The Brookhaven varsity football team from Brookhaven, MS, will play against Stone from Wiggins, 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: Stone vs Brookhaven
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 5A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Stone vs. Brookhaven
The Stone (6-5) vs. Brookhaven (11-1) playoff matchup is a classic David vs. Goliath scenario. Brookhaven enters this game as a heavy favorite with a stellar 11-1 record and a perfect district record, while Stone has been more inconsistent with a 6-5 record. However, as the playoff season brings out the best in teams, Stone will need to rely on their strengths to challenge Brookhaven.
Season Recap: Stone Tomcats
- Record: 6-5
- District Record: 3-2
- Points For/Against: 187 PF, 189 PA
- Scoring Average: 17.0 points per game
Stone has struggled at times this season, especially on offense. Their scoring has been limited, averaging just 17.0 points per game. Despite this, they managed to stay competitive and secure some key victories. Stone’s defense, though, will need to be at its best to have a chance against the high-powered Brookhaven offense.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Stone’s top offensive threat is Kylan Burnett (82.4 rushing yards per game). The running game will be critical for Stone, as they have struggled with passing efficiency.
- Defense: Brayden Williams (9.6 tackles per game) will be the leader on defense, helping to keep the opposing offense in check.
Season Recap: Brookhaven Panthers
- Record: 11-1
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 382 PF, 161 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.8 points per game
Brookhaven enters the playoffs as one of the strongest teams in the region. Their 11-1 record speaks for itself, and their dominance in district play (perfect 5-0 record) is impressive. Brookhaven’s offense has been potent, averaging nearly 32 points per game, while their defense has been equally impressive, allowing only 161 points in the regular season.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Brookhaven’s offense has been led by multiple contributors, with strong performances across the field.
- Defense: Their defense has been suffocating, holding opponents to an average of only 13.4 points per game.
Head-to-Head:
The two teams have faced some common opponents, with both teams winning and losing against similar competition. Stone’s loss to Vancleave contrasts with Brookhaven’s victory over the same team. However, Stone managed to defeat Florence, while Brookhaven also secured a win over Florence. This makes for an interesting matchup as both teams have demonstrated the ability to perform in different scenarios.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Stone | Brookhaven |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 128.4 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 96.1 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 224.5 | – |
| Points Per Game | 15.5 | 31.8 |
| Tackles Per Game | 65.4 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 0.9 | – |
Key Players to Watch
- Stone:
- Kylan Burnett (RB): Burnett leads the rushing attack and will need to carry the offensive load if Stone hopes to stay competitive in this matchup.
- Brayden Williams (LB): Williams is the heart of the defense and will need to play a pivotal role in stopping Brookhaven’s potent offense.
- Brookhaven:
- Keena Galloway II (RB): Galloway will be a key player in Brookhaven’s run game, which has been one of their strengths.
- Defense: Brookhaven’s defense has been a major part of their success, and they will look to dominate this game by limiting Stone’s offensive production.
Keys to Victory
For Stone:
- Control the Clock: Stone must focus on running the ball effectively with Kylan Burnett to control the pace of the game and limit Brookhaven’s offensive opportunities.
- Defensive Stand: The defense, led by Brayden Williams, will need to step up in a big way to keep Brookhaven’s offense from running up the score.
- Limit Mistakes: Stone cannot afford to make mistakes on offense. Every possession must be valuable.
For Brookhaven:
- Exploit Stone’s Defense: Brookhaven’s offense will look to overpower Stone’s defense by utilizing both their ground game and air attack.
- Defensive Pressure: Brookhaven needs to put pressure on Stone’s offense, forcing them into uncomfortable situations.
- Stay Balanced: While their offense has been powerful, Brookhaven must ensure they don’t get one-dimensional and can keep Stone guessing.
Prediction:
Brookhaven enters this game as the heavy favorite, and for good reason. Their offense is explosive, and their defense has been nearly impenetrable. While Stone has had a solid season, they are outmatched in terms of both depth and overall talent. If Stone can establish the run game and play strong defense, they could keep it competitive. However, Brookhaven should have too much firepower to overcome.
