The Dixie County varsity football team from Cross City, FL, will face Fort Meade, FL, in a neutral playoff game today at 1 PM at Dixie County. This matchup is part of the “2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – Rural Football Division B” tournament.

Fort Meade vs Dixie County High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Fort Meade vs Dixie County
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 1:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – FHSAA Rural Football Division B
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Fort Meade vs Dixie County

The Dixie County Bears (7-6) and the Fort Meade Miners (5-7) are set to clash in a pivotal playoff game today as part of the “2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – Rural Football Division B” tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM at Dixie County, with both teams aiming to keep their postseason dreams alive.

Season Overview

Dixie County enters the matchup with a slight edge in overall performance, boasting a 7-6 record compared to Fort Meade’s 5-7. Both teams struggled in district play, going 0-1, but have found playoff success with identical 3-0 postseason records.

At home, Dixie County has been stronger, going 4-3, while Fort Meade has struggled on the road, posting a 1-4 away record. Both teams, however, are undefeated in neutral-site games this season, making this contest particularly intriguing.

Team Comparisons

Offense:

• Fort Meade leads in passing, averaging 210.2 passing yards per game compared to Dixie County’s 46.2. Quarterback Jayden Mccutchen (#6) has been a standout for the Miners, contributing 210.2 passing yards and 234.7 total yards per game.
• Dixie County dominates the ground game, with Mister Williams (#21) leading the charge at 97.2 rushing yards per game. The Bears average 200.8 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Fort Meade’s 84.5.

Defense:

• Fort Meade holds the edge in tackles, averaging 80.1 per game compared to Dixie County’s 44.1. Mehki Berrien (#3) has been a defensive stalwart for the Miners, with 13.3 tackles per game.
• In terms of sacks, Fort Meade again has the advantage, with Darian Kirkland (#9) recording 1.0 sacks per game versus Dixie County’s team average of 0.7.

Scoring Trends

Fort Meade has a slight scoring advantage, averaging 22.3 points per game compared to Dixie County’s 20.4. The Miners are most productive in the second and fourth quarters, while the Bears tend to start strong in the first quarter but struggle in later periods.

Key Players to Watch

• Fort Meade: Jayden Mccutchen (#6) is the centerpiece of the Miners’ offense, combining passing and rushing skills for nearly 235 yards per game. On defense, Mehki Berrien (#3) anchors the unit with consistent tackling.
• Dixie County: Mister Williams (#21) is the Bears’ go-to player, contributing both on offense and as the team’s leading scorer with 7.5 points per game. Stewart Bray (#55) and Lukis Medlin (#59) will play critical roles on defense.

What to Expect

This game pits Fort Meade’s aerial attack against Dixie County’s ground-and-pound style. The Bears’ ability to control the clock with their rushing game could be decisive, but Fort Meade’s quick-strike passing game poses a significant threat. Both teams have proven their resilience in playoff scenarios, making this a must-watch matchup.

Who will advance to the next stage of the state championships? The answer lies in today’s showdown at Dixie County.