The Brevard (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Forest Hills (Marshville, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Forest Hills vs. Brevard
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Forest Hills vs. Brevard
The matchup between Forest Hills (10-3) and Brevard (10-2) is shaping up to be an exciting playoff contest. Both teams have had successful seasons, but they come into this game with distinct strengths. Forest Hills boasts a strong rushing attack and a solid passing game, while Brevard has a potent offense that has been putting up impressive numbers all season long.
Season Recap: Forest Hills
- Record: 10-3
- Conference Record: 4-1
- Points For/Against: 412 PF, 214 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.7 points per game
Forest Hills has had a balanced season, with a solid mix of offense and defense. Rodney Smith has been a key player for the team, rushing for an average of 77.7 yards per game. Quarterback Zach Dillworth has been effective through the air, throwing for 190.4 yards per game. The defense is led by Rodney Smith, who also contributes 8.0 tackles per game. The team will need to keep up their offensive consistency and limit big plays from Brevard.
Season Recap: Brevard
- Record: 10-2
- Conference Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 473 PF, 164 PA
- Scoring Average: 39.4 points per game
Brevard has had an impressive season with their high-scoring offense, averaging 39.4 points per game. Braylon Thompson leads the charge in both rushing (90.3 yards per game) and scoring (8.3 points per game). Quarterback Benjamin Kessinger has been efficient in the passing game, with 92.4 passing yards per game. The defense, led by Coleman Smith (10.8 tackles per game), will need to contain Forest Hills’ offense to secure a win. Brevard’s balanced offense and stingy defense make them a dangerous opponent.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- Forest Hills will rely on a strong running game led by Rodney Smith, while Zach Dillworth looks to balance things out with his passing attack. The key for Forest Hills will be sustaining drives and controlling the clock, as they average 31.7 points per game.
- Brevard features a dynamic offense, with Braylon Thompson providing a strong rushing presence and Benjamin Kessinger helping to keep defenses honest through the air. Brevard averages 39.4 points per game, and they’ll aim to outpace Forest Hills’ defense with their fast tempo.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- Forest Hills’ defense has been solid, giving up an average of 214 points over the course of the season. They’ll need to tighten up their defense to slow down Braylon Thompson and Benjamin Kessinger, especially as Brevard is capable of putting up points quickly.
- Brevard’s defense has been formidable, allowing just 164 points. They will need to contain Forest Hills’ offensive weapons, particularly the running game from Rodney Smith. Coleman Smith will be key in leading the defensive charge.
Scoring Trends:
- Forest Hills scores most of their points early, averaging 9.8 points in the first quarter and 10.8 points in the second. However, they tend to slow down in the second half, averaging just 6.3 points in the third quarter and 4.8 points in the fourth quarter.
- Brevard has a more balanced scoring attack, with 6.3 points in the first quarter and 11.1 points in the second. They tend to pick up the pace in the second half, averaging 14.3 points in the third quarter and 6.7 points in the fourth. The team’s ability to finish strong could be an advantage in a close game.
Prediction:
This game is expected to be a tight contest, with both teams bringing strong offensive and defensive units. Brevard‘s high-scoring offense and stout defense give them the edge, but Forest Hills will put up a fight with their rushing game and balanced attack. Ultimately, Brevard’s ability to sustain their offensive momentum and finish strong in the second half could be the deciding factor.
