HCA Football: First Round Playoff Preview

The Crusaders will face 3 time defending State Champions Davidson Day in the second round of the playoffs with a win against the Cannon School

The Harrells Christian Academy Crusader football team enters the NCISAA Divison II State Playoffs as a #5 seed. The Crusaders will face the Cannon school in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams enter the first round of the playoffs with a record of 5-5. HCA is coming off a heartbreaking, 34-26, loss to Ravenscroft in the Big East Conference championship game. The Cougars enter the game after an impressive 29-14 victory over Wake Christian Academy who defeated the Crusaders earlier in the season.

The Crusaders outmatch the Cougars in nearly every statistical category except for passing yards. Cannon averages 88 passing yards per game while the Crusaders only average 32 yards per game. The Crusaders, however, have used the passing game to quickly turn the momentum in games multiple times this year. Cannon will look to spread the ball around to multiple receivers and running backs throughout the game in order to stay fresh throughout the game. The short handed Crusaders will have to find a way to keep up with the constant rotation of players by the Cougars.

HCA has struggled throughout the year with players being out for multiple reasons, from injuries to suspension. HCA will be without their starting fullback, Joseph Phaneuf (Shoulder) , and starting tight end, Ethan Hall (Concussion). The Crusaders will heavily rely on their leading rusher Marcus Scarborough who has tallied 1,201 yards on 175 carries and 14 touchdowns this season. The junior tailback is averaging just over 133 yards per game.

The Crusaders defeated the Cougars in convincing fashion last year, 75-7. The Cannon School looks to seek revenge on Friday and send the Crusaders back to the store with a loss.

Game info:

Where: Cannon School, Concord, NC (5801 Poplar Tent Road Concord, NC 28027)

Kickoff: 7:00