The Heidelberg (MS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Raleigh (MS) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Raleigh vs Heidelberg
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Raleigh vs. Heidelberg

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two of Mississippi’s premier teams, Raleigh and Heidelberg, have dominated the competition, both boasting impressive records and a fierce determination to win. With identical 12-1 records and perfect district campaigns, these two teams are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. Let’s dive into their rankings, records, and key statistics to preview this anticipated contest.

Raleigh (24-25) Season Overview

Raleigh has put together a strong season with a 12-1 record, including a flawless 4-0 mark in district play. The team has been nearly unstoppable, showcasing both a powerful offense and a stifling defense. They’ve excelled in all aspects, with their balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense leading them to a .923 win percentage.

Scoring Averages

Raleigh’s offense has averaged 31.6 points per game, although their scoring distribution varies throughout the game:

• Q1: 6.8 points
• Q2: 5.8 points
• Q3: 7.0 points
• Q4: 1.8 points

While Raleigh starts strong, their offensive output tends to slow down in the final quarter, which could be a critical factor in their upcoming matchup.

Key Wins

Raleigh’s standout victories include their 22-14 win over Bay Springs (8/29/24) and their hard-fought 21-14 victory over Mize (9/20/24). These wins helped solidify Raleigh as a team to watch, with their defense playing a crucial role in securing close wins.

Heidelberg (24-25) Season Overview

Heidelberg has also been exceptional this season, matching Raleigh with a 12-1 overall record and perfect 4-0 district record. They’ve been dominant on both sides of the ball, with an offensive juggernaut that has averaged 48.8 points per game. Heidelberg’s .923 win percentage highlights their well-rounded play and ability to close out games with power.

Scoring Averages

Heidelberg’s offense has been more explosive than Raleigh’s, averaging nearly 50 points per game. The breakdown of their scoring is as follows:

• Q1: 20.4 points
• Q2: 12.4 points
• Q3: 12.0 points
• Q4: 4.8 points

Heidelberg’s ability to start fast and put up big numbers early in the game is a key part of their success. Their offense tends to cool off in the fourth quarter, but by then, they’ve often built an insurmountable lead.

Key Wins

Heidelberg’s impressive victories include their dominant 30-8 win over Bay Springs (11/22/24) and a 52-0 demolition of Mize (10/18/24). These games showcase Heidelberg’s ability to overpower their opponents with high-scoring performances and strong defensive play.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing the team stats, it’s clear that both Raleigh and Heidelberg have strengths on both sides of the ball.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Raleigh (242.0) vs. Heidelberg (226.0)
• Passing Yards Per Game: Raleigh (25.5) vs. Heidelberg (185.8)
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Raleigh (25.5) vs. Heidelberg (185.0)
• Total Yards Per Game: Raleigh (267.5) vs. Heidelberg (411.8)
• Tackles Per Game: Raleigh (46.0) vs. Heidelberg (53.2)
• Sacks Per Game: Raleigh (1.4) vs. Heidelberg (3.7)
• Points Per Game: Raleigh (28.7) vs. Heidelberg (48.6)

While Raleigh excels in rushing yards, Heidelberg has a clear advantage in total yards and points per game. Their high-powered offense, led by standout players like Chase Craft, has been unstoppable at times.

Key Players to Watch

For Raleigh, the standout player is C.J. Moncrief, who leads the team in rushing (97.2 yards per game) and total yards (97.4 yards per game). He is a key offensive weapon and will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.

For Heidelberg, the player to watch is Chase Craft, who leads the team in rushing yards (79.1 yards per game) and total yards (219.8 yards per game). He has been the backbone of Heidelberg’s offensive attack and will be instrumental in keeping the team’s scoring machine running smoothly.

Common Opponents: A Tale of Parity and Dominance

Both teams share several common opponents, and each has found success against them, although Heidelberg has faced a stiffer challenge in some instances.

• Bay Springs: Raleigh won 22-14 on 8/29/24, while Heidelberg lost 16-8 on 9/13/24 but redeemed themselves with a 30-8 win on 11/22/24.
• Mize: Raleigh defeated Mize 21-14 on 9/20/24, while Heidelberg rolled to a dominant 52-0 win on 10/18/24.

These matchups highlight both teams’ ability to adapt and win, but Heidelberg’s larger margins of victory reflect their offensive firepower.

Record Breakdown

Here’s a quick comparison of both teams’ overall performance:

• Raleigh: 12-1 overall, 4-0 district, 5-1 away, 6-0 home
• Heidelberg: 12-1 overall, 4-0 district, 5-0 away, 6-0 home

Both teams have been perfect at home and have strong road records, with Heidelberg maintaining an undefeated record in neutral-site games as well.

Conclusion: A Game for the Ages

As the season progresses, the clash between Raleigh and Heidelberg looms large. Both teams are high-scoring, with explosive offenses and strong defenses, and the showdown promises to be a battle of strengths. Raleigh’s ability to grind out wins with a strong rushing game and defense will be tested by Heidelberg’s potent offensive attack.

Football fans should mark their calendars for this exciting matchup between two of Mississippi’s best teams. Whether it’s Raleigh’s balanced approach or Heidelberg’s high-powered offense, this game will be one for the ages!