The Northeastern (Elizabeth City, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against James Kenan (Warsaw, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: James Kenan vs. Northeastern
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: James Kenan vs. Northeastern
This game is set to be a thrilling encounter between James Kenan (12-1) and Northeastern (13-0), two teams that have had standout seasons. James Kenan comes in with a strong overall record, while Northeastern remains undefeated. The game will showcase high-scoring offenses and stout defenses, with both teams boasting powerful weapons across the field.
Season Recap: James Kenan Tigers
- Record: 12-1
- Conference Record: 5-1
- Points For/Against: 459 PF, 174 PA
- Scoring Average: 35.3 points per game
James Kenan has been a well-balanced team, excelling in both the running and passing game. Jeremiah Hall leads the ground attack with 80.0 rushing yards per game, while Eli Avent contributes with 78.2 passing yards per game. The offense is dynamic, with Tyquise Wilson as a top receiving option. On defense, Hassan Kornegay leads the team with 14.7 tackles per game, and they average 80.2 tackles per game as a team.
Season Recap: Northeastern Eagles
- Record: 13-0
- Conference Record: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 665 PF, 109 PA
- Scoring Average: 51.2 points per game
Northeastern has been a scoring machine this season, putting up an average of 51.2 points per game. Trevaris Jones is the focal point of their offense, with 294.6 total yards per game, including 258.4 passing yards. They also have a balanced running game, with Da’mari McNeill leading the ground attack with 78.8 yards per game. Defensively, Maurice Bowser and Zion Demps are key players, with 8.2 and 1.0 sacks per game, respectively.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- James Kenan’s offense is led by Jeremiah Hall, who provides a consistent rushing attack. Eli Avent will need to be efficient in the passing game, spreading the ball to Tyquise Wilson and creating big plays. James Kenan’s balanced approach will need to match Northeastern’s explosive offense.
- Northeastern’s offense is one of the most potent in the state. Trevaris Jones has been nearly unstoppable through the air, and Da’mari McNeill adds balance with his rushing ability. The offense can put up points quickly, and James Kenan’s defense will need to stay disciplined to slow them down.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- James Kenan’s defense has been solid this season, averaging 80.2 tackles per game and 1.5 sacks per game. They will need to keep pressure on Trevaris Jones and contain the high-flying offense of Northeastern.
- Northeastern’s defense is aggressive, with 3.6 sacks per game. They are also effective at limiting opponents’ scoring, allowing just 109 points over the course of the season. They’ll look to disrupt Eli Avent’s rhythm and control the line of scrimmage against Jeremiah Hall.
Scoring Trends:
- James Kenan scores 8.6 points in the first quarter, 10.3 in the second, 5.6 in the third, and 10.3 in the fourth.
- Northeastern starts strong with 16.7 points in the first quarter and maintains a high pace with 17.1 in the second. They drop to 12.0 points in the third but still finish strong, averaging 51.2 points per game.
Common Opponents:
- The two teams don’t share any common opponents in the regular season, making it difficult to gauge how they compare against similar competition.
Prediction:
Northeastern has been dominant all season, averaging over 50 points per game and maintaining a perfect record. While James Kenan has been impressive with a balanced offense and solid defense, Northeastern’s high-powered offense and defensive aggressiveness could be a tough challenge.
