The Bangor (ME) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Portland (ME) on Friday, November 15.

What: Maine High School Football
Who: Bangor (ME) vs Portland (ME)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: Today
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Portland vs. Bangor: A Pre-Playoff Showdown

The upcoming neutral playoff game between Portland and Bangor on Friday, November 15, promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams heading into the contest with different paths to the postseason. This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season, with Portland dominating the first encounter with a resounding 35-7 victory on October 11.

Team Overview

Portland comes into the game with an 8-2 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in regional play. Their success has been built on a potent offense that averages 391.1 total yards per game, including 244.2 rushing yards, which has been the cornerstone of their attack. Quarterback Louis Thurston has been the team’s offensive leader, posting 79.4 rushing yards per game and 122.9 passing yards per game, contributing a total of 202.3 yards per game. On defense, Portland is equally strong, with 49.8 tackles per game and an average of 1.5 sacks per game. They have demonstrated a balanced and dominant performance across the field, scoring 31.3 points per game.

Bangor, on the other hand, has struggled through a .500 season, sitting at 5-5 overall, with a 2-3 regional record. They have shown glimpses of success, including a win over Oxford Hills/Buckfield on November 1 and a solid victory over Lewiston. However, their offensive numbers tell a different story, with the team averaging just 196 points for the season and struggling to generate consistent offense. Their rushing, passing, and receiving game have been inconsistent, with no player posting standout statistics like Portland’s Louis Thurston. Defensively, Bangor averages 2.7 tackles per game and 0.2 sacks per game, showing they’ve been somewhat less effective in keeping opponents at bay. They score only 19.6 points per game, a stark contrast to Portland’s high-scoring attack.

Key Players

Portland’s Star Player

• Louis Thurston (Portland): The heart and soul of Portland’s offense, Thurston has been stellar this season, leading the team in rushing (79.4 yards per game) and passing (122.9 yards per game). His versatility has been a game-changer, and his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will be crucial in the upcoming game.

Bangor’s Player to Watch

• Cordell Jones (Bangor): While Bangor has had challenges offensively, Cordell Jones has been their most productive player, averaging 38.7 receiving yards per game. His ability to make big plays could be a game-changer if Bangor hopes to keep pace with Portland.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In their last meeting, Portland completely dominated Bangor, winning 35-7. The scoreline highlighted Portland’s offensive firepower and defensive prowess, as Bangor struggled to keep up on both sides of the ball. Given the difference in scoring averages (Portland’s 31.3 points per game compared to Bangor’s 19.6), it seems unlikely that Bangor will be able to close the gap without a drastic improvement in their play.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced several common opponents throughout the season. Portland finished with a perfect 7-0 record against these teams, showcasing their ability to handle diverse challenges. Bangor, however, posted a 3-4 record against the same opponents, underscoring their inconsistency. Notably, Portland defeated teams like Windham (42-14), Lewiston (56-0), and Thornton Academy (14-7) in commanding fashion. Bangor, on the other hand, lost to Windham (34-18), Lewiston (10-7), and Thornton Academy (42-0), indicating the disparity between the two teams.

Playoff Preview

Portland enters the game as the clear favorite, given their strong record, balanced offense, and solid defense. Bangor will need a near-perfect game to upset Portland, with their key players needing to step up and make big plays. The matchup will be decided by Portland’s ability to control the game through their potent rushing attack and defensive strength, while Bangor will have to find ways to exploit weaknesses in Portland’s defense, possibly through the air with Cordell Jones.

Portland’s strength in regional play and their dominating head-to-head record (7-0 against common opponents) suggests that they are ready for this playoff battle. Bangor, although resilient at times, will need to overcome their inconsistent performances and rise to the occasion to compete effectively with the well-rounded Portland squad.

Final Thoughts

With the playoff implications on the line, the game between Portland and Bangor on Friday is expected to be a thrilling encounter. Portland has shown throughout the season that they are one of the top teams in the region, while Bangor will be looking to bounce back and make a statement. This contest is not only a chance for Portland to extend their dominance but also for Bangor to prove they can compete with the best.

If Portland plays to their potential, it’s hard to see how Bangor can keep up. However, playoff games often bring unexpected performances, and Bangor will be hoping to deliver just that.