The Hough (Cornelius, NC) varsity football team will play Mallard Creek (Charlotte, NC) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolin High School Football
Who: Mallard Creek vs Hough
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Mallard Creek vs. Hough
The upcoming playoff matchup between Mallard Creek (10-2) and Hough (11-1) promises to be a highly anticipated game, especially after Hough’s dominant 33-0 victory over Mallard Creek just a month ago. Both teams have been impressive this season, but Hough’s high-powered offense and defensive prowess give them a distinct edge.
Season Recap
Mallard Creek
- Record: 10-2
- Conference Record: 6-1
- Points Scored: 372
- Points Allowed: 143
- Key Player: Curtis Clark, the leading rusher with 66 yards per game, is essential to Mallard Creek’s ground game.
- Strengths:
- Strong rushing attack with Curtis Clark and solid rushing support.
- Defensive consistency with 5.6 tackles per game.
- Capable of controlling games with steady, clock-eating drives.
Hough
- Record: 11-1
- Conference Record: 7-0 (Undefeated in conference play)
- Points Scored: 580
- Points Allowed: 85
- Key Player: Ralph (Trey) Blakeney, the standout quarterback with 197.1 passing yards per game and 219.4 total yards per game.
- Strengths:
- High-scoring offense, averaging 48.3 points per game.
- Solid defensive line, with Cameron Cyr leading the team in sacks.
- Dynamic passing game with Blakeney and top receivers like Tyran Evans and Ayden Bell.
Key Stats and Comparisons
| Category | Mallard Creek | Hough |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 31.0 | 48.3 |
| Points Allowed/Game | 11.9 | 7.1 |
| Total Yards/Game | 369.3 | 580.0 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 18.3 | 141.3 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 9.3 | 227.9 |
| Sacks/Game | 0.1 | 4.5 |
| Tackles/Game | 5.6 | 39.8 |
Players to Watch
Mallard Creek
- Curtis Clark (RB): Clark will be the key to Mallard Creek’s offense, and they will need him to step up against a much more potent defensive unit in Hough.
- Evan Rambert (QB): With 76 passing yards per game, Rambert will need to make quick decisions and find his targets, especially through the air, as Hough has a formidable defensive front.
- Anthony Dangerfield (LB): With 10 tackles per game, Dangerfield is the heart of the defense and will need to disrupt Hough’s offense, especially Ralph Blakeney, the quarterback.
Hough
- Ralph (Trey) Blakeney (QB): Blakeney has been the star of the team this season, putting up 197.1 passing yards per game. His ability to control the game through the air will be critical.
- Tyran Evans (WR): Evans is one of the top receiving threats, with 78.9 yards per game. He will be a primary target for Blakeney in the passing game.
- Cameron Cyr (DE): Cyr’s ability to get pressure on the quarterback and disrupt Mallard Creek’s offensive rhythm will be key in this game.
Key Matchup: Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Solidity
Hough’s high-powered offense (averaging over 48 points per game) will go up against a Mallard Creek defense that has only allowed 11.9 points per game. The ability of Mallard Creek’s defense to contain Blakeney and Evans will be crucial in keeping the game within reach. However, Hough’s defense, which has allowed just 7.1 points per game, is one of the best in the state. They will look to stifle Mallard Creek’s offense, especially the ground game led by Curtis Clark.
Prediction
Hough’s offense has been nearly unstoppable this season, and their defense has been equally dominant. Mallard Creek will need a flawless game on both sides of the ball to pull off the upset. While Curtis Clark and the Mallard Creek defense are capable of keeping things close, Hough’s firepower and depth should carry them to victory.
