The Hickory (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against North Lincoln (Lincolnton, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: North Lincoln vs. Hickory
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: North Lincoln vs. Hickory
This exciting playoff game will feature North Lincoln (12-1) against Hickory (13-0), both of which have been dominant this season. Hickory comes in with a perfect 13-0 record, having been nearly unstoppable throughout the year, including a resounding 60-25 victory over North Lincoln earlier in the season. North Lincoln has only one loss, but will have to overcome a tough Hickory team to advance.
Season Recap: North Lincoln Knights
- Record: 12-1
- Conference Record: 6-1
- Points For/Against: 507 PF, 292 PA
- Scoring Average: 39.0 points per game
North Lincoln boasts a powerful running game led by Shannon Wingate, who averages 149.3 rushing yards per game. The offense is balanced with Eli Sipe contributing 40.6 passing yards per game, and the team averages 372.8 total yards per game. North Lincoln’s defense is solid, with Ryan Bassani averaging 11.2 tackles per game. Despite their strong season, they will need to find a way to contain Hickory’s potent offense in this playoff matchup.
Season Recap: Hickory Red Tornadoes
- Record: 13-0
- Conference Record: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 676 PF, 171 PA
- Scoring Average: 52.0 points per game
Hickory has been one of the most powerful teams in the state, scoring an average of 52.0 points per game while allowing just 171 points all season. Brady Stober has been a key leader, passing for 249.1 yards per game, while Jamien Little provides a dynamic receiving threat, averaging 89.8 yards per game. The defense, led by Quenshea Abernathy (8.3 tackles per game), has been tough, and the team is known for dominating both offensively and defensively.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- North Lincoln’s offense is led by Shannon Wingate, who is a force on the ground. However, they will be facing one of the most potent offenses in the state in Hickory, whose attack can strike quickly. North Lincoln will need to control the ball and limit Hickory’s possessions.
- Hickory’s offense is balanced, with Brady Stober passing for 249.1 yards per game and Jamien Little making big plays in the receiving game. They can score quickly, and North Lincoln’s defense will have to be on its toes to prevent big plays.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- North Lincoln’s defense has been solid, but against a high-scoring team like Hickory, they will need to step up. They will look to Ryan Bassani to disrupt the passing game and force mistakes.
- Hickory’s defense has been formidable all season, allowing just 171 points. Their ability to shut down opponents’ running games will be crucial, as Shannon Wingate is the primary offensive weapon for North Lincoln.
Scoring Trends:
- North Lincoln has been strong in the first half, scoring an average of 12.4 points in the first quarter and 13.5 in the second quarter, but their scoring drops off in the second half.
- Hickory is explosive in all four quarters, with 19.0 points in the first quarter, and their offense remains potent throughout, scoring an average of 52.0 points per game.
Common Opponents:
Both teams faced Statesville, North Iredell, St. Stephens, and Foard, with both teams having successful records against these opponents. Hickory won all of their common matchups by large margins, and North Lincoln also dominated these games, though they were unable to keep pace with Hickory in their earlier meeting.
Prediction:
Hickory has shown the ability to dominate offensively and defensively, while North Lincoln will need to find ways to control the tempo and slow down Hickory’s explosive attack. With Brady Stober and Jamien Little leading the way, Hickory is the favorite to win, but Shannon Wingate could make things interesting for North Lincoln if they can establish the run early.
