The Lakeland (FL) varsity football team will host Niceville (FL) in a home playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 5A FHSAA Football tournament.

Niceville vs Lakeland Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Niceville vs Lakeland
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Niceville vs Lakeland

The 2024 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Football State Championships are set to feature an exciting showdown between two powerhouse teams: the Niceville Eagles and the Lakeland Dreadnaughts. With exceptional seasons behind them, both teams are ready to battle it out for the coveted state title. Here’s a detailed comparison of the teams as they prepare for the big game.

Team Overview

Niceville Eagles (12-1 Record)

• Overall: 12-1
• District: 2-1
• Home Record: 8-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Points For (PF): 476
• Points Against (PA): 234
• Win Percentage: 92.3%
• District Win Percentage: 66.7%

Niceville has had a dominant season, especially at home where they remain unbeaten. With a solid offense and a stout defense, they’ve outscored opponents by a wide margin. Their offense averages 36.6 points per game, powered by an impressive rushing attack and solid passing game.

Lakeland Dreadnaughts (12-0 Record)

• Overall: 12-0
• District: 3-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 6-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 465
• Points Against (PA): 127
• Win Percentage: 100%
• District Win Percentage: 100%

Lakeland comes into the championship with an undefeated record. The Dreadnaughts have been nearly unstoppable this season, showcasing an explosive offense and a defense that has allowed them to dominate throughout the season. Their offense, averaging 38.8 points per game, is a force to be reckoned with.

Scoring Breakdown

• Niceville’s Scoring Average:
  • First Quarter: 12.3
  • Second Quarter: 12.9
  • Third Quarter: 5.6
  • Fourth Quarter: 4.1
  • Overtime (OT): 7.0
  • Final Average: 36.6 points per game
• Lakeland’s Scoring Average:
  • First Quarter: 12.0
  • Second Quarter: 10.0
  • Third Quarter: 7.4
  • Fourth Quarter: 8.8
  • Overtime (OT): 7.0
  • Final Average: 38.8 points per game

While both teams have a high-scoring offense, Lakeland edges out Niceville with a higher overall points-per-game average. Lakeland’s ability to perform in the second half, especially in the final quarters, will be a key factor in this matchup.

Key Team Stats Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Niceville: 228.1
  • Lakeland: 168.0
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Niceville: 159.9
  • Lakeland: 118.5
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Niceville: 388.0
  • Lakeland: 286.5
• Tackles Per Game:
  • Niceville: 61.6
  • Lakeland: 25.1
• Sacks Per Game:
  • Niceville: 2.8
  • Lakeland: 1.4
• Points Per Game:
  • Niceville: 36.2
  • Lakeland: 25.4

Niceville has a stronger rushing game and overall total yards, along with a significantly better defense, as indicated by their higher tackles and sacks per game. Their defense, combined with an explosive offense, will pose a serious challenge for Lakeland.

Team Leaders

• Niceville:
  • Connor Mathews: 95.3 rushing yards per game
  • Kane Lafortune: 124.1 passing yards per game
  • Robert Stith: 58.9 receiving yards per game
  • Maddox Hayles: 10.9 tackles per game
  • Jon Bocchino: 8.0 points per game
• Lakeland:
  • Jadarius Dobie: 64.2 rushing yards per game
  • Zander Smith: 91.8 passing yards per game
  • Shanard Clower: 55.6 receiving yards per game
  • Jhaden Williams: 6.4 tackles per game
  • Shanard Clower: 6.6 points per game

Niceville’s Kane Lafortune leads the team in total yards and passing, while Maddox Hayles is a key player on the defensive side. Lakeland counters with Zander Smith and Shanard Clower, who are pivotal to their offensive and defensive efforts.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have impressive records across various categories:

• Niceville:
  • Overall: 12-1
  • Home: 8-0
  • Away: 4-1
  • Playoffs: 3-0
• Lakeland:
  • Overall: 12-0
  • Home: 5-0
  • Away: 6-0
  • Neutral: 1-0
  • Playoffs: 3-0

Lakeland has yet to lose a game this season, and their perfect record includes dominant victories on the road and at neutral sites. Niceville’s only loss came in district play, but their strong home record shows their resilience.

The Final Showdown

With both teams featuring potent offenses and staunch defenses, the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championship promises to be a thrilling contest. Niceville will look to leverage their impressive rushing game and defensive prowess to take down Lakeland, while the undefeated Dreadnaughts will rely on their well-rounded offense and steady defense to remain unbeaten and claim the state title. As both teams head into the final game of the season, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested battle for supremacy in Florida high school football.