The Tupelo varsity football team from Tupelo, MS, will face Starkville, 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: Starkville vs Tupelo
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 7A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Starkville vs. Tupelo
The Starkville (7-4) vs. Tupelo (11-0) matchup in the playoffs sets the stage for an intense contest. Starkville, coming off a tough loss to Tupelo last week (29-14), will look for revenge in this neutral-site game. Tupelo, undefeated and having dominated their district, will be looking to continue their perfect season, but Starkville’s resilience and tough schedule could present a challenge.
Season Recap: Starkville Yellowjackets
- Record: 7-4
- District Record: 1-3
- Points For/Against: 324 PF, 216 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.5 points per game
Starkville has had an up-and-down season, with some tough losses in district play but still showing strong performances overall. Their offense has been balanced, with a strong rushing attack led by Jaeden Hill, who has been the primary playmaker. Starkville will look to lean on their running game and defense to challenge Tupelo’s high-powered offense.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Jaeden Hill has been a standout, contributing both in the run game and on defense.
- Defense: Starkville’s defense, led by Malachi Gilleylen, will need to step up and limit big plays from Tupelo.
Season Recap: Tupelo Golden Wave
- Record: 11-0
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 386 PF, 126 PA
- Scoring Average: 35.1 points per game
Tupelo enters the game as one of the top teams in the state, with an undefeated record and a dominant offense that has scored 35.1 points per game. Their defense has been equally strong, allowing just over 11 points per game. With a perfect record and a deep roster, Tupelo is poised to continue their successful run, but Starkville will be their toughest playoff opponent yet.
Key Performances:
- Offense: The Golden Wave offense has been explosive all season, led by quarterback Noah Gillon and a strong receiving corps.
- Defense: Tupelo’s defense has been one of the best in the region, shutting down opponents with regularity.
Head-to-Head:
Tupelo defeated Starkville last week in a decisive 29-14 victory. Starkville will need to make adjustments to overcome the challenges Tupelo posed in that matchup.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Starkville | Tupelo |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 208.3 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 132.9 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 341.2 | – |
| Points Per Game | 29.5 | 35.1 |
| Tackles Per Game | 66.5 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 2.8 | – |
Key Players to Watch
- Starkville:
- Jaeden Hill (Rushing & Total Yards): Hill is a dual-threat and will need to dominate on the ground to give Starkville a chance.
- Malachi Gilleylen (Tackles): Gilleylen is one of Starkville’s top tacklers and will need to lead the defense to contain Tupelo’s explosive offense.
- Tupelo:
- Noah Gillon (Quarterback): Gillon has been excellent at leading Tupelo’s offense, especially in their big wins this season.
- Braylon Matthews (Receiving): Matthews is a key target in the passing game and can stretch the field for Tupelo.
Keys to Victory
For Starkville:
- Control the Clock: Starkville will need to control the tempo with a strong running game to limit Tupelo’s offensive possessions.
- Limit Big Plays: Tupelo has shown they can strike quickly. Starkville’s defense must prevent big plays and keep everything in front of them.
- Execute on Offense: Starkville must capitalize on every opportunity, as Tupelo’s offense can quickly run away with the game if given the chance.
For Tupelo:
- Keep the Offense Rolling: Tupelo’s high-scoring offense needs to stay balanced and keep the pressure on Starkville’s defense.
- Contain Hill: Starkville’s offense revolves around Jaeden Hill. Tupelo’s defense will need to keep him from taking over the game with big runs.
- Take Advantage of Starkville’s Mistakes: With Starkville’s occasional struggles, Tupelo needs to capitalize on any turnovers or missed opportunities.
Prediction:
Tupelo’s undefeated record, combined with their dominant offense and defense, makes them the clear favorites in this matchup. While Starkville has had a solid season, Tupelo’s depth and overall talent should prevail in the end.
