The Carey High School (Franklin Square, NY) varsity football team will face off against Half Hollow Hills East (Dix Hills, NY) in the NYSPHSAA L.I. Division II Football Finals today at 4:30 PM. This neutral playoff game is part of the “2024 Fall Boys Football New York: Long Island – Division II” tournament.
NYSPHSAA L.I Div II Football Finals Info:
What: NYSPHSAA L.I Div II Football Finals
Who: Half Hollow Hills East vs Carey High School
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: NYSPHSAA L.I Div II Football Finals
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Half Hollow Hills East takes on Carey in the NYSPHSAA Long Island Division II Football Finals. Both teams boast stellar records and have displayed dominance throughout the season, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic clash.
Team Overview
Half Hollow Hills East (10-1, 6-1 League)
Half Hollow Hills East enters the final with an impressive 10-1 record, ranking 34th in New York and 4th in their section. Their explosive offense has racked up 372 points this season while their defense has been formidable, allowing just 99 points. With a league win percentage of .857, they’ve been consistent throughout, particularly at home, where they are undefeated (4-0).
Carey (11-0, 7-0 League)
Carey comes in as an undefeated juggernaut, ranked 39th in New York and 5th in their section. Their perfect 11-0 record underscores their dominance, with a balanced offense and defense scoring 381 points and allowing only 77. They’ve been invincible in all environments, including league play (7-0), home (4-0), away (4-0), and neutral sites (3-0). With a 1.000 win percentage across the board, Carey is a formidable opponent.
Scoring Averages
Both teams have high-powered offenses, but their scoring trends differ:
- Half Hollow Hills East: Known for fast starts, they average 11.0 points in the first quarter and 12.0 in the second, capitalizing on early momentum. However, their scoring drops significantly in the fourth quarter, averaging just 2.0 points.
- Carey: Consistently strong across all quarters, Carey averages 13.5 points in the first and maintains steady production throughout, including a slight uptick in the fourth quarter (5.3 points).
Carey’s overall scoring average of 34.6 slightly edges out Half Hollow Hills East’s 33.8, highlighting the razor-thin margin between these two teams.
Key Matchup Insights
Record Breakdown
Both teams have been dominant in the postseason, with Carey boasting a 3-0 playoff record and Half Hollow Hills East standing at 4-0. While both teams have no common opponents this season, their records against in-state teams are nearly identical, with Carey holding a slight edge due to their undefeated status.
Defensive Battle
While both teams have potent offenses, defense could be the deciding factor. Half Hollow Hills East has allowed only 99 points across 11 games (9.0 points per game), while Carey has been even stingier, conceding just 77 points in the same number of games (7.0 points per game).
What to Watch For
- Carey’s Consistency vs. Half Hollow Hills East’s Explosive Starts: Carey’s steady production will be tested against Half Hollow Hills East’s knack for building early leads.
- Defensive Standoff: Both defenses will play a crucial role in neutralizing the opposing team’s stars.
- Fourth-Quarter Execution: With Half Hollow Hills East’s scoring tailing off in the final quarter, Carey could capitalize in crunch time.
Prediction
This matchup pits two elite teams against each other, each with the talent and track record to claim the title. However, Carey’s undefeated record and consistent performance across all four quarters give them a slight edge. Expect a hard-fought game that could come down to the final possession.
Final Score Prediction: Carey 28, Half Hollow Hills East 24.
