The Ashland Arrows (12-0, OH) will face the Big Walnut Golden Eagles (11-1, Sunbury, 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 7.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Ashland vs Big Walnut
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 7
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Game preview: Ashland vs Big Walnut
The high school football landscape in Ohio this season has been shaped by two exceptional teams: Big Walnut and Ashland. Both teams have displayed tremendous skill and impressive records, making them strong contenders in their respective divisions. Here’s a breakdown of their rankings, records, and key statistics that have defined their successful seasons.
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (24-25)
Big Walnut has been a powerhouse throughout the season with an overall record of 11-1. Their conference performance has been impeccable, finishing the regular season with a 7-0 conference record, meaning they went undefeated in league play. Their overall winning percentage of .917 is a testament to their consistent dominance both at home and on the road. With a total of 409 points scored and 200 points allowed, Big Walnut has averaged 34.1 points per game, with their most productive quarter being the second, where they score an average of 9.3 points.
Home vs. Away Performance:
- Home Record: 6-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Record: 0-0 (no games played on neutral sites)
The Golden Eagles have shown they can perform under pressure, particularly in away games, where they remain undefeated.
Ashland Arrows (24-25)
Ashland has proven to be even more dominant this season, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. The Arrows are one of the few teams in Ohio with a perfect season so far, and they managed to do so while maintaining a stronghold on their conference, finishing with a 6-0 conference record. Their overall winning percentage stands at 1.000, a flawless record that reflects their offensive and defensive capabilities. Ashland has scored 430 points and allowed 197 points, averaging 35.8 points per game, slightly more than Big Walnut.
Home vs. Away Performance:
- Home Record: 7-0
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
Ashland has been particularly strong in away games, with a perfect record on their home turf and an impressive showing on the road as well.
Head-to-Head & Common Opponents
While Big Walnut and Ashland have not yet faced off this season, they have shared some common opponents. However, neither team has played each other directly in the regular season or postseason, leaving their comparative strength yet to be determined in a head-to-head matchup.
Scoring Breakdown:
Both teams have been offensively prolific, but their scoring patterns reveal some differences. Big Walnut has scored an average of 34.1 points per game, with 6.6 points in the first quarter, rising to 9.3 points in the second. Their scoring dips slightly in the third and fourth quarters but remains consistent.
On the other hand, Ashland has averaged 35.8 points per game, with a particularly strong showing in the second quarter (9.7 points), and their offensive output is also distributed evenly throughout the game, except for the final quarter, where they score an average of 6.9 points.
Playoff Performance:
In the postseason, both teams have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. Big Walnut’s record in state playoff games stands at 2-0, while Ashland has been flawless with a 2-0 record as well. Both teams are favorites to make a deep run in the playoffs, with Ashland’s perfect record making them a particularly formidable opponent.
Conclusion:
Both Big Walnut and Ashland have established themselves as elite teams in Ohio football, boasting incredible regular-season records and high-scoring offenses. With Ashland’s perfect season and Big Walnut’s strong overall performance, the two teams are likely to be key contenders in their divisions for years to come. The upcoming playoffs will determine whether these two football powerhouses will meet on the field, offering fans an exciting conclusion to a highly competitive season.
