The Centerville (OH) varsity football team will face Wayne (Huber Heights, OH) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 2” tournament.

Centerville vs Wayne Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Centerville vs Wayne
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 2
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Game preview: Centerville vs Wayne

The Ohio high school football playoffs are heating up, and all eyes are on the upcoming matchup between the Wayne Warriors (8-5) and the Centerville Elks (11-3). The two teams, representing Division I, will face off in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both squads bring strong records and intriguing storylines to this much-anticipated rematch.

Season Snapshots: Wayne Warriors

Wayne has had a rollercoaster of a season, finishing with an 8-5 overall record and a 4-3 mark in conference play. The Warriors have shown flashes of brilliance, especially in their playoff run. Wayne boasts a balanced offense that averages 26.5 points per game, with the second quarter being their most productive period, scoring an average of 11.7 points.

Key victories include dominant performances against Northmont (30-14), Springfield (36-6), and Miamisburg (43-7). However, the Warriors have also faced tough defeats, including a 43-22 loss to Fairmont and a 28-6 loss to Springboro.

Season Snapshots: Centerville Elks

Centerville has been a powerhouse this season, compiling an impressive 11-3 record and dominating the conference with a 6-1 tally. The Elks excel on both sides of the ball, scoring an average of 28.7 points per game while holding opponents to just 15.4. Their defense, highlighted by a 42-0 shutout of Beavercreek, has been a cornerstone of their success.

Centerville’s offense thrives early in games, averaging 11.4 points in the first quarter. Their only significant setbacks came against Springfield (17-3) and in non-conference action.

Head-to-Head History

The last meeting between these teams occurred just last month on October 25, with Centerville cruising to a 38-14 victory. The Elks dominated that game from start to finish, demonstrating their ability to neutralize Wayne’s offensive weapons.

Playoff Pathways

Wayne has been battle-tested in the playoffs, riding a three-game postseason win streak. Their latest victory, a 20-10 triumph over Fairmont, highlighted their defensive resilience and ability to grind out tough games.

Centerville, meanwhile, has been equally formidable in the playoffs, also boasting a 3-0 record. Their 14-7 win over Springboro on November 8 showcased their ability to win close games when it matters most.

Common Opponent Comparisons

Both teams share several common opponents, and Centerville has a clear edge in those matchups, going 8-1 compared to Wayne’s 5-2. For example:

• Fairmont: Centerville narrowly defeated Fairmont 31-28, while Wayne split their games, including a 43-22 regular-season loss.
• Springboro: Centerville handled Springboro twice, winning 28-10 and 14-7, while Wayne suffered a 28-6 loss.

Keys to the Game

• For Wayne: The Warriors need to start fast and avoid falling behind early, as Centerville thrives with a lead. Leaning on their second-quarter strength and exploiting Centerville’s defense in that phase could be pivotal.
• For Centerville: If the Elks can replicate their defensive performance from the last meeting, they’ll be in good shape. Controlling the tempo and capitalizing on Wayne’s defensive lapses will be crucial.

Final Thoughts

Wayne enters this playoff showdown as the underdog but has shown they can rise to the occasion. Centerville, however, appears to be the more complete team, armed with a potent offense and a stifling defense. With both teams hungry to advance, fans can expect a high-stakes battle under the Friday night lights.

Prediction: Centerville 31, Wayne 17.