The Tarboro (NC) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Wilson Prep (Wilson, NC) Friday, December 13, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: North Carolina High School Football
Who: Wilson Prep vs. Tarboro
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 1A
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Wilson Prep vs. Tarboro

The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen two powerhouse teams—Wilson Prep and Tarboro—dominate their respective competitions in North Carolina. With only one loss between them, both teams have put on spectacular performances, showcasing powerful offenses and stout defenses. As these two teams head into the postseason, all eyes will be on their showdown to determine which team is the most formidable.

Impressive Records

Wilson Prep boasts a 12-1 record, with a perfect 8-0 mark in conference play. Their only loss came in a non-conference game, but their overall performance has been nothing short of impressive. Wilson Prep is undefeated at home with a 7-0 record and has a solid 5-1 record on the road, with a win percentage of .923.

Tarboro also enters the postseason with a 12-1 record, mirroring Wilson Prep’s performance. They finished 5-0 in conference play, with their only loss coming in a non-conference game. Tarboro has been nearly perfect at home (7-1) and dominant on the road (5-0), also posting a .923 win percentage.

High-Powered Offenses

Both teams are offensive juggernauts, regularly scoring big and racking up impressive yardage.

• Wilson Prep averages 37.1 points per game, thanks to their balanced offense. They rush for 332.1 yards per game and pass for 175.0 yards per game, totaling 507.1 yards per game. Key players like Ethan Nelson, who averages 102.2 rushing yards per game, and Travon Usher, who throws for 155.5 passing yards per game, have been central to their success.
• Tarboro has been even more explosive, averaging 47.2 points per game. Their rushing game is a focal point, as they gain 300.1 yards per game on the ground. Though their passing game is not as prominent, they manage 55.4 yards per game through the air, for a total of 355.5 yards per game. Kamerin McDowell-Moore leads the charge, averaging 96.5 rushing yards per game and 110.3 total yards per game.

Strong Defenses

While their offenses have been prolific, both teams have also demonstrated defensive strength throughout the season.

• Wilson Prep averages 67.8 tackles per game, with Jordan Hamm leading the team with 9.5 tackles per game. Their defense has been solid, with 3.2 sacks per game, a stat they will look to improve in their playoff run.
• Tarboro is slightly more aggressive defensively, averaging 70.2 tackles per game. Cole Craddock leads the team with 9.4 tackles per game, and the team generates 2.5 sacks per game. Their defense has been a key factor in limiting opponents to just 110 points on the season.

Key Players

• Wilson Prep:
  • Ethan Nelson (RB): 102.2 rushing yards per game
  • Travon Usher (QB): 155.5 passing yards per game
  • Manny Dickens (WR): 39.2 receiving yards per game
  • Jordan Hamm (LB): 9.5 tackles per game
• Tarboro:
  • Kamerin McDowell-Moore (RB): 96.5 rushing yards per game
  • Tyler Powell (QB): 55.4 passing yards per game
  • Kamerin McDowell-Moore (WR): 13.8 receiving yards per game
  • Cole Craddock (LB): 9.4 tackles per game

Head-to-Head: Both Teams Undefeated Against Common Opponents

Both Wilson Prep and Tarboro have faced off against common opponents this season, and both teams have been dominant. Here are the results:

• North Edgecombe:
  • Wilson Prep won 54-0 (Sept 20, 2024)
  • Tarboro won 75-0 (Sept 6, 2024)
• Weldon:
  • Wilson Prep won 52-14 (Oct 4, 2024)
  • Tarboro won 55-6 (Nov 22, 2024)
• Warren County:
  • Wilson Prep won 46-26 (Oct 18, 2024)
  • Tarboro won 71-0 (Nov 29, 2024)

Statistical Comparison

Common Opponents and Results

Both teams faced the same set of opponents in the regular season, and both teams came out victorious each time. Their dominance over these opponents speaks volumes about their potential heading into the postseason.

Conclusion: The Stage is Set

As the season progresses, Wilson Prep and Tarboro will be vying for supremacy in the North Carolina high school football landscape. Both teams have explosive offenses, tough defenses, and a history of dominating their opponents. The potential for an exciting postseason clash is real, and fans will be eagerly watching as these two powerhouse teams battle it out in the coming weeks.

With each team boasting a 12-1 record and incredible stats across the board, it’s clear that the best is yet to come for both Wilson Prep and Tarboro as they make their playoff pushes. Whether it’s Wilson Prep’s well-rounded offensive attack or Tarboro’s high-scoring offense and aggressive defense, this season is shaping up to be one to remember.