As the 2024 football season progresses, the Londonderry and Exeter teams stand at the crossroads of another fierce rivalry in New Hampshire high school sports. With contrasting records and impressive achievements, both teams have proven themselves to be powerhouse contenders. Here’s a breakdown of their performance as the two teams face off in a key playoff game.

Team Records and Rankings

Londonderry enters the contest with a solid 7-3 record, having performed strongly in the league with a 5-1 mark. Their overall win percentage stands at an impressive .700, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. The team’s offensive game has been productive, scoring 292 points across their season, with an average of 29.2 points per game. Defensively, they’ve allowed 152 points, with a robust average of just 15.2 points per game allowed.

In contrast, Exeter remains undefeated with a flawless 10-0 record. The team has dominated the league with a perfect 6-0 mark and boasts a 1.000 win percentage, demonstrating their sheer dominance in every facet of the game. Their offense has been prolific, scoring 328 points throughout the season, averaging an impressive 32.8 points per game. Their defense has been equally effective, allowing just 79 points all season, or an average of only 7.9 points per game.

Recent Head-to-Head

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place earlier this month on November 1st, where Exeter emerged victorious with a 21-10 win. The game was a hard-fought battle, with Londonderry managing to put up some early points, but Exeter’s consistent scoring throughout the first three quarters was enough to secure the win. Londonderry’s defense held strong at times, but Exeter’s ability to score in key moments allowed them to control the game.

In that game, Londonderry managed to score 10 points across four quarters, with their only successful quarter being the second, where they put up 7 points. Exeter, on the other hand, stayed strong with 7 points in each of the first three quarters, closing out the win despite a scoreless fourth quarter.

Scoring Averages and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

When we look at the scoring averages by quarter for both teams, Exeter has been consistently dominant across all four quarters. In comparison, Londonderry has had difficulty maintaining momentum throughout the game.

• Londonderry’s Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 1.5 points
  • Q2: 7.0 points
  • Q3: 0 points
  • Q4: 4.0 points
  • Final: 29.2 points per game
• Exeter’s Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 7.0 points
  • Q2: 10.2 points
  • Q3: 8.4 points
  • Q4: 4.2 points
  • Final: 32.8 points per game

While Londonderry has had strong performances in the second quarter, they’ve struggled to produce points consistently in the second half of games, especially in the third quarter. Exeter, however, has maintained a steady offensive rhythm throughout all four quarters, with a particularly strong showing in the second quarter.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had similar results against common opponents. For example, against Nashua North, both Londonderry and Exeter secured decisive wins. Londonderry triumphed with a dominant 61-12 victory on October 18th, while Exeter bested Nashua North 36-0 on September 13th. This shows that both teams have been highly effective against similar competition, further amplifying the anticipation of their upcoming matchup.

Playoff Implications

As the teams head into this neutral-site playoff game, Exeter’s perfect record and superior offensive and defensive stats make them the favorites. However, Londonderry has proven their resilience and will look to make a statement in the postseason. They will need to execute a near-perfect game, especially in the second half, to overcome Exeter’s balanced attack and disciplined defense.

This playoff encounter is crucial for both teams. A win for Exeter would solidify their dominance and keep their undefeated season intact, while Londonderry will need to pull off an upset to continue their playoff run and prove that their season’s record is no fluke.

Conclusion

The 2024 playoff game between Londonderry and Exeter is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Exeter’s dominance throughout the regular season has been undeniable, but Londonderry’s ability to compete, particularly in early-game scoring, gives them a fighting chance. As the two teams prepare to meet again on the field, all eyes will be on how they adjust their strategies and whether Londonderry can mount an upset or if Exeter will continue their undefeated march toward the championship.