The Tarboro (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Pender (Burgaw, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Pender vs. Tarboro
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 1A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Pender vs. Tarboro
The Pender Patriots (10-3) will face off against the Tarboro Vikings (11-1) in a highly anticipated playoff matchup. Tarboro enters this game with a stellar 11-1 record, undefeated in conference play and coming off a dominant season. Pender has had a strong showing, with a 10-3 record, and will look to pull off an upset against a tough Tarboro squad.
Season Recap: Pender Patriots
- Record: 10-3
- Conference Record: 4-2
- Points For/Against: 684 PF, 237 PA
- Scoring Average: 52.6 points per game
Pender has a potent offense, led by Jeremiah Johnson, who averages 194.2 rushing yards per game and scores 22.9 points per game. The team’s total offensive production averages 432.6 yards per game, with a balanced attack that also includes Mark Rawls, who contributes 34.8 passing yards per game. Defensively, Jassiah Hill leads the team with 8.9 tackles per game. The Patriots will need to keep up with Tarboro’s offense and control the tempo to have a chance at advancing.
Season Recap: Tarboro Vikings
- Record: 11-1
- Conference Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 614 PF, 110 PA
- Scoring Average: 51.2 points per game
Tarboro has been incredibly efficient on both sides of the ball, with a high-scoring offense and a stifling defense. Kamerin McDowell-Moore has been a key player, rushing for 99.3 yards per game and totaling 114.3 yards per game. The offense is complemented by a tough defense that includes Cole Craddock, who has 8.9 tackles per game. Tarboro’s defense has been a standout, allowing only 110 points all season. Their ability to score quickly and shut down opponents will be critical in this playoff matchup.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- Pender’s offense revolves around Jeremiah Johnson, who is a major threat on the ground. They will need to establish the run early and control the clock to keep Tarboro’s offense off the field.
- Tarboro’s offense is led by Kamerin McDowell-Moore, who is versatile and a big-play threat. They also have Tyler Powell, who adds balance to the attack. Pender will need to find a way to contain McDowell-Moore and force the Vikings into long possessions.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- Pender’s defense has been solid, allowing just 237 points this season, but they face one of the most efficient offenses in Tarboro. Jassiah Hill will need to step up to slow down McDowell-Moore and the Vikings’ high-powered offense.
- Tarboro’s defense is exceptional, allowing only 110 points all year. They have been dominant, led by Cole Craddock, and will look to shut down Pender’s ground game early to take control of the game.
Scoring Trends:
- Pender has been explosive, particularly in the first quarter with 18.2 points, but their scoring drops off slightly in the second half.
- Tarboro is consistent throughout the game, with 18.2 points in the first quarter and 18.0 in the second. However, their scoring slows down in the second half, which could give Pender a window if they can stay close early.
Common Opponents:
Both teams have faced Gates County, with both teams securing dominant victories:
- Pender: Beat Gates County 60-20
- Tarboro: Beat Gates County 60-0
Prediction:
Tarboro is the heavy favorite in this matchup, coming off a dominant season and with a defense that has proven tough to crack. However, Jeremiah Johnson and Pender’s high-scoring offense could make things interesting if they can control the ball and score consistently. Tarboro’s defensive strength and ability to put up points quickly likely give them the edge, but Pender will fight hard to stay competitive.
