The Needles High School varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Incline (Incline Village, NV) today at 1 p.m. at Needles. This game is part of the 2024 NIAA Football Playoffs – 2A State tournament.

Incline vs Needles Football Game Info:

What: Nevada High School Football Playoffs
Who: Incline vs Needles
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 11:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Incline vs Needles

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, two unbeaten teams are setting the stage for an exciting showdown: Incline and Needles. Both teams have dominated their respective seasons so far, and their upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling contest with major playoff implications.

Team Records & Rankings

Incline (24-25)

• Overall Record: 9-0
• League Record: 6-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Points For: 416
• Points Against: 68
• Win %: 1.000 (100%)
• League %: 1.000 (100%)

Needles (24-25)

• Overall Record: 10-0
• League Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 3-0
• Points For: 404
• Points Against: 91
• Win %: 1.000 (100%)
• League %: 1.000 (100%)

Both teams have swept their regular season games, with Needles boasting a perfect 10-0 record and Incline following closely behind at 9-0. These teams have been nothing short of dominant in their respective divisions, and now they’ll square off to determine who holds the upper hand heading into postseason play.

Team Scoring Averages

Incline’s offense has been prolific this season, averaging 46.2 points per game. Their scoring is led by a fast-paced attack, with 19.1 points per game in the first quarter alone, which sets the tone for their opponents. As the game progresses, Incline continues to push hard with 16.2 points in the second quarter and 6.6 in the third, showing they are relentless throughout all four quarters.

In comparison, Needles scores an average of 40.4 points per game. Their offense is most effective in the second and fourth quarters, averaging 13.5 points in the second quarter and 10 points in the final frame, ensuring that they stay competitive even when facing tough competition.

Team Stat Comparison

The statistical breakdown highlights key differences between the two teams. Needles has a significant advantage in rushing yards, averaging 234.1 rushing yards per game, compared to Incline’s 160.6 rushing yards. This is a testament to their strong ground game, spearheaded by standout running back Tanner Pletcher.

However, Incline has a much stronger passing game, averaging 214.0 passing yards per game, with Tommy Williams leading the charge. In contrast, Needles averages only 77.3 passing yards per game, which could be a key area of concern if they are forced to play from behind.

Incline also has an edge in total yards per game (374.6 vs. 311.4) and tackles per game (61.0 vs. 30.7), demonstrating their overall defensive strength. Notably, Ace Zendner and Colton Barraza have been crucial contributors on the defensive side for Incline, while Needles will need to rely on their defensive leaders such as Gabriel Rodriguez.

Team Leaders

Incline:

• Tommy Williams (Rushing Yards Per Game: 50.3, Passing Yards Per Game: 210.4, Total Yards Per Game: 260.8)
• Jayden Abbate (Receiving Yards Per Game: 66.0)
• Colton Barraza (Tackles Per Game: 8.3)

Needles:

• Tanner Pletcher (Rushing Yards Per Game: 69.7)
• Hudson Smith (Passing Yards Per Game: 77.3)
• Xavier Russell (Points Per Game: 12.0)

Incline’s Tommy Williams is the clear offensive leader for the team, while Tanner Pletcher for Needles has been a workhorse in the backfield. Both teams have stellar individual performances across the board, which should make for an exciting head-to-head.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Battle Mountain this season, with Incline defeating them 28-20 in their first meeting on September 27th, followed by a dominant 48-0 win on November 8th. Needles, meanwhile, also handled Battle Mountain in both games, winning 26-16 on August 16th and 28-0 in their later encounter. These common results demonstrate that both teams have the ability to dominate strong opponents.

The Bottom Line

Incline and Needles are two of the most impressive teams in high school football this season, each with flawless records and explosive offenses. As they prepare to face off, the game will likely be a battle of wills—Can Needles maintain their strong rushing attack, or will Incline’s powerful passing game and stifling defense prove too much? The stakes are high, and fans can expect an exciting game from start to finish.

The matchup between Incline and Needles will not only showcase top-tier talent but could also be a preview of the playoffs to come. As both teams continue their undefeated seasons, the game promises to be a must-watch for high school football fans.