The Box Elder (MT) varsity football team is set to play a neutral-site playoff game against Bridger (MT) today. This matchup is part of the “2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class C-6” tournament.

Box Elder vs Bridger Football Game Info:

What: Montana High School Football
Who: Box Elder vs Bridger
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class C-6
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Game preview: Box Elder vs Bridger

Montana high school football fans are in for a treat today as Bridger (11-1) and Box Elder (10-0) face off in a playoff showdown. With both teams enjoying remarkable seasons, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling battle of talent, strategy, and determination. The game kicks off at 1 p.m., with Bridger playing host.

Season Recap and Rankings

Box Elder enters the matchup undefeated, ranked 155th nationally and 4th in Montana. Their perfect 10-0 record reflects their dominance on both sides of the ball. Bridger, boasting an 11-1 record, ranks 194th nationally and 7th in the state. Their lone loss came in a non-conference game against Denton/Stanford/Geyser/Geraldine, a team Box Elder managed to outlast in a high-scoring 74-64 contest.

Both teams swept their respective regions, going 6-0, and share common victories over opponents like Big Sandy and Absarokee, showcasing their prowess against similar competition.

Key Statistics

Bridger and Box Elder are high-scoring teams, with Bridger averaging 60.7 points per game and Box Elder close behind at 55.7. Box Elder edges out in overall yardage, particularly through the air, with quarterback Tuarie Stiffarm-Rosette leading the way. He averages an astonishing 335.8 passing yards per game and 362.8 total yards, significantly outpacing the national average.

Bridger’s standout players include wide receiver Tracen Jilot, who contributes 126.2 receiving yards and 24.2 points per game, underscoring his role as a key playmaker. Box Elder, meanwhile, relies on a balanced attack, with contributions across multiple categories from players like Santana Wells Jr. and Ki-iW Windy Boy.

Team Strengths

• Bridger: Their offense thrives on quick starts, averaging 30 points in the first quarter. With a strong passing game and reliable home-field advantage, Bridger has dominated opponents at home with a 5-0 record.
• Box Elder: Consistency across all quarters has been their hallmark, with significant scoring averages in both the first (23 points) and second (21 points) quarters. Their ability to adapt in different game environments has helped them maintain an unbeaten streak.

Head-to-Head Comparison

This is the first meeting between Bridger and Box Elder this season, and it comes on the biggest stage. Both teams have proven themselves against common opponents, with Box Elder emerging slightly more dominant in those matchups. Bridger’s only blemish against a common opponent could provide motivation to prove their mettle against Box Elder.

What to Watch For

• Explosive Offenses: Expect an aerial showdown as both teams showcase high-powered offenses led by their quarterbacks and receivers.
• Defensive Stalwarts: While offense may grab headlines, defensive plays, especially from Box Elder’s Ki-iW Windy Boy (7.3 tackles per game), could be game-changing.
• Key Matchups: Bridger’s Tracen Jilot against Box Elder’s secondary will be a battle to watch, as will Box Elder’s offensive line against Bridger’s pass rush.

Final Thoughts

With Box Elder’s undefeated record on the line and Bridger’s home advantage, this game promises to be a closely contested thriller. Will Bridger’s home dominance hold, or will Box Elder continue their unblemished march through the playoffs? All eyes are on this Montana showdown to see which team punches their ticket to the next round.