The Grenada varsity football team from Grenada, MS, will face Neshoba Central from Philadelphia, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Neshoba Central vs Grenada
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 6A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Neshoba Central vs. Grenada
The Neshoba Central Rockets (6-5) will take on the Grenada Chargers (12-1) in the postseason, with Grenada entering as the higher seed after a dominant 12-1 season. Neshoba Central has had a challenging year but still managed to secure a spot in the playoffs with a solid 4-1 district record. Grenada, on the other hand, is coming off an impressive regular season, including a perfect district record and only one loss.
Season Recap: Neshoba Central Rockets
- Record: 6-5
- District Record: 4-1
- Points For/Against: 210 PF, 212 PA
- Scoring Average: 19.1 points per game
Neshoba Central has been an up-and-down team this season, with a 6-5 record that includes several hard-fought wins. Their offense averages just over 19 points per game, with a reliance on the rushing game, led by Mekhi Gaddis. Neshoba’s defense has been solid at times but has given up more points than they would have liked, making it crucial for them to perform well on both sides of the ball during the playoffs.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Mekhi Gaddis leads the team in rushing and total yards, making him the key player to watch.
- Defense: The defense is led by Will Huffman and has shown the ability to make stops when needed.
Season Recap: Grenada Chargers
- Record: 12-1
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 448 PF, 166 PA
- Scoring Average: 34.5 points per game
Grenada has been a powerhouse this season, with an impressive 12-1 record and a perfect district run. They have an explosive offense that scores an average of 34.5 points per game, while their defense has been equally dominant, allowing just 166 points all season. The Chargers’ well-balanced offense and defense make them one of the favorites to go far in the playoffs.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Grenada’s offensive attack has been led by their rushing game, and they are capable of putting up big numbers.
- Defense: With a stingy defense, Grenada has limited opponents’ scoring, making them a tough team to beat.
Head-to-Head:
- Neshoba Central and Grenada have not yet played each other this season, but both teams have defeated common opponents.
- Common Opponents:
- Callaway: Neshoba Central won 33-14 on November 7, 2024. Grenada also defeated Callaway 35-0 on November 15, 2024.
- Lake Cormorant: Neshoba Central won 28-22 on November 15, 2024. Grenada won 27-21 on October 11, 2024.
This shows that both teams have had success against common opponents, but Grenada has generally been more dominant.
Common Opponents Analysis
| Opponent | Neshoba Central Result | Grenada Result |
|---|---|---|
| Callaway | W, 33-14 | W, 35-0 |
| Lake Cormorant | W, 28-22 | W, 27-21 |
Both teams have done well against these common opponents, with Grenada posting larger margins of victory, especially over Callaway.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Neshoba Central | Grenada |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 178.6 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 71.4 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 250.0 | – |
| Points Per Game | 19.1 | 34.5 |
| Tackles Per Game | 62.9 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 0.4 | – |
Grenada has a far superior scoring average and a more efficient offense. Neshoba Central will need to execute a near-perfect game to compete with Grenada’s high-powered offense.
Key Players to Watch
- Neshoba Central:
- Mekhi Gaddis: A dynamic rusher, Gaddis is the focal point of Neshoba’s offense and will need to have a big game to keep Grenada’s offense off the field.
- Will Huffman: A defensive leader, Huffman will play a crucial role in trying to slow down Grenada’s high-powered offense.
- Anton Hopson: A key defensive player who will need to create pressure and contain Grenada’s dynamic playmakers.
- Grenada:
- Offensive Line and Rushing Attack: Grenada’s strong offensive line and well-balanced rushing attack will be critical in dictating the pace of the game.
- Defense: Grenada’s defense has been very strong all season and will need to continue that trend to neutralize Neshoba Central’s offense.
Keys to Victory
For Neshoba Central:
- Control the Clock: By relying on the running game and Mekhi Gaddis, Neshoba can try to keep Grenada’s offense off the field and reduce the number of possessions.
- Defensive Stops: Neshoba Central will need to step up on defense, slowing down Grenada’s rushing attack and making timely stops.
- Limit Turnovers: To have a chance, Neshoba cannot afford to make mistakes or turn the ball over in key moments.
For Grenada:
- Exploit Offensive Depth: Grenada has the advantage in scoring and overall offensive depth. They should look to establish their rushing game early and dictate the tempo.
- Stingy Defense: Grenada’s defense should continue to press Neshoba Central’s offense, forcing turnovers and making stops to keep them from building any momentum.
- Big Plays: Grenada should look for opportunities to score quickly and put pressure on Neshoba’s defense, forcing them to play catch-up.
Prediction:
Grenada’s dominant season and powerful offense make them the clear favorite in this matchup. Neshoba Central will need a near-perfect game to have a shot at pulling off an upset.
