-0 away
• West Point: 9-3 overall, 5-0 district, 4-2 home, 4-1 away

Cleveland Central’s undefeated season and perfect district record make them a formidable opponent, while West Point has been strong, particularly in district play.

Key Players to Watch

• Cleveland Central:
  • Their offense has been balanced, but their standout players are likely in the running and passing game. Key players in their undefeated season will need to maintain their consistency in both offensive and defensive play to ensure a win.
• West Point:
  • West Point’s defense and ability to close out games will be crucial, especially if the game comes down to the fourth quarter.

Conclusion: Who Has the Advantage?

Cleveland Central enters this game with a perfect record and has shown the ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. Their strong first half performances and ability to shut down opponents make them the clear favorites.

West Point will need to step up offensively, particularly in the second and third quarters, to keep pace with Cleveland Central’s potent attack. While West Point has had solid wins and is a tough competitor, Cleveland Central’s complete dominance throughout the season gives them the upper hand in this matchup.