Here’s a preview of the Mt. Zion Prep Academy vs. St. Frances Academy game scheduled for Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. EST. This showdown between two powerhouse programs promises to be an intense and thrilling matchup. Below, we’ll dive into how to watch, provide an overview of both teams, key players, odds, predictions, and much more.

Game Overview

• Matchup: Mt. Zion Prep Academy vs. St. Frances Academy
• Date: Friday, November 15
• Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Location: St. Frances Academy, Baltimore, MD
• Watch: Live on NFHS Network

How to Watch

For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network, a dedicated streaming service for high school sports. Subscriptions provide access to this game and countless other high school sports events, making it an ideal option for fans and families following their teams from afar.

Team Overviews

Mt. Zion Prep Academy

• Record: 8-2
• Head Coach: Nate Waters
• Key Players: QB Malik Cunningham, RB Jamar Harris, LB Aiden Rollins
• Strengths: Versatile offense, physical defense, experience in high-stakes games
• Challenges: Depth in secondary, containing high-powered offenses

Mt. Zion Prep Academy has had a strong season, with an impressive 8-2 record that highlights their balanced approach to both offense and defense. Quarterback Malik Cunningham has been instrumental in leading the team’s offense, demonstrating both precision in passing and the ability to extend plays. Running back Jamar Harris has added power to their ground game, making Mt. Zion a difficult team to defend against. On the defensive side, linebacker Aiden Rollins leads the charge with his aggressive tackling and playmaking ability.

St. Frances Academy

• Record: 9-1
• Head Coach: Messay Hailemariam
• Key Players: QB Michael Van Buren, RB Samuel Jordan, DE Lamont Johnson
• Strengths: Elite defense, explosive offense, national-level experience
• Challenges: Limiting penalties, sustaining long drives

St. Frances Academy enters this game with a 9-1 record, only further solidifying their reputation as one of the country’s top high school football programs. Quarterback Michael Van Buren, a highly recruited talent, has led the offense with precision and poise, making him a dangerous threat. The Panthers are known for their elite defense, with defensive end Lamont Johnson setting the tone up front and Samuel Jordan leading a balanced rushing attack. St. Frances Academy has experience in high-stakes matchups, having faced top teams from across the nation.

Comparing the Teams

Offensive Matchups

• Mt. Zion Prep’s Offense: The team’s offense is spearheaded by quarterback Malik Cunningham, whose dual-threat abilities make him tough to defend. He’s capable of making throws under pressure and has been successful at extending plays. Running back Jamar Harris complements Cunningham’s skills with a physical running style, making the offense multifaceted.
• St. Frances Academy’s Offense: St. Frances has one of the top offenses in the state, led by Michael Van Buren, who possesses both the arm strength and decision-making skills to take advantage of defensive lapses. The running game, led by Samuel Jordan, keeps defenses on their toes, while a talented receiving corps makes the Panthers a formidable challenge for any secondary.

Defensive Matchups

• Mt. Zion Prep’s Defense: Linebacker Aiden Rollins is the heart of Mt. Zion’s defense, known for his tackling prowess and leadership. Their defensive line is stout, but the secondary will need to play exceptionally well to contain St. Frances’ passing game. Look for Mt. Zion to rely on blitz packages to pressure the quarterback.
• St. Frances Academy’s Defense: St. Frances boasts one of the top defenses in the nation, featuring defensive end Lamont Johnson, who disrupts plays with his speed and power. Their secondary is strong in coverage, making it difficult for opponents to find passing lanes. The linebacking corps, with athleticism and high football IQ, will be tasked with containing Mt. Zion’s mobile quarterback.

