The Hartfield Academy varsity football team from Flowood, MS, will face Jackson Prep from Jackson, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Saturday, November 23, at 6:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 MAIS High School Football Playoff Bracket for the MAIS 6A division.

Hartfield Academy vs Jackson Prep Football Game Info:

What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Hartfield Academy vs Jackson Prep
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 MAIS High School Football Playoff Bracket – MAIS 6A
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Game preview: Hartfield Academy vs Jackson Prep

The stage is set for an electrifying playoff showdown as Jackson Prep (12-0) and Hartfield Academy (11-2) meet again on Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. The neutral site game promises to be a clash of titans, with both Mississippi powerhouses vying for supremacy in a season where neither has taken their foot off the gas.

Season Recap and Rankings

Jackson Prep enters the game undefeated, boasting a flawless 12-0 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark in district play. With a dominant points-for (PF) and points-against (PA) ratio of 532-134, they’ve showcased both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

On the other side, Hartfield Academy has navigated a strong 11-2 season, with their only losses coming in district play and during their regular-season matchup against Jackson Prep. Hartfield has been prolific offensively, scoring 638 points while allowing 180. Despite a .600 district win percentage, their .846 overall win rate demonstrates their ability to rise to the occasion.

Previous Matchup

The last meeting between these teams on October 18 was nothing short of a classic. Jackson Prep emerged victorious in a thrilling 51-45 win on Hartfield’s home turf. The game featured explosive scoring, with Jackson Prep dominating the fourth quarter, scoring 20 unanswered points to seal the win. That result not only gave Jackson Prep the mental edge but also added intrigue to this highly anticipated rematch.

Team Comparisons

Scoring and Stats: Both teams bring high-octane offenses to the field. Hartfield Academy edges Jackson Prep in average points per game (49.3 to 44.3), thanks to their ability to light up the scoreboard, particularly in the fourth quarter. However, Jackson Prep has proven more balanced on both sides of the ball, with an impressive defense holding opponents to just 134 total points this season.

Yardage: Jackson Prep averages 407.8 total yards per game, showcasing a balanced attack led by quarterback Billy Puckett, who posts 183.6 passing yards per game. Hartfield Academy isn’t far behind, tallying 383.5 yards per game, with their passing attack spearheaded by Cayman Tapper’s 189.2 yards per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Jackson Prep:
  • Billy Puckett (QB): A dual-threat playmaker, Puckett leads his team with 233.3 total yards per game.
  • Thomas Hewitt Oswalt (RB): Jackson Prep’s rushing leader, averaging 57.3 yards per game.
  • Eli Adams (WR): The go-to target, contributing 6.6 points per game.
• Hartfield Academy:
  • Cayman Tapper (QB): The heartbeat of Hartfield’s offense, Tapper averages 190.4 total yards per game.
  • Kaden Catchings (RB): A dynamic runner, leading Hartfield’s ground game with 83.3 yards per game.
  • Bralan J. Womack (WR): A major deep threat, averaging 83.7 receiving yards per game.

Keys to Victory

• Jackson Prep: For Jackson Prep, success will depend on maintaining their balanced offensive approach while continuing to play disciplined defense. Limiting Hartfield’s explosive plays, especially in the fourth quarter, will be crucial.
• Hartfield Academy: Hartfield must capitalize on their scoring efficiency and avoid the late-game collapse that cost them the last matchup. Defensively, they’ll need to pressure Puckett and force turnovers to disrupt Jackson Prep’s rhythm.

What’s at Stake

Both teams have excelled against common opponents, but only one will advance with the ultimate prize in sight. With Jackson Prep looking to preserve their perfect record and Hartfield Academy eager to avenge their earlier loss, fans can expect a game filled with intensity, strategy, and no shortage of fireworks.

Kickoff is just hours away. Will Jackson Prep extend their dominance, or will Hartfield Academy find redemption? All eyes are on the gridiron for this playoff blockbuster.