The Richmond (Rockingham, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Topsail (Hampstead, NC) today at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A tournament.

Topsail vs Richmond Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football Playoffs
Who: Topsail vs Richmond
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Topsail vs Richmond

As the high school football season continues, two teams with starkly different records will face off this Friday night in what promises to be an exciting match-up. Topsail (4-5 overall, 3-4 in conference) and Richmond (8-2 overall, 6-0 in conference) have had very different seasons so far, but this game could prove to be a turning point for either team.

Team Overview

Topsail Pirates
Topsail enters the game with a 4-5 record, struggling to find consistency throughout the season. While they’ve had some success at home (3-2), their performance on the road has been a challenge, with only one win in four away games. The Pirates have put up 235 points on the season, averaging 26.1 points per game, but have also allowed 204 points. Their offense, led by quarterback Eli Hebron and running back Mathew Hays, has shown promise, with Hebron averaging 96 passing yards per game and Hays contributing 65.7 rushing yards per game.

However, the Pirates’ biggest weakness has been their third-quarter struggles, where they’ve only averaged 0 points. Their overall scoring output dips in the second half, and they will need to make adjustments to stay competitive against a team like Richmond.

Richmond Raiders
On the other hand, Richmond comes into this game with an impressive 8-2 overall record and an undefeated 6-0 conference record. The Raiders have been dominant in their league, with five wins at home and three away. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, scoring an average of 31.4 points per game. Richmond has amassed 314 total points so far, with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Evan Hodges and wide receiver Keyonta Davis. Hodges has been exceptional, throwing for an average of 192.3 yards per game, while Davis has been a standout in the receiving game, averaging 47.7 yards per game.

Defensively, the Raiders have also excelled. They are allowing an average of 152 points across their 10 games, with an average of 28.9 points allowed per game. Despite their strong defensive performance, the Raiders will need to keep pressure on Topsail’s offense and prevent any momentum shifts, especially in the second half of the game.

Scoring Breakdown and Team Comparisons

Topsail’s Scoring Averages:

• Q1: 5.3
• Q2: 9.0
• Q3: 0.0
• Q4: 5.5
• Final: 26.1 points per game

Richmond’s Scoring Averages:

• Q1: 8.5
• Q2: 8.3
• Q3: 8.8
• Q4: 6.0
• Final: 31.4 points per game

The Pirates have struggled with consistency in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where they have yet to score. Richmond, however, has been more evenly balanced throughout the game, consistently producing points in all four quarters.

Key Matchups

• Rushing Attack: Topsail has been strong on the ground, averaging 217.6 rushing yards per game compared to Richmond’s 144.2. Mathew Hays (#20) will need to be at his best to keep the Pirates’ offense moving, especially against Richmond’s solid defense. However, Richmond’s defense, led by Kmauri Morgan (#7), has been stout all season, averaging 3.3 sacks per game.
• Passing Game: While Topsail averages just 96 passing yards per game, Richmond’s aerial attack is much more potent, with Evan Hodges throwing for an average of 192.3 yards per game. Richmond’s receiving corps, led by Keyonta Davis and Terande Spencer, has been a big factor in their offensive success. Eli Hebron (#7) will need to connect with his receivers, including Jack O’Day (#12), if Topsail hopes to keep pace with Richmond’s scoring.
• Defensive Strengths: Topsail’s defense has been slightly more active in terms of tackles, averaging 80.4 per game compared to Richmond’s 66.7. However, Richmond has been more effective in getting to the quarterback with 3.3 sacks per game, while Topsail has only 2.0 sacks per game.

The Bottom Line

While Topsail has had a challenging season, their home-field advantage and strong rushing game could provide an opportunity to challenge Richmond, especially if they can find a way to sustain offensive drives and improve in the second half. Richmond, however, enters the game as the favorite, with a more balanced offense and a nearly perfect conference record. Their defense will need to keep an eye on Topsail’s rushing attack while continuing to capitalize on its own explosive offense.

With playoff implications in the air, this game will be one to watch as both teams look to finish their seasons strong. Will Topsail pull off an upset on their home turf, or will Richmond continue their dominance in conference play? Fans can expect a high-energy game, with plenty of action on both sides of the ball.