The Brandon varsity football team from Brandon, MS, will face Petal, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Petal vs Brandon
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 7A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Petal vs. Brandon
The Petal Panthers (8-4) are set to face off against the Brandon Bulldogs (10-1) in a neutral-site playoff game on November 22. Despite a previous 45-10 defeat earlier this season, Petal will be looking to rebound and turn the tide in this critical postseason matchup.
Season Recap: Petal Panthers
- Record: 8-4
- District Record: 3-2
- Points For/Against: 331 PF, 198 PA
- Scoring Average: 27.6 points per game
Petal has had an up-and-down season with a strong finish. They’ve been competitive in tight games, evidenced by their 21-17 win over Pearl and a 35-19 victory over Meridian. However, inconsistency has been an issue, as seen in close losses to Picayune (24-21) and Oak Grove (24-21).
Key Performances:
- Balanced Offense: Tyson Robinson leads the charge on the ground with 86.6 rushing yards per game, while Sladen Shack provides stability at quarterback with 203.2 passing yards per game.
- Defense: Khalil Norwood anchors the defense with 12.9 tackles per game, keeping Petal in games with his ability to disrupt offensive plays.
Season Recap: Brandon Bulldogs
- Record: 10-1
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 461 PF, 242 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.9 points per game
Brandon enters the playoffs with a 9-game win streak, their lone loss coming to Oak Grove (31-27). Their offense has been explosive, as they routinely score 40+ points, including a 60-34 win over Picayune. Their defense, led by Carter Jenkins, has also been formidable, allowing just 242 points across 11 games.
Key Performances:
- Air Attack: Tyson Robinson (Brandon) has a solid all-around game but has primarily shown his ability to throw, leading the team in passing yards (254.2 yards per game) and helping Brandon generate 415.9 total yards per game.
- Defense: Carter Jenkins has been crucial on defense, with 1 sack per game, and the Bulldogs have shown they can close out games with high-pressure defense.
Head-to-Head:
In the October 11 matchup, Brandon dominated with a 45-10 win, showcasing their offensive firepower and ability to shut down Petal. Brandon’s attack was too much for Petal, and it will be a big challenge for the Panthers to overcome the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense and stout defense.
Common Opponents Analysis
| Opponent | Petal Result | Brandon Result |
|---|---|---|
| Picayune | L, 24-21 | W, 60-34 |
| Pearl | W, 21-17 | W, 41-7 |
| Meridian | W, 35-19 | W, 42-14 |
| Northwest Rankin | W, 20-10 | W, 45-22 |
| Oak Grove | L, 24-21 | W, 31-27 |
| Gulfport | W, 20-17 | W, 42-0 |
Brandon has a perfect record against common opponents, while Petal has dropped two of the six contests. However, Petal’s ability to compete closely with teams like Pearl and Meridian suggests they’re not to be underestimated.
Keys to Victory
For Petal:
- Minimize Turnovers: Petal needs to avoid turnovers, as Brandon thrives on turning them into points.
- Control the Clock: Keeping Brandon’s offense off the field with a strong running game led by Tyson Robinson could give Petal an edge.
- Defensive Pressure: Khalil Norwood and the defense must find ways to contain Brandon’s dynamic offense, especially their passing game.
For Brandon:
- Exploit the Air Attack: Continue to leverage Tyson Robinson’s arm to stretch the field and capitalize on big plays.
- Defensive Shutdown: Shut down Petal’s run game early and force them to rely on passing, where they have been less consistent.
- Playoff Experience: Brandon’s high-scoring offense and confidence from dominating their district should propel them in the postseason.
Prediction:
Brandon has been a dominant force this season, and although Petal has shown flashes of brilliance, they will need to play a near-perfect game to upset the Bulldogs. Expect Brandon to continue their winning ways, with their offense overwhelming Petal in a tightly contested matchup.
