The Central (Carrollton, GA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against M.L. King (Lithonia, GA) on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Central. This game is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for GHSA Class 4A.

M.L. King vs Central High School Football Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football
Who: M.L. King vs Central
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30p p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: M.L. King vs Central

The Central (Carrollton, GA) varsity football team is gearing up for a home playoff game against M.L. King (Lithonia, GA) this Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Central. This matchup is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for GHSA Class 4A, with both teams vying for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Team Records and Rankings

Central enters the game with an impressive 8-2 overall record and a strong 5-1 mark in region play. Their performance this season has earned them a ranking of #41 in Georgia, with notable successes both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1). The Central Lions have been dominant this season, scoring a high 41.3 points per game and holding opponents to just 208 points across 10 games.

On the other hand, M.L. King has had a more challenging season, finishing 4-6 overall and 3-4 in region play. The Lions’ record includes a 2-4 mark at home and 2-2 on the road. M.L. King has been inconsistent this year, scoring an average of 25.5 points per game but struggling defensively, allowing 171 points.

Key Team Stats

Central’s offense has been prolific, averaging 420.3 total yards per game. They’ve been balanced in both the running and passing games, averaging 197.4 rushing yards and 222.9 passing yards per game. The Lions’ strong offensive attack has been powered by Jr Harris, who leads the team with 216.7 passing yards per game, while Jonaz Walton adds 108.3 rushing yards per game.

In comparison, M.L. King has struggled to generate as much offense. The team averages 186.0 total yards per game, with 73.8 yards coming from the ground and 112.2 from the air. Fredrico Jones has been a key player for M.L. King, leading the team with 143.0 passing yards per game. The Lions will need to rely on the arm of Jones and the running of Jamarcus Harper to compete against Central’s high-powered offense.

Player Highlights

For M.L. King, Fredrico Jones is the focal point of the offense, both as a passer and leader of the attack. Meanwhile, Jamarcus Harper has been the primary rusher for the team, averaging 52.7 rushing yards per game. Defensively, M.L. King has been led by linebacker Ezekiel Yusuf, who has recorded 11.4 tackles per game.

Central’s offense has been spearheaded by Jr Harris, who is averaging an impressive 216.7 passing yards per game. Harris’s ability to stretch the field and connect with receivers will be key to Central’s success. Walton has been a dual-threat, contributing 108.3 rushing yards per game. On defense, Central is anchored by Nate Horsley, who leads the team with 11.0 tackles per game, and Wil Morris, who has contributed to the team’s pass rush.

Previous Matchup

These two teams have not faced each other this season, but they share a common opponent in Drew High School. M.L. King defeated Drew 38-13 on October 25, while Central has yet to face Drew this season. This shared opponent gives both teams a potential point of comparison, although their records against common opponents differ.

Keys to the Game

• Central’s Balanced Offense: Central’s ability to effectively balance their ground game with their passing attack will be a major advantage in this matchup. M.L. King’s defense will need to focus on stopping both the run and pass to have a chance in this game.
• M.L. King’s Passing Game: For M.L. King to pull off the upset, Fredrico Jones will need to have a standout performance in the passing game. The Lions will also need to establish the run with Jamarcus Harper to keep the Central defense on its heels.
• Defensive Pressure: Both teams will need to create defensive pressure, but Central’s defense has been much stronger this season. M.L. King will have to step up its defense to slow down Central’s potent offense.

Final Thoughts

Central enters this game as the heavy favorite, with a superior record, higher-scoring offense, and home-field advantage. M.L. King will need to bring their best performance of the season to stand a chance against the high-flying Central Lions. With so much at stake in the first round of the GHSA Class 4A playoffs, fans can expect an exciting and competitive matchup on Friday night in Carrollton.