The Niceville Eagles (Niceville, FL) varsity football team will host the Ponte Vedra Sharks (Ponte Vedra, FL) in a thrilling playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Niceville High School. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships in the competitive 5A division.
Ponte Vedra vs Niceville High School Football Game Info:
What: Florida High School Football
Who: Ponte Vedra vs Niceville
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 5A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Ponte Vedra vs Niceville
The Niceville Eagles (10-1) are set to host the Ponte Vedra Sharks (9-2) in a pivotal 5A FHSAA Football State Championships playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Niceville High School. Both teams come into this contest with stellar records and explosive offenses, making it a matchup to watch in the postseason.
Team Overview
Niceville Eagles
Ranked 8th in the state for Class 5A, Niceville has enjoyed a dominant season, winning 10 of their 11 games. With a perfect 6-0 record at home, the Eagles have proven themselves as a formidable team on their turf. They have scored 424 points while holding opponents to just 204, reflecting a balanced attack on both sides of the ball.
Key contributors include running back Connor Mathews, who averages 107.3 rushing yards per game, and linebacker Maddox Hayles, who leads the team with 10.9 tackles per game. The Eagles’ offensive line, anchored by Jakobe Green, has racked up an impressive 74 pancake blocks, giving their offense ample opportunities to thrive.
Ponte Vedra Sharks
The Sharks, ranked 9th in Class 5A, have also had a standout season, finishing 9-2 overall. Known for their offensive versatility, they have averaged 370 total yards per game, with 202.8 rushing yards and 167.2 passing yards. Ponte Vedra’s defense has held opponents to an average of just 200 points this season, showcasing their ability to play tough in critical moments.
Running back Brian Case has been a workhorse for the Sharks, averaging 133.7 rushing yards and 11.5 points per game. Quarterback Drew Price adds to the offensive firepower, contributing 202 total yards per game.
Head-to-Head Comparison
While the teams have not faced each other directly this season, they share a common opponent in Middleburg. Both teams claimed decisive victories, with Ponte Vedra winning 52-21 and Niceville earning a 49-13 win, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
Niceville holds a slight edge in scoring, averaging 38.5 points per game compared to Ponte Vedra’s 30.5. However, Ponte Vedra’s balanced attack and strong rushing game could pose challenges for Niceville’s defense.
Key to Victory
For Niceville, maintaining their defensive discipline and capitalizing on their offensive efficiency at home will be crucial. Ponte Vedra will need to rely on Brian Case’s ground game and Drew Price’s ability to stretch the field to keep the Eagles’ defense guessing.
What’s at Stake
This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships, with the winner advancing further in the tournament. Both teams have shown they belong at this level, but only one will move closer to their championship dreams.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM, and fans can expect a thrilling contest between two of Florida’s top programs in Class 5A.
