Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming high school football game between the Habersham Central Raiders and the Lee County Trojans. Scheduled for Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET, this game is bound to be an exciting showdown as both teams look to make a statement late in the season. With a dynamic matchup on both sides, let’s dive into how to watch, the team previews, key players to watch, predictions, and more.
Game Details
- Matchup: Habersham Central Raiders vs. Lee County Trojans
- Date: Friday, November 15
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Lee County High School Stadium, Leesburg, GA
- Watch: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
If you’re unable to attend the game in person, tune in to the NFHS Network for live streaming. With a subscription, fans can watch the game from any device, whether at home or on the go. NFHS Network brings the thrill of high school sports to your screen, making it a great way to support your team wherever you are.
Game Preview
This Friday night matchup between Habersham Central and Lee County brings together two programs with contrasting styles and strengths. The Raiders of Habersham Central will face off against the Trojans in what’s expected to be an intense game. Here’s a deeper look into each team’s current standing, strengths, challenges, and players to watch.
Team Overview
Habersham Central Raiders
- Record: 4-5
- Head Coach: Benji Harrison
- Key Players: QB Matthew Parks, RB Jalen Johnson, LB Tyler Brooks
- Strengths: Explosive offensive plays, efficient passing game, resilient defense
- Challenges: Struggles against strong defensive fronts, occasional lapses in coverage
Lee County Trojans
- Record: 7-2
- Head Coach: Dean Fabrizio
- Key Players: QB Chris Martin, RB Ousmane Kromah, LB Jaylen Scott
- Strengths: Dominant running game, physical defense, depth across positions
- Challenges: Vulnerable to high-tempo offenses, penalties in high-stakes situations
Team Comparisons
Offense
- Habersham Central: The Raiders bring a versatile offense led by quarterback Matthew Parks, who’s capable of making quick reads and throwing deep. With running back Jalen Johnson adding a strong ground game, Habersham Central’s offense can keep defenses guessing. However, the Raiders have faced challenges against elite defensive lines, making it critical for their offensive line to hold up against Lee County’s formidable front seven.
- Lee County: The Trojans are known for their bruising running game, primarily relying on the talents of running back Ousmane Kromah, who’s been a consistent powerhouse all season. Quarterback Chris Martin complements the ground attack with precision passing, making the offense difficult to defend. Lee County is adept at controlling the clock and wearing down defenses, and they’ll look to use this advantage to limit Habersham’s opportunities.
Defense
- Habersham Central: The Raiders’ defense, led by linebacker Tyler Brooks, focuses on creating turnovers and pressuring the quarterback. However, they’ve had some issues with consistency, particularly against high-powered offenses. Facing a dominant ground game like Lee County’s will be a significant test for Habersham’s defensive front. They’ll need to tackle well and avoid giving up big plays on the ground.
- Lee County: With a physical and fast defense, the Trojans excel at containing explosive plays and creating pressure in the backfield. Linebacker Jaylen Scott is the heart of the defense, making impact plays that disrupt opposing offenses. If Lee County’s defensive line can get to Parks early and often, it’ll make it difficult for Habersham Central to establish any momentum.
Special Teams
- Habersham Central: The Raiders’ special teams unit has been steady this season, especially in field goal situations. Their kicker has shown good accuracy, and they’ve been effective in controlling field position on kickoffs and punts. In a close game, the Raiders’ special teams could play a key role.
- Lee County: The Trojans have a dependable special teams unit, with strong coverage and a capable kicker. They have the ability to create favorable field position, which often helps their offense start with shorter fields. Their special teams are well-disciplined, rarely giving up big plays.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Matthew Parks (Habersham Central) vs. Lee County’s Secondary
Parks’ passing ability will be critical in this matchup, but he’ll face a tough challenge against Lee County’s defensive backs. The Trojans’ secondary is known for making big plays, so Parks will need to be careful to avoid interceptions. - Ousmane Kromah (Lee County) vs. Habersham Central’s Defensive Line
Kromah has been one of the most productive running backs this season, and he’ll look to keep that trend going against Habersham Central. The Raiders’ defensive line will need to stay disciplined and maintain their gaps to prevent Kromah from breaking free. - Tyler Brooks (Habersham Central) vs. Chris Martin (Lee County)
Linebacker Tyler Brooks is the leader of Habersham Central’s defense, and he’ll be tasked with keeping pressure on Martin. Martin’s ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the move will be a challenge for Brooks and the Raiders’ defense. - Special Teams Execution
Field position is likely to play a big role in this matchup, so both teams’ special teams units will need to be on top of their game. A few well-placed punts or timely field goals could shift the momentum.
Odds & Prediction
Odds
There aren’t official betting odds for high school football games, but Lee County enters this game as the clear favorite. Their depth, strong record, and home-field advantage give them an edge over Habersham Central, who will need a near-flawless performance to pull off an upset.
Prediction
Lee County Trojans 31, Habersham Central Raiders 17
With their powerful running game and disciplined defense, the Trojans are in a strong position to control this game from start to finish. Habersham Central has enough firepower to keep it competitive, but Lee County’s home advantage and consistency on both sides of the ball should secure them the win.
Key Factors to Watch
- Turnover Battle
As with any football game, turnovers could be the deciding factor. Lee County’s defense has been opportunistic all season, and if they can force Habersham into mistakes, it’ll give their offense more chances to score. - Time of Possession
Lee County’s strategy is often to dominate possession, keeping opposing offenses off the field. If they can sustain long drives, it will be challenging for Habersham to stay in rhythm. Conversely, Habersham Central needs quick defensive stops to keep their offense engaged. - Execution in the Red Zone
Scoring touchdowns instead of settling for field goals will be critical, especially for Habersham Central, who may not get many chances against a tough defense. Red-zone efficiency is often a game-deciding factor, so both teams will need to capitalize on their opportunities. - Penalties and Discipline
In a high-stakes game, penalties can make or break a team’s momentum. Lee County has had some issues with penalties in key situations, so maintaining discipline will be essential for them to avoid giving Habersham any extra advantages.
Players to Watch
- Matthew Parks (Habersham Central): Parks’ ability to make smart reads and quick throws will be crucial for Habersham’s offense. If he can avoid turnovers and find his receivers, the Raiders will be able to move the ball effectively.
- Jalen Johnson (Habersham Central): Johnson is a versatile back who can make plays both on the ground and through the air. He’ll be a key part of Habersham’s offensive strategy as they look to mix up their play-calling.
- Ousmane Kromah (Lee County): As one of the top running backs in the region, Kromah will be a constant threat to break off big runs. His success on the ground will set the tone for Lee County’s offense.
- Jaylen Scott (Lee County): A playmaking linebacker, Scott’s leadership on defense will be essential in stopping Habersham’s offensive threats. His ability to disrupt plays and make tackles in the open field will be important for Lee County.
The matchup between Habersham Central and Lee County on November 15 offers high school football fans an exciting contest between two competitive programs. Lee County’s physical style and home-field advantage make them the favorite, but Habersham Central has the talent and determination to make it a game.
Fans can catch all the action live on the NFHS Network, where they’ll be able to see the game unfold as these two teams battle it out under the Friday night lights. With both teams fighting for pride and a potential playoff push, this game promises to deliver a memorable showdown.