The Weddington (Matthews, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against East Forsyth (Kernersville, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: East Forsyth vs. Weddington
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: East Forsyth vs. Weddington
This highly anticipated matchup features East Forsyth (13-0), a team with a perfect season, and Weddington (12-0), also undefeated and looking to extend their success. Both teams have been impressive on both sides of the ball, but East Forsyth’s dominance in scoring and overall yardage puts them in the driver’s seat.
Season Recap: East Forsyth Eagles
- Record: 13-0
- Conference Record: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 657 PF, 227 PA
- Scoring Average: 50.5 points per game
East Forsyth is a juggernaut offensively, averaging over 50 points per game. They are led by Bryce Baker, who is exceptional both in the air and on the ground, passing for 251.3 yards per game. Corey Blair adds a reliable rushing attack, contributing 78.1 yards per game. JP Gilchrist is a key playmaker in the receiving game with 84.1 yards per game. The Eagles’ defense, led by Nathan Stewart (10.5 tackles per game), has also been very effective, allowing just 227 points this season.
Season Recap: Weddington Warriors
- Record: 12-0
- Conference Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 478 PF, 92 PA
- Scoring Average: 39.8 points per game
Weddington has also been dominant, especially in their defensive performances, allowing just 92 points all season. Their offense is potent, though less prolific than East Forsyth, averaging just under 40 points per game. They’ve been efficient on both sides of the ball, with strong performances against teams like West Forsyth and Butler, winning key matchups. However, their offense lacks a standout yardage leader like East Forsyth’s Bryce Baker. The Warriors will rely on a balanced attack and a tough defense to control the game.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- East Forsyth’s offense is explosive, with Bryce Baker throwing for over 250 yards per game and adding another 77 yards per game on the ground. They can score quickly and in bunches, with JP Gilchrist being a key target in the passing game.
- Weddington’s offense will need to stay balanced and efficient, as they face one of the highest-scoring teams in the state. They will have to control the clock and take advantage of every possession to keep the ball away from East Forsyth’s offense.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- East Forsyth’s defense has been strong but will face a stiff test in Weddington’s disciplined attack. Nathan Stewart and others will need to contain the Warriors’ offense and force them into uncomfortable situations.
- Weddington’s defense has been exceptional, allowing only 92 points all season. They will need to stifle Bryce Baker and prevent big plays from JP Gilchrist in order to stay in the game. Their defensive line will need to put pressure on Baker to disrupt his rhythm.
Scoring Trends:
- East Forsyth has been explosive early, averaging 16.2 points in the first quarter. Their scoring drops slightly in the second half but remains formidable.
- Weddington tends to score more evenly across the game, with 13.4 points in the first quarter and 13.3 in the second quarter, but their scoring drops off considerably in the second half.
Common Opponents:
- Both teams faced West Forsyth and Butler, with East Forsyth and Weddington winning these matchups by large margins. East Forsyth’s 13-0 record includes convincing wins, but Weddington’s perfect season shows their consistency and defensive strength.
Prediction:
East Forsyth enters the game as the higher-scoring team, with an offense that can score at will. Their ability to pass, run, and control the game through explosive plays makes them the favorite. However, Weddington‘s defense has been nearly impenetrable this season, and they’ll look to slow the game down and keep East Forsyth’s offense off the field.
