The Seventy-First (Fayetteville, NC) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. Rocky Mount (NC) on Friday, November 22 @ 7p.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Rocky Mount vs Seventy-First
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Rocky Mount vs. Seventy-First
On Friday, November 22, Rocky Mount (7-4) will face Seventy-First (11-0) in a playoff game. Seventy-First enters the game undefeated with a strong regular season, while Rocky Mount has a solid 7-4 record but will need to elevate their performance to compete with Seventy-First’s dominant offense.
Season Recap: Rocky Mount
- Record: 7-4
- Conference: 5-1
- Points For/Against: 328 PF, 202 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.8 points per game
Rocky Mount has had a solid season with some impressive victories, including a strong conference record. However, they’ll face a tough challenge in the playoffs as they go up against Seventy-First, one of the most dominant teams in the state. Rocky Mount’s offense is capable of putting up points, but they’ll need to play at their best to have a shot against Seventy-First’s high-powered offense.
Key Players:
- Isaiah Silver (#20): Leading rusher with 81.3 rushing yards per game, important for controlling the game on the ground.
- Alex Beasley (#6): Quarterback with 40.1 passing yards per game, who will need to make key throws in order to open up the offense.
- Jack McKellar (#40): Leading tackler with 8.5 tackles per game, crucial for stopping Seventy-First’s explosive offense.
Season Recap: Seventy-First
- Record: 11-0
- Conference: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 489 PF, 86 PA
- Scoring Average: 44.5 points per game
Seventy-First has been nothing short of dominant throughout the season, averaging over 44 points per game and giving up just over 7 points per game. Their offense is balanced, with strong rushing and passing, while their defense has been suffocating. This makes them a dangerous team that can put up big numbers and shut down opposing offenses effectively.
Key Players:
- Deandre Nance (#11): Leading rusher with 100.0 rushing yards per game, a powerful presence in both the rushing and passing game.
- Jy’taivius Whitted (#12): Leading receiver with 50.7 receiving yards per game, key for stretching the field and providing big plays.
- Donavan Frederick (#9): Leading tackler with 8.1 tackles per game, crucial for stopping Rocky Mount’s offensive plays.
Team Stat Comparison
| Category | Rocky Mount | Seventy-First |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 29.8 | 44.5 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 244.2 | 335.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 40.7 | 105.2 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 284.9 | 440.5 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 18.4 | 7.8 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.9 | 2.3 |
| Tackles Per Game | 50.5 | 71.4 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Rocky Mount | Seventy-First |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 7-4 | 11-0 |
| Conference Record | 5-1 | 7-0 |
| Non-Conference Record | 3-0 | 0-0 |
| Points For | 328 | 489 |
| Points Against | 202 | 86 |
| Home Record | 3-3 | 7-0 |
| Away Record | 4-1 | 4-0 |
| Neutral Record | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Key Matchups
- Seventy-First’s High-Powered Offense vs. Rocky Mount’s Defense
- Seventy-First’s offense has been averaging over 44 points per game, with a dynamic rushing attack led by Deandre Nance and a balanced passing game. Rocky Mount’s defense will need to step up big time to slow down this explosive unit.
- Rocky Mount’s Ground Game vs. Seventy-First’s Defense
- Isaiah Silver has been the main offensive weapon for Rocky Mount, leading the team in rushing. However, Seventy-First’s defense has been excellent at stopping the run, and Rocky Mount will need to establish the ground game to keep the ball away from Seventy-First’s offense.
- Quarterback Play: Alex Beasley vs. Seventy-First’s Defense
- Alex Beasley will need to make key throws to keep Seventy-First’s defense honest. The passing game has been less of a focus for Rocky Mount, but they will need to open it up to create big plays.
Prediction
Seventy-First comes into this game as the clear favorite with their undefeated season and their offensive firepower. Rocky Mount will need to play their best football and hope for a few mistakes from Seventy-First if they are to pull off an upset. Given Seventy-First’s high level of play on both sides of the ball, they are expected to advance to the next round.
