The Millbrook Wildcats and Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders will face off in the second round of the 2023 NCHSAA 4A East Football Championships on Friday, November 10th, at 7pm ET in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What it is: North Carolina High School Football
Matchup: Millbrook Wildcats vs. Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders
Time: Friday Nov 10, 2023, 7pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 NCHSAA 4A East Football Championships
Round: Second Round
Locations: Cardinal Gibbons – Raleigh, NC
Live stream: Watch here
The Wildcats come into the game with a 9-2 record, while the Crusaders are also 9-2. Millbrook is ranked 24th in the state, while Cardinal Gibbons is ranked 21st.
The Wildcats have a balanced offense, averaging 38.3 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Ryan Wright, who has thrown for over 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. Wright is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Millbrook also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Matt Cassidy.
The Crusaders have a high-powered offense, averaging 39.5 points per game. They are led by senior quarterback Micah Ford, who has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Ford is also a threat on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and 15 touchdowns. Cardinal Gibbons also has a solid running game, led by senior running back Landyn Collins.
Both defenses are playing at a high level, with Millbrook allowing just 21.7 points per game and Cardinal Gibbons allowing just 23.3 points per game.
This is sure to be a close game between two evenly matched teams. Millbrook will need to find a way to slow down the Crusaders’ passing game and force turnovers. Cardinal Gibbons will need to protect the football and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
This is the first time that the two teams have met on the gridiron.
The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. To watch, you will need to create an account and subscribe to the service. Subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis.
You can watch the game on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or connected device. The NFHS Network app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Both teams are evenly matched, but I am giving the edge to Cardinal Gibbons due to their more explosive offense and their home field advantage. I predict that the Crusaders will win a close game, 35-31.
