The Lumberton varsity football team from Lumberton, MS, will play against Simmons from Hollandale, 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: Simmons vs Lumberton
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 1A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Simmons vs. Lumberton
The highly anticipated Simmons (11-0) vs. Lumberton (10-2) playoff matchup on November 22 features two powerful teams, both entering the game with impressive records. Simmons enters as the undefeated powerhouse, having dominated their regular season with a perfect 11-0 record, while Lumberton boasts a solid 10-2 record and has also performed well throughout the season. This game will likely be a battle of contrasting styles, with Simmons’ offensive explosion facing off against Lumberton’s strong, well-rounded team.
Season Recap: Simmons
- Record: 11-0
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 486 PF, 34 PA
- Scoring Average: 44.2 points per game
Simmons has been a juggernaut all season, with a perfect record. Their offense is explosive, averaging 44.2 points per game, and their defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing only 34 points all season. Their consistency across the board has been impressive, and they enter this game as the clear favorite.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Simmons has averaged 44.2 points per game, led by their ability to score quickly, particularly in the first half.
- Defense: Their defense has been suffocating, allowing only 34 points in 11 games.
Season Recap: Lumberton
- Record: 10-2
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 354 PF, 170 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.5 points per game
Lumberton has had a successful season as well, finishing with a 10-2 record and an undefeated district performance. While their offense isn’t as explosive as Simmons’, averaging 29.5 points per game, their defense and solid all-around play have allowed them to succeed against tough competition.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Lumberton averages 29.5 points per game, with a balanced attack on both the ground and through the air.
- Defense: They have given up 170 points this season, which, while higher than Simmons, shows they can still compete at a high level.
Head-to-Head:
Simmons and Lumberton haven’t faced off yet this season, but both teams have faced similar opponents. Simmons defeated Shaw 36-0 and Enterprise 58-14, while Lumberton also had wins over these teams—Shaw (42-12) and Enterprise (36-25). These results show that while both teams handled these opponents well, Simmons has shown a more dominant form, particularly on the defensive side.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Simmons | Lumberton |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Points Per Game | 44.2 | 29.5 |
| Tackles Per Game | – | – |
| Sacks Per Game | – | – |
Key Players to Watch
- Simmons:
- Offense: Simmons has no standout video highlights, but their consistent scoring has been a team effort. Their dynamic offense has been able to score in multiple ways, and they will look to maintain that balance and speed.
- Defense: Their defense has been key to their dominance, allowing just 34 points all season. Expect a well-coached, aggressive unit that will pressure Lumberton’s offense.
- Lumberton:
- Offense: While details on individual leaders are scarce, Lumberton has been efficient in both the run and pass game. Their ability to sustain long drives and control possession will be key.
- Defense: Lumberton’s defense will have a tough task trying to slow down Simmons’ high-scoring offense. They’ll need to stay disciplined and prevent big plays.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Shaw and Enterprise:
- Simmons defeated Shaw 36-0 and Enterprise 58-14, showing a strong offense and defense.
- Lumberton won against Shaw (42-12) and Enterprise (36-25), but their wins were slightly more contested, showing that Simmons has been the more dominant team overall.
Keys to Victory
For Simmons:
- Explosive Offense: With an average of 44.2 points per game, Simmons needs to continue their offensive dominance and keep the scoreboard ticking.
- Stifling Defense: Simmons’ defense has been outstanding this year. They must maintain their suffocating defense to prevent Lumberton from finding rhythm.
For Lumberton:
- Control the Clock: To beat a high-powered offense like Simmons’, Lumberton will need to establish a strong running game and control the tempo of the game.
- Limit Big Plays: Lumberton’s defense will need to limit Simmons’ ability to break big plays, keeping the game in front of them and forcing them to drive the length of the field.
Prediction:
While Lumberton is a strong team in their own right, Simmons has been nearly untouchable this season. Their explosive offense, combined with an impenetrable defense, makes them the favorite. Lumberton will need to play a near-perfect game to compete, but Simmons’ overall strength gives them the edge in this playoff matchup.
