The Atholton High School varsity football team (Columbia, MD) will play a home playoff game against Oakland Mills (Columbia, MD) today at 6:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 3A tournament.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Atholton (LA) vs Oakland Mills (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Oakland Mills High School
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Oakland Mills vs. Atholton: A Rivalry to Remember

As the high school football season comes to an exciting close, the fierce rivalry between Oakland Mills and Atholton is back in the spotlight. Both teams from Columbia, Maryland, are preparing for their much-anticipated playoff game, where stakes are high, and emotions run even higher.

Season Overview:

Oakland Mills enters the matchup with an impressive 10-1 overall record. The team has dominated their region, finishing with a 7-1 regional record and an unbeaten 6-0 mark in away games. This strong season includes a whopping 394 points scored compared to just 100 points allowed, showcasing both their high-powered offense and stifling defense.

In contrast, Atholton holds a 9-2 record, with a 7-1 region performance. While they’ve been solid across the board, including a perfect 3-0 record in neutral-site games, they have faced more challenges at home (5-2). With 262 points scored and 132 points allowed, they boast a formidable squad but will need to step up to match Oakland Mills’ impressive performance.

Previous Meeting:

The last time these two teams met was on October 10, when Atholton triumphed with a 27-20 victory over Oakland Mills. This recent win gives Atholton a psychological edge as they approach this high-stakes playoff matchup.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Oakland Mills has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 35.8 points per game. They excel in the first half, particularly during the second quarter, where they score 12.8 points. However, their second-half scoring drops significantly to just 16.0 points combined in the third and fourth quarters.
• Atholton, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency on offense, particularly in the second and third quarters, where they score just 3.4 and 4.9 points, respectively. Despite these struggles, they manage to hold on with strong defense, finishing the season with an average of 23.8 points per game.

Key Players to Watch:

For Oakland Mills, Tyler Bell is a standout. The quarterback leads the team with 114.3 passing yards per game and has been instrumental in driving the offense. Lawson Mungo, with 105.5 rushing yards per game, has also been a key offensive weapon. On defense, linebacker Kendrick Proctor stands out with 6 tackles per game, making him a force on the field.

For Atholton, standout performers like Tyler Bell (no relation to Oakland Mills’ quarterback) have helped lead the offense with 51.1 passing yards per game, and Ja’Varr Stewart leads the offensive line with 6 pancake blocks. On defense, Ian Pope Jr. has contributed significantly with 0.4 sacks per game.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season. Oakland Mills has a perfect 3-0 record against these teams, while Atholton is 4-0. Some key matchups include:

• Long Reach: Oakland Mills defeated Long Reach 45-0, while Atholton won 27-0.
• Centennial: Oakland Mills triumphed 44-6, while Atholton won 2-0 in a forfeit.
• Mt. Hebron: Oakland Mills shut out Mt. Hebron 48-0, and Atholton cruised to a 49-7 victory.

These results suggest that both teams are more than capable of dominating their competition, but when they face off, the rivalry always brings something unexpected.

Playoff Implications:

Oakland Mills enters the playoffs as the top-seeded team, thanks to their stellar 10-1 record and dominant regional performance. Atholton, with a 9-2 record, will have to prove themselves once again in a playoff setting. With the playoff intensity already building, their previous victory over Oakland Mills provides valuable momentum as they prepare for a rematch.

The outcome of this game will determine who advances to the next round of the playoffs, with both teams showing their potential to make a deep postseason run. With Oakland Mills having an undefeated record in away games and Atholton displaying a strong track record at home, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.

Final Thoughts:

The rivalry between Oakland Mills and Atholton is always intense, but this playoff matchup will take things to a new level. With high stakes on the line, both teams will bring their best to the field. Oakland Mills has the offensive firepower, but Atholton is resilient and has already proven they can compete at a high level. Fans can expect a fierce contest with playoff implications hanging in the balance.