The Hawthorne Hornets and the Lafayette Hornets will face off in an exciting neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – FHSAA Rural Football tournament. Both teams are coming off successful seasons and will be looking to continue their momentum as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Team Overview

Hawthorne (8-1) has been dominant this season, with a perfect record at home (4-0) and a solid away performance (3-1). Their offense is potent, averaging 36.4 points per game, fueled by the strong play of senior running back Keenon Johnson, who has rushed for 147.2 yards per game, and quarterback Adrian Curtis, who has passed for 155.9 yards per game. The Hornets have a well-balanced attack, combining a powerful running game with a productive passing offense. On defense, they average 54.1 tackles per game, with Naziy Gent leading the charge with 9.6 tackles per game.

Lafayette (7-4), meanwhile, enters the matchup with a solid 4-0 record in district play. The Hornets have averaged 35.5 points per game and have been particularly effective in the second half of games, scoring an average of 13.6 points in the third quarter. Their offense is led by Tywan K. Williamson, who has accumulated 150 yards per game, and Jordan Murphy, a standout receiver with 107.8 yards per game. On defense, Lafayette has been tough, with Trevor Mares registering 9.6 tackles per game and Zamarion Hawkins contributing with 0.5 sacks per game.

Key Matchups and Stats

• Rushing Game: Both teams feature strong running backs, with Keenon Johnson leading Hawthorne and Dayne McCray leading Lafayette. Both teams average over 150 rushing yards per game, so the battle in the trenches will be key in deciding who controls the game.
• Passing Attack: Hawthorne’s Adrian Curtis and Lafayette’s Tywan K. Williamson will be pivotal in moving the ball through the air. Curtis leads his team with 155.9 passing yards per game, while Williamson has been a dual-threat for Lafayette, contributing both as a rusher and passer.
• Defense: While both teams have strong defenses, Lafayette’s Trevor Mares and Zamarion Hawkins have proven to be effective playmakers, with Mares contributing 9.6 tackles per game. Hawthorne counters with Naziy Gent, who has 9.6 tackles per game and provides leadership on the defensive side.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Branford this season, with Hawthorne winning 56-0 at home and Lafayette securing a 40-7 victory at home.

Game Breakdown

• Hawthorne (8-1): A powerful offensive team with a balanced attack, scoring 36.4 points per game, and a defense that has allowed just 144 points all season.
• Lafayette (7-4): A team that has faced tougher competition but has shown resilience, averaging 35.5 points per game and boasting a strong defensive unit with 58.6 tackles per game.

This neutral-site game promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams. Both Hawthorne and Lafayette will be looking to continue their playoff journey and prove they have what it takes to win at the state level.

The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 22, and is expected to be a hard-fought battle as both teams aim to advance in the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – FHSAA Rural Football tournament.