The Boonsboro (MD) varsity football team will host Northern Garrett (Accident, MD) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 1A” tournament.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Boonsboro (LA) vs Northern Garrett (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 1A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Northern Garrett vs. Boonsboro: A Season-Ending Showdown

As the football season draws to a close, a head-to-head clash between Northern Garrett and Boonsboro is setting the stage for a thrilling matchup. Both teams have proven themselves over the course of the season, but they bring very different records, statistics, and styles to the field. Let’s break down their performances and what to expect when these two teams face off.

Team Records and Rankings

Northern Garrett enters the game with an overall record of 6-5, placing them 111th in the state rankings. They’ve had a mixed performance within their region, with a 1-3 record, but have shown resilience with a 3-2 record in non-region play. The team’s overall performance has been solid, though they struggle in the second half, often failing to maintain the momentum they build early on.

In contrast, Boonsboro has had a stellar season, holding a 10-1 record and ranked 47th in the state. Their region play has been flawless, finishing 3-0. Their consistency is reflected not just in their record but also in their scoring, with impressive wins in both home and away games. Their only loss came early in the season, but they’ve bounced back strong.

Scoring and Offensive Breakdown

Looking at the scoring averages, Northern Garrett averages 29.6 points per game across four quarters, with a notable spike in the first quarter (12.3 PPG) followed by a significant dip in the second quarter (3.9 PPG). Their offense generally picks up again in the third quarter but struggles to finish strong, especially in the final quarter where they score just 4.6 points.

On the other hand, Boonsboro outperforms Northern Garrett in scoring, with an average of 33.1 points per game. They have a more consistent offensive spread across the four quarters, with their second quarter (8.8 PPG) being their most productive. While their third and fourth quarters show slight drops in scoring, Boonsboro’s balanced offense allows them to put up big numbers on the scoreboard.

Offensive Efficiency and Key Players

Northern Garrett’s offense is led by Luke Ross, who has been a dominant force in rushing, passing, and receiving. He leads the team with 64.5 rushing yards per game, 51.6 passing yards per game, and 20.2 receiving yards per game, making him the team’s top performer with 84.7 total yards per game. Ross is a player to watch, as his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game could be key to Northern Garrett’s success.

Meanwhile, Boonsboro’s offense doesn’t feature individual players in the same way, with no standout statistical leaders like Ross, but their overall offensive strategy has proven effective. Boonsboro has been able to execute their game plan efficiently, relying on a more balanced and diverse approach that doesn’t depend solely on one player.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, Northern Garrett has averaged 50.4 tackles per game, with Nick Riley leading the charge with 9.1 tackles per game. The team’s defensive efforts have been crucial in their games, though they’ll need to tighten up in the second half, where they tend to allow more scoring opportunities for opponents.

Boonsboro also brings a solid defense, averaging 28.6 points allowed per game. They have a more well-rounded defense, with consistent pressure applied across the field. Despite not having standout individual sack leaders, their ability to limit the opposition’s offensive plays has been a cornerstone of their successful season.

Home and Away Performance

One significant factor in this matchup is the teams’ home and away records. Northern Garrett has a balanced home record of 3-2, but they struggle when on the road, with a 3-3 away record. Boonsboro, however, has been a juggernaut on the road, finishing their season with an unbeaten 5-0 record away from home. This dominance on the road could give Boonsboro the upper hand as they enter hostile territory.

Playoff Experience

Both teams have playoff experience, but Boonsboro comes into the game with a 2-0 playoff record, further bolstering their momentum. In contrast, Northern Garrett is still fighting for postseason success, having secured just one win in their two playoff games.

Final Thoughts

This game promises to be an exciting matchup with contrasting styles. Northern Garrett will need to find a way to capitalize on their early-game momentum and shore up their late-game performance. Meanwhile, Boonsboro will look to continue their strong offensive rhythm and defensive consistency, both of which have propelled them to an impressive season.

With Boonsboro’s high-powered offense, perfect region record, and undefeated road performance, they appear to be the favorites. However, if Northern Garrett can find a way to perform consistently across all four quarters, especially in the second half, they may just have the tools to pull off an upset. The stage is set for what could be a thrilling conclusion to the season.