East Union vs. Sebastopol High School Football Game Preview
Game Details:
- Matchup: East Union Urchins vs. Sebastopol Bobcats
- Date: Friday, November 15
- Time: 7:00 p.m. CST
- Location: Sebastopol High School, Sebastopol, MS
- Watch: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
The game will be available on the NFHS Network, giving fans who can’t attend in person the chance to watch live from home. For those who haven’t yet subscribed to the NFHS Network, signing up provides access to a wide range of high school sports events nationwide.
Team Overview
East Union Urchins
- Season Record: 7-3
- Head Coach: Kevin Walton
- Key Players: QB Noah Jackson, RB/LB Jace Barnes, WR Tyrell Grant
- Strengths: Solid offensive ground game, physical defense, strong team chemistry
- Challenges: Managing turnover, depth in secondary
East Union has had a successful season with a balanced offense and defense, led by Coach Kevin Walton. The team is anchored by QB Noah Jackson, who brings agility and accuracy, making East Union’s offense hard to contain. Barnes and Grant are versatile, and the defensive line is strong. East Union’s season was defined by teamwork and grit, making them a tough opponent for any high school team.
Sebastopol Bobcats
- Season Record: 8-2
- Head Coach: Andy Stovall
- Key Players: RB Carson Willis, QB Jack Thompson, DL Ethan Moore
- Strengths: Explosive offense, reliable special teams, home-field advantage
- Challenges: Depth in defensive line, pressure handling in close games
Sebastopol comes into this matchup with a slightly better record and a dynamic offensive lineup. Coach Stovall has built a program known for speed and scoring ability, with Carson Willis leading the way as an elite running back. QB Jack Thompson has been instrumental in Sebastopol’s ability to convert drives into points. Defensively, Moore anchors the line, while Sebastopol’s special teams play a pivotal role in field positioning.
Key Matchups to Watch
- East Union’s Rushing Game vs. Sebastopol’s Front Seven East Union’s focus on establishing the run game with Jace Barnes will test Sebastopol’s defensive line. Winning this matchup will determine if East Union can control the clock and dictate the game’s tempo.
- QB Jack Thompson (Sebastopol) vs. East Union’s Secondary Thompson’s accuracy and decision-making will be key as he takes on East Union’s disciplined secondary. If he can connect with his receivers early, Sebastopol could find ways to open up their offensive playbook.
- Special Teams Play In a closely matched game, the battle for field position will be essential. Both teams’ kicking games and return coverage could play pivotal roles, potentially creating game-changing moments.
- Turnover Battle With both teams featuring strong defenses, turnovers could make a significant difference. Whichever team better protects the ball while creating takeaways will likely hold the edge.
Season Recaps and Team Statistics
East Union Urchins
- Passing Yards per Game: 140
- Rushing Yards per Game: 190
- Points per Game: 25
- Points Allowed per Game: 16
East Union’s balanced offensive stats reflect a team that can adapt to the game flow, while their defensive stats show a disciplined approach to limiting opponent scoring opportunities. Their combination of rushing power and occasional passing play surprises has been effective.
Sebastopol Bobcats
- Passing Yards per Game: 175
- Rushing Yards per Game: 160
- Points per Game: 30
- Points Allowed per Game: 18
Sebastopol’s more aggressive offensive numbers reflect their preference for scoring big plays. Their season stats show an ability to maintain leads, with a defense that steps up in critical moments.
Players to Watch
- Noah Jackson (East Union QB): Jackson’s leadership and passing game have been vital for East Union’s offense.
- Jace Barnes (East Union RB/LB): A versatile player, Barnes contributes on both offense and defense, making him a crucial player for the Urchins.
- Carson Willis (Sebastopol RB): Known for his breakaway speed, Willis can change the game’s momentum with one big run.
- Jack Thompson (Sebastopol QB): Thompson’s precision and calm under pressure give Sebastopol confidence in their passing game.
- Ethan Moore (Sebastopol DL): Moore’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield will be key to containing East Union’s ground attack.
Game Prediction and Odds
- Odds: Sebastopol is a slight favorite due to their home-field advantage and explosive offensive capabilities.
- Prediction: Sebastopol 28, East Union 24
Sebastopol’s home-field advantage and big-play offense give them a slight edge, but East Union’s defensive resilience and clock management could keep this game competitive. Expect a closely fought contest, with Sebastopol potentially pulling ahead in the fourth quarter.
Keys to Victory
- For East Union:
- Establish the Run: Rely on their ground game to control possession and keep Sebastopol’s offense off the field.
- Limit Big Plays: Containing Sebastopol’s offensive weapons is critical for East Union’s success.
- Win Turnover Battle: Avoiding turnovers and capitalizing on any Sebastopol mistakes will be crucial.
- For Sebastopol:
- Use the Passing Game: If Thompson can connect with his receivers, it could open up the run game and put East Union’s defense on its heels.
- Home-Field Advantage: Leveraging crowd support could give Sebastopol an emotional edge.
- Special Teams Impact: Effective punts, kickoffs, and returns could make the difference.
Game Scenarios
- Defensive Battle A close, low-scoring game where both defenses step up, potentially leading to an intense, grind-it-out contest.
- Sebastopol Breaks Away Early
If Sebastopol’s offense finds an early rhythm, they could force East Union into a more aggressive game plan. - Last-Quarter Heroics
With both teams closely matched, the game could come down to a final drive, where special teams or a big defensive play decides the outcome.
This game between East Union and Sebastopol has all the elements of a classic high school football matchup. Both teams bring unique strengths, and the stakes are high as they battle for advancement and local bragging rights. Fans are in for a treat, and the NFHS Network offers a way to catch every play and moment for those unable to attend in person.
This will be a game defined by resilience, execution, and heart, as each team looks to make a statement in front of passionate fans. Whether at the stadium or streaming live, it’s a Friday night game worth watching.
