The Pryor (OK) varsity football team will face off against Newcastle (OK) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets for the OSSAA Class 5A tournament.

Pryor vs Newcastle Football Game Info:

What: Oklahoma High School Football
Who: Pryor vs Newcastle
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSSAA – Class 5A
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Game preview: Pryor vs Newcastle

As high school football season heats up, two powerhouse teams—Newcastle and Pryor—are catching the eyes of fans and analysts alike. Both teams share identical overall records (8-3) and a strong winning percentage (.727), but each has a unique style of play and strengths that make this matchup an intriguing one. Let’s dive into the stats, breakdowns, and key players from both teams as they look to finish their season strong.

Team Overview: Performance Across the Season

Both Newcastle and Pryor have been dominant in their respective districts. Newcastle went undefeated in district play (6-0) while Pryor posted a solid 5-2 record. Despite these impressive district records, both teams have suffered losses outside of their districts, with each team logging 3 non-district losses.

The offensive firepower for both teams has been impressive, with Newcastle averaging 36.5 points per game and Pryor a slightly higher 37.7 points. However, while both teams have averaged over 30 points per game, their scoring methods differ. Newcastle tends to explode in the opening and final quarters, scoring an average of 17.3 points in the first quarter, followed by a drop to 7.3 in the second quarter before rallying with 12.3 points in the fourth. Pryor, on the other hand, has shown consistency in the first half (24 points in Q1), but their offense tends to stall in the second half, averaging just 5.5 points in the third and fourth quarters combined.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

While both teams are balanced offensively, the way they accumulate yards is distinct. Newcastle leans heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 208.7 rushing yards per game, while also posting solid passing numbers (114.8 passing yards per game). On the other hand, Pryor has been more reliant on passing, averaging 163.2 total yards per game, and a notable 105 receiving yards per game. This sets up a potential clash of styles, with Newcastle’s ground game facing off against Pryor’s aerial assault.

Defensively, both teams have solid numbers, with Newcastle averaging 73.4 tackles per game and Pryor recording 1.6 sacks per game. Though their defensive yards per game are not directly compared, both teams are proficient at limiting big plays and will rely on their defensive front to contain the opposing offenses.

Key Players to Watch

For Newcastle, the standout player is Taylor “TJ” Bradford, who leads the team in rushing with 123.3 yards per game. Bradford’s ability to move the ball and chew up clock will be crucial in this matchup. Quarterback Jackson Schanuel also plays a key role, contributing 100.5 passing yards per game and a total of 163.2 yards of offense.

Pryor counters with a strong receiving corps, led by Santorrio Boykins, who averages 105 receiving yards per game. Quarterback Jackson Schanuel (same name as Newcastle’s) will need to continue his solid passing performance, while linebacker Trey Burchett (9.3 tackles per game) will be expected to lead the defensive effort.

Game Breakdown: Where Each Team Has the Edge

• Newcastle’s Ground Game vs. Pryor’s Passing Game: Newcastle’s rushing offense has been dominant all season, while Pryor’s success will likely depend on the effectiveness of their passing game.
• Home vs. Away: Newcastle has been tough at home with a 5-1 record, while Pryor is undefeated in their away games (5-0). This could tip the scale slightly in Pryor’s favor.
• Defensive Leaders: The battle for control of the line of scrimmage will be pivotal. Burchett’s ability to disrupt the run could help Pryor contain Bradford, while Newcastle’s defense will look to neutralize the big-play potential of Boykins and Pryor’s passing game.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Implications

In terms of postseason play, both teams have shown resilience. Both boast identical playoff records (1-0), but the outcome of this game could help propel one of them deeper into the playoffs as both teams look to improve their playoff positioning. While neither team has faced off against each other this season, their respective performances suggest that this game could come down to a few key plays and who can impose their will in critical moments.

Final Thoughts

This matchup between Newcastle and Pryor promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams bringing distinct strengths to the table. Whether it’s the ground-and-pound style of Newcastle or the high-flying offense of Pryor, one thing is for sure: this game will be one to watch. With both teams boasting solid records and playoff aspirations, fans can expect a thrilling, hard-fought contest that will go a long way in determining who advances further in the postseason.