The Duxbury (MA) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. Canton (MA) today at 7 pm.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Duxbury (MA) vs. Canton (MA)
When: Friday, November 15
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Canton vs. Duxbury: High Stakes Playoff Clash

The stage is set for a thrilling matchup in the 2024 MIAA Football State Championship Division 4 tournament as Canton travels to face the top-seeded Duxbury at Duxbury High School this evening at 7:00 PM. The game promises to be a pivotal clash between two teams with differing seasons and styles of play.

Team Overview

Canton (6-3) enters the playoffs with a strong record, finishing their regular season with a 6-3 mark, including a 2-2 league record. The Bulldogs have shown resilience, winning 3 of their 5 games on the road, but their overall performance has been a bit inconsistent with a 66.7% win rate. Canton has scored 248 points this season while allowing 190, showcasing their ability to put up numbers, especially in key moments. Their scoring breakdown across four quarters is notable, with a particularly strong second quarter (21 points on average), though they have been prone to scoring droughts in the first and fourth quarters.

Duxbury (8-1), on the other hand, enters the game as the favorite, sitting at 8-1 on the season and having dominated their league with a perfect 4-0 record. The Dragons have been nothing short of impressive, with a staggering 88.9% win rate and a rock-solid defense that has allowed just 100 points all season. Duxbury has been a juggernaut at home, boasting a 5-0 record on their turf. Their scoring average is slightly higher than Canton’s, at 28.4 points per game, with a well-balanced attack that has been productive in the first quarter (13 points per game) but less potent in the later stages. Duxbury’s defense will likely be a key factor, as they have shown the ability to stifle opponents and control the pace of the game.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

Canton’s ability to rack up points, especially in the second quarter, will be put to the test against Duxbury’s dominant defense. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to break through the Dragons’ defense, which has been one of the most stingy in the state. If Canton can continue to put up big numbers in the middle of the game, they’ll have a chance to make things competitive.

Duxbury’s offense, meanwhile, will look to take advantage of Canton’s defensive lapses. The Dragons have been consistent in putting up points, especially in the first half. They will need to maintain their rhythm throughout all four quarters, as Canton has shown the ability to score in bursts, particularly after halftime.

What to Watch For

• Canton’s Big Play Potential: While Duxbury is a well-rounded team, Canton’s offense has the ability to create explosive plays that could shift momentum in their favor. Watch for big gains through the air or on the ground, especially as they enter the second quarter.
• Duxbury’s Defensive Dominance: Can Duxbury continue to stifle their opponents as they have all season? Their defense has been formidable, but Canton presents a unique challenge with their ability to score quickly and often. Duxbury will need to play disciplined football and avoid giving up big plays.
• Coaching Strategies: Both teams have seasoned coaches who know how to manage the pressure of playoff football. Expect strategic adjustments and a strong emphasis on controlling the tempo of the game.

Conclusion

As these two teams prepare for a battle under the Friday night lights, all eyes will be on whether Canton can pull off an upset or if Duxbury will continue their dominant march towards the state title. The game promises plenty of excitement, with playoff intensity and a chance for one team to make a statement on the road to a championship. Be sure to follow the action closely—this is one game you won’t want to miss!

For live updates, make sure to check in with Canton’s Live Reporter and Duxbury’s Live Reporter as they provide real-time game insights and stats.