The Pascagoula varsity football team from Pascagoula, MS, will compete against Hattiesburg, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Hattiesburg vs Pascagoula
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 6A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Hattiesburg vs. Pascagoula
In what promises to be an exciting playoff showdown, Hattiesburg (11-0) takes on Pascagoula (9-2) in a battle of undefeated versus one-loss teams. Both squads have been dominant in their respective districts, with Hattiesburg finishing the regular season unbeaten and Pascagoula suffering just two losses. This matchup will feature two high-scoring offenses and solid defenses, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Season Recap: Hattiesburg Tigers
- Record: 11-0
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 372 PF, 103 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.8 points per game
Hattiesburg enters the playoffs as the top team in their region, having completed an undefeated regular season. Their offense has been explosive, averaging nearly 34 points per game, while their defense has been stifling, giving up just 9.4 points per game on average. Hattiesburg’s perfect record is a testament to their well-rounded game, both offensively and defensively. With a strong home field advantage and excellent team balance, Hattiesburg is a formidable opponent.
Key Performances:
- Offense: A potent offense that can strike quickly and efficiently.
- Defense: Their defense has been one of the most impressive in the region, holding teams to under 10 points per game.
Season Recap: Pascagoula Panthers
- Record: 9-2
- District Record: 4-1
- Points For/Against: 409 PF, 181 PA
- Scoring Average: 37.2 points per game
Pascagoula has also had an impressive season, with just two losses, both of which came against non-league opponents. Their offense has been powerful, averaging 37.2 points per game, and they’ve been able to score consistently in all four quarters. Pascagoula’s defense, while not as dominant as Hattiesburg’s, has been effective, giving up an average of 16.5 points per game. Pascagoula enters this game confident, having proved their mettle against strong teams in the district.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Pascagoula’s high-scoring offense will need to keep pace with Hattiesburg’s explosive attack.
- Defense: Pascagoula’s defense will need to tighten up against one of the best offensive teams in the region.
Head-to-Head:
These two teams have not yet faced off this season, but both have handled their common opponents with authority.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Hattiesburg | Pascagoula |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Points Per Game | 33.8 | 37.2 |
| Tackles Per Game | – | – |
| Sacks Per Game | – | – |
Key Players to Watch
- Hattiesburg:
- Offense: Their high-scoring offense is led by playmakers capable of breaking big plays.
- Defense: With one of the best defenses in the region, Hattiesburg will look to stifle Pascagoula’s attack.
- Pascagoula:
- Offense: Pascagoula has the ability to score quickly, and their balanced offense will look to match Hattiesburg’s speed and explosiveness.
- Defense: Pascagoula’s defense will need to step up against a potent Hattiesburg offense to keep the game close.
Keys to Victory
For Hattiesburg:
- Leverage their Defense: Hattiesburg’s defense has been their cornerstone this season. If they can neutralize Pascagoula’s offense, they’ll put themselves in a good position.
- Exploit Pascagoula’s Defense: Hattiesburg’s offensive firepower will be a challenge for Pascagoula. They must execute quickly and capitalize on any defensive lapses.
- Control the Tempo: Hattiesburg should aim to control the game tempo and force Pascagoula into long drives.
For Pascagoula:
- Stay Balanced on Offense: Pascagoula’s offense will need to be versatile and move the ball in different ways to break down Hattiesburg’s defense.
- Limit Big Plays: Hattiesburg’s offense can score quickly, so Pascagoula needs to keep everything in front of them and avoid giving up long touchdowns.
- Play with Confidence: Pascagoula has shown they can compete with top teams. They’ll need to bring that confidence and energy to the field to challenge Hattiesburg.
Prediction:
Given Hattiesburg’s perfect record and dominant defense, they are the favorites heading into this playoff game. Pascagoula will provide a strong challenge with their high-scoring offense, but Hattiesburg’s defense and overall balance should be enough to secure the win.
