The Atholton varsity football team (Columbia, MD) will host Marriotts Ridge (Marriottsville, MD) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 PM.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Atholton (MD) vs Marriotts Ridge (MD)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Marriotts Ridge vs. Atholton: A Thrilling Playoff Showdown

The upcoming football game between Marriotts Ridge and Atholton is shaping up to be an exciting clash, as both teams boast impressive records this season. With Marriotts Ridge traveling to Atholton for a playoff matchup on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m., the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both teams’ performances and how they match up ahead of this pivotal contest.

Season Records and Key Stats

Both Marriotts Ridge and Atholton have posted 8-2 overall records, showing strong performances throughout the season. Marriotts Ridge has a solid regional record of 6-2, while Atholton’s regional performance is even more dominant at 7-1. Both teams have been formidable on their home fields, with Marriotts Ridge going 5-1 at home, and Atholton excelling with a 4-2 home record.

In terms of offensive production, Atholton holds a slight edge in scoring, averaging 24.2 points per game compared to Marriotts Ridge’s 20.3. However, Marriotts Ridge has demonstrated a more consistent ability to control the game, particularly in rushing yards, where they average 30.6 yards per game. Meanwhile, Atholton’s rushing attack has been potent as well, with an impressive 144.3 yards per game.

Previous Meeting: Atholton Edges Marriotts Ridge

The last meeting between these two teams was a thrilling matchup on October 31, where Atholton narrowly defeated Marriotts Ridge 27-26. This close contest showcased both teams’ tenacity and set the stage for their upcoming playoff showdown. Both teams have proven their ability to perform under pressure, and with the season on the line, the second meeting promises to be just as dramatic.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing individual statistics, several key players stand out. For Marriotts Ridge, running back Ashton Clark has been the focal point of the offense, amassing 306 rushing yards per game. Atholton’s offense has been led by quarterback Tyler Bell, who has been a dual-threat with 121.2 passing yards per game, contributing significantly to the team’s total of 154 yards per game.

Defensively, both teams have standout players. Marriotts Ridge’s Kendrick Proctor leads the team with 6 tackles per game, while Atholton’s Bryce Inabinet adds to their defensive prowess with 0.4 sacks per game. As the game inches closer, it’s clear that both teams are well-balanced in both offense and defense, making this a true matchup of equals.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a perfect record against their common opponents this season, each posting 4-0 records against teams like Mt. Hebron, Wilde Lake, and River Hill. This further emphasizes the high level of competition both teams have faced, setting the stage for a closely contested playoff game.

Key Factors for the Upcoming Game

• Marriotts Ridge’s Rushing Game: With Clark’s dominance in the running game, Marriotts Ridge will look to control the clock and wear down the Atholton defense. If they can establish the run early, it could be a key factor in their success.
• Atholton’s Balanced Attack: Led by Bell and a strong rushing game, Atholton has shown the ability to adjust to different situations. Their versatility in both passing and rushing will be crucial in breaking down Marriotts Ridge’s defense.
• Playoff Experience: With both teams having shown resilience in close games, experience in high-pressure situations could play a major role. Atholton, who has had a stronger regional record, might have the edge in handling the intensity of playoff football.

Conclusion

With both teams boasting similar overall records and strengths, this playoff game is too close to call. The previous matchup was a nail-biter, and this rematch promises to be no different. Fans of both schools will be treated to a battle of strategy, power, and grit, with the winner advancing further in the Maryland state playoffs.

As Marriotts Ridge looks to avenge their narrow loss to Atholton, expect a hard-fought game that could come down to the last possession. With kickoff set for Friday, November 15, the question remains: who will emerge victorious and take the next step toward a state championship? All will be revealed under the lights of this thrilling playoff showdown.