The Poplarville varsity football team from Poplarville, MS, will play McComb, 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: McComb vs Poplarville
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: McComb vs. Poplarville
The McComb Tigers (6-5) will face the Poplarville Hornets (10-2) in a neutral-site playoff matchup. McComb comes into the game with a .545 win percentage and a perfect district record of 3-0. Poplarville enters the postseason as a strong contender, with a 10-2 record and an impressive 3-1 district performance.
Season Recap: McComb Tigers
- Record: 6-5
- District Record: 3-0
- Points For/Against: 330 PF, 193 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.0 points per game
McComb has had an up-and-down season, but their perfect district record gives them momentum heading into the playoffs. Despite a rough patch in non-district games, the Tigers have shown resilience, especially on offense, where they average 30 points per game. Their defense has been solid, allowing just 193 points throughout the season.
Key Performances:
- Offense: McComb has a well-balanced offense with a strong passing attack led by Jaquan Lizana, alongside a solid running game with Jarvis Anderson.
- Defense: McComb’s defense has kept them competitive, with Martavious Brown and Jordan Haynes stepping up as key tacklers.
Season Recap: Poplarville Hornets
- Record: 10-2
- District Record: 3-1
- Points For/Against: 329 PF, 264 PA
- Scoring Average: 27.5 points per game
Poplarville has had a strong season, securing a solid playoff spot with a 10-2 record. The Hornets’ offense has been productive, and their defense has been competitive, although they have allowed more points than McComb. Poplarville excels at controlling games with their rushing attack, led by Nick Miller, while also maintaining a balanced offensive attack.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Nick Miller leads the rushing attack, while Sydney Blackmon has been a reliable target in the passing game.
- Defense: Poplarville’s defense has been decent but may need to step up to contain McComb’s high-scoring offense.
Head-to-Head:
- The two teams have not yet played each other this season, so this will be their first meeting. However, both teams have faced common opponents, with Poplarville securing a narrow win over Mendenhall (27-26) while McComb has not faced Mendenhall yet.
Common Opponents Analysis
Opponent | McComb Result | Poplarville Result |
---|---|---|
Mendenhall | No match | W, 27-26 |
Poplarville’s win over Mendenhall showcases their ability to win tight games. McComb has not faced Mendenhall this season, so this could be an important data point in evaluating their chances.
Team Stat Comparison
Stat | McComb | Poplarville |
---|---|---|
Rushing Yards Per Game | 27.5 | 260.3 |
Passing Yards Per Game | 59.1 | 74.3 |
Total Yards Per Game | 86.5 | 334.7 |
Points Per Game | 30.0 | 27.5 |
Tackles Per Game | 61.5 | 55.8 |
Sacks Per Game | 1.2 | 1.2 |
Poplarville has the edge in total yards per game and rushing yards per game, thanks to their strong ground game. However, McComb has a slightly better points-per-game average and a stronger defense when it comes to limiting yardage.
Key Players to Watch
- McComb:
- Jarvis Anderson: The Tigers’ leading rusher, capable of breaking long runs.
- Jaquan Lizana: A dual-threat quarterback who has been effective in both passing and rushing.
- Martavious Brown: A key defensive player who will need to disrupt Poplarville’s offensive rhythm.
- Poplarville:
- Nick Miller: A standout running back, Miller will be crucial for Poplarville’s offense in both gaining yards and controlling the clock.
- Sydney Blackmon: A reliable receiving target, Blackmon will need to make key catches to keep the chains moving.
- Ayden Harmon: A defensive leader who will be tasked with slowing down McComb’s offensive weapons.
Keys to Victory
For McComb:
- Control the Clock with the Run Game: McComb should look to control the tempo with their running game to keep Poplarville’s offense off the field.
- Exploit the Passing Game: With Jaquan Lizana’s ability to throw, McComb can stretch the defense and create big plays.
- Limit Big Plays: McComb’s defense will need to contain Nick Miller and prevent big runs.
For Poplarville:
- Establish the Run Early: Nick Miller’s ability to gain yards consistently will be key to Poplarville’s offensive game plan.
- Force Turnovers: Poplarville will need to create turnovers to capitalize on McComb’s mistakes.
- Defensive Pressure: The Hornets’ defense must pressure McComb’s offense and make timely stops to get off the field quickly.
Prediction:
This matchup will be an exciting one, with both teams bringing strong offensive attacks. Poplarville’s rushing game and solid defense give them the upper hand, but McComb’s scoring ability and solid defense could make for a tight game.