The Anderson Raptors, with a perfect 12-0 record (Cincinnati, OH), will face the Mt. Healthy Fighting Owls (9-2, Cincinnati, OH) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 8.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Anderson vs Mt. Healthy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 8
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Game preview: Anderson vs Mt. Healthy

As the high school football season ramps up, two of Ohio’s most exciting teams are making waves in their respective divisions: Mt. Healthy and Anderson. Both teams have showcased incredible talent and will meet for what promises to be an electrifying matchup. Here’s a breakdown of the rankings, records, and what to expect from these two powerhouse teams.

Team Records & Rankings

Mt. Healthy (9-2 overall, 2-1 conference) The Mt. Healthy football team has had a strong season, finishing with an 9-2 record. Their conference play was competitive, finishing 2-1, with an impressive 5-1 record at home. The team has been dominant offensively, scoring a total of 373 points throughout the season while allowing 256. Their well-balanced attack, particularly in the first half, has been one of their standout features, averaging nearly 34 points per game.

Anderson (12-0 overall, 9-0 conference) Anderson, on the other hand, has been nearly perfect this season, boasting an undefeated 12-0 record. They completely dominated their conference, finishing 9-0, with a spotless 7-0 home record. The Anderson team has been an offensive juggernaut, racking up 615 points and allowing just 107. Their high-scoring offense has been their hallmark, averaging a staggering 51.3 points per game.

Offensive & Defensive Comparison

When it comes to offensive production, Anderson stands out with their explosive scoring. The team averages 51.3 points per game, and their offense is characterized by a potent passing game, averaging 333.2 yards per game. Their quarterback, Justice Burnam, has been exceptional, with 283.7 passing yards per game, and their wide receiver, Trace Jallick, leads the team in receiving with 136.5 yards per game.

Mt. Healthy, while not as high-scoring as Anderson, has a well-rounded offense. They average 33.9 points per game, with solid performances from both their passing and rushing games. Justice Burnam leads the team in total yards, with 325.3 per game. Durrell Turner has been a standout player, averaging 69.5 rushing yards per game and scoring 13.8 points per game.

Defensively, Mt. Healthy has been more aggressive, averaging 55.5 tackles per game and 3.4 sacks per game. Their defense will need to be sharp to handle Anderson’s potent offensive attack. Anderson, on the other hand, has been stout defensively, allowing just 107 points across the entire season.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced West Clermont this season, with differing results. Mt. Healthy came up short in a close battle, losing 20-18 at home on August 23, 2024. Meanwhile, Anderson had a dominant victory over West Clermont, winning 52-7 at home on August 30, 2024. This common opponent shows that Anderson has been able to handle teams more decisively, but Mt. Healthy’s competitive loss speaks to their ability to challenge tough competition.

Key Players to Watch

Mt. Healthy:

• Durrell Turner: A dynamic rusher and offensive playmaker who averages 69.5 yards per game and has been a key contributor to the team’s success.
• Justice Burnam: The team’s leading passer and playmaker, with 283.7 passing yards per game. He will be crucial in guiding the offense through a tough Anderson defense.

Anderson:

• Justice Burnam: As both the quarterback and a leader on offense, his ability to pass for over 280 yards per game makes him a significant threat.
• Trace Jallick: A standout wide receiver, Jallick has been an offensive weapon, averaging 136.5 receiving yards per game.

Looking Ahead

This game will be a test of two contrasting styles: the balanced attack and resilient defense of Mt. Healthy versus the high-powered offense and near-perfect record of Anderson. Anderson’s offensive juggernaut will look to continue their dominance, while Mt. Healthy will aim to disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on their defensive strengths.

Both teams are primed for success, with Mt. Healthy seeking to challenge one of the state’s top contenders and Anderson looking to remain undefeated. The result of this game will have significant implications for both teams, as it will test their ability to handle high-pressure situations and elite-level competition.

Football fans in Ohio are in for a thrilling matchup between two teams with a lot to prove, as the 2024 season reaches a boiling point. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell, but this is one game you won’t want to miss.