The Jefferson County varsity football team from Fayette, MS, will face Magee, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Magee vs Jefferson County
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Magee vs. Jefferson County
The Magee Trojans (11-0) are set to face the Jefferson County Tigers (9-2) in an exciting neutral-site playoff game on November 22, as both teams aim to continue their successful campaigns. Magee enters this matchup unbeaten, while Jefferson County has only two losses on the season but has been strong in district play.
Season Recap: Magee Trojans
- Record: 11-0
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 339 PF, 142 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.8 points per game
Magee has been a dominant force in their district, securing a perfect record while limiting their opponents to just 142 points over 11 games. Their offense is built around a balanced attack, combining a solid rushing game with efficient passing. Magee’s defense has been strong, especially in the secondary, where they have been difficult to score against.
Key Performances:
- Rushing Game: Kendarious Porter has been solid on the ground with 60.1 yards per game.
- Passing Game: Kendal Middleton has thrown for 186.6 yards per game, leading an efficient passing attack.
- Defense: Delarrius Hayes anchors the defense with 14.4 tackles per game.
Season Recap: Jefferson County Tigers
- Record: 9-2
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 400 PF, 206 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.4 points per game
Jefferson County has been a strong competitor, with an offense that scores over 36 points per game. Their dual-threat quarterback, Royale Shelvy, has been a standout, contributing heavily both in the air and on the ground. Jefferson County’s offense is potent, averaging 452.2 yards per game, and their defense, led by Jermall Williams, has been effective at stopping the run and pass.
Key Performances:
- Rushing Game: Royale Shelvy leads the Tigers with 152.2 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Game: Shelvy also contributes heavily in the passing game, throwing for 163.4 yards per game.
- Defense: Jermall Williams has been the key tackler for Jefferson County with 8.9 tackles per game.
Head-to-Head:
These two teams have never played each other, so this playoff matchup will be the first meeting between them.
Common Opponents Analysis
| Opponent | Magee Result | Jefferson County Result |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Springs | W, 47-6 | W, 42-20 |
| Hazlehurst | W, 42-6 | W, 38-14 |
| Franklin County | W, 39-7 | W, 38-7 |
Both teams have been dominant against common opponents, winning with similar margins. This shows that both teams are capable of putting up big numbers and holding their own defensively.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Magee | Jefferson County |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 136.7 | 284.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 194.0 | 167.9 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 330.7 | 452.2 |
| Points Per Game | 34.3 | 35.6 |
| Tackles Per Game | 72.6 | 67.3 |
| Sacks Per Game | 2.1 | 3.3 |
Jefferson County has been the more explosive offensive team, averaging over 450 yards per game, while Magee has been effective, especially in limiting opponents’ yards. The Trojans’ balanced attack could prove a challenge for the Tigers, whose defense will need to step up.
Key Players to Watch
- Magee:
- Kendal Middleton (QB): Leading the offense with his passing and rushing ability, Middleton is the key to Magee’s success.
- Kendarious Porter (RB): A consistent force in the running game, Porter provides balance to the offense.
- Delarrius Hayes (LB): A key player on defense, Hayes’ ability to stop the run and make tackles in key situations will be crucial.
- Jefferson County:
- Royale Shelvy (QB/RB): Shelvy is a dual-threat and a key player for both the rushing and passing game. His ability to control the game will be pivotal for Jefferson County.
- Jermall Williams (LB): Leading the defense, Williams must disrupt Magee’s offensive flow and prevent big plays.
- Jaylin Brown (WR): A primary target in the passing game, Brown can make big plays down the field.
Keys to Victory
For Magee:
- Control the Ball: Keep the explosive Jefferson County offense off the field by controlling time of possession.
- Limit Shelvy: Contain Royale Shelvy both in the air and on the ground to avoid big plays.
- Balanced Offense: Continue to balance the rushing attack with the passing game to keep Jefferson County’s defense on its toes.
For Jefferson County:
- Exploit Magee’s Defense: Jefferson County has a high-powered offense, and they should look to exploit any weaknesses in Magee’s defense.
- Pressure Middleton: Disrupt Kendal Middleton’s rhythm in the passing game to force mistakes and turnovers.
- Fast Start: Given their tendency to score more in the later quarters, starting strong could give them the momentum needed to control the game.
Prediction:
Both teams have been dominant all season, but Jefferson County’s offense, led by Royale Shelvy, could prove to be the difference. While Magee has a strong team, Jefferson County’s explosive playmakers and overall offensive balance give them the edge in this matchup.
