The Burncoat (Worcester, MA) varsity football team will host a non-conference game against Oxford (MA) today at 12 p.m.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Burncoat (MA) vs Oxford (MA)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Oxford vs. Burncoat: A Comparative Breakdown of the 2024-2025 Football Seasons

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two teams with contrasting records and styles of play are making a significant impact: Oxford and Burncoat. Both teams have had strong seasons so far, yet their paths to success have been shaped by very different circumstances. This article will compare and contrast their performances in terms of overall records, team stats, scoring averages, and key players to give a clearer picture of their strengths and weaknesses.

Oxford (24-25) Season Overview

Record: 5-4 overall, 0-3 in league play
Points For (PF): 161
Points Against (PA): 248
Oxford’s season has been a mixed bag. With a .556 win percentage overall and a winless record in league play (0-3), the team has struggled to make a significant impact in its conference. Despite a solid performance at home (3-1), their away record (2-3) has been a major source of disappointment. The team’s total yards per game stands at 265.1, with notable contributions from key players like Marcus Dascelin, who leads the team with 98.8 rushing yards per game. However, Oxford’s offense has been relatively inconsistent, averaging only 17.9 points per game.

In terms of individual performances, Dascelin stands out, ranking #2 in rushing yards per game (98.8) and #2 in points per game (12.0). His ability to carry the offense is a key factor in Oxford’s victories. Quarterback Mario Marrero has contributed with 61.3 passing yards per game, while receiver Calvin Njenga adds 30 receiving yards per game.

Burncoat (24-25) Season Overview

Record: 7-2 overall, 1-0 in league play
Points For (PF): 316
Points Against (PA): 175
Burncoat has had a much stronger showing this season, boasting a 7-2 overall record, including a perfect 5-0 in non-league play. The team’s offensive production has been impressive, averaging 35.1 points per game, more than double Oxford’s output. Burncoat’s success has been driven by a potent offense and solid performances on both sides of the ball. Their total yards per game (316) surpass Oxford’s by a considerable margin, with a strong rushing game that averages 184.2 yards per contest.

Leading the charge for Burncoat are key players like Dj Daniels, who has amassed 110.6 total yards per game, and Marcus Dascelin (not to be confused with Oxford’s own Dascelin), who is also a top performer in rushing yards. Quarterback Mario Marrero, while not putting up as many passing yards as some other quarterbacks in the league, has been efficient, adding 51.5 passing yards per game. Burncoat’s defense is also notable, with players like Doodly Pierre contributing 2.7 tackles per game and 0.2 sacks per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, providing an opportunity to compare how they fared against similar competition.

• Oxford defeated Abby Kelley Foster 28-22 and Bartlett 34-24, showcasing their ability to win in close games.
• Burncoat also handled Abby Kelley Foster and Bartlett, but with larger margins of victory—41-6 and 28-22, respectively.

While both teams have a 2-0 record against common opponents, Burncoat’s dominance in those wins—particularly the 41-6 victory over Abby Kelley Foster—illustrates their more explosive offense and defensive capabilities.

Scoring Trends

Looking at scoring averages by quarter, the differences in offensive consistency become apparent:

• Oxford averages just 1.9 points in the first quarter, but they manage to ramp up their performance as the game goes on, finishing with an average of 17.9 points per game.
• Burncoat, on the other hand, is consistently strong throughout the game, with their scoring steadily increasing from 9.6 points in the first quarter to 10.0 in the second, and maintaining an average of 35.1 points per game overall.

Key Player Matchup

Both teams feature standout players who are crucial to their success.

• Oxford’s Marcus Dascelin has been a force in both the rushing and scoring departments, leading the team with nearly 100 yards per game and 12 points per game.
• Burncoat’s Dj Daniels has also been instrumental, leading the team in total yards and contributing to the team’s potent offensive attack. He is a key player to watch in their high-scoring games.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 season has shown two teams on distinct paths: Oxford, with a solid but inconsistent season, and Burncoat, who has put together a more formidable and explosive campaign. Oxford’s struggles in league play and lower scoring averages indicate a need for more balanced and consistent play, while Burncoat’s perfect record in non-league games and powerful offense put them in a favorable position heading into the rest of the season.

As the season continues, the key to Oxford’s success will be finding ways to match Burncoat’s offensive firepower while tightening up their defense. Burncoat, with their efficient offense and solid defense, will look to continue their dominance as they head toward the postseason.