The Catholic Memorial varsity football team (West Roxbury, MA) will host Bridgewater-Raynham (Bridgewater, MA) for a playoff game today at 1:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 MIAA Football State Championship – Division 2 tournament.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Catholic Memorial (MA) vs Bridgewater-Raynham (MA)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 MIAA Football State Championship – Division 2
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Bridgewater-Raynham vs. Catholic Memorial: A Clash of Strong Football Programs

As the high school football season heats up, two powerhouse teams from Massachusetts, Bridgewater-Raynham and Catholic Memorial, are making their mark. Both teams boast impressive records, but when comparing their performances, styles, and statistical leaders, it becomes clear that this matchup will be one to watch.

Team Overview: Records and Rankings

• Bridgewater-Raynham (24-25) has a solid overall record of 6-3, including a perfect 1-0 mark in league play. Their performance has been strong at home, where they hold a 4-1 record, but they have faced some challenges on the road with a 2-2 away record. With 280 points scored and 164 points allowed, their average of 31.1 points per game shows their offensive prowess.
• Catholic Memorial (24-25), on the other hand, is currently leading with an 8-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 record in league play. The team has been dominant both at home (3-1) and away (5-0), outscoring opponents 345 to 108 and averaging 38.3 points per game. Their strong defense has also been key to their success, allowing an average of just 12 points per game.

Scoring Averages:

• Bridgewater-Raynham has a balanced attack, scoring an average of 6.7 points in the first quarter, 8.3 in the second, and 7.7 in the third, before finishing with 8.0 points in the fourth quarter. Their final average of 31.1 points per game reflects their ability to maintain offensive production throughout the game.
• Catholic Memorial, however, starts strong, putting up an average of 15.4 points in the first quarter and 15.6 in the second. They tend to slow down in the second half, averaging 8.4 points in the third and only 2.8 points in the fourth, but their overall average of 38.3 points per game shows that their offense is explosive early on.

Key Stat Comparison:

• Rushing Game: Bridgewater-Raynham averages 206.6 rushing yards per game, while Catholic Memorial is a bit stronger on the ground with 206.6 rushing yards per game, led by Mekhi Dodd, who averages 110.9 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Attack: Catholic Memorial’s offense relies more on the air, averaging 164.9 passing yards per game, with Kise Flannery leading the charge with 173.6 yards per game. In comparison, Bridgewater-Raynham averages 164.9 passing yards per game but has a well-rounded offense that complements both rushing and passing yards.
• Total Yards: Catholic Memorial leads in total yards per game with 371.4, while Bridgewater-Raynham averages 371.4 yards per game.
• Defense: In terms of tackles, Bridgewater-Raynham averages 37.4 tackles per game, while Catholic Memorial records 37.4 tackles per game. Their defensive efforts are equally impressive, but Catholic Memorial leads in defensive performance, with Mac Fitzgerald recording 0.5 sacks per game compared to Bridgewater-Raynham’s 1.3 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch:

• Bridgewater-Raynham:
  • Mekhi Dodd – With 110.9 rushing yards per game, he’s the standout player for the team, not only as a running back but also as a key contributor to the scoring game, averaging 11.1 points per game.
  • Kise Flannery – His leadership as quarterback shows in his 173.6 passing yards per game and 194.4 total yards per game.
• Catholic Memorial:
  • Kise Flannery – Leading the team with 173.6 passing yards per game, he is one of the top performers in the state and a major offensive threat.
  • Chris Sanchez – With 4.8 tackles per game, he’s a defensive leader who will look to disrupt the Bridgewater-Raynham offense.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced off against New Bedford this season. Bridgewater-Raynham beat them 43-7 on October 19, 2024, while Catholic Memorial triumphed 51-0 on October 5, 2024. This common opponent victory reinforces both teams’ dominance but suggests Catholic Memorial has been more dominant in these contests.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Outlook:

Both teams have experienced success in their own right, but Catholic Memorial has a slight edge in terms of overall performance, especially on the road. Neither team has faced each other directly yet this season, but as both are expected to make strong playoff pushes, this matchup could set the stage for a highly anticipated postseason showdown.

In summary, Catholic Memorial’s high-powered offense and solid defense give them an edge over Bridgewater-Raynham‘s more balanced approach. However, Bridgewater-Raynham’s ability to control the clock and their offensive versatility makes them a formidable opponent. The season is far from over, and this matchup will be one to watch as both teams aim for championship contention.