The Dedham (MA) varsity football team will host a home conference game against Norwood (MA) today at 10 a.m.
What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Dedham (MA) vs Norwood (MA)
When: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Where: Dedham High School
Live stream: Watch here
Norwood vs. Dedham: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2024-25 Season
The Norwood Mustangs and the Dedham Marauders wrapped up their 2024-25 football campaigns with identical 4-6 records. Both teams demonstrated resilience throughout the season, though their paths, performances, and statistics reveal distinct strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a breakdown of their seasons, focusing on rankings, records, scoring trends, and common opponent matchups.
Rankings and Records
Norwood Mustangs:
- Division Rank: 76 (MA Div. 13)
- Overall Record: 4-6
- League Record: 3-1
- Home Record: 3-2
- Away Record: 1-4
- Win Percentage: 40%
- League Win Percentage: 75%
- Points For (PF): 191
- Points Against (PA): 222
Dedham Marauders:
- Division Rank: 113 (MA Div. 8)
- Overall Record: 4-6
- League Record: 1-3
- Home Record: 2-2
- Away Record: 2-4
- Win Percentage: 40%
- League Win Percentage: 25%
- Points For (PF): 206
- Points Against (PA): 239
Team Scoring Averages by Quarter
Norwood Mustangs:
- 1st Quarter: 2.3 points
- 2nd Quarter: 2.3 points
- 3rd Quarter: 2.0 points
- 4th Quarter: 0 points
- Final Average: 19.1 points
Dedham Marauders:
- 1st Quarter: 3.0 points
- 2nd Quarter: 0 points
- 3rd Quarter: 4.7 points
- 4th Quarter: 4.0 points
- Final Average: 20.6 points
Analysis: Dedham edges out Norwood in overall scoring average (20.6 vs. 19.1). Dedham’s strong second-half performance is notable, particularly their ability to score consistently in the third and fourth quarters. Norwood, on the other hand, showed balance in the first half but struggled to maintain scoring momentum in the second half.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Common Opponent Record:
- Norwood: 3-1
- Dedham: 1-3
Matchup Details:
- Ashland:
- Norwood: (W) 27-13
- Dedham: (L) 30-8
- Westwood:
- Norwood: (W) 35-14
- Dedham: (L) 36-29
- Hopkinton:
- Norwood: (W) 42-3
- Dedham: (W) 16-12
- Holliston:
- Norwood: (L) 13-7
- Dedham: (L) 20-3
Analysis: Norwood demonstrated superior performance against common opponents with a 3-1 record compared to Dedham’s 1-3. Their dominant wins over Ashland, Westwood, and Hopkinton highlight their ability to capitalize against familiar foes. Dedham’s lone victory against Hopkinton was hard-fought, reflecting their potential but also their inconsistency.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Norwood | Dedham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 4-6 | 4-6 |
| League Record | 3-1 | 1-3 |
| Non-League Record | 1-4 | 2-2 |
| Common Opponent Record | 3-1 | 1-3 |
| Home Record | 3-2 | 2-2 |
| Away Record | 1-4 | 2-4 |
| Playoff Record | 0-1 | 1-1 |
Key Takeaways:
- Norwood excelled in league play with a 3-1 record, showcasing strong performances in their division.
- Dedham found more success in non-league games, going 2-2 compared to Norwood’s 1-4.
- Both teams had comparable home and away records, but Norwood had the advantage at home.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 season revealed contrasting strengths between Norwood and Dedham. Norwood’s dominance against common opponents and strong league performance underscore their potential, while Dedham’s second-half scoring strength and competitive non-league showings highlight their resilience. Both teams have areas to refine, but their shared record indicates closely matched capabilities as they prepare for future seasons. Their next head-to-head clash promises to be a thrilling contest.
