The Archbishop Curley varsity football team (Baltimore, MD) will play a neutral playoff game against Pallotti (Laurel, MD) today at 3:30 p.m. This match is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Class B tournament.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Archbishop Curley (MD) vs Pallotti (MD)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Class B
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Clash of the Titans: Pallotti vs. Archbishop Curley – A Season Review

As the fall football season progresses, the matchup between Pallotti High School and Archbishop Curley High School has become one of the most anticipated games in Maryland. With impressive records and thrilling performances, both teams have proven to be dominant forces in their respective leagues. Let’s take a closer look at these two teams, their seasons, and what the upcoming playoff game holds in store.

Pallotti Panthers (9-2 Overall)

The Pallotti Panthers, based in Laurel, MD, have been performing exceptionally well in the 2024-2025 season, finishing with a 9-2 overall record. They have dominated in their league, with a 5-1 regional record, and have been tough on the road, winning 5 out of 5 games away. The Panthers have racked up 254 points so far, with an average of 23.1 points per game, while allowing only 66 points, demonstrating their strong defense.

Their key players have been instrumental in this success. Brayden Moore, a standout running back, has rushed for an average of 129 yards per game and has contributed significantly to the team’s offensive game plan. Quarterback Xavier Brookins has thrown for 105.9 passing yards per game, and wide receiver Kareem Fisher has averaged 47.2 receiving yards per game. These players, along with a solid defense led by Ricardo Jorge Myles, have made Pallotti one of the most consistent teams in the region.

Archbishop Curley Friars (8-3 Overall)

Archbishop Curley, located in Baltimore, MD, boasts an impressive 8-3 record, with an undefeated 7-0 mark in the region. They have scored 264 points on the season, averaging 24 points per game, though they have also allowed 157 points, a higher total than their playoff-bound counterparts Pallotti. Archbishop Curley’s offensive and defensive efforts have been steady, and their ability to dominate at home (5-1) and on the road (3-1) has made them a formidable opponent this season.

Archbishop Curley’s defense has been impressive, with standout players like Joseph Williams, who has led the team with 0.4 sacks per game. On offense, the Friars have seen contributions from various players, though their balanced attack leans more on the rushing and running game rather than heavy passing. Archbishop Curley’s dominance in the region is reflected in their perfect 7-0 regional record, but the team’s neutral game record (0-1) suggests that they might face challenges when not playing at home.

Head-to-Head Matchup: October 25th Showdown

In their most recent matchup on October 25, 2024, Archbishop Curley emerged victorious, defeating Pallotti 20-6. The game started with a strong first quarter from Archbishop Curley, who led 7-0 by the end of Q1. Pallotti struggled to get on the board, and despite a brief 6-point effort in the second quarter, they were unable to match Curley’s offense in the later stages of the game. The Friars’ ability to maintain momentum led them to the win, as they outscored Pallotti 13-0 in the second half.

This victory for Archbishop Curley marked a significant head-to-head advantage, improving their record to 1-0 over Pallotti in the 2024-2025 season.

Scoring Averages and Team Dynamics

Pallotti’s offense has been more balanced compared to Archbishop Curley. They average 5.0 points in the first quarter and continue to spread their scoring across the rest of the game, with 3.3 in the second quarter, 6.5 in the third, and 3.5 in the fourth. This shows their adaptability and consistency, especially after halftime.

In comparison, Archbishop Curley’s offense is more front-loaded, averaging 5.2 points in the first quarter and 9.2 in the second, before slowing down with 3.3 and 6.2 points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Their stronger first half suggests that they are particularly dangerous early in the game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents during the season, and both have shown dominance in those matchups. Pallotti and Archbishop Curley are both undefeated against teams like Boys Latin, Severn School, and St. Paul’s. However, while Pallotti has posted strong wins across the board, Archbishop Curley has been more dominant in some of their contests, such as their 45-7 victory over Severn School and 35-7 win against John Carroll.

Record Breakdown

• Pallotti: 9-2 overall, 5-1 region, undefeated at home (5-0), and 4-2 in away games.
• Archbishop Curley: 8-3 overall, 7-0 region, 5-1 at home, and 3-1 on the road.

Both teams are riding high into the playoffs, but Pallotti’s higher win percentage (.818) and stellar home and away record place them slightly ahead in the rankings.

Looking Ahead: The Neutral-Field Playoff

Both teams will meet again on November 16th for a neutral-field playoff game, and expectations are high. Despite Archbishop Curley’s victory earlier in the season, Pallotti’s consistent play and ability to execute on both sides of the ball could tilt the balance in this high-stakes rematch. With both teams having displayed dominance over common opponents, it’s anyone’s game as they prepare for this crucial postseason encounter.

The outcome of this matchup will not only determine who advances but also solidify each team’s legacy in Maryland high school football for the 2024-2025 season. Fans of both programs can expect a hard-fought contest, with everything on the line as both teams aim for championship glory.