The Jefferson Dragons (Jefferson, GA) varsity football team will host the Oconee County Warriors (Watkinsville, GA) in a playoff matchup tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson High School. This game is part of the 2024 GHSA Class 3A Football Playoff Brackets and promises to be an exciting contest as both teams compete for a spot in the next round.
Oconee County vs Jefferson High School Football Game Info:
What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Oconee County vs Jefferson
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Oconee County vs Jefferson
The Jefferson Dragons (8-3) will host the Oconee County Warriors (7-4) in a thrilling rematch tonight at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2024 GHSA Class 3A Football Playoff Brackets. The game marks a pivotal moment for both teams, with the winner advancing deeper into the playoffs.
Season at a Glance
Jefferson enters the game with an impressive 8-3 record, boasting a perfect 6-0 home record and strong performances in their region games. The Dragons have averaged 34.0 points per game this season, driven by their balanced offense and hard-hitting defense. Oconee County, with a 7-4 record, has proven themselves resilient, particularly in regional play with a 4-1 record. The Warriors average 30.7 points per game and bring a formidable passing attack to the table.
The First Encounter
These two teams met earlier this month in a dramatic overtime game that saw Oconee County pull off a narrow 32-30 victory. In that game, both squads demonstrated their offensive and defensive prowess, with the Warriors outlasting the Dragons in the extra period. Jefferson will undoubtedly be looking for redemption in front of their home crowd.
Key Players to Watch
For Oconee County, quarterback Titus Watkins has been a standout, averaging 190 passing yards per game and 206.3 total yards per contest. Running back Caiden Wood adds another dimension to the offense, with 98.7 rushing yards per game and 7.6 points scored per outing.
Jefferson counters with quarterback Gavin Markey, a dual-threat athlete who averages 108.5 passing yards and 95.5 rushing yards per game. Markey has also been a scoring leader for the Dragons, contributing 8.2 points per game. Defensively, Max Brown anchors Jefferson with 9.4 tackles per game, while Darren Pinkard has been effective at pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Strengths and Matchups
Oconee County’s strength lies in its balanced offense, racking up 392.5 yards per game (198.7 rushing, 193.8 passing). They’ll face a Jefferson defense that has been sturdy at home, allowing an average of just 16 points per game on their turf.
On the flip side, Jefferson’s potent rushing attack, which averages 238.1 yards per game, will look to exploit Oconee County’s defense, which has been susceptible to the run at times this season.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Jefferson holding a significant edge, going 6-1 compared to Oconee County’s 4-3. Notably, Jefferson dominated Clarke Central (42-14) and Cherokee Bluff (35-7), teams that Oconee County struggled against.
The Stakes
With the playoffs in full swing, every play will count in this high-stakes rematch. Jefferson will look to leverage their home-field advantage and avenge their previous loss, while Oconee County aims to replicate their earlier success and continue their postseason run.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and fans can expect another closely contested battle as these two talented teams face off once again.
