The Havelock (NC) varsity football team is set to host a home playoff game against Jacksonville (NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Jacksonville vs. Havelock
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Jacksonville vs. Havelock
The Jacksonville Cardinals (11-1) are set to take on the Havelock Rams (12-1) in a crucial playoff matchup. Havelock defeated Jacksonville 21-14 earlier in the season, and now Jacksonville will look for revenge on the road in this high-stakes playoff game.
Season Recap: Jacksonville Cardinals
- Record: 11-1
- Conference Record: 5-1
- Points For/Against: 456 PF, 207 PA
- Scoring Average: 38.0 points per game
Jacksonville has had an impressive season, finishing with an 11-1 record. Their offense has been a strong point, especially the rushing game led by Demon June (120.2 yards per game) and the passing attack with Amare Dorsey (83.1 yards per game). Despite a high-powered offense, their loss to Havelock earlier in the season has left them with a chance to prove themselves in the postseason.
Season Recap: Havelock Rams
- Record: 12-1
- Conference Record: 5-1
- Points For/Against: 591 PF, 186 PA
- Scoring Average: 45.5 points per game
Havelock enters this matchup with an impressive 12-1 record, and their offense has been even more explosive than Jacksonville’s, averaging 45.5 points per game. The Rams are led by standout quarterback Jaylen Hewitt (348.0 total yards per game) and wide receiver Jonathan Williams (121.8 receiving yards per game). They boast a very strong defense as well, which has helped them maintain their dominance throughout the season.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- Jacksonville’s offense, led by Demon June and the passing game with Amare Dorsey, has been highly effective this season, but they will face a tough test against Havelock’s well-rounded defense.
- Havelock’s offense, with Jaylen Hewitt and Jonathan Williams, has been lethal, and they are likely to continue their high-scoring ways against a Jacksonville defense that allowed 207 points during the season.
- Defensive Comparison:
- Jacksonville’s defense averages 66.3 tackles per game, but they will need to be on their best game to contain Havelock’s potent offense.
- Havelock’s defense is a bit stronger, averaging 67.8 tackles per game. They will need to shut down Jacksonville’s running game, especially Demon June, who has been a key contributor.
Scoring Trends
- Jacksonville starts strong, averaging 12.3 points in the first quarter and 12.5 in the second. However, their scoring tends to dip in the second half, where they average just 7.5 points in the third quarter and 7.2 in the fourth.
- Havelock also starts fast, averaging 16.0 points in the first quarter and 12.9 in the second quarter. Like Jacksonville, they tend to dip slightly in the second half but remain strong with 10.3 points in the third quarter and 7.8 points in the fourth.
Common Opponents:
- Both teams faced J.H. Rose, New Bern, D.H. Conley, South Central, and Northside.
- Jacksonville has a perfect record (5-0) against common opponents, while Havelock is 4-1.
Prediction:
While Jacksonville has had a strong season, Havelock has been dominant across the board with their balanced offense and stout defense. The previous matchup was a hard-fought victory for Havelock, and with home-field advantage, they are poised to advance. Jacksonville will need to improve their second-half performance and contain Havelock’s big-play ability to have a chance.
