The Loyd Star varsity football team from Brookhaven, MS, will host Raleigh, MS, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: Raleigh vs Loyd Star
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Raleigh vs. Loyd Star
The Raleigh Bulldogs (11-1) will face the Loyd Star Hornets (10-2) in an exciting playoff clash on November 22. Both teams are coming off successful seasons, with Raleigh boasting a dominant record and Loyd Star securing key victories with an impressive offense. This game promises to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams capable of putting up big numbers on both sides of the ball.
Season Recap: Raleigh Bulldogs
- Record: 11-1
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 375 PF, 78 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.3 points per game
Raleigh has been outstanding this season, with their only loss coming earlier in the year. They have a well-rounded team that excels on defense and has a powerful ground game led by Cj Moncrief, who has been a standout all year. The Bulldogs’ defense has been incredibly stingy, allowing just 78 points throughout the season.
Key Performances:
- Rushing Game: Cj Moncrief leads the team with 93.2 rushing yards per game, and the ground game has been a cornerstone of Raleigh’s success.
- Defense: Marcus Perkins has contributed with 7.6 tackles per game, and the Bulldogs have a strong overall defensive unit that has shut down opponents all season.
- Passing Game: While not as reliant on passing, Jamarcus McCullum has been solid with 24.7 passing yards per game.
Season Recap: Loyd Star Hornets
- Record: 10-2
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 448 PF, 182 PA
- Scoring Average: 37.3 points per game
Loyd Star has also had a fantastic season, averaging over 37 points per game. They feature a dynamic offense that has been tough to stop, led by Jordyn Kees, who has been a key player in both the rushing and passing game. Their defense, while strong, allows more points than Raleigh’s, but they still have the tools to compete at a high level.
Key Performances:
- Rushing Attack: Jordyn Kees has been dominant on the ground with 177.3 rushing yards per game, and the offensive line has been solid in opening running lanes.
- Passing Game: Phillip Ross Spencer adds another dimension to the offense with 31.1 passing yards per game, while Tristan Fortenberry has been a top target in the receiving game.
- Defense: Carson Cunningham leads the defense with 9.9 tackles per game, while the team excels at generating turnovers.
Head-to-Head:
There has been no previous meeting between Raleigh and Loyd Star this season, but both teams have faced common opponents, which provides an interesting comparison.
Common Opponents Analysis
| Opponent | Raleigh Result | Loyd Star Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mize | W, 21-14 | W, 38-32 |
| Pelahatchie | W, 54-0 | W, 42-6 |
| Wilkinson County | W, 47-0 | W, 44-0 |
Both teams have faced the same opponents, and while Raleigh had a relatively closer win over Mize, they each dominated Pelahatchie and Wilkinson County.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Raleigh | Loyd Star |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 241.9 | 324.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 23.3 | 33.5 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 265.3 | 357.8 |
| Points Per Game | 29.8 | 36.8 |
| Tackles Per Game | 46.6 | 61.8 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.3 | 0.2 |
Loyd Star has a slight edge in total yards per game and points per game, thanks to their explosive offense. However, Raleigh has the advantage in rushing yards and tackles per game, showing their dominance on the ground and defensive strength.
Keys to Victory
For Raleigh:
- Control the Ground Game: With Cj Moncrief leading the charge, Raleigh will need to control the tempo of the game by running the football effectively.
- Defensive Pressure: Raleigh’s defense must focus on stopping Jordyn Kees and limiting big plays, especially in the run game.
- Field Position: Taking advantage of good field position and minimizing turnovers will be essential for Raleigh to succeed.
For Loyd Star:
- Explosive Offense: Jordyn Kees must continue to have a strong game, both running and receiving, to stretch Raleigh’s defense.
- Create Turnovers: With Carson Cunningham leading the defense, Loyd Star needs to disrupt Raleigh’s offense and create turnovers.
- Big Plays in the Passing Game: While Loyd Star leans on the run, the passing game must make timely plays to keep Raleigh’s defense honest.
Prediction:
Both teams are strong in different areas, but Raleigh’s defense and ball control give them the edge. Loyd Star’s high-powered offense will keep the game close, but Raleigh’s superior defensive play and balanced offensive attack should give them the win in this hard-fought playoff matchup.
