The Naples (FL) varsity football team will host St. Petersburg (FL) in a playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Naples High School. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A tournament.

St. Petersburg vs Naples High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: St. Petersburg vs Naples
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: SPHS vs Naples

Naples, FL – The Naples Golden Eagles (9-2) will face the St. Petersburg Green Devils (9-2) in a crucial 4A FHSAA Football State Championship playoff game this Friday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Naples High School. Both teams come into the game with identical records and high expectations, setting the stage for an exciting playoff clash.

Team Breakdown

Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, with St. Petersburg finishing undefeated in district play at 3-0 and Naples securing the second spot in their district with a 2-1 record. With both teams scoring an average of over 27 points per game, the game promises to be a battle of offenses.

St. Petersburg has averaged 27.9 points per game this season, propelled by standout running back Jeffery Jones, who leads the team with an impressive 178.6 rushing yards per game. His ability to move the chains will be pivotal for the Green Devils, who rely on a strong running game to set up their offense.

On the other side, Naples brings a more balanced attack, averaging 36.2 points per game. The Golden Eagles are led by Shawn Simeon, who has racked up 177.9 rushing yards per game, alongside quarterback Alijah Molina, who has contributed significantly to the offense with 60.0 passing yards per game. This dual-threat offense will provide challenges for St. Petersburg’s defense.

Key Stats

In terms of total offense, Naples holds a slight edge, averaging 402.9 total yards per game compared to St. Petersburg’s 335.4 yards per game. Naples is particularly strong in the rushing department, averaging 342.9 rushing yards per game, while St. Petersburg gains 253.1 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Naples is solid with 46.9 tackles per game and 3.4 sacks per game. The Golden Eagles’ defense, led by Khari Bendolph (7.7 tackles per game), will be critical in containing St. Petersburg’s potent rushing attack. Meanwhile, St. Petersburg’s defense, averaging 65.4 tackles per game, will need to contain Simeon and limit big plays from Naples‘ explosive offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a common opponent in Dunbar, with St. Petersburg winning 35-0 and Naples narrowly edging out a 21-20 victory. This matchup suggests that while both teams have had success against similar competition, Naples’ ability to close tight games could prove important in the high-pressure playoff environment.

Conclusion

With both teams coming off strong seasons and boasting potent offenses, the upcoming playoff game between St. Petersburg and Naples is sure to be a hard-fought battle. The Golden Eagles’ balanced attack and defensive prowess will be tested against St. Petersburg’s powerful ground game. As the FHSAA 4A playoff bracket heats up, the winner will look to continue their journey toward the state championship.

Game Details:

• Date: Friday, November 22
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Naples High School
• Event: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A FHSAA Football Tournament