The Shannon varsity football team from Shannon, MS, will play West Lauderdale from Collinsville, MS, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Mississippi High School Football
Who: West Lauderdale vs Shannon
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Championships – 4A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: West Lauderdale vs. Shannon
The West Lauderdale (10-3) vs. Shannon (8-2) playoff matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing strong records and impressive performances in the regular season. West Lauderdale enters the game with a potent offense and a stingy defense, while Shannon comes in with a dynamic scoring attack and an impressive district record.
Season Recap: West Lauderdale Knights
- Record: 10-3
- District Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 474 PF, 278 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.4 points per game
West Lauderdale has had an impressive season, dominating in their district with a perfect 5-0 record. Their offense, led by Travion Mosley and K.P. Peoples, is high-powered and well-balanced. The Knights have scored an average of 30.4 points per game and will look to continue this trend in the playoffs. Their defense, allowing 278 points, will need to stay strong against Shannon’s offense.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Travion Mosley leads the rushing attack with 135.4 yards per game, and K.P. Peoples has been solid both in the air and on the ground with 170.9 total yards per game.
- Defense: Jack Davidson leads the defense with 13.5 tackles per game and has been key in controlling the game flow.
Season Recap: Shannon Red Raiders
- Record: 8-2
- District Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 335 PF, 146 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.5 points per game
Shannon has been a solid team this season, with their offense scoring an impressive 33.5 points per game. They have excelled in district play, maintaining an undefeated record, and will look to keep that momentum going in the playoffs. Their defense has also been effective, allowing only 146 points throughout the season. However, they face a tough challenge against a high-scoring West Lauderdale team.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Trey Spurgon has been outstanding, leading the team with 168.6 passing yards per game. Kegan Ruff has been solid in the running game, averaging 91.6 rushing yards per game.
- Defense: Jackson Loving leads the defense with 7.9 tackles per game, and Nik Owens has been effective with 0.9 sacks per game.
Head-to-Head:
The two teams have not faced each other in 2024 until now, but both have come through their respective seasons with impressive records. West Lauderdale’s balanced offense and strong defense will be tested by Shannon’s high-scoring attack.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | West Lauderdale | Shannon |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 243.8 | 188.0 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 63.3 | 160.8 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 307.2 | 348.8 |
| Points Per Game | 30.4 | 33.5 |
| Tackles Per Game | 70.2 | 58.5 |
| Sacks Per Game | 0.9 | 1.7 |
Key Players to Watch
- West Lauderdale:
- Travion Mosley (RB): Mosley has been a workhorse for the Knights and will be a key to controlling the clock and moving the ball on the ground.
- K.P. Peoples (QB/WR): Peoples is a dual-threat player who can make plays both in the air and on the ground. He will need to be a playmaker to keep Shannon’s defense guessing.
- Jack Davidson (LB): Davidson will be a key figure in stopping Shannon’s high-scoring offense.
- Shannon:
- Trey Spurgon (QB): Spurgon has been outstanding as the leader of Shannon’s offense, and his ability to move the ball through the air will be crucial for the Red Raiders.
- Kegan Ruff (RB): Ruff has been the backbone of Shannon’s rushing game and will need to provide balance to the offense against West Lauderdale’s defense.
- Jackson Loving (LB): Loving has been a key defensive player, and his ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback will be important in limiting West Lauderdale’s attack.
Keys to Victory
For West Lauderdale:
- Control the Clock: West Lauderdale has a potent rushing attack with Mosley, and they need to dominate time of possession to limit Shannon’s offensive opportunities.
- Defensive Discipline: West Lauderdale’s defense needs to stay disciplined and avoid big plays from Shannon’s passing game.
- Limit Turnovers: With Shannon’s explosive offense, West Lauderdale cannot afford to give up extra possessions. Protecting the ball will be key.
For Shannon:
- Exploit the Passing Game: West Lauderdale’s defense has shown some vulnerability in the passing game. Spurgon should look to exploit this by airing it out to his receivers.
- Pressure the Quarterback: Shannon’s defense needs to create pressure on K.P. Peoples to prevent him from making big plays.
- Stay Balanced: While Shannon is known for its passing attack, having a balanced offensive game will keep West Lauderdale’s defense on its heels.
Prediction:
This game is expected to be close, with both teams possessing the talent to come out on top. West Lauderdale’s balanced attack and strong defense give them the edge, but Shannon’s explosive offense could catch them off guard. Ultimately, West Lauderdale’s defensive depth and rushing game should lead them to a hard-fought victory.
