High school football fans are in for a treat this season as the much-anticipated matchup between Triton Hawks and Lee County Yellow Jackets is set to take place on October 3, 2024, at 2:30 AM GMT+6. This contest is poised to be one of the highlights of the high school football season as two powerhouse teams in the region clash in a game that promises excitement, skill, and a test of will.
Both Triton and Lee County have had stellar seasons, and with playoff aspirations on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network, giving fans and scouts a chance to witness the action as these two football programs battle for supremacy. Whether you’re a local fan or someone tuning in from afar, this game is a must-watch.
This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the game, from how to watch to team overviews, key players, critical matchups, predictions, and more. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about the Triton vs. Lee County showdown.
How to Watch the Game
- Date: October 3, 2024
- Time: 2:30 AM GMT+6
- Location: Triton High School, Erwin, North Carolina
- Broadcast: NFHS Network
- Streaming: Available via the NFHS Network website or mobile app (subscription required)
Watching the game live is simple: fans can subscribe to the NFHS Network, which provides live and on-demand coverage of high school sports across the country. By subscribing, you can catch the action as it happens, wherever you are. The network offers multiple ways to stream the game, whether on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
Team Overview: Triton Hawks
Season Overview
The Triton Hawks have had a strong season thus far, building on a tradition of success that has made them one of the most respected high school football programs in North Carolina. With a disciplined team that combines a strong running game with a tough defense, Triton has emerged as a serious contender in the regional championship picture.
Under the leadership of head coach Ben Nichols, the Hawks have found ways to win even in the most difficult situations. Their ability to adapt to various styles of play, combined with the depth of their roster, has made them one of the toughest teams to beat in the area.
Triton has built their season on a combination of stellar offense and defense, utilizing a balanced approach that can shift depending on the game plan. Their adaptability will be put to the test as they face one of the toughest teams in the region: Lee County.
Offensive Overview
On offense, the Hawks are led by senior quarterback Josh Matthews, a dual-threat player who has the ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs. Matthews has thrown for over 1,500 yards this season, showcasing a strong arm and excellent field vision. He’s also added over 500 yards on the ground, making him a nightmare for defenses that try to contain him in the pocket.
The Triton offense revolves around a dynamic ground game, spearheaded by junior running back Dante Jackson. Jackson has been a standout this season, rushing for over 1,200 yards through seven games. His combination of power and speed makes him a tough runner to stop, especially as the game wears on and defenses tire. Triton relies heavily on Jackson to control the tempo of the game, and he has delivered week after week.
Complementing Jackson in the backfield is senior fullback Kyle Bradley, who serves as a bruising lead blocker and short-yardage specialist. Bradley’s ability to clear lanes for Jackson and Matthews adds an extra layer of complexity to Triton’s run-heavy offense.
In the passing game, Matthews has a reliable receiving corps, led by wide receivers Tyler Morgan and Marcus Greene. Morgan, a senior, is a polished route runner with reliable hands, while Greene brings a blend of size and speed that makes him a deep threat. Tight end Jake Sullivan is another key target in the passing game, often serving as Matthews’ security blanket on third downs.
Defensive Overview
Triton’s defense has been a major strength this season, led by one of the best front sevens in the region. Defensive end Logan Taylor has been a force to be reckoned with, leading the team in sacks and consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His relentless motor and ability to disrupt plays make him a player to watch in this game.
In the linebacking corps, senior Alex Reynolds is the leader and heart of the defense. Reynolds is known for his ability to diagnose plays quickly and get to the ball, whether it’s stopping the run or dropping into coverage. His versatility and football IQ make him the centerpiece of the Hawks’ defensive efforts.
The secondary is anchored by senior cornerback Jordan Lewis, a shutdown defender who has recorded multiple interceptions this season. Lewis will have the tough assignment of covering Lee County’s top receiver, but his track record suggests that he’s more than capable of rising to the challenge.
Team Overview: Lee County Yellow Jackets
Season Overview
The Lee County Yellow Jackets have been dominant this season, quickly establishing themselves as one of the top teams in North Carolina high school football. With a high-powered offense and a defense that flies to the ball, Lee County has steamrolled much of their competition and enters this matchup against Triton with sky-high confidence.
Head coach Troy Wheeler has built a program that focuses on speed, athleticism, and physicality. The Yellow Jackets have excelled in all three phases of the game this season, with their potent offense scoring at will and their defense consistently making big stops.
