The Hickory (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against West Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Friday, December 13, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: West Charlotte vs. Hickory
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: West Charlotte vs. Hickory
The 2024-2025 football season has seen two formidable teams—West Charlotte and Hickory—dominate their respective competitions in North Carolina. As the season heads into its final stages, these two teams are making a strong case for their postseason success. With powerful offenses and solid defenses, both teams have proven to be some of the best in the state.
Impressive Records
West Charlotte enters the postseason with an 11-2 record, finishing 5-2 in conference play. They have been a dominant force at home with a 5-2 record and perfect away performance, finishing 6-0. Their overall win percentage stands at .846, showcasing their consistency and strength throughout the season.
On the other hand, Hickory has been nearly perfect, finishing with a 14-0 record. The team not only won every regular-season game but also went a perfect 7-0 in their conference. Hickory’s dominance at home (10-0) and on the road (4-0) has made them one of the top teams in the state, with a win percentage of 1.000.
Offensive Juggernauts
Both teams are offensive powerhouses, regularly putting up impressive points and yards.
- West Charlotte averages 41.7 points per game, with a well-balanced offensive attack. They generate 152.5 rushing yards per game and 185.5 passing yards per game, for a total of 337.9 yards per game. Key players such as Aidan Turner, who averages 50.8 rushing yards per game, and Jamouri Nichols, with 189.5 passing yards per game, are crucial to the team’s success.
- Hickory averages 45.1 points per game, showcasing their offensive depth. With 154.0 rushing yards per game and a standout 243.2 passing yards per game, they generate a total of 397.2 yards per game. Quarterback Brady Stober leads the charge with 249.1 passing yards per game, and wide receiver Jamien Little has been a go-to target, averaging 83.4 receiving yards per game.
Defensive Strengths
While both teams excel offensively, they also have strong defenses that have played key roles in their successful seasons.
- West Charlotte averages 61.0 tackles per game, with Michael Griffin Jr. leading the way with 8.0 tackles per game. Despite their impressive defense, their sack total is relatively low at 3.7 per game, which they will need to improve as they head into tougher matchups.
- Hickory has a more aggressive defense, averaging 75.1 tackles per game, with Quenshea Abernathy recording 8.7 tackles per game. Their pass rush is effective as well, with Rahshad Swinton contributing 1.0 sack per game. Their defense is solid across the board and will be key in high-stakes games.
Key Players
- West Charlotte:
- Aidan Turner (RB): 50.8 rushing yards per game
- Jamouri Nichols (QB): 189.5 passing yards per game
- Donte Nicholson (WR): 52.0 receiving yards per game
- Michael Griffin Jr. (LB): 8.0 tackles per game
- Hickory:
- Isaiah Lackey (RB): 96.3 rushing yards per game
- Brady Stober (QB): 249.1 passing yards per game
- Jamien Little (WR): 83.4 receiving yards per game
- Quenshea Abernathy (LB): 8.7 tackles per game
Head-to-Head: Hickory Takes the Win
The teams haven’t faced each other yet this season, but they have played against some common opponents. West Charlotte defeated Cox Mill 41-0 on September 6, 2024, while Hickory also handled Cox Mill, winning 69-27 on September 12, 2024. This serves as a notable comparison, with both teams posting dominant wins over a mutual opponent.
Statistical Comparison
| Stat | West Charlotte | Hickory |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 152.5 | 154.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 185.5 | 243.2 |
| Total Yards/Game | 337.9 | 397.2 |
| Points/Game | 41.7 | 45.1 |
| Tackles/Game | 61.0 | 75.1 |
| Sacks/Game | 3.7 | 0.9 |
Common Opponents and Results
- Cox Mill: West Charlotte won 41-0 (Sept 6, 2024), Hickory won 69-27 (Sept 12, 2024).
Conclusion: High Stakes Ahead
With their respective high-powered offenses and stout defenses, both West Charlotte and Hickory have shown that they belong among the elite in North Carolina football. Hickory’s perfect 14-0 record speaks to their dominance, but West Charlotte’s ability to win in various conditions and against tough opponents makes them a formidable team.
As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, these two teams will undoubtedly continue to make their mark. The potential for an exciting postseason showdown is real, and fans can look forward to seeing how both teams perform in the next stages of the competition. Whether it’s West Charlotte’s balanced offense or Hickory’s explosive attack, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come.
