High School Sports

Middle Creek vs Wake Forest by the numbers

Middle Creek defender Jaden King (20) returns an interception that was later called back during Garner's third-round playoff game at Middle Creek on Friday, December 2, 2016.
Middle Creek defender Jaden King (20) returns an interception that was later called back during Garner's third-round playoff game at Middle Creek on Friday, December 2, 2016. newsobserver.com

Middle Creek and Wake Forest have combined for eight appearances in the N.C. High School Athletic Association East final since 2008. One of the reasons both teams get here year after year? Staff continuity.

Wake Forest has been running the same offense and defense for almost a decade, back when current head coach Reggie Lucas was an assistant under Earl Smith.

Middle Creek has been running its systems for almost as long thanks to a number of assistant coaches who have stayed put despite three head coaching changes.

The two teams match up well on paper. Wake Forest averages just 7 yards more per game and Middle Creek gives up just 4.2 yards less. Middle Creek is averaging more points per game (47.4) but Wake Forest is giving up less (6.4).

How they compare this season

Middle Creek

Wake Forest

Head coach

Randy Ragland (2nd year)

Reggie Lucas (8th year)

Coach W-L

56-29 (28-1 at school)

99-15

2016 record

14-0

14-0

Offense

Spread

Wing-T

Defense

4-2-5

4-3

Head-to-Head Series

0-1

1-0

East final appearance

3rd

5th

State title appearances

0

3

State titles

0

0

Points Scored

47.4

38.1

Points Allowed

8.7

6.4

Yards Per Game

351.7

358.7

Passing Per Game

225.3

79.2

Rushing Per Game

126.4

278.5

Leading Passer

Dominique Shoffner (2,874 yds)

Chris James (1,080 yds)

Leading Rusher

DeAndre Jones (633 yds)

Devon Lawrence (1,308 yds)

Leading Receiver

Shammond Hicks (685 yds)

Marquis Dunn (283 yds)

Total Yards Allowed

132.3

136.5

Passing Allowed

65.4

112.0

Rushing Allowed

66.9

24.5

Leading Tackler

Daniel Jackson (87)

Darius Hodge (103)

Leader in Sacks

John Singleton (7.5)

Xach Gill (14)

Leader in INTs

Daniel Jackson (10)

Darius Hodge (8)

This story was originally published December 8, 2016 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Middle Creek vs Wake Forest by the numbers."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER