The undefeated Eastern Eagles (13-0) from Beaver, OH, will host the Conotton Valley Rockets (9-3) from Bowerston, OH, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 27.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Eastern vs Conotton Valley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 27
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Game preview: Eastern vs Conotton Valley

The 2024-2025 high school football season has brought an exciting matchup to the forefront, pitting two powerhouse teams in Ohio’s Division against each other: Conotton Valley and Eastern. As the regular season progresses, both teams have proven themselves with outstanding records and strong performances, but what happens when they face off on the field?

Team Records and Rankings

Conotton Valley enters the season with a solid 9-3 overall record and a perfect 2-0 in conference play. The team has shown resilience both at home and on the road, recording 5 wins and 1 loss at home and 4 wins and 2 losses away. With a 75% overall win percentage and a spotless 100% in conference play, Conotton Valley has earned respect in the league. The team has scored 402 points and allowed 284, showing a strong offensive presence while maintaining a solid defense.

On the other hand, Eastern is a perfect 13-0 overall, with an immaculate 5-0 record in conference games. They have dominated their opponents on both home and away turf, going 7-0 at home and 5-0 on the road. Eastern’s overall win percentage is an impressive 100%, reflecting their dominance across the season. They have outscored their opponents 506-158, demonstrating an explosive offense and a suffocating defense.

Scoring and Statistical Comparison

When it comes to scoring, both teams have averaged impressive numbers. Conotton Valley scores an average of 33.5 points per game, with a strong first quarter showing (9.9 points) and solid second and third-quarter performances (7.3 and 9.4 points, respectively). However, their fourth-quarter numbers drop slightly to 5.9 points, which could be a key area to focus on as they face tougher opponents.

Eastern, meanwhile, averages a staggering 38.9 points per game, with a consistently high output across all four quarters. They score 14 points in the first quarter and 13.5 in the second, with a slight dip in the third quarter (3.5 points), but they bounce back with 11 points in the final quarter. Their scoring balance across all quarters is a testament to their offensive depth and versatility.

Offensive and Defensive Stats

Conotton Valley has a well-rounded offensive game plan, averaging 93.3 rushing yards per game, 259.8 passing yards per game, and 260.2 receiving yards per game. The team has been effective in both the air and on the ground, making them unpredictable and difficult to defend. The defense has also been strong, with an average of 81 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks per game, allowing them to put pressure on opposing offenses.

Eastern, with their high-powered offense, averages 104.5 rushing yards per game, 152.4 passing yards per game, and 152.5 receiving yards per game. Their total offensive yardage is slightly lower than Conotton Valley’s at 256.9 yards per game, but they have a more explosive scoring offense, averaging nearly 39 points per game. Defensively, Eastern holds opponents to just 22.8 points per game, with 14.4 tackles per game and 1.1 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

Conotton Valley’s top performers include:

• Gavin Haney: A powerhouse rusher, averaging 36.3 yards per game.
• Zachary Putnam: The team’s leading passer with 255.5 yards per game.
• Brooks Bower: A standout receiver with 78.5 yards per game.
• Luke Smith: Leading the defense with 14.8 tackles per game.

On Eastern’s roster, some key players include:

• Brady Moore: The standout rusher with 68.0 yards per game.
• Eric Manley Jr.: The team’s top passer, averaging 216.1 yards per game.
• Tucker Leist: A key receiver, leading the team with 99.8 yards per game.
• Declan Davis: A defensive force with 4.8 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, including Strasburg-Franklin, where each secured a dominant victory. Conotton Valley defeated Strasburg-Franklin 39-6, while Eastern won 30-6 on their own turf, showcasing that both teams are capable of handling similar challenges with ease.

Conclusion

With both teams carrying unbeaten records into this stage of the season, their upcoming head-to-head matchup is set to be a thrilling contest. Conotton Valley’s balanced offense and solid defensive efforts will face off against Eastern’s dynamic offense and tough defense. The result of this game will likely come down to how well each team can execute their game plans and handle the pressure in key moments.

As both teams continue to shine, their future playoff paths look promising. Whether Conotton Valley can maintain their strong form or Eastern can keep their perfect season intact remains to be seen—but one thing is for certain: the game promises to be an exciting and intense battle between two of Ohio’s finest high school football programs.