The Charleston (MS) varsity football team will face Heidelberg (MS) in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, December 7, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Heidelberg vs. Charleston
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Heidelberg vs. Charleston
In this playoff showdown, the Heidelberg Oilers (13-1) and Charleston Tigers (12-2) clash in a battle of dominance. Both teams bring explosive offenses and stifling defenses, setting the stage for a thrilling game.
Season Recap: Heidelberg Oilers
- Record: 13-1
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 660 PF, 69 PA
- Scoring Average: 47.1 points per game
Heidelberg has been a juggernaut this season, outscoring opponents by a staggering 591-point margin. Quarterback Chase Craft is a dual-threat phenom, averaging 130.6 passing yards and 82.9 rushing yards per game for a total of 216.5 yards per game. His favorite target, Ja’kayden Moore, leads with 64.2 receiving yards per game, while running back Keyon Gilmore powers the rushing attack. The defense, led by Devin Tribble (10.9 tackles per game) and Keyon Gilmore (0.9 sacks per game), has held opponents to an average of just 4.9 points per game.
Season Recap: Charleston Tigers
- Record: 12-2
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 510 PF, 215 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.4 points per game
Charleston has built its success on a balanced offense and opportunistic defense. Running back Marcus Flowers Jr. is the centerpiece, averaging 115.6 rushing yards per game and an incredible 15.9 points per game, making him a consistent scoring threat. Quarterback Devon Olive adds 109.8 passing yards per game, with receiver Quentin Carter leading the aerial attack. On defense, Aybekia Bradley (1.2 sacks per game) and Kameron Andrews (5.7 tackles per game) lead the charge, but the Tigers have been more vulnerable, allowing an average of 15.4 points per game.
Key Matchups
- Chase Craft vs. Charleston’s Defense:
- Craft’s ability to dominate through the air and on the ground makes him the engine of Heidelberg’s offense. Charleston’s defense, which has struggled against elite offenses, will need to find ways to pressure him consistently and limit his mobility.
- Marcus Flowers Jr. vs. Heidelberg’s Front Seven:
- Flowers Jr. is a relentless runner who can exploit weak tackling. Heidelberg’s defense, led by Tribble, will need to plug gaps and swarm to the ball to limit his impact.
- Heidelberg’s High-Powered Offense vs. Charleston’s Resilience:
- Heidelberg averages 403.8 yards per game, while Charleston allows 291.6 yards per game. If Charleston can bend without breaking and force Heidelberg into longer drives, they’ll have a shot at staying competitive.
Scoring Trends
- Heidelberg: The Oilers overwhelm teams early, averaging 20.4 points in the first quarter and effectively putting games out of reach. Their ability to sustain pressure through all four quarters is unparalleled.
- Charleston: The Tigers’ offense peaks early but slows as the game progresses, relying on a balanced attack to stay in games. They’ve been more reliant on their defense in second halves.
Record Comparison
- Playoff Dominance: Both teams are undefeated in the playoffs, but Heidelberg’s average victory margin is significantly higher, showcasing their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.
- Home/Away Success: Charleston has struggled slightly on the road (3-2), while Heidelberg remains undefeated at home and on neutral fields.
Prediction
While Charleston boasts an exceptional rushing attack led by Marcus Flowers Jr., Heidelberg’s explosive offense, spearheaded by Chase Craft, and their suffocating defense provide too much firepower. Charleston will need to force turnovers and control the clock to stay close, but Heidelberg’s depth and dominance will likely decide the game.
