The Dudley (Greensboro, NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against West Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: West Charlotte vs. Dudley
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: West Charlotte vs. Dudley
The West Charlotte Lions (10-2) are set to face the undefeated Dudley Panthers (13-0) in an exciting playoff matchup. Dudley comes into the game as the top seed with a perfect record, while West Charlotte has had a solid season with only two losses. Both teams feature powerful offenses and will be looking to continue their successful seasons in this playoff showdown.
Season Recap: West Charlotte
- Record: 10-2
- Conference Record: 5-2
- Points For/Against: 503 PF, 83 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.9 points per game
West Charlotte has been a high-scoring team this season, averaging 41.9 points per game. They have a balanced attack with Aidan Turner leading the rushing game with 54.7 yards per game and Jamouri Nichols driving the passing game, averaging 186.4 yards per game. Donte Nicholson is the primary receiver with 52.0 yards per game. Defensively, West Charlotte has been stout, allowing only 83 points on the season. Their defense will need to continue their strong play to limit Dudley’s high-powered offense.
Season Recap: Dudley
- Record: 13-0
- Conference Record: 7-0
- Points For/Against: 608 PF, 22 PA
- Scoring Average: 46.8 points per game
Dudley has been dominant in all facets of the game. They’ve scored an impressive 608 points this season, averaging 46.8 points per game. Jayden Brown leads the rushing attack with 82.8 yards per game, while Jaquez Crawford has been a standout quarterback, throwing for 158.8 yards per game. CJ Neely has been a top target in the passing game. On defense, Robert McCollum has been a key player with 10.1 tackles per game, and the Panthers’ defense has only allowed 22 points all season, making it one of the most formidable in the state.
Key Matchups
- Offensive Strengths:
- West Charlotte’s offense relies on a strong rushing attack with Aidan Turner, complemented by a balanced passing game with Jamouri Nichols. They will look to control the tempo of the game and keep Dudley’s offense off the field.
- Dudley’s offense is highly efficient, with Jayden Brown providing balance in the rushing game and Jaquez Crawford leading a potent passing attack. The Panthers have been able to score at will, so West Charlotte will need to limit big plays.
- Defensive Comparisons:
- West Charlotte’s defense has been stellar, giving up just 83 points this season. Michael Griffin Jr. leads with 8.0 tackles per game, and the defense will need to stop Dudley’s explosive offensive plays. West Charlotte’s defense has been able to contain high-scoring teams, but Dudley presents a significant challenge.
- Dudley’s defense has been suffocating, allowing only 22 points all season. The Panthers have a swarming defense with Robert McCollum and Jalile Elliott playing key roles. West Charlotte will need to avoid turnovers and make the most of their opportunities to score.
Scoring Trends:
- West Charlotte starts strong, averaging 14.9 points in the first quarter. They can sustain drives throughout the game but have struggled in the final quarter, where they average just 5.1 points.
- Dudley’s offense is strongest in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they score an average of 20.7 points. Their ability to dominate late in games is one of the key strengths they’ll rely on in this matchup.
Prediction:
While West Charlotte has had a solid season, Dudley enters this game as the clear favorite with their undefeated record and dominant defense. The Panthers have been a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, and their experience and balance will be tough for West Charlotte to overcome. However, West Charlotte’s strong defense and high-scoring offense may provide them with an opportunity to compete if they execute well.
