The Booker (Sarasota, FL) varsity football team will host Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville, FL) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Booker High School. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 3A FHSAA Football tournament.

Nature Coast Tech vs Booker High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Nature Coast Tech vs Booker
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 3A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: NCTHS vs Booker

The Booker (Sarasota, FL) varsity football team is set to face off against Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville, FL) in a thrilling home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Booker High School. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 3A FHSAA Football tournament.

Team Overview

Nature Coast Tech enters the game with a 6-5 overall record and a 2-1 district record. While their season has had its ups and downs, the Sharks have been strong on the road, posting a 4-2 record away from home. Nature Coast Tech has averaged 27.7 points per game and has been able to rely on their rushing attack, averaging 199.5 rushing yards per game. Despite their offensive power, they will need to improve their defense, which allows an average of 183 points on the season.

On the other hand, Booker comes into the game with an impressive 8-3 record, including a perfect 3-0 district record. The Tornadoes have been dominant at home with a 6-1 record and have outscored their opponents by a wide margin, averaging an incredible 52.1 points per game. Booker’s offense has been led by their versatile quarterback Ryan Downes, who is averaging 255.8 total yards per game. With a potent mix of rushing and passing, the Tornadoes have the firepower to take down any opponent. They also boast a strong defense, averaging 71.8 tackles per game and 4.1 sacks per game.

Key Matchup: Offensive Firepower vs. Strong Defense

The key to this matchup will likely be how Nature Coast Tech’s defense fares against Booker’s explosive offense. The Sharks will need to limit Booker’s scoring, especially in the first half where the Tornadoes are particularly strong, averaging 24.3 points per game in the first quarter alone.

For Nature Coast Tech, their rushing attack, led by Jasir Harvin (54.1 rushing yards per game), will be crucial if they want to keep the game competitive. They will need to establish control on the ground and try to maintain long drives to keep Booker’s high-powered offense off the field.

Team Leaders

• Nature Coast Tech:
  • Jasir Harvin – 54.1 rushing yards per game
  • Jackson Hoyt – 144.2 passing yards per game
  • Zaihron McCullough – 7.8 tackles per game
• Booker:
  • DJ Johnson – 112.9 rushing yards per game
  • Ryan Downes – 255.8 total yards per game
  • Karaijus Hayes – 8.7 tackles per game

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared a common opponent in Somerset Academy – Canyons, with Booker securing a 55-27 victory earlier in the season, while Nature Coast Tech won 28-14.

Prediction

With Booker’s strong performance at home and the high-powered offense they bring to the field, they will likely have the upper hand in this matchup. However, Nature Coast Tech cannot be counted out, as they have shown resilience throughout the season. This should be an exciting and hard-fought game as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 3A playoffs.

Booker will look to continue their dominance at home and advance in the state tournament, while Nature Coast Tech will aim to pull off the upset and extend their playoff run. Fans can expect an intense and action-packed game as these two teams clash for a chance at football glory.