The Sulphur (OK) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Checotah (OK) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets for OSSAA Class 3A.

Sulphur vs Checotah Football Game Info:

What: Oklahoma High School Football
Who: Sulphur vs Checotah
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSSAA – Class 3A
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Game preview: Sulphur vs Checotah

As the Oklahoma high school football season continues to unfold, the matchup between Checotah and Sulphur stands out as a highly anticipated game. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with strong records and standout players, but their styles and strengths couldn’t be more different. Here’s a closer look at both teams, their statistics, and what fans can expect from this exciting clash.

Checotah: A Team with Balanced Offense

Checotah has had a solid 2024 season, finishing with an 8-4 record overall. Their district performance was equally strong, going 4-2 in district play. The team’s scoring average of 37.3 points per game indicates an explosive offense, but their defense has allowed 372 points, showing some vulnerability. Checotah’s offense is led by key playmakers like Jayden Ellen, who averages 124.7 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Cole Rolland, who has thrown for 201.2 passing yards per game. The team also has a reliable receiving option in Elijah Thomas, who racked up 130.2 yards per game.

Defensively, Checotah is solid with Preston Cannon, who contributes 10.3 tackles per game, though they’ve been unable to match up against some of their tougher opponents, losing to Seminole and Idabel by significant margins. Checotah will need to capitalize on their offensive firepower and improve defensively to compete with the more dominant teams in the state.

Sulphur: A Juggernaut in the Making

Sulphur, on the other hand, has been nothing short of spectacular. With a record of 11-1, the team has dominated its competition, finishing undefeated in district play at 7-0. Their 52.8 points per game is a testament to their high-powered offense, and their defense has allowed just 90 points, an impressive feat. Sulphur’s offense is led by dual-threat quarterback Luke Linville, who throws for 151.9 yards per game and runs for 42.2. Maddax Mobly, another key player, leads the rushing attack with 55.0 yards per game, while also contributing in the passing game with 42.2 receiving yards per game.

Sulphur’s defense is a significant strength, with Austin Garrett registering 8.5 tackles per game and Justus Gilliam adding 0.5 sacks per game. Their ability to shut down opponents, including dominant victories over teams like Seminole and Idabel, highlights their superiority. Sulphur has shown resilience, winning all their district games and cruising to a dominant 7-0 district record.

Team Comparisons: Offense and Defense

When comparing these two teams statistically, Sulphur has the clear edge in almost every category. They average 414.5 total yards per game, slightly better than Checotah’s 401.1. The major difference comes in their scoring; Sulphur puts up nearly 15 more points per game than Checotah, and their defense allows significantly fewer points, with Checotah surrendering 372 points versus Sulphur’s 90.

In the running game, Sulphur also holds a considerable advantage, averaging 257.7 rushing yards per game compared to Checotah’s 197.3. The passing game is relatively close, with Checotah’s passing yards per game (203.8) edging out Sulphur’s 156.8, but Sulphur’s overall balance and efficiency make them formidable.

Common Opponents: A Tale of Two Outcomes

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, but their results couldn’t be more different. Checotah lost to both Seminole and Idabel, with scores of 60-49 and 38-23, respectively. In contrast, Sulphur defeated the same teams by wide margins—49-6 against Seminole and 53-21 against Idabel—showing their dominance against similar competition. Sulphur also bested Bristow 41-0, while Checotah had a closer contest, edging Bristow 35-32.

Head-to-Head: Looking Ahead

While Checotah has certainly had some solid victories this season, including a close win over Bristow, their record against tougher opponents raises concerns heading into a potential meeting with Sulphur. Sulphur’s flawless district record and consistent blowout wins suggest they will enter this matchup as the favorites. Checotah’s offense, led by Cole Rolland and Jayden Ellen, will need to find a way to overcome Sulphur’s swarming defense, while Sulphur’s balanced offensive attack—featuring Linville, Mobly, and a stingy defense—makes them a tough opponent for anyone.

In conclusion, this matchup between Checotah and Sulphur promises to be an exciting one, as both teams bring impressive strengths to the field. Sulphur’s high-octane offense and stout defense make them the team to beat, but Checotah’s ability to score quickly and their playmakers will ensure they won’t go down without a fight. Fans can expect a thrilling contest that will likely showcase both teams’ best players in action.