The Blair (Silver Spring, MD) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Bethesda-Chevy Chase (Bethesda, MD) today at 6:30 p.m.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Blair (MD) vs Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD)
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Bethesda-Chevy Chase vs. Blair: A Playoff Showdown in Maryland High School Football

As the Maryland high school football season approaches its final stretch, two teams are set to clash in a highly anticipated playoff matchup: Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC) and Blair. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and with a playoff spot on the line, this game promises to deliver an exciting contest filled with top-tier football action.

Team Overview:

• Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC):
  With an overall record of 7-3, B-CC enters the playoffs with a solid mix of offensive and defensive strategies. The team has averaged 26.2 points per game, relying heavily on their rushing game, which averages a robust 216.3 yards per game. Quarterback Danny Hahn has been instrumental, throwing for 60.3 yards per game. Defensively, B-CC is known for its tackles, averaging 48.9 per game.
• Blair:
  Blair enters the postseason with an 8-3 record, outperforming B-CC in terms of win percentage. With an average of 28.5 points per game, Blair boasts a potent offensive lineup. Junior Rodriguez has been a standout, rushing for 105 yards per game and accounting for 131 total yards per game. Defensively, Blair has a much smaller presence, with just 3.5 tackles per game, which could be a potential weak spot in their playoff run.

Previous Meeting:

Blair emerged victorious in their last matchup with B-CC, winning 24-17 on October 18. This game saw Blair dominating in the second quarter, scoring 12 unanswered points, and B-CC unable to recover. B-CC did manage a late rally in the fourth quarter, but Blair’s early dominance proved decisive.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown:

• Bethesda-Chevy Chase:
  • Offensive Strength: B-CC’s offense is led by their powerful rushing game, primarily driven by running back Gabe Eisler, who has averaged 78.2 rushing yards per game. Their total offense stands at 276.6 yards per game, including 60.3 passing yards per game.
  • Defensive Strength: On defense, B-CC has been tough, with linebacker John Dale leading the team with 6.2 tackles per game. However, they have struggled in pass defense, which could be a point of vulnerability against Blair’s passing game.
• Blair:
  • Offensive Strength: Blair’s offensive attack is spearheaded by Junior Rodriguez, who leads the team with 105 rushing yards per game and an impressive 131 total yards per game. The team averages 276.6 total yards per game, with a balanced distribution between rushing and passing.
  • Defensive Weakness: Defensively, Blair struggles with consistency. They only average 3.5 tackles per game, and their ability to stop the run could be a critical factor against B-CC’s powerful ground game.

Head-to-Head Stat Comparison:

• Rushing Yards: B-CC has a clear advantage here, averaging 216.3 yards per game compared to Blair’s modest 12.5 yards per game.
• Passing Yards: B-CC also leads in this category with 60.3 yards per game over Blair’s 8.1 yards per game.
• Points Per Game: While B-CC scores 26.2 points per game, Blair edges them out with an average of 28.5 points per game, thanks to their strong rushing attack and well-rounded offense.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced a common set of opponents during the regular season, and while both have shown strength, B-CC holds a 4-1 record against common opponents, while Blair is 3-1. This highlights B-CC’s ability to perform well against a competitive field. However, Blair’s head-to-head victory over B-CC earlier this season may give them a mental edge going into the playoff matchup.

Key Players to Watch:

• Bethesda-Chevy Chase:
  • Gabe Eisler (RB): As the leader of the rushing attack, Eisler will need to put up big numbers to keep Blair’s defense on its heels.
  • Danny Hahn (QB): With his passing game, Hahn could take advantage of any holes in Blair’s defense.
  • John Dale (LB): His performance in the tackle game could be pivotal in shutting down Blair’s offense.
• Blair:
  • Junior Rodriguez (RB): The standout player for Blair, Rodriguez’s ability to control the game with his rushing skills will be critical.
  • Dylan Rinaldi (QB): Though Blair’s passing game has been inconsistent, Rinaldi will be a key player in keeping B-CC’s defense honest.
  • Miles Hassell (WR): He may prove to be an important outlet for Blair’s passing attack, especially if Rodriguez is contained.

Prediction:

This playoff clash will likely come down to two key factors: B-CC’s dominant rushing attack versus Blair’s well-balanced offense. While Blair has shown they can contain B-CC in the past, the team’s struggles on defense may prove to be their downfall in a playoff environment. Expect a hard-fought game, but with B-CC’s superior rushing game and defensive capabilities, they have a slight edge heading into this crucial matchup.

Both teams have a lot at stake, and fans can expect an exciting game that could come down to the wire.