The Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach, FL) varsity football team will host Escambia (Pensacola, FL) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM at Choctawhatchee High School. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A tournament.

Escambia vs Choctawhatchee High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Escambia vs Choctawhatchee
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Escambia vs Choctawhatchee

The Escambia Gators (9-2) will travel to face the Choctawhatchee Indians (9-2) in a highly anticipated playoff matchup on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM. The game, which will take place at Choctawhatchee High School, is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A tournament. Both teams enter the game with identical records and are primed for a showdown in what promises to be an exciting clash of talented rosters.

Team Breakdown:

Escambia has been solid all season with a strong record of 9-2, including a perfect 5-0 record at home. The Gators are known for their well-rounded attack, averaging 335.1 yards per game, with 141.4 yards coming from the ground and 193.7 yards through the air. Their high-scoring offense, which averages 29.1 points per game, is spearheaded by quarterback Nino Freeman, who leads the team with 157.8 passing yards per game and has accumulated 189.0 total yards per game. Running back Dorrion White is also a key contributor, rushing for 77.3 yards per game and contributing 6.0 points per contest.

On defense, Escambia has been effective, registering 59.5 tackles per game and 0.9 sacks per game. Ladarian Clardy leads the team with 5.7 tackles per game, anchoring the Gators’ defense as they look to slow down Choctawhatchee’s high-powered offense.

Meanwhile, Choctawhatchee has also posted a 9-2 record, with their lone two losses coming against tough competition. The Indians have excelled both at home (5-1) and on the road (4-1), and they bring a powerful offense that averages 31.3 points per game. They are led by dynamic running back Von’tavius Keller, who has been a force on the ground with 134.6 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Tamen Zabetkis has also been crucial to their success, averaging 107.8 passing yards per game, and wide receiver Aaron Rowell has contributed with 45.4 receiving yards per game.

Choctawhatchee’s defense has been a key strength, averaging 46.9 tackles per game and recording 2.2 sacks per game. Tristan Jackson leads the defense with 6.9 tackles per game, providing a strong presence in the middle for the Indians.

Scoring & Stat Comparison:

• Escambia averages 29.1 points per game, with 3.5 points per first quarter and 12.3 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing their ability to finish games strong.
• Choctawhatchee averages 31.3 points per game, with the bulk of their scoring coming in the first half (21.1 points per game). Their offense has been balanced, with a mix of rushing and passing contributions.

Key Players to Watch:

• Escambia’s Dorrion White and Choctawhatchee’s Von’tavius Keller will be critical in this matchup. White’s ability to break off big runs will be key for the Gators, while Keller’s performance could set the tone for Choctawhatchee’s offensive rhythm.
• Nino Freeman of Escambia will need to stay sharp in the passing game to keep the chains moving against Choctawhatchee’s defense.
• On the defensive side, Tristan Jackson of Choctawhatchee and Ladarian Clardy of Escambia will be crucial in limiting big plays.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, including Niceville, Navarre, Crestview, and Pine Forest. While Escambia holds a 3-1 record against common opponents, Choctawhatchee is slightly behind at 2-2, with both teams having faced some of the same challenges.

Head-to-Head Record:

This will be the first playoff meeting between Escambia and Choctawhatchee, but the teams have already met once during the regular season. Escambia came out on top in their previous matchup, defeating the Indians by a score of 42-15 on September 28, 2024. Choctawhatchee will be looking to avenge that loss in front of their home crowd in this crucial postseason game.

Conclusion:

Both teams are in excellent form, with matching 9-2 records and a high level of confidence heading into this playoff game. Escambia’s potent offense and solid defense make them a formidable opponent, but Choctawhatchee’s balanced attack and strong defensive presence will make for an intriguing matchup. With everything on the line, expect a hard-fought contest as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships.