The Watauga (Boone, NC) varsity football team will host Mallard Creek (Charlotte, NC) in a home playoff game today at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A tournament.

Watauga vs Mallard Creek Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Watauga vs Mallard Creek
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 4A
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Game preview: Watauga vs Mallard Creek

The 2024-25 high school football season has showcased a number of powerhouse teams, and two of the most impressive squads in North Carolina, Mallard Creek and Watauga, have continued to shine with standout performances and impressive records. As the season heads toward the playoffs, both teams are positioning themselves as contenders for state supremacy.

Mallard Creek
With a strong 9-2 overall record and a conference mark of 6-1, Mallard Creek has proven to be one of the most formidable teams in the state. Their balanced offense and stingy defense have powered them to victory in a variety of games this season. Scoring an average of 31.7 points per game, the Mallard Creek offense has been a consistent force, with standout performers like Curtis Clark, who leads the team in rushing with 66 yards per game, and quarterback Evan Rambert, who has accumulated 76 passing yards per game.

The team’s defensive unit has also been a key factor in their success, holding opponents to just 143 points on the season. While they have shown a strong ability to score late, averaging 7.7 points in the fourth quarter, they have been less consistent in the earlier periods, especially in the second quarter where they average just 4.7 points. However, their strong home record of 4-1 suggests they are especially tough to beat at their home field.

Watauga
On the other side, Watauga has been nothing short of perfect, going undefeated at 11-0, including a flawless 5-0 mark in conference play. Averaging an impressive 42.5 points per game, Watauga’s offense has been electric, largely fueled by star running back Maddox Greene. Greene has racked up an incredible 125.4 rushing yards per game and leads the team with 231 total yards per game, making him one of the top performers in the state. Quarterback Evan Burroughs has complemented Greene’s dominance, averaging 101.7 passing yards per game.

Defensively, Watauga has been relentless, allowing just 145 points on the season. Their defense is particularly strong in the trenches, averaging 60 tackles per game, a key factor in limiting opposing offenses. The team also excels at creating pressure, averaging 1.8 sacks per game. Their ability to score quickly, especially in the first half, has set the tone in many games, as they average 18.5 points in the second quarter alone.

Key Stat Comparisons
When comparing the two teams’ statistical averages, Watauga holds the advantage in nearly every category, most notably in rushing yards, where they average an astounding 292.5 yards per game compared to Mallard Creek’s 20.0. While Mallard Creek relies more on a balanced offense, Watauga’s ground game is a key driver of their success.

Mallard Creek is more reliant on passing, averaging 10.1 passing yards per game, with Rambert distributing the ball. Watauga, however, focuses on the run, with Greene being the centerpiece of their offense. Their superior rushing game has translated into a higher total yardage output, with Watauga accumulating an average of 414.9 total yards per game compared to Mallard Creek’s 30.1 yards per game.

Head-to-Head Matchup
While these two teams have not faced off directly this season, they are both dominant in their respective conferences, and a potential playoff meeting could be a thrilling matchup. Mallard Creek’s overall record of 9-2 with a 4-1 mark at home gives them an edge on familiar turf, while Watauga’s perfect 11-0 record, including a spotless 6-0 away performance, suggests they are equally dangerous on the road.

Looking Ahead
Both Mallard Creek and Watauga are poised to make deep runs in the playoffs. Mallard Creek’s defense and ability to score late in games make them a dangerous team, while Watauga’s high-powered offense and suffocating defense make them an imposing opponent. As the 2024-25 season progresses, fans can expect these two teams to be at the forefront of North Carolina high school football, with a potential showdown on the horizon.

Whether it’s Mallard Creek’s balanced approach or Watauga’s offensive explosion, both teams are ready for the challenge that lies ahead. The ultimate question is: which team will come out on top when the stakes are highest? Only time will tell.