The Byron Center (MI) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Portage Central (Portage, MI) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Byron Center (MI) vs Portage Central (MI)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Portage Central vs. Byron Center: A Head-to-Head Comparison of the 2024-2025 Football Seasons

As the 2024-2025 Michigan high school football season progresses, two teams stand out in the state rankings: Portage Central and Byron Center. With impressive records, both teams have made their mark this season, showing strong performances across the board. Here’s a deeper look at the teams, their statistics, and what sets them apart as they head into the heart of their respective seasons.

Portage Central (24-25) Overview

Portage Central has had a solid season with a record of 8-3 overall, boasting a .727 win percentage. In league play, they have excelled with a 3-1 record and a .750 league win percentage. On their home turf, the team has a respectable 4-2 record, while they’ve been slightly stronger on the road with a 4-1 away record.

In terms of scoring, Portage Central has averaged 21.0 points per game. Their scoring distribution by quarter shows their performance varies through the game: they average 5.1 points in the first quarter, 3.0 points in the second quarter, 6.5 points in the third, and 2.6 points in the fourth quarter. Despite a few slow spots in the second half, Portage Central has been able to put up solid numbers overall.

Byron Center (24-25) Overview

Byron Center, on the other hand, has been a powerhouse this season, posting a record of 10-1 and a stellar .909 win percentage. Their 4-1 league record and .800 league win percentage show their dominance in conference play, while they remain perfect at home with a 5-0 record. On the road, they are still very strong with a 5-1 record, making them a tough opponent wherever they play.

Byron Center’s offensive firepower is evident with an average of 38.6 points per game. Their scoring distribution is far more robust compared to Portage Central, with 9.4 points in the first quarter, a huge surge in the second quarter with 15.6 points, and steady performances in the second half with 6.8 points in the third and 6.6 points in the fourth.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, and each team has had a dominant showing against them. Portage Central faced Byron Center’s common opponent, Central, on September 20, 2024, where they triumphed 38-6 at home. Byron Center also faced Central on August 29, 2024, and won by a similar margin, 42-6, at home. Both teams clearly have the ability to defeat tough opponents, but Byron Center has had a more explosive offensive performance.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the breakdown of their records:

• Portage Central has a 3-1 record in league play and 4-2 in home games.
• Byron Center, however, holds a perfect 5-0 record at home and an impressive 4-1 record in league play.

Both teams are undefeated in their respective playoff games, with Portage Central going 2-0 and Byron Center also 2-0, showing their resilience in high-pressure games.

Conclusion: Which Team Is Stronger?

When comparing the two teams, Byron Center clearly comes out on top with a better overall win percentage and higher scoring average. They’ve been more dominant on offense, particularly in the second quarter, where they consistently outpace their opponents. However, Portage Central has proven itself as a capable and resilient team, especially on the road and in league play. Both teams have shown they can handle common opponents with ease.

As the season moves forward, Byron Center will likely be the favorite in their head-to-head matchups, but Portage Central’s balanced performance should not be underestimated. The true test will come when these two teams face off on the field, as each has the potential to make a deep playoff run.