The Mountain Heritage (Burnsville, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Hayesville (NC) today at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 1A tournament.

Mountain Heritage vs Hayesville Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Mountain Heritage vs Hayesville
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 1A
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Game preview: Mountain Heritage vs Hayesville

As the high school football season progresses, a head-to-head matchup between Hayesville and Mountain Heritage is generating significant attention, with both teams showcasing contrasting records and statistics. This article delves into the key details of both teams, highlighting their performances, key players, and what to expect from their upcoming clash.

Team Overview:

Hayesville:

• Overall Record: 4-7
• Conference Record: 2-3
• Home Record: 0-4
• Away Record: 4-3
• Scoring Average: 12.1 points per game
• Offensive Stats: 167.2 rushing yards per game, 58.0 passing yards per game, 225.2 total yards per game
• Defensive Stats: 47.8 tackles per game, 1.1 sacks per game

Mountain Heritage:

• Overall Record: 9-0
• Conference Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Scoring Average: 46.1 points per game
• Offensive Stats: 340.0 rushing yards per game, 70.6 passing yards per game, 410.6 total yards per game
• Defensive Stats: 82.2 tackles per game, 1.7 sacks per game

Scoring Comparisons:

In terms of scoring, Mountain Heritage has been a powerhouse, averaging over 46 points per game, with an especially strong second quarter where they average 16 points. In comparison, Hayesville struggles to put up points, averaging just 12.1 points per game with their strongest quarter being the second, where they average 4.6 points.

Statistical Breakdown:

Hayesville’s offense has relied heavily on the rushing game, with Tre Graves leading the team with an impressive 96.4 yards per game. However, their passing game has been limited, averaging only 58 yards per game. On defense, Will Brown is the team’s top tackler, averaging 5.6 tackles per game, but they will face a much more formidable challenge against Mountain Heritage’s strong offense.

Mountain Heritage has dominated both offensively and defensively. The rushing game is led by Brandon Quinn, who has racked up 144.3 yards per game, while the passing game, though not as high-performing, adds an additional layer of unpredictability. On the defensive side, Malachi Huskins leads with 8.1 tackles per game, and the team has been more consistent at getting to the quarterback, averaging 1.7 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch:

• Hayesville:
  Tre Graves has been a key player for Hayesville, not only leading the team in rushing with 96.4 yards per game but also contributing with 7.1 points per game. Lance Coker adds depth to the passing game, though Hayesville will need to find more offensive consistency to compete against a team like Mountain Heritage.
• Mountain Heritage:
  Brandon Quinn has been a standout player, contributing 208.2 total yards per game and 16.2 points per game. Malachi Huskins is a defensive force with 8.1 tackles per game, providing Mountain Heritage with the stability needed to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents:

In terms of their common opponents, both teams faced Robbinsville, but with different outcomes. Hayesville lost to Robbinsville 28-6 in their October 2024 matchup, while Mountain Heritage defeated Robbinsville 28-13 in their September 2024 contest. This result gives Mountain Heritage an edge in terms of performance against shared opponents, further highlighting their dominance this season.

Looking Ahead:

As Hayesville faces Mountain Heritage, they will need to play at their absolute best to overcome the undefeated juggernaut. Hayesville’s ability to limit Mountain Heritage’s high-scoring offense and capitalize on their own rushing game could be key factors. Meanwhile, Mountain Heritage’s offensive firepower and defensive strength make them the clear favorite, with their undefeated record and superior stats giving them the upper hand.

The clash of these two teams will be a defining moment in their seasons. Will Hayesville pull off an upset, or will Mountain Heritage continue their march towards an undefeated season? Football fans can expect an exciting and high-intensity matchup as both teams look to assert themselves on the field.

Final Thoughts:

While Hayesville has had a tough season with a losing record and struggles at home, their resilience on the road has been a highlight. Mountain Heritage, on the other hand, has been nearly flawless, dominating opponents across the board. This game will be a true test for both teams, and it will be interesting to see how Hayesville’s offense can handle Mountain Heritage’s stout defense and explosive scoring attack.