Special Teams

Special teams could become a key factor, especially in terms of field position. Both teams have shown consistency in kicking and punt coverage, and a well-timed field goal or strong return could swing momentum in this high-stakes game.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Malik Cunningham (Mt. Zion QB) vs. St. Frances Secondary
   Cunningham’s ability to make quick reads and find open receivers will be crucial. St. Frances’ secondary is skilled in coverage, so Mt. Zion may look to short, quick passes to keep the offense moving.
2. Samuel Jordan (St. Frances RB) vs. Mt. Zion Linebackers
   St. Frances’ powerful run game could be a challenge for Mt. Zion’s linebacking corps. Stopping Jordan’s ground game will be essential if Mt. Zion wants to force St. Frances into passing situations.
3. Lamont Johnson (St. Frances DE) vs. Mt. Zion’s Offensive Line
   Johnson’s speed and strength make him a disruptive force on the defensive line. Mt. Zion’s offensive line will need to hold up against his relentless pursuit to keep Cunningham protected and allow plays to develop.
4. Aiden Rollins (Mt. Zion LB) vs. Michael Van Buren (St. Frances QB)
   Rollins will be tasked with keeping an eye on St. Frances’ mobile quarterback. His role in containing Van Buren and limiting his ability to extend plays will be pivotal in slowing down the Panther offense.
5. Special Teams Execution
   In a close game, special teams often play a deciding role. Both teams need strong coverage units and reliable kicking, as field position could be a major factor.

Game Prediction and Odds

Odds
St. Frances Academy enters as the favorite due to their national ranking, experience in big games, and strong defensive and offensive units. Mt. Zion, however, has a dynamic offense that can keep them in the game if they execute well.

Prediction
St. Frances Academy 31, Mt. Zion Prep Academy 20

St. Frances Academy’s balanced attack and tough defense should allow them to take control. Mt. Zion will likely make some big plays and put points on the board, but St. Frances’ depth and experience may give them the edge in the second half.

Keys to Victory

1. Ball Control (Mt. Zion)
   For Mt. Zion, controlling the clock with long, sustained drives will help keep St. Frances’ explosive offense off the field. Success on the ground and quick passes can help them manage the tempo.
2. Protect the Quarterback (St. Frances)
   St. Frances’ offensive line must protect Van Buren to allow him the time to find his targets. If he gets time, he can exploit weaknesses in Mt. Zion’s secondary.
3. Turnover Battle
   In close matchups, turnovers often make the difference. Both teams need to protect the ball and capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponent.
4. Red Zone Efficiency
   Both teams have the ability to move the ball effectively, but red-zone efficiency will be key. Capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical, as this game could come down to who can turn drives into points.
5. Special Teams Performance
   Both teams should prioritize precision in kicking, punt coverage, and field position, as special teams can shift momentum significantly in playoff matchups.

Players to Watch

• Malik Cunningham (Mt. Zion QB): Cunningham’s dual-threat abilities make him the linchpin of Mt. Zion’s offense. His performance under pressure, along with his decision-making in key moments, will be crucial.
• Jamar Harris (Mt. Zion RB): Harris adds power and consistency to the Mt. Zion offense. His ability to churn out tough yards will be essential in controlling the game’s pace.
• Michael Van Buren (St. Frances QB): As the leader of the Panthers’ offense, Van Buren’s skill in making quick decisions and finding open targets will keep St. Frances moving effectively.
• Lamont Johnson (St. Frances DE): Johnson’s pass-rushing ability could disrupt Mt. Zion’s offense. His impact on the defensive line could determine whether St. Frances can control the line of scrimmage.
• Aiden Rollins (Mt. Zion LB): Rollins is a playmaker on defense, responsible for containing St. Frances’ ground game and possibly pressuring the quarterback. His leadership will be crucial for Mt. Zion’s defensive efforts.

The Mt. Zion Prep Academy vs. St. Frances Academy game will be a highlight of the high school football playoffs, with each team fighting for a chance to advance. This game has all the ingredients for a thrilling battle, featuring talented players on both sides and strategies that play to each team’s strengths. Expect a game full of momentum shifts and standout performances, as these two powerhouse programs go head-to-head.

Don’t miss this showdown—tune in on the NFHS Network to catch all the action live.