The Columbus Grove Bulldogs (12-0) will host the Mohawk Warriors (10-2) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets, Region 26, in Ohio.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Columbus Grove vs Mohawk
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 26
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Game preview: Columbus Grove vs Mohawk

As the high school football season reaches its peak, the Mohawk Warriors and Columbus Grove Bulldogs stand out as two of the top teams in Ohio, boasting impressive records and formidable performances. With the playoffs on the horizon, both teams have shown what they are capable of on the field. Let’s take a deeper look at their respective seasons, statistics, and what could unfold when these two powerhouse teams face off.

Record & Rankings: A Perfect Season for Columbus Grove

Columbus Grove has dominated throughout the 2024-25 season, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. Their flawless 7-0 conference performance, coupled with an outstanding 5-0 away record, speaks to their consistency and dominance. With a remarkable scoring average of 41.8 points per game, they’ve proven they can both attack and defend with efficiency. On top of that, they boast a near-perfect defensive record, allowing only 121 points all season.

Meanwhile, Mohawk enters the contest with a solid 10-2 record, including a 6-1 conference showing. Their performance has been impressive, with a high-powered offense that averages 34.8 points per game. Despite the two losses, Mohawk remains a strong contender, especially with standout performances from their players.

Offensive & Defensive Breakdown

When it comes to offensive firepower, Columbus Grove leads with a well-balanced attack. Their scoring is spread across all four quarters, averaging 16.2 points in the first quarter and 15.4 in the second. While their offensive production dips slightly in the second half, they still manage to put up an average of 41.8 points per game.

In comparison, Mohawk’s offense operates on a similar pattern, with 14.0 points in the first quarter and 12.7 points in the fourth. However, the Warriors’ offense shines in different ways. With 234.3 rushing yards per game, Mohawk’s ground game is dominant, led by Trenton Barraza, who averages 178.0 rushing yards per game. Their passing attack, while solid, is less explosive than that of Columbus Grove, totaling 111.8 yards per game.

Columbus Grove, on the other hand, focuses on balanced offensive execution, with both rushing and passing games contributing significantly. Their average of 234.3 rushing yards per game shows they can move the ball effectively on the ground, while their passing game, averaging 111.8 yards, rounds out their attack.

Key Players to Watch

For Mohawk, Trenton Barraza is undoubtedly the player to watch. His 178.0 rushing yards per game and 15.2 points per game put him among the top contributors in the state. With over 180 total yards per game, Barraza is the centerpiece of Mohawk’s offense, capable of breaking through defenses and making big plays. Quarterback Landon Best also plays a crucial role in orchestrating the offense, contributing with 94.7 passing yards per game.

Columbus Grove’s offense is equally impressive, with standout player Trevon Baxter leading the receiving corps with 47.8 yards per game. However, the Bulldogs’ strength is their all-around attack, with a balanced rushing and passing game making them difficult to stop. Defensively, the Bulldogs are strong, with Jamesen Rader leading the charge with an average of 9.6 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Implications

Looking at their head-to-head and playoff performances, both teams have been dominant when it matters most. Columbus Grove has not only remained undefeated throughout the regular season but also excelled in the postseason, with a 2-0 record in the playoffs. Mohawk, meanwhile, is no slouch, with a solid 10-2 record and strong performances that have led them to a playoff spot.

The Mohawk Warriors have shown that they can compete at a high level, especially with their potent offense. The key for Mohawk in this matchup will be to control the ball and wear down the Columbus Grove defense with their strong running game. If they can do so, they might be able to limit the Bulldogs’ explosive offensive plays.

Looking Ahead: A Key Playoff Matchup

Both Mohawk and Columbus Grove have made it clear that they are among the elite teams in Ohio high school football. The upcoming playoff matchup will likely be a hard-fought battle with playoff implications on the line. While Columbus Grove enters the game as the undefeated favorite, Mohawk’s resilience and balanced attack make them a team that could cause an upset.

No matter the outcome, this matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive contest, with both teams looking to make their mark on the state playoffs. For fans, it’s a game that should not be missed, as two of the best teams in the state clash in what could be a preview of the championship.