The Hickory (NC) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Tuscola (Waynesville, NC) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A tournament.

Tuscola vs Hickory Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football Playoffs
Who: Tuscola vs Hickory
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Tuscola vs Hickory

The upcoming football game between Tuscola and Hickory promises to be an exciting clash between a strong team with a .500 win percentage and an undefeated powerhouse with a perfect record. As these two teams prepare for their showdown, let’s break down their season performance, key statistics, and what to expect on game day.

Team Overview

Tuscola (Record: 5-5, Conference: 2-4)
Tuscola enters the game with a balanced overall record of 5-5. While they have faced some challenges in conference play with a 2-4 record, they have shown resilience with a solid overall win percentage of .500. Their scoring has been steady, averaging 21.5 points per game, with notable performances in the later quarters. The team’s offensive production comes primarily from a balanced passing and rushing attack, with 150.5 passing yards per game and 116.4 rushing yards per game.

Hickory (Record: 10-0, Conference: 7-0)
In stark contrast, Hickory has been unstoppable this season, finishing with an undefeated 10-0 record. Their dominance in both conference and non-conference play has been unmatched, boasting a perfect 7-0 conference record. The team has been a scoring machine, averaging 51.8 points per game, with a particularly strong performance in the first half, averaging 37.8 points between the first and second quarters. Hickory has a powerful offense, with 246.5 passing yards and 174.7 rushing yards per game.

Team Scoring Breakdown

• Tuscola’s Scoring
  Tuscola’s offense has been somewhat modest, averaging 21.5 points per game. The team is most productive in the fourth quarter, with 5.9 points per game in the final stretch, suggesting they are a team capable of making late-game comebacks.
• Hickory’s Scoring
  Hickory has been explosive, averaging 51.8 points per game. Their first-quarter performance is particularly impressive, averaging 20.0 points, setting the tone early. Hickory’s offense has been remarkably consistent throughout the game, maintaining a steady flow of scoring into the second half.

Key Stat Comparison

Offensive Yardage:

• Tuscola averages 266.9 total yards per game, which includes 116.4 rushing yards and 150.5 passing yards.
• Hickory far outpaces Tuscola, with 421.2 total yards per game, combining 174.7 rushing yards and 246.5 passing yards.

Defensive Metrics:

• Tuscola has been averaging 68.0 tackles per game, and while they show strength in tackling, they will face a tall task against Hickory’s fast and potent offense.
• Hickory has averaged 66.3 tackles per game, but their defense has been more than sufficient given their offensive prowess.

Key Players to Watch

Tuscola:

• Gavin Langley (#7) is a key player, with an impressive 42.4 rushing yards per game, contributing significantly to the offense.
• Jett Bartley (#14) has been effective both as a quarterback, with 148.8 passing yards per game, and a total yards leader, with 153.4 total yards per game.
• Walker Bolden (#0) anchors the defense, leading the team with 11.5 tackles per game.

Hickory:

• Isaiah Lackey (#34) is a standout with 97.8 rushing yards per game, providing a strong ground game for Hickory.
• Brady Stober (#10) has been a force in the air, averaging 234.2 passing yards per game, making him a dual-threat quarterback.
• Jamien Little (#2) is an outstanding wide receiver, contributing 80.8 receiving yards per game and helping fuel Hickory’s potent aerial attack.

Record Breakdown

Tuscola:

• Overall Record: 5-5
• Conference Record: 2-4
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 2-3

Hickory:

• Overall Record: 10-0
• Conference Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-0

What to Expect

This matchup pits a strong, experienced Tuscola squad against an undefeated Hickory team that has shown dominance both offensively and defensively. While Tuscola has the ability to challenge Hickory in key areas, the Hickory team’s firepower, especially on offense, will likely be the deciding factor in this game.

Tuscola will need to capitalize on their ability to perform in the later quarters, maintaining their resilience and aiming for late-game scoring. Hickory, on the other hand, will look to maintain their first-half dominance, controlling the game early and taking advantage of their powerful offensive unit.

Conclusion

With Hickory’s perfect season and Tuscola’s solid but inconsistent play, this game will likely be a tale of Hickory’s high-powered offense versus Tuscola’s ability to keep pace and capitalize on any opportunities. Expect a fast-paced game with Hickory looking to extend their undefeated streak and Tuscola aiming for an upset.