The Hough (Cornelius, NC) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against South Iredell (Statesville, NC) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA 4A Football Championships tournament.

South Iredell vs Hough Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football Playoffs
Who: South Iredell vs Hough
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: South Iredell vs Hough

As the high school football season reaches its thrilling climax, all eyes are on the upcoming matchup between South Iredell and Hough. Both teams have displayed impressive performances this season, but with contrasting records and styles of play, this game is set to be a clash of titans.

Team Overview:

• South Iredell (6-4, 4-2 Conference)
  South Iredell has had a solid season, posting a respectable 6-4 overall record with a 4-2 mark in conference play. The team has shown resilience, especially at home, where they hold a 3-2 record. Their offense has been efficient, averaging 22.9 points per game, and they’ve been particularly strong in the first half, with an average of 16.4 points through the first two quarters. South Iredell’s game plan centers around balanced play, with solid performances in both the running and passing game.
• Hough (9-1, 7-0 Conference)
  Hough, on the other hand, has been nothing short of dominant this season. With a 9-1 overall record and an undefeated 7-0 mark in conference play, they enter this game with a perfect record in league competition. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 47.4 points per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the region. They are particularly dangerous through the air, averaging a whopping 229.1 passing yards per game, but their rushing attack has been equally potent with 125.3 rushing yards per game.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown:

• South Iredell
  The South Iredell offense has been led by Tyler Johnson, who averages 63.7 rushing yards and 144.3 passing yards per game. This dual-threat capability has kept defenses on their toes, while Brody Hunt has been a standout in the receiving game, with 70.2 receiving yards per game. On defense, South Iredell has averaged 67.8 tackles per game and 1.9 sacks per game, with Noah Klum leading the team with 9.8 tackles per game. They’ll need to step up their defensive play to compete with Hough’s high-powered offense.
• Hough
  The Hough offense has been firing on all cylinders, with Ralph (Trey) Blakeney throwing for 199.4 passing yards per game, while Tyran Evans has been a major playmaker in the receiving game, racking up 80.6 receiving yards per game. They also boast a strong rushing attack with Jycen Anciso contributing 51.2 rushing yards per game. On the defensive side, Hough has been relentless, averaging 41.8 tackles per game and 4.7 sacks per game, with Ayden Bell and Cameron Cyr stepping up as key defensive playmakers.

Game Key Stats:

• South Iredell’s Scoring: Averaging 22.9 points per game, South Iredell has the potential to keep this game close with strong second-half performances. However, they’ll need to play their best offensive game of the season to match Hough’s prolific scoring attack.
• Hough’s Dominance: Hough’s offense has been potent all season, averaging an impressive 47.4 points per game. Their defense has also been formidable, allowing just 82 points in total across ten games, which translates to an average of only 8.2 points allowed per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison:

• Rushing Yards: Both teams are fairly close in rushing production, with South Iredell averaging 123.9 yards per game and Hough at 125.3.
• Passing Yards: Hough’s aerial attack has been much more prolific, with 229.1 passing yards per game, compared to South Iredell’s 147.4.
• Total Yards: Hough has outgained South Iredell by a wide margin, averaging 354.4 total yards per game compared to South Iredell’s 271.3.

Game Prediction:

With Hough’s explosive offense and solid defense, they enter the game as clear favorites. However, South Iredell’s ability to balance the run and pass, along with their tenacity, could make this a more competitive matchup than expected. The key for South Iredell will be to keep the game close in the early quarters and capitalize on their scoring opportunities, while limiting Hough’s big plays.

For Hough, maintaining their momentum and imposing their offensive will will likely be the formula for securing the win. With a strong home record and the added benefit of an undefeated conference season, Hough is primed to extend their dominance.

This game will be one to watch as both teams bring their best to the field in a battle of contrasting styles and strengths.