The Mount Tabor varsity football team (Winston-Salem, NC) will host a home playoff game against Independence (Charlotte, NC) today at 7:30 PM. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A tournament.

Independence vs Mount Tabor Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football Playoffs
Who: Independence vs Mount Tabor
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Independence vs Mount Tabor

As the football season heats up, one matchup that has fans buzzing is the upcoming game between the Independence Patriots and the Mount Tabor Spartans. With both teams boasting impressive records and standout performances, this game is poised to be a thrilling encounter.

Team Overview

Independence Patriots (24-25)

• Record: 9-1 overall, 5-1 in conference play
• Home/Away Record: 2-1 at home, 7-0 on the road
• Points For (PF): 422
• Points Against (PA): 133
• Win Percentage: .900
• Conference Win Percentage: .833

Independence has been a powerhouse this season, with a dominant 9-1 record. Their defense has been solid, allowing just 133 points all season, while their offense has exploded for 422 points. The team is particularly strong on the road, remaining undefeated with a perfect 7-0 record away from home.

Mount Tabor Spartans (24-25)

• Record: 8-2 overall, 6-1 in conference play
• Home/Away Record: 4-1 at home, 4-1 on the road
• Points For (PF): 376
• Points Against (PA): 132
• Win Percentage: .800
• Conference Win Percentage: .857

The Mount Tabor Spartans are no slouches either. With an 8-2 overall record and 6-1 in conference play, they’ve proven themselves a force to be reckoned with. The Spartans’ defense has been just as impressive as their offense, surrendering only 132 points this season. Their conference play has been exceptional, with a .857 win percentage.

Scoring Averages

When it comes to putting points on the board, both teams are explosive, but with different approaches:

• Independence: The Patriots score an average of 42.2 points per game, with a strong first-quarter performance of 19.1 points. They also have consistent scoring throughout the game, with 8.2 points in the fourth quarter.
• Mount Tabor: The Spartans average 37.6 points per game, with their biggest output in the second quarter, averaging 18.0 points. They also finish strong with 6 points in the fourth quarter.

Statistical Comparison

Rushing Attack

• Independence: The Patriots are formidable on the ground, averaging 293.2 rushing yards per game, led by the explosive Jayden Jones, who has accumulated 206.6 rushing yards per game.
• Mount Tabor: The Spartans are also a strong rushing team, posting 226.4 yards per game, with Zion Thompson contributing 79.8 yards per game.

Passing Game

• Independence: Their aerial attack is equally potent, with Justin Little averaging 177.2 passing yards per game. They total 190.5 passing yards per game.
• Mount Tabor: The Spartans have a balanced passing game as well, averaging 166.5 passing yards per game. Lane Albright has been a key contributor with 144.1 passing yards per game.

Total Yardage

• Independence: Averaging an impressive 483.7 total yards per game, they have been one of the most productive offenses this season.
• Mount Tabor: The Spartans trail slightly with 392.9 total yards per game but have still been effective in moving the ball.

Defensive Stats

• Independence: Defensively, the Patriots average 83.4 tackles per game and 2.9 sacks per game, led by Bryce Lee with 0.7 sacks per game.
• Mount Tabor: The Spartans average 51.9 tackles per game and 2.1 sacks per game, with Malik Garrison contributing 0.4 sacks per game.

Points Per Game

• Independence: 42.0 points per game
• Mount Tabor: 36.8 points per game

Key Players to Watch

• Independence: Jayden Jones is the star of the show, leading the team in rushing yards (206.6 per game) and total yards (222.7 per game). He also contributes 16.6 points per game, making him a constant threat.
• Mount Tabor: Zion Thompson has been a key player for the Spartans in the backfield, and Lane Albright’s 144.1 passing yards per game make him a dual-threat quarterback.
• Defensive Standouts: Dallas Brannon leads the Patriots with 13.1 tackles per game, while Malik Garrison anchors the Spartans’ defense with 7.3 tackles per game.

Game Prediction

This game is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two high-powered offenses and stingy defenses. Independence enters as the favorite with a higher win percentage and an impressive road record, but Mount Tabor’s balanced offensive attack and strong conference play cannot be overlooked.

Both teams have proven their ability to score in bunches, and with key players like Jayden Jones and Zion Thompson, fans can expect a thrilling, high-energy game. The key to victory will likely depend on which defense can bend but not break under pressure and which offense can execute when it matters most.

Independence’ strength on the road and potent offense gives them the edge, but Mount Tabor is sure to make a run for the victory on their home field.

As both teams look to close out the regular season strong, this showdown promises to be one for the ages. Keep an eye on these powerhouse teams as they battle it out on the gridiron!

Kickoff: Date and time to be determined.