The Forest varsity football team from Forest, MS, will take on Quitman, 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: Quitman vs Forest
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Quitman vs. Forest

In this exciting playoff matchup, the Quitman Panthers (7-4) will face off against the Forest Bearcats (11-1). Quitman comes into the game with a solid 7-4 record, while Forest enters the contest as a dominant force, having only one loss on the season. Both teams are coming off impressive seasons and are ready to battle it out in what promises to be a thrilling playoff showdown.

Season Recap: Quitman Panthers

• Record: 7-4
• District Record: 2-2
• Points For/Against: 296 PF, 216 PA
• Scoring Average: 26.9 points per game

Quitman has had a mixed season but has proven they are capable of big wins, especially with their recent triumph over Forest. Their offense, led by running back Akylin Dear, is powerful and balanced, with a strong ground game and capable passing attack. Defensively, they will need to improve on limiting points, but their playoff experience could give them an edge in this matchup.

Key Performances:

• Offense: Akylin Dear is a key player for Quitman, rushing for an average of 132.8 yards per game. Quarterback Jaleil Cameron is also a dual-threat, adding balance to the offense.
• Defense: The Panthers will need to rely on the leadership of Isaiah Satcher, who averages 9.0 points per game, and tighten up their defense to stop Forest’s potent attack.

Season Recap: Forest Bearcats

• Record: 11-1
• District Record: 3-1
• Points For/Against: 382 PF, 95 PA
• Scoring Average: 31.8 points per game

Forest has been dominant throughout the season, with only one loss. They boast one of the strongest defenses in the state, allowing just 95 points on the season. Offensively, they have been led by their running game and quarterback Javarious Lofton, who is a big playmaker. Forest’s consistency on both sides of the ball has made them one of the top teams in the state.

Key Performances:

• Offense: Javarious Lofton is the leader of the offense, averaging 107.2 passing yards per game, while Sean Allen adds strength to the rushing attack.
• Defense: The Bearcats’ defense, led by Latrell Pace (1.4 sacks per game), has been suffocating all season, allowing just 95 points overall. Their defense will be key to slowing down Quitman’s offense.

Head-to-Head:

Quitman defeated Forest 28-6 in their previous meeting on October 25, 2024. In that game, Quitman’s defense dominated Forest, while their offense was efficient enough to secure a comfortable victory. This gives Quitman confidence coming into the rematch, although Forest will be looking to bounce back from the loss.

Previous Game Recap (October 25, 2024):

• Final Score: Quitman 28, Forest 6
• Key Moments: Quitman’s defense shut out Forest in the second half, and Akylin Dear was a standout performer, contributing both on the ground and through the air. Forest struggled offensively and was unable to match Quitman’s physicality.

Team Stat Comparison

Key Players to Watch

• Quitman:
  • Akylin Dear (Rushing yards per game): Dear is the focal point of Quitman’s offense, and his ability to break big runs will be crucial in this game.
  • Jaleil Cameron (Passing yards per game): Cameron is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays in the air and on the ground.
  • Isaiah Satcher (Tackles per game): Satcher leads the defense and will be critical in limiting Forest’s offensive production.
• Forest:
  • Javarious Lofton (Passing yards per game): Lofton is a playmaker who will need to step up and lead the offense to avoid another loss to Quitman.
  • Sean Allen (Rushing yards per game): Allen will need to establish the running game to keep Quitman’s defense on its heels.
  • Latrell Pace (Sacks per game): Pace’s ability to get pressure on the quarterback will be crucial for Forest’s defense.

Keys to Victory

For Quitman:

1. Control the Clock: Quitman needs to control the ball on the ground with Akylin Dear, eating up clock and keeping Forest’s offense off the field.
2. Defensive Playmaking: Quitman’s defense needs to create turnovers and stop Forest’s big plays. They must continue to dominate as they did in the last meeting.
3. Balanced Offense: By mixing the run and pass effectively, Quitman can keep Forest’s defense guessing and avoid being one-dimensional.

For Forest:

1. Bounce Back Offensively: Forest’s offense needs to be more explosive than in the first meeting. Javarious Lofton must lead the charge through the air, and Sean Allen needs to break out on the ground.
2. Pressure the Quarterback: Forest’s defensive line, led by Latrell Pace, must apply pressure on Quitman’s quarterback and disrupt their offense.
3. Limit Turnovers: To avoid falling into a hole like in the last meeting, Forest must play clean football and avoid mistakes.

Prediction:

This game will be a battle of styles: Quitman’s tough, physical ground game and defense against Forest’s explosive offense and strong defense. While Quitman has already proven they can beat Forest, the Bearcats will be looking to avenge that loss with a stronger offensive performance. The playoff atmosphere and experience on both sides will make for an exciting matchup, but Forest’s overall strength and offensive firepower should give them the edge.