Lee County is riding a wave of momentum and will be looking to continue their undefeated season with a win over Triton. However, they face one of their toughest tests yet in the form of a well-coached and disciplined Hawks team.
Offensive Overview
The Yellow Jackets’ offense is led by senior quarterback Evan Scott, who has been nothing short of electric this season. Scott has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns through the first half of the season, showcasing a big arm and the ability to make every throw on the field. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs has also been a crucial aspect of Lee County’s offense, as Scott has added over 600 yards rushing to his totals.
Scott’s favorite target in the passing game is wide receiver Jayden Cooper, a 6’3” junior with elite speed and hands. Cooper has racked up over 1,000 receiving yards this season, consistently burning defenders with his ability to create separation. His size and catch radius make him a difficult matchup for any cornerback, and he’ll be a focal point in the game plan against Triton.
On the ground, Lee County features a two-headed rushing attack with running backs Isaiah Thompson and Malik Brown. Thompson is the more physical of the two, excelling between the tackles and punishing defenders with his bruising running style. Brown, on the other hand, is a shifty runner who thrives in open space and is dangerous in the passing game as well.
The offensive line, anchored by senior tackle Justin Wells, has done an excellent job of protecting Scott and opening up running lanes for Thompson and Brown. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage will be a key factor in determining how successful Lee County’s offense will be in this game.
Defensive Overview
The Yellow Jackets’ defense has been equally impressive this season, allowing an average of fewer than 14 points per game. Much of their success can be attributed to their aggressive front seven, which excels at getting after the quarterback and stopping the run.
Defensive end Caleb Johnson has been a standout performer, leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss. His speed off the edge and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield will be critical as Lee County looks to contain Triton’s rushing attack.
In the secondary, safety Brandon Ellis has been a ballhawk, with four interceptions on the season. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate throws makes him a dangerous player in pass coverage. Ellis will be key in preventing Triton from getting big plays in the passing game.
Linebacker Zachary Hall is the leader of the defense, with a relentless motor and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Hall’s ability to defend both the run and the pass makes him a versatile player who will be instrumental in slowing down Triton’s offense.
Key Matchups
1. Josh Matthews (Triton QB) vs. Lee County’s Secondary
Triton’s quarterback Josh Matthews will face one of his toughest tests of the season against a Lee County secondary that has been opportunistic in creating turnovers. Matthews’ ability to avoid mistakes and make smart decisions with the football will be crucial in determining the success of Triton’s offense.
On the other side, Lee County’s secondary, led by Brandon Ellis, will look to force Matthews into bad throws and capitalize on any mistakes. If Ellis and company can create turnovers, it will tilt the game in Lee County’s favor.
2. Dante Jackson (Triton RB) vs. Lee County’s Front Seven
Dante Jackson has been one of the best running backs in the region this season, and Triton will rely heavily on him to control the pace of the game. However, he’ll be facing a stout Lee County defensive front that excels at stopping the run.
Caleb Johnson and Zachary Hall will be tasked with slowing down Jackson, and their ability to contain him will be a deciding factor in this game. If Jackson can get going early and wear down the Lee County defense, Triton will have a chance to pull off the upset.
3. Evan Scott (Lee County QB) vs. Triton’s Pass Rush
Lee County’s Evan Scott has been nearly unstoppable this season, but Triton’s defense will look to change that by pressuring him early and often. Logan Taylor and Triton’s defensive front will need to get to Scott and force him into uncomfortable situations.
If Triton can disrupt Scott’s rhythm and keep him from making big plays, they’ll give themselves a chance to hang with the high-powered Lee County offense.
Prediction
This game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two teams with legitimate championship aspirations. Triton has the tools to make this a competitive contest, particularly if they can establish the run and control the clock. However, Lee County’s explosive offense and aggressive defense give them the edge in this matchup.
Final Score Prediction: Lee County 35, Triton 24
Lee County’s ability to make big plays in the passing game and their balanced attack on offense will be the difference, as they pull away in the second half to secure the victory.
The Triton vs. Lee County matchup on October 3, 2024, is shaping up to be one of the premier games of the high school football season. With both teams boasting strong records and talented rosters, this game will have significant implications for playoff positioning and regional rankings. Be sure to tune in to the NFHS Network to catch all the action live!
