The Heard County varsity football team (Franklin, GA) will host a home playoff game against McNair (Atlanta, GA) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Heard County. This matchup is part of the 2024 GHSA Class A Division I Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets.

McNair vs Heard County High School Football Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football
Who: McNair vs Heard County
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30p p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class A Division I
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: McNair vs Heard County

This Friday, November 15, the Heard County Braves (Franklin, GA) will take on the McNair Mustangs (Atlanta, GA) in the first round of the 2024 GHSA Class A Division I state playoffs. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Heard County, this matchup brings together two teams with different regular-season journeys but with a shared goal of advancing deeper into the postseason.

Rankings & Records

Heard County enters the playoffs as a formidable force, with an 8-2 record and an undefeated 6-0 mark in region play, ranking 15th in Class A Division I and 166th overall in the state. The Braves’ home-field advantage has been notable this season, as they are undefeated in Franklin with a 5-0 home record. In contrast, McNair stands at 4-6 overall with a 2-4 region record, ranking 40th in their class and 319th in the state. McNair has shown grit but struggled to find consistency, especially against strong regional opponents.

Scoring and Statistical Comparison

Heard County’s scoring offense is a powerhouse, averaging 39.3 points per game compared to McNair’s 23.2. The Braves also display balanced production throughout each quarter, while McNair’s scoring peaks in the second and third quarters but lacks a strong first-quarter presence.

Heard County boasts 426.9 total yards per game, led by an impressive rushing attack averaging 267.1 yards. Their passing game adds another 159.8 yards, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach. McNair averages 318 total yards, with a focus on rushing (193 yards per game), while their passing attack, at 125 yards per game, supports the ground game.

Total Yards Per Game:

• Heard County: 426.9
• McNair: 318

Points Per Game:

• Heard County: 39.3
• McNair: 23.2

Key Players to Watch

Heard County: Quarterback Ethan Tisdale has been pivotal, averaging 149.3 passing yards and 131.5 rushing yards per game, making him a dual-threat leader for the Braves. His total yardage average of 280.8 per game underscores his impact. Wide receiver Brody Buccoield has been Tisdale’s favorite target, averaging 72.9 receiving yards. Defensively, Jack Langley leads with 8.3 tackles per game, supported by sack leader Max Lasseter.

McNair: Quarterback Jeremy Victor has been McNair’s key offensive weapon, contributing 125 passing yards per game and 194.5 total yards per game. Running back Anterion Theodore has been a reliable ground threat with 91.2 rushing yards per game. Emmanuel Clark leads the defense with 9.1 tackles per game, and Evans Johnson III contributes in pass-rushing situations.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Temple and Bremen earlier in the season, with contrasting results. McNair lost to Temple (23-6) and Bremen (31-14), while Heard County emerged victorious against both, defeating Temple 31-14 and Bremen 27-14. This difference could indicate an advantage for Heard County in this playoff matchup.

Game Outlook

Heard County’s strong offensive capabilities, home advantage, and consistent performance suggest they will be a challenging opponent for McNair. McNair, however, has shown resilience, and with their balanced rushing and passing game, they’ll look to mount an upset. For McNair to keep pace, they’ll need a strong defensive effort to contain Tisdale and the Braves’ rushing attack.

Fans at Heard County can expect an exciting playoff opener as both teams fight to keep their postseason hopes alive.