The New Bern (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Millbrook (Raleigh, NC) on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Millbrook vs New Bern
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Millbrook vs. New Bern
On Friday, November 22, Millbrook (10-1) will take on New Bern (9-2) in a playoff game. Both teams have had successful seasons, with Millbrook boasting a dominant overall record and New Bern bringing a balanced offensive and defensive unit. This game is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two high-scoring teams.
Season Recap: Millbrook
- Record: 10-1
- Conference: 4-1
- Points For/Against: 327 PF, 100 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.7 points per game
Millbrook has had a stellar season with a solid offense led by Brilison McCullers, who is key to both their rushing and overall offensive attack. Their defense has been one of the most formidable in the state, allowing just 100 points over 11 games. Millbrook has the potential to dominate on both sides of the ball, but they’ll need to keep up with New Bern’s offensive production.
Key Players:
- Brilison McCullers (#3): Leading rusher with 99.0 rushing yards per game, essential for controlling the clock and setting up play action.
- Austin Battle (#4): Quarterback with 94.4 passing yards per game, needs to make timely throws to keep the offense balanced.
- Quinton Cypher (#2): Leading tackler with 11.9 tackles per game, key for limiting big plays from New Bern’s offense.
Season Recap: New Bern
- Record: 9-2
- Conference: 5-1
- Points For/Against: 412 PF, 177 PA
- Scoring Average: 37.5 points per game
New Bern has had a strong offensive season, averaging 37.5 points per game, with a solid passing game led by Terrance McCormick. The team’s rushing attack is also potent, and they have shown the ability to score quickly. Their defense has been effective at keeping opponents at bay, and they’ll need to continue that trend to stop Millbrook’s dynamic offense.
Key Players:
- Karvin Magwood (#1): Leading rusher with 64.9 rushing yards per game, crucial for balancing the offense.
- Terrance McCormick (#3): Quarterback with 209.4 passing yards per game, will need to maintain consistency and push the ball downfield.
- Zion Wright (#7): Leading tackler with 11.9 tackles per game, important for stopping Millbrook’s ground game.
Team Stat Comparison
| Category | Millbrook | New Bern |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 29.7 | 37.5 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 143.8 | 145.5 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 178.0 | 218.4 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 321.8 | 363.9 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 9.1 | 16.1 |
| Sacks Per Game | 4.6 | 2.1 |
| Tackles Per Game | 60.5 | 64.7 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Millbrook | New Bern |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 10-1 | 9-2 |
| Conference Record | 4-1 | 5-1 |
| Non-Conference Record | 3-1 | 0-0 |
| Points For | 327 | 412 |
| Points Against | 100 | 177 |
| Home Record | 5-0 | 5-1 |
| Away Record | 5-1 | 4-1 |
| Neutral Record | 0-0 | 1-0 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State Record | 10-1 | 9-2 |
| Out-of-State Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Key Matchups
- Millbrook’s Defense vs. New Bern’s Offense
- Millbrook’s defense has been excellent at limiting points, but New Bern has been explosive on offense, averaging over 37 points per game. Millbrook will need to find a way to slow down Terrance McCormick and Karvin Magwood, both of whom have been critical to New Bern’s success.
- Brilison McCullers vs. New Bern’s Defense
- Millbrook’s offensive success revolves around Brilison McCullers and his ability to move the ball on the ground. New Bern’s defense, led by Zion Wright, will need to stop McCullers from getting into a rhythm to limit Millbrook’s scoring opportunities.
- Quarterback Play: Austin Battle vs. Terrance McCormick
- Austin Battle will need to match the playmaking ability of Terrance McCormick in this matchup. Both teams rely on their quarterbacks to make key plays, so whichever quarterback can control the game will likely be the one to lead their team to victory.
Prediction
Both teams have explosive offenses and solid defenses, making this a difficult matchup to call. Millbrook’s defense has been stifling, but New Bern has proven to be potent on offense. Millbrook’s ability to limit New Bern’s high-powered offense will be key, but New Bern’s offensive depth and Millbrook’s reliance on a strong run game may give them the edge.
