The Wilson Prep (Wilson, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Lakewood (Roseboro, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Lakewood vs. Wilson Prep
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 1A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Lakewood vs. Wilson Prep
This matchup features Lakewood (10-3), who has had a solid season, and Wilson Prep (11-1), an undefeated conference champion. Both teams have been strong offensively, with high-scoring games throughout the year. Wilson Prep enters the game as the favorite, with a perfect conference record and an explosive offense.
Season Recap: Lakewood Leopards
- Record: 10-3
- Conference Record: 3-1
- Points For/Against: 471 PF, 231 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.2 points per game
Lakewood is a balanced team, with a strong rushing game led by Calvin Lacewell, who averages 94.9 yards per game. Their offense also features Reed Ammons, who contributes in the passing game with 52.4 yards per game. Lakewood’s defense is solid, with Nakai Owens leading the team with 8.9 tackles per game. They have a strong record at home, winning 5 of their 7 home games.
Season Recap: Wilson Prep Bulldogs
- Record: 11-1
- Conference Record: 8-0
- Points For/Against: 502 PF, 154 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.8 points per game
Wilson Prep has been dominant this season, particularly with their offensive firepower. Travon Usher is a dual-threat quarterback, averaging 248.8 total yards per game, including 167.6 passing yards. Ethan Nelson provides stability in the running game, with 115 yards per game. The team’s defense has been equally impressive, with Jordan Hamm leading with 9.3 tackles per game. Their perfect conference record is a testament to their overall dominance.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- Lakewood’s offense is led by Calvin Lacewell, who averages nearly 95 yards per game. Reed Ammons will need to be efficient in the passing game to keep the pressure off Lacewell and open up the offense. They’ll need to maintain ball control to keep Wilson Prep’s offense off the field.
- Wilson Prep’s offense is incredibly potent, with Travon Usher leading the attack. His ability to both run and pass makes him difficult to stop. Ethan Nelson adds a strong running presence to complement Usher’s versatility. Wilson Prep’s offense will look to dictate the tempo of the game and exploit any weaknesses in Lakewood’s defense.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- Lakewood’s defense has been solid but will face a major challenge against Wilson Prep’s high-powered offense. Nakai Owens will need to be a key factor in stopping the run and helping cover the passing lanes.
- Wilson Prep’s defense has been outstanding this season, with Jordan Hamm and others leading the charge. They’ve allowed just 154 points all season and have been particularly effective in stopping the run. Their defense will look to stifle Lakewood’s offense and put pressure on Reed Ammons to make difficult throws.
Scoring Trends:
- Lakewood starts strong with 8.0 points in the first quarter, but their scoring drops slightly in the second half with 6.2 points in the fourth quarter.
- Wilson Prep has been explosive in the early parts of games, scoring 12.0 points in the first quarter and 14.3 in the second. Their offense is known for maintaining a high tempo throughout the game, finishing strong with 9.7 points in both the third and fourth quarters.
Common Opponents:
- Both teams have faced KIPP Pride and Northampton County, and each team secured victories against them. Lakewood and Wilson Prep are both undefeated against these common opponents.
Prediction:
Wilson Prep has been dominant both offensively and defensively, and their undefeated season speaks volumes about their overall strength. Lakewood has had a strong season as well but may find it difficult to keep up with Wilson Prep’s firepower, especially considering their high scoring average.
