The St. Mary’s varsity football team from Remsen, IA, is playing a neutral-site playoff game against Bishop Garrigan from Algona, IA, today at 10 a.m. This game is part of the “2024 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA – 8-Man” tournament.
Bishop Garrigan vs St. Mary’s Game Info:
What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Bishop Garrigan vs St. Mary’s
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.
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Game preview: Bishop Garrigan vs St. Mary’s
As the high school football season heats up, two undefeated titans in Iowa’s Class 1 rankings are set to face off in a much-anticipated match: Bishop Garrigan and St. Mary’s. With perfect records, high-scoring offenses, and dominant defenses, this game promises to be an intense battle for supremacy in the state and an exhilarating spectacle for fans.
Season Records and Rankings
Both teams come into the matchup boasting perfect 11-0 records, including 6-0 conference tallies, reflecting their dominance in their respective leagues. Nationally, St. Mary’s holds the upper hand in rankings, positioned at No. 11, compared to Bishop Garrigan’s No. 29. In Iowa’s Class 1, however, St. Mary’s is ranked first, and Bishop Garrigan is a close second. These rankings underscore the level of competition and set the stage for a highly competitive showdown.
| Team | National Ranking | Class Ranking | Record | Conference Record | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Garrigan | 29 | 2 | 11-0 | 6-0 | 581 | 162 |
| St. Mary’s | 11 | 1 | 11-0 | 6-0 | 543 | 102 |
Offensive and Defensive Averages
Bishop Garrigan’s offense has been a scoring powerhouse this season, averaging an impressive 52.8 points per game. St. Mary’s offense is similarly potent, averaging 49.4 points per game. Both teams have demonstrated explosive scoring ability, putting them neck-and-neck in terms of offensive firepower. Defensively, St. Mary’s has allowed only 102 points, showcasing a robust defense that has stifled opponents’ attempts to score. Bishop Garrigan’s defense has also been formidable, allowing only 162 points. With both teams so evenly matched, this clash may come down to which defense can make the crucial stops.
| Team | Average Points Scored | Average Points Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Garrigan | 52.8 | – |
| St. Mary’s | 49.4 | – |
Common Opponents Analysis
Analyzing their performance against common opponents offers further insight. Bishop Garrigan and St. Mary’s each secured multiple victories against common teams, including West Bend-Mallard, Siouxland Christian, and Harris-Lake Park. While both teams won decisively, Bishop Garrigan scored larger margins in some matchups, such as their 71-20 win over Siouxland Christian, compared to St. Mary’s 48-6 victory over the same team. These slight differences could hint at how each team might approach the upcoming game.
Common Opponents’ Results:
| Date | Bishop Garrigan | Result | Date | St. Mary’s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6/24 | West Bend-Mallard vs Bishop Garrigan | (W) 41-6 | 9/13/24 | West Bend-Mallard vs St. Mary’s | (W) 49-8 |
| 10/4/24 | Bishop Garrigan vs Siouxland Christian | (W) 71-20 | 9/6/24 | Siouxland Christian vs St. Mary’s | (W) 48-6 |
| 10/18/24 | Bishop Garrigan vs Harris-Lake Park | (W) 62-0 | 8/30/24 | St. Mary’s vs Harris-Lake Park | (W) 51-6 |
Playoff Success and Home/Away Records
Both teams have enjoyed perfect records in the playoffs, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations. Additionally, they have been equally successful at home and on the road, reflecting their consistent performance regardless of location.
| Team | Home | Away | Neutral | Playoff Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Garrigan | 5-0 | 4-0 | 2-0 | 3-0 |
| St. Mary’s | 5-0 | 4-0 | 2-0 | 3-0 |
Keys to the Game
With both teams displaying similar strengths, the game may hinge on a few crucial factors:
- Defensive Prowess: St. Mary’s has a slight edge in points allowed, suggesting that their defense might have a slight advantage. Whichever team’s defense can hold strong against explosive offenses could have the upper hand.
- Offensive Execution: Both teams score big, but minimizing turnovers and maximizing red-zone efficiency will be key to gaining an edge.
- Special Teams Play: In a game where every point matters, strong special teams play could make a significant difference in field position and scoring.
Prediction
With both teams bringing undefeated records, high-octane offenses, and tenacious defenses, this matchup is difficult to predict. However, the slightly lower points allowed by St. Mary’s and their No. 1 Class 1 ranking might give them the narrowest of edges. Expect this game to be a closely contested, high-energy battle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
This epic showdown will not only determine the leader in Iowa’s Class 1 but will also cement one team’s legacy as a true powerhouse in high school football.
