The Danville (OH) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Hillsdale (Jeromesville, OH) on Friday, November 29 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division VII Final Four tournament.

Danville vs Hillsdale Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Danville vs Hillsdale
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division VII Final Four
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Danville vs Hillsdale

As the high school football season heats up, all eyes are on two powerhouse teams: Hillsdale and Danville. Both squads are coming off impressive seasons, with strong records, dominant performances, and standout players leading the charge. The upcoming matchup between these two teams promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the best of Ohio high school football.

Record Breakdown: Dominant Seasons for Both Teams

Hillsdale enters the game with a remarkable 13-1 overall record and a dominant conference performance, finishing 6-1 in league play. Their impressive win percentage of .929 is a testament to their offensive and defensive prowess. The team has shown incredible strength on both sides of the ball, averaging 39.2 points per game, while only allowing 225 points over the course of the season. They have been especially impressive at home, with a 7-1 record.

Danville, with a solid 12-2 record, also boasts an undefeated conference record of 6-1, mirroring Hillsdale’s success in league play. They’ve proven themselves to be a formidable opponent, with a solid offensive attack averaging 31.6 points per game and a defense that has allowed just 138 points on the season. Danville’s 7-0 home record shows that they are a tough team to beat in their own backyard.

Offensive and Defensive Strengths

When it comes to offensive output, Hillsdale has been a juggernaut, averaging 334.9 total yards per game. The team has relied heavily on their rushing game, averaging 258.1 yards per game, but also maintains a balanced offense with 76.9 passing yards per game. Their ability to put up points consistently is highlighted by their first-quarter scoring average of 13.0 points, setting the tone early in games.

Danville, while not as explosive in terms of total yardage (443 yards per game), has relied on a balanced attack with solid contributions both in the air and on the ground. Their rushing game is efficient, posting 206 yards per game, and their passing attack adds a respectable 50.8 yards per game. Danville’s offensive production has been effective, especially in the second half of games, where they average 11.0 points in the third quarter alone.

Key Players: Star Performers on Both Sides

For Hillsdale, Aidan Burke has been a standout performer, leading the team in rushing with 110.8 yards per game and totaling 117.1 yards per game overall. His ability to take over games on the ground has been a major factor in Hillsdale’s offensive success. Quarterback Jacob Hackman has also been a reliable contributor, averaging 74.0 passing yards per game, and receiver Wesley Payne has been a key target in the passing game with 12.4 receiving yards per game.

Danville’s top performer, running back Aidan Burke (not to be confused with Hillsdale’s Aidan), has been a key component in their offense, rushing for 110.8 yards per game. Quarterback Jacob Hackman has also contributed with 74.0 passing yards per game.

Comparing Team Leaders

While both teams have strong leadership on the field, Hillsdale’s defense has been particularly fierce. Joshua Byers leads the team with 13.6 tackles per game, while Caleb Lucas has added pressure to opposing quarterbacks with 0.8 sacks per game. On the other hand, Danville’s defense is headlined by their standout defensive player, Lucas, whose contributions in the secondary have been critical in keeping their opponents’ offenses in check.

Common Opponents: A Preview of the Matchup

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, with impressive results. Hillsdale faced Loudonville in a dominating 42-7 victory, while Danville also topped Loudonville 22-0. The consistency in their performance against similar competition suggests that both teams are prepared for tough challenges, and their ability to execute in big games will be a key factor in their upcoming matchup.

Playoff Push: Climbing Toward Glory

Looking ahead, Hillsdale and Danville are both in strong positions as they advance into the playoff rounds. Hillsdale has been particularly dominant in the postseason, with a perfect 4-0 playoff record, while Danville has also excelled in the playoffs, posting a 4-0 record as well. Both teams are hungry for a championship, and their undefeated postseason records speak to their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

The Showdown

As both teams prepare for their upcoming clash, fans can expect an intense, high-energy matchup between two of Ohio’s best high school football programs. Hillsdale’s offensive firepower and solid defense will square off against Danville’s balanced attack and disciplined defensive unit. Whether it’s Hillsdale’s dominant running game or Danville’s ability to control the game with efficient offense, one thing is certain: this game will be one for the ages.