The Jones (Orlando, FL) varsity football team will face Vanguard (Ocala, FL) in a neutral-site playoff matchup tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Jones. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A FHSAA Football tournament.

Vanguard vs Jones High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Vanguard vs Jones
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Vanguard vs Jones

The undefeated Jones Tigers (Orlando, FL) and the one-loss Vanguard Knights (Ocala, FL) are set to clash in a pivotal playoff game tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Jones. This matchup, part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 4A FHSAA Football tournament, promises to be a battle of top-tier teams fighting for supremacy.

Season Records and Rankings

The Jones Tigers boast an impressive 12-0 record, showcasing dominance in both district and non-district play. Ranked 22nd in Florida and 3rd in Class 4A, Jones has outscored opponents 445-131, blending explosive offense with a stingy defense.

Vanguard, with an 11-1 record, has also demonstrated strength, ranked 7th in Class 4A. The Knights have been a force on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents 352-121 and recording a perfect 3-0 district mark.

Team Offenses

• Jones: Averaging 37.1 points per game, the Tigers excel with a balanced attack that racks up 421.5 total yards per game, including 239.9 passing yards. Quarterback Dereon Coleman leads the charge with 236.8 passing yards per game, complemented by receiver Vernell Brown III, who averages 104.3 yards and remains a deep threat.
• Vanguard: Averaging 29.3 points per game, the Knights rely more on ground-and-pound football, posting 93.3 rushing yards per game. Dual-threat Terrance Lewis, the team’s leader in both passing (77.7 yards per game) and rushing (56.0 yards per game), drives the offense.

Defensive Strengths

Jones’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, allowing just 10.9 points per game. Anchored by linebacker Quimaine Myers, who averages an impressive 10 tackles per game, the Tigers’ defense applies constant pressure to opposing offenses.

Vanguard’s defense has also been a strong unit, allowing just over 10 points per game. Key contributors include linebacker Gemarkus Starks (6.4 tackles per game) and Kelvin Pinkney Jr. (0.8 sacks per game), who have been disruptive forces all season.

Head-to-Head History

The teams have not met this season, but their shared common opponents hint at an evenly matched contest:

• Both teams defeated Lecanto and Lake Wales convincingly. Jones had a more decisive win over Lecanto (42-7) compared to Vanguard’s (40-13), while both teams secured hard-fought victories against Lake Wales.

What to Watch For

Jones’ high-powered offense will look to exploit Vanguard’s defense through the air, with Coleman targeting his star receivers to stretch the field. Meanwhile, Vanguard will aim to control the tempo with its run-heavy attack, hoping to keep the explosive Tigers off the field.

The matchup between Jones’ defense and Lewis’ dual-threat capabilities will likely be a deciding factor. Can Jones contain Lewis, or will the Knights find ways to break through the Tigers’ stout defensive front?

Prediction

With both teams in top form, tonight’s game has all the ingredients for a classic playoff battle. Jones enters as the favorite, but Vanguard’s resilience and balanced playstyle make them a formidable challenger.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., and fans can expect a thrilling contest as these two Class 4A heavyweights vie for a spot in the next round of the state championships.