The Rolesville (NC) varsity football team will host Pinecrest (Southern Pines, NC) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Pinecrest vs Rolesville
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Pinecrest vs. Rolesville
As the 2024-2025 football season heads into its final stages, fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between Pinecrest and Rolesville. Both teams have had impressive seasons, finishing with identical records of 10-1, and are set to compete in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Here’s an in-depth look at the teams’ stats, performances, and how they stack up against one another.
Season Records
Pinecrest
- Overall Record: 10-1
- Conference Record: 5-1
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Win Percentage: .909
- Conference Win Percentage: .833
- Points For (PF): 444
- Points Against (PA): 272
Rolesville
- Overall Record: 10-1
- Conference Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Win Percentage: .909
- Conference Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points For (PF): 550
- Points Against (PA): 124
Both teams have demonstrated exceptional play throughout the season, with Rolesville remaining undefeated in conference play and Pinecrest having a strong record despite one loss. Both teams have been formidable on both sides of the ball.
Scoring Averages
- Pinecrest:
- Q1: 8.6
- Q2: 10.4
- Q3: 12.2
- Q4: 8.5
- OT1: 7.0
- Final Average: 40.4
- Rolesville:
- Q1: 15.6
- Q2: 24.4
- Q3: 9.1
- Q4: 3.6
- OT1: 3.0
- Final Average: 50.0
Rolesville has been a high-scoring machine this season, averaging 50 points per game. Their offensive firepower, especially in the first half, has been remarkable. Pinecrest, while a high-scoring team as well, averages slightly fewer points per game but has been consistent in all four quarters.
Team Statistics
| Category | Pinecrest | Rolesville |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 310.4 | 146.7 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 131.1 | 247.2 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 131.4 | 229.5 |
| Total Yards/Game | 441.5 | 393.9 |
| Tackles/Game | 51.0 | 36.9 |
| Sacks/Game | 1.6 | 0.8 |
| Points/Game | 40.4 | 43.6 |
Pinecrest has been dominant in the rushing department, averaging 310.4 rushing yards per game, significantly higher than Rolesville’s 146.7 rushing yards per game. However, Rolesville’s passing attack has been more potent, with 247.2 passing yards per game, compared to Pinecrest’s 131.1. Pinecrest also has the advantage in total yards per game, thanks to their strong rushing game.
Individual Leaders
- Pinecrest:
- Zymire Spencer: 159.7 rushing yards/game
- Cody Hansen: 127.7 passing yards/game
- Eli Melton: 40.8 receiving yards/game
- Cole Harrison: 7.0 tackles/game
- Chris Najm: 12.5 points/game
- Rolesville:
- Devon Thomas: 70.2 rushing yards/game
- Braden Atkinson: 236.6 passing yards/game
- Gavin Waddell: 67.0 receiving yards/game
- Talyn Watkins: 7.0 tackles/game
- Devon Thomas: 10.2 points/game
Pinecrest’s standout player is Zymire Spencer, whose 159.7 rushing yards per game make him a key component of the team’s offensive attack. Rolesville relies heavily on Braden Atkinson, who has been stellar in the passing game with 236.6 passing yards per game. Both teams have strong defensive players, with Cole Harrison of Pinecrest and Talyn Watkins of Rolesville each averaging 7.0 tackles per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with perfect records against them:
- Pinecrest vs. Knightdale (8/23/24): Pinecrest won 62-18
- Rolesville vs. Knightdale (10/18/24): Rolesville won 69-7
- Pinecrest vs. Middle Creek (9/6/24): Pinecrest won 62-55
- Rolesville vs. Middle Creek (11/15/24): Rolesville won 57-22
Both teams have dominated in their matchups against common opponents, though Rolesville’s margin of victory has often been much larger, particularly in their win against Knightdale.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Pinecrest (24-25) | Rolesville (24-25) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 10-1 | 10-1 |
| Conference Record | 5-1 | 5-0 |
| Home Record | 5-1 | 5-1 |
| Away Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| In-State Record | 10-1 | 10-1 |
Both teams boast perfect away records and solid home performances. Rolesville has been slightly more dominant in conference play, finishing undefeated in the league, while Pinecrest has one conference loss.
Conclusion
The upcoming game between Pinecrest and Rolesville is shaping up to be an exciting showdown between two elite teams. Both teams are highly skilled, with Pinecrest’s powerful rushing attack facing off against Rolesville’s potent passing game. Pinecrest has the edge in total yards, but Rolesville’s ability to put up massive points, especially early in games, makes them a formidable opponent.
Both teams are well-balanced and have been dominant this season, making this matchup one to watch as they compete for postseason glory. Will Pinecrest’s rushing game be enough to overpower Rolesville, or will Rolesville’s aerial assault continue its high-scoring ways? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – this game will be a thrilling encounter.
