The Mountain Heritage (Burnsville, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Murphy (NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Murphy vs. Mountain Heritage
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 1A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Murphy vs. Mountain Heritage
This matchup between Murphy (12-1) and Mountain Heritage (11-0) will feature two high-powered teams with perfect records in their conferences. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, and this game will serve as a critical playoff battle for both programs.
Season Recap: Murphy Bulldogs
- Record: 12-1
- Conference Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 441 PF, 192 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.9 points per game
Murphy has been one of the top teams this season with their strong all-around game. They rely heavily on Cameron Clem, who leads the team with 119.1 rushing yards per game, and a solid passing attack led by Brady Grant (93.6 passing yards per game). Their defense has been strong, averaging 68.0 tackles per game and limiting their opponents to just 192 points on the season.
Season Recap: Mountain Heritage Cougars
- Record: 11-0
- Conference Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 504 PF, 113 PA
- Scoring Average: 45.8 points per game
Mountain Heritage has been dominant on both sides of the ball this season. Their offense is led by Brandon Quinn, who has 148.3 rushing yards per game, and their defense is equally formidable, allowing just 113 points all season. They have a strong offensive line and have been able to grind out victories in a variety of ways.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- Murphy’s offense will lean on Cameron Clem to control the game on the ground, while Brady Grant will need to efficiently manage the passing game. Their ability to execute in the red zone will be key to scoring against Mountain Heritage’s defense.
- Mountain Heritage will likely rely on Brandon Quinn’s explosive running to dominate the ground game. With a solid passing game also available, Cason Jones and Brandon Quinn can both make plays through the air.
- Defensive Comparison:
- Murphy’s defense, with 68.0 tackles per game, will need to contain the powerful Brandon Quinn. They have been solid all season, and they’ll need to keep pressure on Mountain Heritage’s offense while avoiding big plays.
- Mountain Heritage’s defense has been suffocating, averaging 84.7 tackles per game. They are more aggressive with 1.5 sacks per game and will look to disrupt Murphy’s offensive flow, especially in the backfield.
Scoring Trends
- Murphy starts off slow, averaging just 6.1 points in the first quarter, but picks up steam as the game progresses. They score 8.5 in the second quarter, 7.0 in the third, and 6.8 in the fourth quarter.
- Mountain Heritage has a quicker start, averaging 10.7 points in the first quarter, followed by 16.0 in the second. They maintain their momentum in the second half, with 9.3 points in the third and 8.3 in the fourth.
Common Opponents:
- Both teams have faced Robbinsville and Hayesville this season, winning in commanding fashion.
- Murphy defeated Hayesville 44-0, Robbinsville 14-7, and Robbinsville again 34-21.
- Mountain Heritage defeated Hayesville 51-7, Robbinsville 28-13, and Robbinsville again 34-21.
Prediction:
Mountain Heritage has been a dominant force this season, but Murphy’s offense led by Cameron Clem and their strong defense will put up a strong fight. The key for Murphy will be to keep Mountain Heritage’s offense in check and control the tempo of the game.
