The Big Walnut (Sunbury, OH) varsity football team will host Anderson (Cincinnati, OH) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets – Division II Final Four” tournament.

Big Walnut vs Anderson Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Big Walnut vs Anderson
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets – Division II Final Four
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Game preview: Big Walnut vs Anderson

The 2024-2025 football season has seen two impressive teams rise to the top: Anderson High School and Big Walnut High School. Both teams have showcased dominant performances on the field, with each squad earning strong records in their respective conferences. As the postseason heats up, these two teams, with their undefeated and near-perfect records, are set to collide in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. Let’s dive deeper into their rankings, statistics, and team strengths to understand why this game will be one to watch.

Team Records and Overall Performance

Anderson enters this matchup with an impeccable record of 14-0, finishing a perfect 9-0 in conference play. With a near-perfect performance in both home and away games (7-0 and 5-0, respectively), they have dominated across the board. The team’s scoring prowess is evident, putting up an average of 48.9 points per game while allowing just 128 total points over the course of the season. This reflects their well-rounded offensive and defensive game, showcasing both an explosive offense and a lockdown defense.

On the other side, Big Walnut boasts a 13-1 record, with a perfect 7-0 run in their conference. Although not undefeated like Anderson, Big Walnut has been a force to reckon with, especially in their home games, where they recorded a solid 6-1 record. Their offense, while slightly less explosive than Anderson’s, has still been highly efficient, scoring an average of 32.2 points per game. Defensively, they’ve allowed 217 points across the season, which gives them room for improvement but still demonstrates a strong defensive unit.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Comparisons

Anderson has been a powerhouse when it comes to scoring, averaging 17.4 points in the first quarter alone, and following that up with strong second-quarter performances (20.3 points). They score at a consistent pace throughout the game, adding 5.6 points in both the third and fourth quarters. This offensive consistency is a testament to their balanced attack, capable of controlling the game at any time.

Big Walnut, while not as explosive as Anderson in the early stages of games, has still shown their ability to score effectively, averaging 6.0 points in the first quarter and maintaining a solid 9.0 points per game in the second quarter. Their scoring picks up slightly in the third and fourth quarters, averaging 6.9 and 6.6 points, respectively, showing that they can step up when the game is on the line.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing overall team stats, Anderson has a clear edge in total offensive production, averaging a massive 462.8 total yards per game. This is a reflection of their high-powered offense, led by the passing and rushing game. The team’s rushing attack is led by Durrell Turner, who averages 84.8 yards per game, while Justice Burnam leads the passing game with 266.1 yards per game. The receiving corps is just as impressive, with Trace Jallick averaging 127.7 yards per game.

Big Walnut’s offense, on the other hand, has been more balanced but not quite as dominant. With a solid 310.4 passing yards per game, they are a threat in the air, but they haven’t quite matched Anderson’s ability to rack up yards on the ground or overall offense. Justice Burnam’s total offensive output of 313.0 yards per game is impressive, but the team’s rushing game is not as potent as Anderson’s, and this may be a crucial difference in a game where both teams will likely need to capitalize on every possession.

Defensive Strengths

On defense, Anderson has shown the ability to shut down opponents, averaging 54.7 tackles per game and 3.6 sacks per game. Their strong defensive line, anchored by Alex Stanyard, has been able to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays consistently. They have allowed only 128 points across 14 games, a testament to their formidable defense.

Big Walnut’s defense has been effective, though not as dominant statistically. They average 54.7 tackles per game (matching Anderson’s totals), but their sack numbers are slightly lower, with the team averaging just 3.6 sacks per game. While they’ve allowed 217 points over the season, their defense has still been a key factor in their success, and they will need to tighten up when facing a team as explosive as Anderson.

Record Breakdown: Home, Away, and Playoff Performances

Anderson’s dominance has been evident both at home (7-0) and on the road (5-0), and they have also proven themselves in playoff situations, with a perfect 4-0 record. Their ability to perform on both sides of the ball, whether at home or away, gives them a significant advantage heading into any high-stakes matchups.

Big Walnut has also been strong in most areas, especially when playing at home (6-1). Their overall playoff record (4-0) shows their readiness for the pressure of postseason play. With a tough road ahead, they will need to draw on their experience and the strength of their defense to compete against a team as strong as Anderson.

Conclusion

As the postseason progresses, both Anderson and Big Walnut are among the top teams in the state, and their upcoming matchup promises to be one of the season’s most exciting. Anderson’s high-powered offense and airtight defense make them the team to beat, but Big Walnut’s well-rounded attack and solid defense could provide the perfect challenge. Fans can expect an intense game filled with big plays, strategic coaching, and playoff-caliber performances from both teams.