The Havelock (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Westover (Fayetteville, NC) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A tournament.

Westover vs Havelock Football Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Football Playoffs
Who: Westover vs Havelock
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Westover vs Havelock

The upcoming high school football game between the Westover Wolverines and the Havelock Rams promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams coming into the game with impressive records this season. The two squads boast strong offensive and defensive stats that will make for an intense and competitive showdown.

Team Records & Rankings

• Westover comes into the game with a 7-3 overall record and a 4-3 conference record. While they have had a solid season, winning 70% of their games, their performance in conference play has been somewhat inconsistent with a 4-3 record. Westover’s strength lies in their balanced offensive attack and strong defense, which has allowed them to score 210 points while only allowing 183.
• Havelock, on the other hand, is coming off a phenomenal season with a 9-1 overall record and a 5-1 conference record. Their dominant play has seen them score 422 points while only allowing 144. With a win percentage of 90%, Havelock is one of the most formidable teams in their division. Their high-powered offense and relentless defense have made them a tough contender all season long.

Offensive Power

When it comes to scoring, both teams have shown they can put up impressive numbers. However, Havelock’s offensive attack has been exceptional this season. Averaging a whopping 42.2 points per game, the Rams are one of the highest-scoring teams in their league. In contrast, Westover averages 21 points per game, showing a stark difference in offensive firepower.

The Westover Wolverines have demonstrated a strong rushing game, with Nasir Wells leading the charge with 105.1 rushing yards per game. However, Havelock has been even more dominant in the ground game, averaging 178.5 rushing yards per game, with Lebron Sharpe leading the way with 90.4 yards per game.

In the air, Westover has relied heavily on Richard Vanderhost, who averages 110.4 passing yards per game. But Havelock’s passing game has been even more prolific, with Jaylen Hewitt posting an impressive 352.7 passing yards per game and Jonathan Williams contributing 103.5 receiving yards per game.

Defensive Strength

Defensively, both teams are solid, but Havelock has the edge in terms of tackles, with an average of 66.6 tackles per game compared to Westover’s 48.5. Both teams also have strong sack leaders, with Westover’s Jaylen Gurley contributing 1.3 sacks per game, while Christopher Desousa from Havelock leads with 1.0 sacks per game.

In terms of points allowed, Havelock’s defense has been much stingier, allowing only 144 points over the course of the season compared to Westover’s 183. This defensive dominance has allowed Havelock to control games, making it harder for opposing offenses to find success.

Team Scoring Averages: Breaking Down the Quarter-by-Quarter Performance

Looking deeper into their scoring, Westover has been more consistent in the second half of games, averaging 6.8 points in the third quarter and 6.0 in overtime. Havelock, however, comes out strong in the first half, averaging 16.6 points in the first quarter and 11.0 in the second quarter. Their explosive start to games is one of the key factors in their success this season.

Home and Away Records

Both teams have been formidable in their home games, but Havelock has yet to lose an away game this season, boasting a perfect 5-0 away record. Westover has been slightly less dominant on the road with a 4-1 away record but has managed to perform well at home with a 3-2 record.

Key Players to Watch

• Westover: Watch for Nasir Wells, who has been the heart of the team’s running game. His ability to break free for long gains will be crucial for Westover’s offensive success. Additionally, keep an eye on Richard Vanderhost, whose passing game has been a key component in their offensive production.
• Havelock: Jaylen Hewitt is the focal point of Havelock’s passing game, and with his ability to rack up yards, he can dismantle defenses. Additionally, Jonathan Williams will be critical as a key receiving target who can break off big plays.

The Verdict

This game will be a true test of strength between two well-coached, high-performing teams. While Havelock’s high-scoring offense and stingy defense make them the favorites going into this game, Westover’s balanced offense and ability to come alive in the second half make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as both teams battle for victory.

With Havelock having the edge on paper, the game will come down to whether Westover can withstand the pressure and capitalize on their key players, especially in the second half. The game promises to be a true spectacle of high school football action, so don’t miss it!