The Whiteville (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Kinston (NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Kinston vs. Whiteville
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Kinston vs. Whiteville
The Kinston Vikings (9-4) will face the highly successful Whiteville Wolfpack (12-1) in an intriguing matchup. While Whiteville has been dominant throughout the season, Kinston has had a solid run and could be a formidable opponent in this playoff contest.
Season Recap: Kinston Vikings
- Record: 9-4
- Conference Record: 4-2
- Points For/Against: 352 PF, 220 PA
- Scoring Average: 27.1 points per game
Kinston has had a solid season, finishing with a 9-4 record. Their offense, led by standout rusher Jeremiah Hart and quarterback Tyler Jones, has been productive, especially in the passing game (220.5 yards per game). However, their defense has allowed 220 points on the season, which could be a concern against a high-scoring team like Whiteville.
Season Recap: Whiteville Wolfpack
- Record: 12-1
- Conference Record: 6-0
- Points For/Against: 580 PF, 165 PA
- Scoring Average: 44.6 points per game
Whiteville has been nothing short of dominant this season with a 12-1 record. Their offense, which averages an impressive 44.6 points per game, has been led by Tyler Jones, who is exceptional in both passing and total yards (198.6 total yards per game). The defense has also been strong, allowing just 165 points over the season, which bodes well for them in this matchup.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Firepower:
- Kinston has been balanced, with Jeremiah Hart contributing 51.9 rushing yards per game and Tyler Jones passing for 209.6 yards per game. However, they have yet to find consistency in their overall scoring.
- Whiteville, on the other hand, has been prolific in both the passing and receiving game, thanks to Tyler Jones and wide receiver Tyreek Copper, who is averaging 94.1 receiving yards per game. Their potent offense will be a challenge for Kinston’s defense.
- Defensive Play:
- Kinston’s defense has been decent, averaging 62.8 tackles per game, but their ability to stop a high-powered offense like Whiteville’s will be put to the test.
- Whiteville’s defense has been even stronger, allowing just 165 points on the season, and they will be looking to stifle Kinston’s passing game while containing the rushing attack.
Scoring Trends
- Kinston has had a slow start in most of their games, averaging just 1.2 points in the first quarter. They pick up the pace in the second and third quarters but have been less effective in the fourth, where they average 4.8 points per game.
- Whiteville starts fast, with 13.9 points in the first quarter and 14.3 points in the second. They also maintain a strong offensive presence in the second half, averaging 8.4 points in the third and 6.8 points in the fourth.
Common Opponents:
- Kinston and Whiteville both faced James Kenan and South Columbus during the season. Both teams lost to James Kenan by narrow margins but defeated South Columbus.
Prediction:
Whiteville enters this matchup as the clear favorite with their 12-1 record and potent offense. Kinston has shown promise but may struggle against Whiteville’s well-rounded attack. If Kinston’s defense can step up and slow down Whiteville’s high-scoring offense, they might have a chance to keep it close, but Whiteville’s depth and overall ability likely make them the stronger team.
