The Venice (FL) varsity football team will host Newsome (Lithia, FL) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Venice. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA Football tournament.

Newsome vs Venice High School Football Game Info:

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

Game Preview: Newsome vs Venice

The Venice (FL) varsity football team will take on Newsome (Lithia, FL) in an exciting 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Venice High School. Both teams come into the game with impressive records, but there are some clear differences in their performance this season.

Team Records & Rankings:

• Newsome (8-3): The Wolves have had a strong season, finishing with a .727 win percentage and a solid 4-2 record on the road. Their balanced offense has allowed them to score an average of 28.2 points per game, powered by a strong running attack (272.2 rushing yards per game). Defensively, they have allowed 202 points across the season.
• Venice (10-1): Ranked as one of the top teams in the nation, the Indians are riding high with a .909 win percentage. Venice enters this game with a dominant offense that scores 50.2 points per game, thanks to a powerful ground game (281.3 rushing yards per game) and an impressive passing attack (194.4 passing yards per game). The defense has also been stout, giving up only 293 points across the season.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Newsome: The Wolves have been consistent throughout the game, averaging 6.3 points in the first quarter, 7.3 in the second, and finishing strong in the third quarter with 7 points. However, their scoring drops off in the fourth quarter, where they average just 2.9 points.
• Venice: The Indians have been explosive, especially early in games. They average 16.2 points in the first quarter and 15.6 points in the second. Venice also has a strong finish, scoring 10.4 points per game in the fourth quarter.

Key Players to Watch:

• Newsome:
  • Jaikim Haggans has been the key rusher, averaging 78.8 yards per game.
  • Noah Guenther leads the passing attack with 88.1 yards per game.
  • Clayton Brown has been the primary receiving threat, totaling 28.2 yards per game.
  • On defense, Braedan Berdecia is a standout with 8 tackles per game.
• Venice:
  • Gata Wilder is the standout rusher with 141.6 yards per game.
  • Jayce Nixon has been efficient through the air, averaging 174.8 passing yards per game.
  • Winston Watkins Jr., a dynamic receiver, averages 74.3 yards per game.
  • Landon Marsters, a key defensive player, leads the team with 12.5 tackles per game.

Offensive and Defensive Strengths:

• Newsome: The Wolves have a balanced offensive approach with strong running and solid passing. However, their defense has allowed an average of 28.2 points per game, which could be a challenge against Venice’s high-scoring attack.
• Venice: Venice boasts an explosive offense, averaging over 50 points per game, and their defense is formidable, giving up just 293 points all season. Their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball gives them a clear advantage heading into this playoff matchup.

Key Matchups:

• Newsome’s running game vs. Venice’s defense: Newsome’s ground attack, led by Haggans, will face off against a strong Venice defense. If Newsome can establish the run and control the clock, they may be able to keep Venice’s explosive offense off the field.
• Venice’s balanced offense vs. Newsome’s defense: Venice’s ability to mix up their offense and hit on both the run and pass game will be a challenge for Newsome’s defense, which has allowed 216 points on the season.

Head-to-Head Comparison:

• Venice has been dominant in both home and away games, with a 5-1 home record and an undefeated 5-0 away record, while Newsome has been more effective at home (4-2) than on the road (4-1).
• Newsome has a record of 8-3, while Venice has only one loss at 10-1.

Outlook:

Venice is the heavy favorite in this matchup, given their impressive season and balanced play on both sides of the ball. Newsome will need to control the game with their rushing attack and limit turnovers to have a chance. However, Venice’s potent offense and stifling defense are likely to prove too much in this playoff showdown.

Fans can expect a thrilling, high-energy game as these two teams fight for a chance to advance further in the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA tournament.