The Cartersville (GA) varsity football team will host Starr’s Mill (Fayetteville, GA) in a home playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. at Cartersville. This game is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 4A tournament.

Starr’s Mill vs Cartersville High School Football Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Starr’s Mill vs Cartersville
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Starr’s Mill vs Cartersville

The undefeated Cartersville Hurricanes (11-0) will host the Starr’s Mill Panthers (10-1) today at 7:30 p.m. for a highly anticipated playoff matchup in the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 4A tournament. With both teams boasting impressive records, this game is set to be a thrilling contest.

Team Overview:

Cartersville enters this game with a perfect 11-0 record, dominating both in-region and non-region play. The Hurricanes have been strong on both sides of the ball, averaging 36.5 points per game while allowing just 125 points over the course of their season. Their offense, led by quarterback Nate Russell, has been explosive, with Cartersville averaging 338.7 total yards per game. The defense has been equally formidable, holding opponents to under 12 points per game.

Starr’s Mill, on the other hand, has enjoyed a solid 10-1 campaign, with their lone loss coming during region play. The Panthers have been dominant on the ground, averaging 211.7 rushing yards per game. They’ve been successful in both their home and away contests, with a 6-0 record at home and a strong 4-1 mark on the road. While their defense isn’t as dominant as Cartersville’s, Starr’s Mill has been tough to break down, allowing just 194 points all season.

Key Players to Watch:

• Starr’s Mill:
  • Blake Turner (Running Back): Turner is the primary offensive weapon for Starr’s Mill, averaging 85.1 rushing yards per game. He will be key to the Panthers’ offensive strategy as they look to control the clock and keep Cartersville’s explosive offense off the field.
  • Logan Inagawa (Quarterback): Inagawa has been efficient through the air, throwing for 129.2 yards per game. He will need to be at his best against Cartersville’s defense, utilizing his passing and playmaking abilities to complement the ground game.
  • Lincoln Delaere (Wide Receiver): Delaere has been a consistent target, averaging 76.7 receiving yards per game. His ability to make plays downfield will be crucial for the Panthers as they look to stretch the Cartersville defense.
• Cartersville:
  • Nate Russell (Quarterback): Russell has been a standout for the Hurricanes, passing for 172.8 yards per game. His ability to manage the game and connect with his receiving corps will be pivotal in keeping the offense rolling against a stout Starr’s Mill defense.
  • Baylon Long (Running Back): Long is one of Cartersville’s key offensive threats, contributing both in the run game and as a receiving option. He will need to be at his best in both facets of the game, especially when the Hurricanes look to balance their attack.
  • Kelson Mitchell (Defensive Leader): Mitchell has been a key player on defense for Cartersville, making 8.5 tackles per game. His presence in the middle of the defense will be essential for containing Starr’s Mill’s rushing attack and preventing big plays.

Team Comparisons:

• Offensive Averages:
  • Starr’s Mill: 30.8 points per game, 211.7 rushing yards per game, 117.5 passing yards per game.
  • Cartersville: 36.5 points per game, 152.0 rushing yards per game, 186.7 passing yards per game.
• Defensive Averages:
  • Starr’s Mill: 329.2 total yards allowed per game, with a solid 27.5 points allowed per game.
  • Cartersville: 125 points allowed all season, with 61.3 tackles per game and 1.1 sacks per game.

Scoring Trends:

• Starr’s Mill has been a second-half team, averaging 11.2 points in the second quarter and 6.7 in the third. Their offensive production drops slightly in the fourth quarter with just 5.2 points, but they are capable of big plays when it matters most.
• Cartersville has been consistent throughout the game, averaging 10.0 points in the first quarter, 11.9 in the second, 8.5 in the third, and 7.6 in the fourth.

Looking Ahead:

While Cartersville enters this game as the favorite with an undefeated record, Starr’s Mill will look to disrupt the Hurricanes’ perfect season. The Panthers’ strong rushing game and disciplined offense will be tested by Cartersville’s high-scoring attack and tough defense. The outcome of this game could come down to whether Starr’s Mill can control the ball on offense and limit Cartersville’s explosive plays.

Fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought playoff battle as both teams seek to advance deeper into the postseason.