The Mallard Creek (Charlotte, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Lake Norman (Mooresville, NC) today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A tournament.

Lake Norman vs Mallard Creek Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football Playoffs
Who: Lake Norman vs Mallard Creek
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Lake Norman vs Mallard Creek

The upcoming high school football matchup between Lake Norman and Mallard Creek promises to be an exciting contest, as both teams enter the game with impressive records and strong performances throughout the season. Here’s a breakdown of both teams’ statistics, key players, and their paths to this showdown.

Team Overview:

• Lake Norman (7-3 Overall, 4-2 Conference)
  Lake Norman has had a solid season, with a winning record of 7-3. Their offense has been productive, averaging 28.2 points per game, with 282 points scored over the course of their 10 games. They are strong both in rushing and passing, posting averages of 158.7 rushing yards and 169.5 passing yards per game. Their defense has also been formidable, allowing just 168 points (16.8 points per game). Their notable win came on August 23, 2024, against North Mecklenburg, where they shut out their opponent 23-0.
• Mallard Creek (8-2 Overall, 6-1 Conference)
  Mallard Creek has had an even stronger season, with a record of 8-2. Their offense leads the way, averaging 31.5 points per game and accumulating 315 points on the season. They have a well-balanced attack, with 22 rushing yards per game and 169.5 total yards passing per game. Their defense has been tough, allowing just 134 points (13.4 points per game). Mallard Creek has been dominant in conference play, finishing with a 6-1 record. A key victory came on October 4, 2024, when they defeated North Mecklenburg 49-7.

Scoring Averages:

• Lake Norman:
  • 1st Quarter: 6.1
  • 2nd Quarter: 8.6
  • 3rd Quarter: 5.9
  • 4th Quarter: 8.4
  • Total Points Per Game: 28.2
• Mallard Creek:
  • 1st Quarter: 5.8
  • 2nd Quarter: 5.6
  • 3rd Quarter: 2.8
  • 4th Quarter: 6.4
  • Total Points Per Game: 31.5

Both teams have shown they can put up points, but Mallard Creek’s offense has been slightly more prolific, averaging 3.3 more points per game than Lake Norman.

Key Statistical Comparisons:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Lake Norman: 158.7
  • Mallard Creek: 22.0
    Lake Norman’s rushing game has been a key element of their offense, and they’ll look to capitalize on this advantage against Mallard Creek, whose rushing attack has been less prominent this season.
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Lake Norman: 169.5
  • Mallard Creek: 169.5
    Both teams have shown strong passing offenses, averaging nearly the same passing yards per game. This balance will be crucial as both teams will likely look to air the ball out in their respective offensive schemes.
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Lake Norman: 328.2
  • Mallard Creek: 333.1
    Mallard Creek has a slight edge in total yardage, with 333.1 yards per game compared to Lake Norman’s 328.2. However, both offenses are well-equipped to move the ball consistently.
• Tackles Per Game:
  • Lake Norman: 59.8
  • Mallard Creek: 6.7
    Lake Norman’s defense has been more active in terms of tackles, showcasing a more aggressive and involved defensive front.

Notable Players:

• Lake Norman:
  • Mozes Morris: 95.6 rushing yards per game
  • Haines Robitzer: 112.7 passing yards per game
  • Cooper Riggleman: 47.2 receiving yards per game
  • William Minter: 7.8 tackles per game
• Mallard Creek:
  • Curtis Clark: 66.0 rushing yards per game
  • Evan Rambert: 76.0 passing yards per game
  • Elijah Thompson: 55.0 receiving yards per game
  • Anthony Dangerfield: 10.0 tackles per game

Lake Norman’s Mozes Morris and Mallard Creek’s Curtis Clark will be key players in the rushing game, while quarterbacks Haines Robitzer of Lake Norman and Evan Rambert of Mallard Creek will look to lead their offenses through the air.

Common Opponents:

Both teams share one common opponent: North Mecklenburg.

• Lake Norman won their matchup 23-0.
• Mallard Creek dominated their game, winning 49-7.
  Both teams secured convincing wins, but Mallard Creek’s higher margin of victory could be an indicator of their overall strength.

Conclusion:

This matchup is set to be a thrilling game, with both teams having strong offenses and solid defenses. Lake Norman’s strength in the rushing game and balanced attack could be a challenge for Mallard Creek, who has been more explosive in their scoring. However, Mallard Creek’s overall efficiency, particularly in conference play, gives them an edge. With both teams boasting significant talent across the board, expect an exciting game with big plays and high stakes. The outcome will likely hinge on which team can establish dominance early and maintain momentum through the final whistle.

Game Prediction:
Mallard Creek 31, Lake Norman 28